Southlands School offers children an array of residential homes within 12 acres of the beautiful, natural school grounds and woodlands. The grounds offer lovely scenic views against the backdrop of the New Forest countryside, creating a tranquil, calming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

The homes have an ethos of working towards and allowing independence to grow and be supported, with mutual respect and kindness amongst children and staff.  The onsite Estates team collectively work to ensure all residential homes meet high standards and are well maintained.

Finding the Right Home at Southlands

When children arrive at Southlands, we take great care to place them in the residential home that feels right for them. We consider each home’s ethos, the personalities and needs of current residents, and every young person’s individual profile, abilities, age, social interactions, and presenting difficulties. Our children are also included in these conversations wherever possible, helping them feel empowered and understood from the very start.

Because children grow and their needs can change, we regularly review placements, and young people can move to another residential home if it becomes a better fit. Our guiding aim is always the same: to ensure every child lives in a space where they feel safe, supported, and able to flourish.

Meet Lyn Keedy, Deputy Home Manager at Southlands School. Lyn talks about her role and aspirations, and explains and how her team work together to support the young people residing at the school.

Homes That Inspire Independence

The residential homes have large, comfortably furnished living rooms, modern, fully equipped, open plan kitchens with up-to-date appliances, cosy bedrooms, and access to lovely gardens and outdoor spaces.

The residential homes are designed to offer more space for independent cooking and living skills, supported by the independence package.  The independence package offers our young people space and opportunities for more choices, for example, they can watch a TV programme in one room, play board games in another room, and have different games consoles in different rooms, offering a variety of activities they can do in different environments.

Residential children are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms with colours and decorations of their choice, and some of our children have embraced this by creating their own themed bedroom doors, and decorating walls and corridors with their favourite ornaments and wall hangings.

This sense of independence and personal choice naturally extends to the activities on offer, allowing our young people to explore hobbies, sports, and outings that reflect their interests and preferences. All children can enjoy an array of activities such as football, basketball, flip out, bowling, swimming, cinema trips, rock climbing, and yoga with the homes planning offsite activities twice a week, and complete independent shopping once a week, supported through meal planning and preparing individualised meals to cater to specific needs where required, for example for Vegan or gluten free diets.

Discover our three residential homes; Setthorns, Coach House, and The Lodge. Click below to explore each home’s ethos, daily life, and the dedicated team that makes it special.