News
Broadwood celebrate Poetry publication
17th June 2024
A VIP guest helped students at a West Yorkshire specialist school celebrate the literary achievements of students recently. Broadwood School in Halifax supports children and young people with special educational needs and the work of six of its students has been selected for publication in a poetry anthology called Young Writers. This fantastic achievement was marked by a visit from Calder Valley MP, Craig Whittaker, who spent time with the students and presented them with…
Annual Report 2023
2nd May 2024
Keys Group is pleased to announce the publication of its Annual Report for 2023. The Annual Report outlines the Group’s achievements which have taken place over the last year. The report demonstrates not only the progress to date but also the Group’s continuing drive towards achieving the vision of ‘Inspiring and supporting people to live happy, healthy and successful lives.’ David Manson, CEO of Keys Group, commented: “We made progress across all of the objectives we set for 2023. I am…
VIP guest at opening of Westfield House School’s new extension
1st February 2024
A BRAND new extension has helped a Norfolk specialist school offer more places for children with special educational needs as well as enhance its facilities for existing pupils. Westfield House School, based in King’s Lynn, is part of Keys Group. The school supports children who have special educational needs and has seen demand for places continue to increase over recent years. The new facilities will allow the school to almost double in size. Over time…
Exam Success and Positive Destinations
17th October 2023
WHEN a young person’s education has been disrupted the challenges they face to achieve qualifications and to move on to positive destinations can feel sometimes insurmountable. However, with a careful, consistent and bespoke curricular approach, across Keys we have seen our Year 11 leavers consistently defy expectations. We spoke to Emma Beech, Chief Operating Officer (Children’s Division) at Keys Group to find out more. “In our schools, our children and young people often have faced…
Acorns Extends Offering with Site Expansion
2nd October 2023
A NORTH-WEST specialist school has expanded to meet the demand for places and to widen its offering for children and young people. Acorns School, part of Keys Group, currently supports 30 students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. It is based in Marple, Cheshire, and in recent years has seen demand for places increase. To allow the school to offer more places, it has recently opened a second site in nearby Ashley, which is…
New Director of Supported Accommodation Appointed
18th September 2023
ONE of the UK’s leading providers of care for children and young people has appointed Rachel Mundy as Director of its Supported Accommodation division. Keys, part of Keys Group, provides care for young people across England and Wales in its residential children’s homes and supported accommodation (previously known as Leaving Care). In this newly created role, a key responsibility will see Rachel prepare the organisation and its supported accommodation provision make the transition to being…
Summer Success for Acorns
4th September 2023
Acorns School had much to celebrate earlier this year. As well as the opening of a new ‘satellite’ site called Acorns Ashley, its Year 11 leavers had gained fantastic qualifications and 100% of them moved on to positive destinations. Across its leavers, the school saw two young people achieve no fewer than six GCSEs each. One of those young people gained eight qualifications overall (alongside their GCSEs, they also gained functional skills qualifications). There was…
Easing Back-to-School Anxiety: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
23rd August 2023
The end of the long summer holidays is approaching and while for some the return to school will be highly anticipated, for some young people, the change to routine and going back to the classroom can increase anxiety and potentially affect mental health and well-being. For children for whom school has not always been a positive experience, or for those who thrive on very carefully planned routines (initially disrupted by schools closing for the summer,…
New Ways pave the way for accessibility
3rd August 2023
Since it opened in 2018, ‘outstanding’ graded specialist provision New Ways School in Kings Norton, Birmingham, has consistently gone above and beyond to make sure it meets pupils’ individual needs. The school supports children with special educational needs and those who are autistic from all over the local area. The children have experienced a range of difficulties and challenges throughout their lives. Most have highly disrupted educations in their past and have found that mainstream…
Local MP visits New Ways after Ofsted triumph
27th July 2023
A BIRMINGHAM specialist school has welcomed a VIP visitor to help it celebrate being ‘graded’ as outstanding by Ofsted. Inspectors found New Ways School in Kings Norton to be ‘outstanding in all areas’ when they visited earlier this year, stating that children made ‘exceptional progress’ at New Ways. The school, which supports children with special educational needs and autism, recently welcomed MP Gary Sambrook, who represents the school’s constituency. He was the guest of honour…
Positive outcomes at Nant View
19th July 2023
Awards nominations, being a strong self-advocate and presenting to leading figures in social care in Wales – David* certainly achieved some fantastic outcomes. He has certainly come a long way. At one, point the complex challenges he experienced resulted in him having to be supported by children services staff during a hospital admission and him requiring 2-1 support when he arrived at Nant View, a residential children’s home which is part of Keys. David had…
Anxiety success for Millhouse
12th July 2023
A YOUNG man whose anxiety and trauma meant he wouldn’t eat in front of others and wouldn’t use the toilet is, after support from the team at Millhouse residential children’s home, about to move to semi-independent living and has just taken his GCSEs after making remarkable progress. Anthony came to the home experiencing significant attachment difficulties and his levels of anxiety were so high, he would only speak to certain members of staff in the…
Liverpool Progressive School Awarded “Healthy Heads”
5th July 2023
A MERSEYSIDE specialist school has taken its next step to becoming a mental health champions learning environment. Liverpool Progressive School is part of Keys and has just been awarded a plaque as an official partner school for “Healthy Heads”. Mental health and well-being have long been important subjects for students at the school. When they had the opportunity to meet their local MP virtually during COVID-19 for example, their questions to him focused on what…
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride at Keys Education!
