26th

Sep

Happy 1/2 Bithday to Harmony

Posted by Mark Raw in Childcare Industry Harmony Childrens Services

Happy ½ birthday to Harmony I had the privilege to meet up with other child care professionals and commissioners at the recent NCCT conference. I found the discussions very positive also found the workshops very informative. The two days gave me some interesting ideas to consider on how to further develop Harmony and its ethos. We also received praise from some regards what we have been able to achieve in this difficult climate. It is always hard to walk around at a conference and try to recognise name badges, so apologies if I was unable to catch up with you all during the day or at the now legendary quiz and disco.

From this event Harmony has had a number of potential clients express an interest in what we can offer and several meetings have already been arranged with a few of the larger organisations who are keen to come and see what we have been doing and how we are doing it.

If I missed you or you didn’t attend NCCT we will be at the ‘Community Care Live’ event for Childrens and Families in November. Alternatively if you wish we can make a separate arrangement to meet you personally, either at Harmony House or at your office and discuss how Harmony can help meet your needs.

There was memory stick that was provided to all delegates at the conference, which included a flyer form ourselves. However I feel that at present, without an Ofsted certificate, our best form of endorsement comes from the commissioners and social workers that we currently work alongside. If you wish to find out from your peers in the industry about the high quality service we offer please let me know and I will speak with those concerned and pass on their details if they are happy to do so.

It has now been six months now since Harmony House received its Ofsted certified status on the 21st March.

A huge amount has happened in such a short space of time; we currently have 50% occupancy and have the high possibility of two more referrals coming to fruition within the next 5-6 weeks. More of that later in the year hopefully.

We have created a solid and skilled staff team who are using their skills to provide high quality support and promotion of independence skills to our residents on a daily basis. The current residents have enjoyed joining in on some of the in training to help them in later life and provide qualifications to strengthen their own job applications. On that, well done to those who attended and passed the Fire safety and health and safety course. The kids have also had some wonderful days out; at Blackpool, Alton Towers and shopping trips to mention a few.

I am eagerly waiting for our first Ofsted Inspections to be carried out. I expect that it will be very soon given how long we have been open now. I will update everyone with how they can access the report when the private links are available. We will have a link to all our reports on the website so that you can access them.

At this point though I would like to thank all those who have offered advice, guidance and support to myself and Harmony to assist us in getting to this point. And also thank you to all the staff that has helped to provide the residents with such positive experiences and inputs into their lives, and have changed the kids’ views for the better of what a children’s home is. Keep up all the good work.

Mark Raw

another creation by white-fire