All about your new home
Hi there! We're so pleased you're coming to live with us.
Moving to a new home is a really big deal. You might feel excited, nervous, worried — or all of those at once. That's completely normal.
Blossom House is a normal house on a normal street in Northampton — with a kitchen, a living room, a garden, and your own bedroom. And here's something special: you'll be the only child living here. The adults' time, the telly remote, the garden and the fridge are all yours (well… we might borrow the telly sometimes).
Your bedroom
Your bedroom is your own private space. Before you arrive — or when you get here — we'll help you decorate it the way you like: colours, posters, bedding, the lot. There's also a comfy living room, a kitchen where we cook together, an activity room for games and hobbies, and a garden.
Who lives and works here?
Your carers
A team of friendly carers will look after you and the home. During the day there will always be two adults with you — so there's always someone free to help, listen, or do something fun. At night a carer sleeps at the home, so someone is always there if you need them.
Your keyworker
One special carer will be your keyworker. They'll get to know you best and make sure your voice is heard — helping you settle in, having regular chats, helping with school, and speaking up for you in meetings if you want them to.
The manager
The manager of your home is Nomzamo Sibanda. The manager makes sure the home runs well and you have everything you need. You can talk to Nomzamo about anything — good things, worries, ideas, or complaints. The door is always open.
How we care for you — PACE
We use something called the PACE approach. It's a fancy name for a simple idea: we care about how you feel, not just what you do.
Playfulness
We try to have fun and enjoy good times with you. Games, jokes, baking, sport or just being silly — having fun together helps everyone feel relaxed and happy.
Acceptance
You are accepted just as you are — no matter what. All your thoughts and feelings are OK to talk about. You never have to pretend or hide how you feel.
Curiosity
If something goes wrong, we won't get angry or blame you. We'll wonder together — "I wonder what was going on for you?" — so we can find better ways to help.
Empathy
We try to feel what you feel. If you're sad, we won't just say "cheer up" — we'll listen and stay with you through it. Your feelings make sense, and you're not alone.
If words are hard
Everyone understands things in their own way — and that's fine with us. We can use picture timetables, symbols and photos, Makaton signs if you use them, and extra time. We'll never rush you. Just show us or tell us what works for you, and we'll do it your way.
Your rights
You have rights — things that everyone must respect. You have the right to:
- Be safe and protected from harm
- Be listened to and taken seriously
- Be cared for and respected by adults
- Keep your private thoughts and feelings safe
- Practise your culture, religion or identity freely
- Know why decisions are made about you
- Have contact with your family and friends, if it's safe
- Complain if something doesn't feel right
- Get help from someone independent (an advocate)
- Go to school and get a good education
- See a doctor or dentist when you need one
We will talk more about your rights whenever you want!
Everyday life
Food and mealtimes
Good food makes everything better! We plan meals together and cook food you like — tell us your favourites (and the things you really don't like). In the evening we eat together, and you're always welcome to help cook.
School and learning
We'll support you to go to school every day, help with homework, and celebrate everything you achieve. If you don't have a school place yet, a tutor will help you learn at home so you don't miss out. A few times a year there's a PEP meeting (Personal Education Plan) — you're invited, and what you say matters most.
Fun and activities
Swimming, sports, bike rides, arts and crafts, baking, music, cinema, bowling, days out, and clubs in the community. Every week we'll plan activities together around what YOU enjoy.
Your money
You'll get pocket money every week, plus money for clothes, toiletries and activities. As you get older we'll teach you to manage it yourself — and help you save up for anything special.
Your room and privacy
We'll knock and ask before coming into your room, because everyone needs a private place of their own. If we ever need to check your room to keep you safe, we'll tell you first if we can, you can be there while we check, and it's always written down — nothing happens behind your back.
Fire drills
Now and then we practise what to do if there was ever a fire. It's just pretend — but it means you'd know exactly what to do: stay calm, follow the adults, use the nearest exit, and meet at the safe place outside.
Keeping you safe
Our most important job is keeping you safe.
That means knowing where you are, agreeing fair rules together, and helping you stay safe online and out in the community. The adults here are specially trained, and they'll never judge you — whatever has happened, you can always talk to us.
If you feel like running away
Please talk to us first. Whatever the problem is — big or small — we will work it out together. You will never be in trouble for telling us how you feel.
If you do leave without us knowing, we won't be angry — we'll be worried, because we care about you. We'll look for you, and the police may help, because it's their job to keep children safe too. When you come back you'll get a warm welcome and some food.
Safe holding
Very rarely, if someone is about to get seriously hurt, an adult might need to safely hold you to stop that happening. It is never a punishment — it only ever happens to keep people safe, the adults are specially trained, we'll always talk it through with you afterwards, and it's always written down and shared with your social worker.
House rules
Rules keep everyone safe and happy. Ours are fair, clear, and agreed together: treat everyone with kindness and respect; talk to staff if you're feeling angry, upset or unsafe; no hurting yourself, others, or property; no drugs, smoking, alcohol or dangerous items; and be responsible online. If a rule ever feels unfair, say so — we'll talk about it properly.
Your voice matters
This is your home, and what you think matters — every single day. You'll be asked your views about meals, activities, your room and how the home is run. Your ideas can change how things work around here.
An advocate is an independent adult whose only job is to speak up for you — they work for YOU, not the home. You might also have an Independent Visitor — a volunteer who visits and becomes a trusted friend. If you'd like either, just ask any adult or your social worker.
Not happy? Speak up!
If something feels wrong, unfair or upsetting, you have the right to speak up — and complaining doesn't mean you're being "bad". It means you're using your rights. You can tell any staff member or Nomzamo, write it down, call your social worker, ask your advocate, or call Ofsted directly. We'll always take you seriously.
Meetings about you
Within a few days of moving in there'll be a placement meeting — nothing to worry about, it's about making sure you're happy and safe, and you're invited. Review meetings happen at least every six months, and a doctor checks your health every year. Your keyworker will help you get ready so your views are always heard.
Important numbers — keep these safe
Your social worker's number: we'll write it in your printed guide together.
Your first day — and beyond
When you first move in
A friendly face to welcome you, a tour of the house and your bedroom, time to unpack and make the space yours, a relaxed first meal — and a copy of this guide, with someone to go through it with you. You can take all the time you need. We'll go at your pace.
Moving on
One day it will be time to move on — maybe back to family, to foster care, or towards living independently. Whenever that day comes, we'll plan it with you carefully, step by step, so nothing is a surprise — and you'll leave with the skills, confidence and memories to thrive.
"We can't wait to meet you!"
Everyone at Blossom House