Specialist Education

Setthorns is one of our warm, nurturing residential homes, designed to provide a stable and supportive environment where every child can thrive. The house also features a self-contained annex known as Oakley; a private, independent space ideal for individuals who benefit from living alone while still being closely supported by our team.

 

Our Ethos

 

At Setthorns, independence is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to helping children develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to prepare for everyday life and their future.

 

Throughout Setthorns, you’ll notice the colour green used throughout the environment. This colour represents our core value of independence, which is the driving force behind everything we do at Setthorns. We believe in supporting children to become as independent as possible, helping them build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need for everyday life.

 

Our independence package encourages children to develop practical life skills such as managing money, using phones responsibly, travelling safely in the community, and completing activities like cooking, laundry, cleaning, ironing, and managing medication. Through opportunities such as shadow walks, bus or train journeys, cycle rides, and appropriate time in the community, we support each child to grow in independence at their own pace while feeling proud of their progress and achievements.

 

Life at Setthorns

 

Setthorns is a lively, creative, and community-minded home where every day offers something new to enjoy. The children attend a range of weekly clubs in the local community, guitar lessons, drama club, karate, and more, building new skills and growing in confidence week by week. One child is even learning the guitar with hopes of giving a brilliant performance at our 2026 Celebration Day.

 

Setthorns is full of fun and personality. The children love going swimming, getting competitive on the PlayStation, and sharing their enthusiasm for all things Marvel and DC. And you’ll struggle to find a room without at least one Lego model proudly on display!

 

Creating memories is a huge part of life in Setthorns. Together, we enjoy holidays to places like Butlins, take part in charity events such as bake sales and food bank support, and celebrate our achievements as a team. And if you’re really lucky, you might even be invited to sit down for a delicious dinner prepared by the children themselves.

 

The Team

 

Setthorns is supported by a warm, dedicated, and experienced team who create a safe and nurturing environment for child. The home is staffed by Charne, Nicole, Arya, Libin, Sue, Hollie and Grace, all of whom bring their own strengths, compassion, and commitment to helping the children thrive.

 

Setthorns is also proud to have Sue on the team, a long-standing and much-loved staff member who has been supporting children here for over 20 years. Together, they form a stable and caring team that truly places the children at the heart of everything they do.

 

 

Take a look around

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