30th June 2023
We are thrilled to announce the first of our two Keys Pride days was held yesterday, dedicated to our esteemed Education services. On July 28th, we extend the celebration to all our services, activity centres, and support centre, as we come together to honour diversity and inclusivity. At Keys, we strongly believe in fostering an environment that embraces individuals from all walks of life. Our commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights and equality remains unwavering, and these…
Continued Success for Luca from Millhouse
28th June 2023
LUCA was 11 when, following the breakdown of a foster home placement, he arrived at Millhouse, which is a residential children’s home graded outstanding by Ofsted. At first he experienced significant challenges; he would assault staff, was aggressive and to keep him safe, the team had to support using physical intervention every day. He had previously experienced significant neglect, and the different ‘solutions’ put in place for him broke down and didn’t work for him….
Magical changes for Joe at Millhouse
23rd June 2023
The progress and positive change experienced by a young person supported at Millhouse residential children’s home has been described as ‘magical’ by a social worker. Joe* had experienced significant neglect at home among which he been left to his own devices and had struck up inappropriate conversations and relationships with some of those he met while on-line gaming, putting him at real risk. From the first day of moving to Millhouse the team worked closely…
Keys young person uses experiences to make a change to care regulations in Wales.
16th June 2023
ENZO, a young person supported by Keys, is using their experience and their voice to help inform the care offered to looked after young people The young person identifies as non-binary. This was not something Enzo felt they could discuss with their family because of their very strong religious faith. An attempt to confide in an elder in their community failed and this young person was badly bullied at school. Eventually, given the challenges they…
Fairholme help the fight towards Prostate Cancer
13th June 2023
A CARE worker’s fight against cancer has inspired a group of young people to raise more than £1,300 for charity. Young people who live at Fairholme, a residential children’s home in Wisbech which is part of Keys, decided to raise funds in aid of prostate cancer research after learning a much loved staff member was battling the disease. Matthew Battson, has been a Senior Support Worker at Fairholme for more than 10 years. When the…
Keys Homes Outstanding Ofsted Reports
9th June 2023
As we look forward to Ofsted publishing their Children’s social care data for England 2023, we wanted to share our ratings which show that across Keys, 94% of our homes were rated outstanding or good at the end of the 2022 inspection year cycle, an increase from 86% the previous year. This demonstrates the consistently high quality of care provided by Keys in our residential children’s homes, with inspection outcomes 14% higher than the national…
Fairlands raise money for community defibrillator
6th June 2023
YOUNG people and staff from a residential children’s home are putting the wheels in motion to raise funds to buy their local community a defibrillator. Fairlands, a children’s home which is part of Keys Group, wanted to give something back to the local community and thank neighbours for their support. To raise the £1500 needed to buy this important local resource they have chosen to undertake a 120-mile sponsored bike ride through the New Forest…
Keys Group Annual Report 2022
25th May 2023
Keys Group is pleased to announce the publication of its Annual Report for 2022, which outlines the Group’s achievements and journey since the merger of Accomplish, Keys & Peak. The report demonstrates not only the progress to date but also the Group’s continuing drive towards achieving the vision of ‘Inspiring and supporting people to live happy, healthy and successful lives.’ David Manson, CEO of Keys Group, commented: “It has been another year of significant change for Keys Group and everyone associated…
Students and staff at Peak Education Cannock are celebrating being awarded a prestigious international award.
17th March 2023
Students in Year 8 worked hard on a topic which combined both Art and Science to create display piece focusing upon a human or real-world problem. After carrying out independent research into topics including rainforest depletion, the impact of plastics on species of animals and others, they created pieces for the display. As well as forming a wonderful display for the school, their hard work was also used as the basis of an application for the…
The Poppies put their best foot forward for Diabetes fundraiser
11th March 2023
STAFF and young people from a Retford children’s home put their best foot forward to raise money for charity and successfully undertook a one million steps challenge. One of the young people who lives at The Poppies, a residential children’s home which is part of Keys, has Type 1 diabetes, something which she can find challenging. To show support, and to raise awareness as well as funds, the team at The Poppies decided to undertake…
Stapledene Eco-Project promotes environmental consciousness and improves well-being
10th March 2023
The young people and team at Stapledene have been learning about how to become more environmentally friendly and helping save money at the same time thanks to their Eco-Project initiative. Manager Emma Patch recently discussed the cost of living crisis with everyone at the home and it encouraged them to start thinking about how they could contribute to reducing costs and helping the environment. Kaya, who has lived at Stapledene for three and a half…
Mama G Visits Keys Schools
8th March 2023
CHILDREN from three Yorkshire specialist schools were recently delighted to welcome a VIP guest for a day of storytelling, music, and performance. The children and young people from Park House School, Denby Grange School, and The Grange School – all part of Keys – welcomed Mama G, a well-known pantomime dame who tells stories, to children…
Leaving Care New Sheffield Facility
6th March 2023
A NEWLY opened Sheffield leaving care service which is helping young people prepare for independent living is already gathering rave reviews. With four self-contained flats, the service offers a chance for young people moving on from care to learn and practice their independence skills while being close to support and other young people. Craig Rook, Regional Manager for Keys Leaving Care, said: “As an organisation we have leaving care services which have more than one…
Self-Injury Awareness Day
1st March 2023
Wednesday, March 1st was Self-Injury Awareness Day which aimed to promote understanding and compassion for those who struggle with self-injury. Self-Injury is a deliberate act of harming one’s body to cope with difficult emotions or experiences. This behaviour can take various forms, including cutting, burning, hitting oneself, or other self-injury methods. These types of self-injury are a harmful way to cope with a range of emotions. At Keys Group, we have a Specialist Advisor for…
LGBTQIA+ History Month
28th February 2023
Young people and staff across Keys Group have recently celebrated LGBT History Month which takes place throughout February. This year’s theme focused on “behind the lens” and celebrates LGBT+ contributions and lived experiences across TV, film, and literature. As a company striving to be more inclusive, we spoke to staff and young people to find out how they celebrated and received a fantastic response. We enjoyed hearing what everyone had to say, not only from…
Emerging Leaders Cohort Two Completed
22nd February 2023
Following a year of sharing, reflecting, and learning together, these are our colleagues who have recently completed cohort two of our Emerging Leaders Programme with areas covered including Developing a Vision, Strategic Planning, Leading Culture, Appraisal & Talent Mapping, Finance & Budgeting, Leading the Inspection Process and Effective Communication. Jude Collins (Group HR Director) joined our final day together to hear reflections on the programme over the last year and each person’s goals and objectives…
Mill House raise money for Homeless Charity
16th February 2023
WORRYING statistics about the prevalence of homelessness in care leavers inspired children and staff from a residential children’s home to raise funds for charity. Mill House, part of Keys, chose to raise money for Centrepoint, the homelessness charity, after learning that people who were previously in care were more likely to end up homeless. The three young people who live at the home, which is in Peterborough, were joined by the staff team to undertake…
Cherry House take on Energy Crisis challenge
13th February 2023
Young people supported at residential children’s home Cherry House in Lancashire have been learning about the cost of living challenges faced by many across the UK currently. The four children who live at the home, which is part of Keys, took part in an “Energy Crisis Challenge”. The challenge saw them each being given a budget to spend on essential living costs such as electricity, hot water, heating and travel. The home supports four boys,…
National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – Meet Madi, one our Keys Group apprentices!
9th February 2023
To celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme of ‘Skills for Life’ we interviewed our very own apprentice, Madison Dickinson who has been completing a Digital Marketing apprenticeship over the last two years and has now progressed to become an Executive. What made you want to do an apprenticeship? I wanted to do an apprenticeship because I really enjoyed doing marketing courses and have previously volunteered at a care home. As I have previously volunteered…
Sterling Bach attend Voices from Care Cymru
4th February 2023
Chris, one of the young people from the residential children’s home Sterling Bach, recently shared their experiences of care at a national conference. The young person was nominated by the home’s manager Nick to take part in the Voices from Care Cymru (VFCC) conference which was held at Cardiff’s Natural History Museum. Nick felt it was a great opportunity for Chris to share their story and learn from others who had similar experiences. As a…
Halton School’s Very Own Published Author
2nd February 2023
A pupil at Halton School is celebrating becoming a published author after winning a national writing competition. While looking for new ways to engage students and develop learners’ skills, a member of staff at Halton School, in Liverpool, spotted the Young Writers Annual Showcase writing competition. They thought this would be a great way to engage and inspire pupils, including Joe. Joe had previously been disinterested in writing and often struggled with reading and…
Keys Acquires The Ryes College
3rd January 2023
Keys Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of specialist education and care provider The Ryes College. Keys Group has provided quality education, residential children’s homes, and leaving care services for young people across England and Wales for many years. The Ryes College provides residential and day school placements, and children’s homes, for children with complex needs in settings across Suffolk and Norfolk. David Manson, CEO of Keys Group, said: “Our two organisations share similar…
Epic Values Relaunch for Keys Group
16th December 2022
It’s been a really exciting time recently as our organisation has grown and evolved. A result of this growth means that Keys, Accomplish, and Peak (who form Keys Group) now all share the same set of company values. These shared values are the current Keys EPIC values. We have decided to share these values with Accomplish and Peak as they encompass what it is we as a group believe in and stand for and we believe…
North Bridge Enterprise College ‘Restart a Heart’
14th December 2022
LIFE-SAVING skills became part of the curriculum at North Bridge Enterprise College as it marked Restart a Heart Day. Students at the school, which supports young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, took part in a day of life-saving lessons including learning about CPR. Using ‘dummies’ to learn about lifesaving skills, the pupils enjoyed a practical session which also saw them achieve a qualification at the end of the day. Vicki Clamp, the…
Unity College awarded Artsmark Silver Award.
12th December 2022
A High Wycombe specialist school has been awarded a prestigious arts accreditation. Unity College, part of Keys Group, has been awarded the Artsmark Silver Award following a rigorous assessment and validation process. The school supports children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties who benefit from a smaller learning environment and nurturing setting. To achieve the Artsmark accreditation, which is awarded by the Arts Council England, the school had to demonstrate how…
The Hub opens community library in Doncaster.
8th December 2022
The Hub, Key’s innovative support concept based in Doncaster, has opened a Community Library for young people who use its services. The Hub supports young people moving on from care settings towards independence and who live in a Keys leaving care service. Set in Doncaster city centre, it provides a safe space for young people to find help and support as they make their journey to independence. It serves young people living across Doncaster, Sheffield,…
National Anti Bullying Week 2022
16th November 2022
It’s national Anti-Bullying Week, a really important awareness event and one which is marked across Keys’ schools and homes. This year’s theme is “reach out”. We spoke with Julie Hamilton, Manager Director at Keys, to find out why it’s vital bullying is recognised, and acted upon, particularly in children’s residential homes and schools. “At Keys we support vulnerable young people both in residential children’s homes and in specialist schools. The children supported in the residential…
Emerging Leaders Programme – Class of October 2022
15th November 2022
Following a year of sharing, reflecting, and learning together, these are our Deputy Managers who have recently completed our Emerging Leaders Programme with areas covered including Developing a Vision, Strategic Planning, Leading Culture, Conflict Management, Finance & Budgeting, Leading the Inspection Process, and Effective Communication. As I reflect on our journey over the last year, the quality of thinking, generosity of sharing, and level of commitment to leading our services to deliver the best quality…
Keys Group Inclusion Forum Launched
8th November 2022
Keys Group has launched an Inclusion Forum to help the organisation build a working environment and approach that further nurtures a more diverse workforce and inclusive culture where everyone is better equipped and supported to contribute to the delivery of Keys Group’s objectives. This will help Keys be a more inclusive employer and better prepared to support children, young people, adults and colleagues from different backgrounds, including those with protected characteristics. The Inclusion Forum consists…
Investors in People Awards – We Are Finalists!
28th October 2022
KEYS has been named as a finalist in this year’s prestigious Investors in People Awards. The organisation has been shortlisted in the UK Employer of the Year Silver Category for companies which have more than 250 employees. The awards celebrate organisations and individual people from across the world in a range of different categories which all recognise their commitment to #MakeWorkBetter. This year’s awards have been the biggest and most competitive year so far. Gordon…
The Hub Welcomes Dame Rosie
26th October 2022
A NEW concept support hub for young people moving on from care settings with Keys Group through towards their independence welcomed a VIP visitor recently. The Hub, in Doncaster, was opened earlier this year by Keys Group, an organisation which supports children, young people and families in its specialist schools, residential children’s homes and leaving care services across the UK. The Hub, located close to the city centre, provides a safe space for staff to…
World Mental Health Day 2022
10th October 2022
Today is World Mental Health Day; it’s a day that encourages understanding and discussion of mental health in young people. It aims to get young people, and those who support them, talking about how to improve mental health. We spoke with Keys Clinical Director Chris Robinson about Keys Connect, the organisation’s trauma and attachment informed approach to therapeutic care and education which is currently being rolled out across its homes and schools. In recent years…
Investors In People – We got Silver!
5th October 2022
You’ll be aware we’ve recently been assessed by Investors In People, a process which involved many of you completing surveys, hosting visits to services and spending 1:1 time in discussion with our IIP Practitioners John Walden or Lynn Galletly. We are pleased to confirm we have achieved Silver status! This is an excellent outcome, not least given this was our first entry to the process. Our report recognises the wonderful work going on across all of our…
Queen Elizabeth, 1926 – 2022
9th September 2022
Everyone across Keys Group would like to express their deep sadness on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Our team members across England and Wales, and the children, young people and families we support, are united with the rest of the UK in our grief at this terribly sad news. Queen Elizabeth II led our country with unflinching devotion to duty for more than 70 years and we will remain forever indebted to her…
New Rosavilla family assessment centre is joined by special guest to celebrate it’s opening
30th August 2022
Families and staff at Keys’ newest family assessment centre were recently joined by a VIP guest for a very special celebration event to mark its opening. Rosavilla, in Brierley Hill, Dudley Borough, is Keys’ fourth family assessment centre. The centre’s team and families supported at the service were delighted to welcome local MP Mike Wood, who represents Dudley South, along with other invited guests as it officially opened its doors. Mike, and other invited guests…
Keys tops off Ofsted statistics
24th August 2022
DATA recently published by regulator Ofsted has highlighted that across the country, there are 2,007 residential children’s homes. The national average for services rated good or outstanding across all providers is 77%. Across England, Keys supports children and young people in 108 residential children’s homes making the organisation the third largest provider in the country. Keys currently have 92% of our homes rated as good or above – with 12% rated as outstanding. This demonstrates…
Keys opens The Hub in Doncaster
27th July 2022
A NEW concept support hub for young people moving on from care settings towards independence has been launched by Keys Group. The Hub, in Doncaster city centre, provides a safe space for young people to find help and support as they make their journey to independence. An official opening was held on July 4th to coincide with Independence Day. It was also…
Keys Group – Accomplish Group Merger
21st June 2022
It is with pleasure that we announce today the merger of leading adult specialist residential and supported living provider Accomplish Group with Keys Group, one of the country’s largest providers of specialist education and care for children and young people. As a combined organisation we will provide specialist support and education for more than 2,000 children, young people, adults and families in services and schools across England and Wales. The merger will see the organisation…
Keys Group pleased to announce acquisition of Considerate Care Limited
31st May 2022
Keys Group Ltd is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Considerate Care Limited and to welcome the young people it supports and our new colleagues to the organisation. Considerate Care consists of two established care homes that are based in Liverpool, Derwent House and Thomas House. Considerate Care offers 8 registered places across the two homes, providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their young people. Emma Beech, Managing Director for Residential Services, will…
Keys welcomes Peak Activity Services
4th May 2022
Keys Group is delighted to announce the recent acquisition of Peak Activity Services, a Staffordshire-based provider of specialist education and activity centres. The acquisition sees Peak’s four schools and seven activity centres across England join the Keys family of services which includes specialist schools, residential children’s homes, leaving care, family assessment, activity and intervention and adult resource centres. Keys Group Chief Executive David Manson said: “We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues from across…
Moor Lane awarded “Outstanding” by Ofsted in all areas
13th April 2022
INSPECTORS have praised the “outstanding” care and support offered at a Keys Group residential children’s home where young people make “significant” progress which see them “happy, settled and flourishing”. In its latest inspection by regulator Ofsted, Moor Lane was given the highest grading possible and judged to be outstanding in all areas. The home supports up to four children and aims to provide a stable home for young people to be able to develop their…
“Outstanding” Lower Lodge helps children make significant progress
5th April 2022
A RESIDENTIAL children’s home which has helped young people make “significant” progress has been graded “outstanding” by Ofsted. Lower Lodge is part of Keys Group and supports young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. In their latest report, inspectors praised the “warm and nurturing” care provided by staff and the positive outcomes children achieve “in all areas of their lives”. Transition planning and preparing children for independence were praised as being key strengths of Lower…
Gem Cottage found to be Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
23rd March 2022
AN “outstanding” children’s home is having a significantly positive impact on the lives of the young people it supports, inspectors have found. Gem Cottage, part of Keys Group, was found to be outstanding in all areas when Ofsted carried out its latest inspection of the home, which supports children and young people who have social and emotional difficulties. The team at Gem Cottage was praised for helping children feel safe and make significant progress in…
Outstanding Ofsted Rating for Deanmount
8th March 2022
CHILDREN make “exceptional” progress in all areas of their lives and receive “excellent care” at Keys Group’s Deanmount residential children’s home which has been graded “outstanding” by Ofsted. Deanmount supports young people who have experienced trauma and who experience complex challenges. In their latest report, Ofsted found the home was outstanding in all areas saying “the home contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and…
Keys Group announce the release of their third Annual Quality Report
3rd March 2022
We are delighted to announce the publication of our third annual Quality Report. At Keys Group, we believe in truly living our EPIC values; Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Caring. This means that as well as being passionate about delivering excellent care and education, that in doing so we act with integrity; we believe it’s essential that we are transparent about what we do; not just when it goes well, but when things could be better…
Hat-trick of Outstanding Ofsted Ratings for Ashbank
24th February 2022
A RESIDENTIAL children’s home is celebrating a hat-trick of “outstanding” judgements from its regulator Ofsted. Ashbank, part of Keys Group, has been rated as outstanding for the third time in a row with inspectors praising the “individualised and high quality care” for young people who make “exceptional progress”. Children have “improved and positive experiences” while living at the home and, inspectors found, also had “exceptional” school attendance levels while all were achieving academically. Through the…
Ofsted awards Woodacre ‘Outstanding’ rating
1st October 2021
Children supported in an outstanding residential children’s home “make exceptional progress” in the home which also “enhances their life chances”, inspectors have found. Ofsted inspectors recently visited Woodacre, part of Keys Group, and found the overall experience of children was “outstanding” and that the experience of living in the home “completely enhances life chances for children”. Inspectors noted that all children living in the home attend education, achieve well and have a high attendance rate…
Ofsted awards Crescent House outstanding grading
A residential children’s home is providing outstanding support which enables children to make “exceptional progress in all areas of their lives”, inspectors have found. Crescent House, a home which supports four young people and which is part of Keys Group, was graded outstanding in all areas following a recent inspection by Ofsted. Inspectors praised the team and said: “Staff nurture children well and as a result make outstanding progress from their starting points. For example,…
Ofsted awards Cherry House fourth outstanding grading
16th June 2021
Ofsted has awarded residential children’s home Cherry House its fourth outstanding grading in a row after inspectors found young people made “excellent progress in all aspects of their lives”. The home supports four young people with attachment difficulties and who have previously experienced multiple placement breakdowns. In its report, Ofsted praised many aspects of life at the home and included highly positive quotes from children who live there, noting: “Children are happy living in the…
‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating – Begdale House
14th June 2021
A residential children’s home where children make “impressive and exceptional” progress has been graded as “Outstanding” in all areas by regulator Ofsted. Begdale House is part of Keys Group and supports children who, before moving to the home, may have had traumatic and adverse childhood experiences. The young people cared for have complex needs and are potentially vulnerable to exploitation. Inspectors found that the “highly-skilled” staff team at the home provide individualised and tailored care…
A welcome addition to the Keys Group
21st May 2021
We are delighted to welcome the staff team and young people from Southern Adolescent Care Services Limited to the Keys Group family. Based in Crawley, West Sussex, Southern Adolescent Care Services comprises of three residential homes which provide 16 registered places in total. All three homes are rated as either Good or Outstanding with Ofsted. Emma Beech, Managing Director for Residential Services, will assume Senior Leadership Team responsibility for the three residential homes and all…
Exploitation; Listen, understand, recognise, protect, prevent
Following the success of our virtual conference for Keys Group colleagues, last week saw the conference rolled out externally – to professionals working with vulnerable children and young people. The event, “Exploitation; Listen, understand, recognise, protect, prevent” brought together those with lived experience, and professionals working with vulnerable children, to explore a range of important subjects. The event instigated by Keys National Specialist Advisor for Exploitation, Katherine Proudman, considered how we, as professionals, can ensure…
Raising awareness of parental alcoholism
17th February 2021
Current figures indicate that 1 in 5 children and young people are affected by their parent’s drinking. Not only is this a worryingly high figure, but it’s also concerning how little awareness there is about this issue. This week sees the NACOA launch Children of Alcoholics Week – a campaign to raise awareness of children affected by parental alcohol problems. NACOA offers information, advise and support to children of alcohol dependent parents, as well as…
Keys Group releases second Annual Quality Report focused on Quality First
17th December 2020
Keys Group, the second largest provider of independent children’s homes in the UK, is pleased to announce the publication of its second Annual Quality Report for 2019/20, which outlines the Group’s achievements and journey since its acquisition by G Square. The report demonstrates not only the progress to date, but also the Group’s continuing drive towards achieving the vision of ‘inspiring and supporting children and young people to live happy, healthy and successful lives’. The…
Welcome back. Schools return!
9th September 2020
We’re delighted to be welcoming back all of our schools after their summer break. As we all know, the weeks and months before the end of the summer term were very different, and challenging for everyone within our school communities – staff, children and wider families. While all of our schools stayed opened throughout lockdown and as it began to ease, our attendance levels were excellent compared to the national average and it was a great…
Keys Group welcomes South West Childcare Services on-board
1st June 2020
Keys Group Ltd is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of South West Childcare Services and to welcome the young people it supports, and their staff team, to the organisation. South West Childcare Services supports children and young people in residential children’s homes and leaving care services across the Plymouth and Somerset areas. The group’s children’s homes are predominantly single or dual occupancy and provide 19 placements for vulnerable children and young people, while its…
How Keys Group is dealing with COVID-19
As the UK, and indeed the world, faces unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 and its impact, Keys Group has remained at the forefront of supporting vulnerable children and young people in our schools, residential children’s homes and leaving care services. Our young people’s services have remained open throughout the pandemic, as a consequence of the unrelenting commitment of our staff. We are all proud of the achievements of the young people during these difficult and…
Unique Care Homes join the Keys Group Family
12th March 2020
Keys Group Ltd are delighted to announce their recent acquisition of Unique Care Homes Support Limited and welcome the staff and young people supported there to the group. Based in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, the business comprises of 5 residential homes, providing 28 registered places for young people and a school which is registered for 42 students. Managers from Unique joined other Keys Group managers at our recent annual conference and celebrated one of the…
Going from Good to Great at the Keys Annual Conference
4th March 2020
Keys Group held their annual conference last week, where managers across the organisation came together to share the future vision for the company. This year’s theme was “Good to Great!” and focused on how everyone can excel to achieve greatness. The day included a guest appearance from Aleks Kashefi, who ran barefoot from Land’s End to John O’Groats as well as an iconic run throughout Europe – demonstrating the greatness that can be achieved, even…
Build-A-Future joins the Keys Group Family
27th December 2019
We are delighted to welcome the staff team and young people from Build-A-Future Ltd to the Keys Group family. Based in Lincolnshire, Build-A-Future compromises of a school split across two sites, which currently supports over 70 students and is registered to support 125. Build-A-Future will continue to trade under its current name and brand and is well placed to benefit from further growth over the next 12 months. Head Teacher, Adam Webb and staff team…
Outstanding Ofsted Review for Tourmaline Children’s Home
17th December 2019
Tourmaline Residential Service is celebrating after being awarded an Outstanding Review in their recent Ofsted Inspection. The Home provides specialist care and accommodation for children and young people who have complex health needs relating to learning and physical disabilities. Ofsted commented that the young people receive exceptional care from staff who are dedicated, attentive and highly sensitive to their needs. A social worker complimented staff at Tourmaline for ‘their ability to transform personal care into…
Broadwood School’s Artwork displayed in Department Store
6th December 2019
Talented pupils from Broadwood School, which provides specialist education for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, were delighted to see their artwork displayed in the window of Harvey’s Department Store in Halifax. Young people at the school had been studying the work of abstract expressionist artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Based on their studies, pupils were asked to create their own art, linking to the theme of positivity in…
Keys announces the opening of Crescent House
29th November 2019
Keys Group are pleased to announce the opening of Crescent House, a 4 bed home for young people aged between 10 and 18 years who need skilled therapeutic support with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The well trained Crescent House staff work closely with the Keys Group expert psychology and therapy team to deliver bespoke care programmes supporting young people to live happier, healthier and successful lives. Based close to Hereford City Centre, the home has excellent…
Keys Group Celebrates Opening of Second Family Assessment Centre
4th November 2019
Keys Group are excited and pleased to announce the opening of our second residential family assessment centre, Victoria Villa in Stourport upon Seven, Worcestershire. Amanda Pomell and her team bring many years’ experience of working in the field of family assessment and are delighted to be able to offer their expert service to an additional six families. Amanda commented: “Victoria Villa has been developed as a “sister” service to our highly successful Crown House family…
Keys Group announce the release of their first Annual Quality Report
22nd October 2019
Keys Group, the independent provider of residential children’s care and specialist education is pleased to announce the release of its first Annual Quality Report. The report charts the journey that the business has taken since August 2017, when Keys Group was bought by G Square and documents the successes to date. It also demonstrates how the business is continually improving, meeting and exceeding a range of standards and expectations. The new senior leadership team has…
Double celebration for Keys Group as they are announced finalists at the Laing Buisson Awards and Children and Young People Now awards
16th September 2019
Keys Group are celebrating after finding out that they have been shortlisted as finalists in some of the most prestigious awards in the care industry. The Laing Buisson Awards announced Keys as the finalists in both the Public Private Partnership Award and Children’s Services Award categories. A few days earlier a young person supported by Keys Group was also announced as a finalist for the Children’s Achievement Award in the Children and Young People Now…
Councils and Keys Group take collaborative approach to help young people thrive
9th September 2019
Four local authorities in Thames Valley are set to boost therapeutic residential care and education to local young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs in collaboration with Keys Group. The unique partnership, known as the Thames Valley Contract, commenced in August and is the first of its kind in the UK. The collaborative project is based on the secure base model therapeutic approach which is rooted in the belief that building strong emotional attachments…
Medal Win for young person from Westways Home at ISF World School Inclusive Games
13th August 2019
A talented young person from Westways Residential Home is celebrating winning a number of medals after competing at the ISF World School Inclusive Games. Millie* was delighted to be selected to represent England at the exclusive World Games held in Portugal last month. The world-wide event saw young athletes from around the globe come together to compete in a variety of sports. Millie was proud to represent her country taking part in Boccia, Goalball and…
Fun Day at Fairways School Fundraises for the Trussell Trust
17th July 2019
Fairways School in Birmingham recently held its first end of year Fun Day after opening its doors in Autumn 2018. Parents, carers, social workers and staff from the special educational needs assessment & review team all attended the event, which was a great success and also raised £165 for the Trussell Trust. Young people at the school created posters to promote the Fun Day, baked cakes and biscuits to sell, as well as coming up…
Triumph for Somerset Progressive School at the National Learning Disabilities Awards 2019
3rd July 2019
Somerset Progressive School is celebrating receiving a National Award, after being announced winner of the Positive Behaviour Support Category at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards 2019. The school, which is headed up by Head Teacher Karl Templeman, provides individually tailored education packages for young people aged 7-19 years. Somerset Progressive enables young people to experience holistic education in a rural environment, which alongside the core academic subjects, allows students opportunities for outdoor education,…
A New Look for EPIC Keys Group
11th June 2019
Keys Group, the leading provider of innovative care and education for young people, has today announced a refresh of its brand, which encompasses the positive transformation and progression of the company since its change of ownership in 2017. A new logo with a clean and modern colour-scheme has been designed to represent the company. The 4 orbs within the logo represent the Keys Group’s EPIC values, which are: Excellence – Accountable and intent to achieve…
Leaving Care’s Bespoke Achievement Recognition Scheme for Young People
25th April 2019
Leaving Care is committed to providing bespoke individual support packages to young people who are making the transition to independent living. We have an excellent record in transitioning young people into employment – our NEET (young people not in employment, education or training) currently stands at 24% compared to the national average of 46% for care leavers. In addition, we have a bespoke education programme for young people who are NEET, the Unit Award Scheme…
Embracing British Science Week at Fairways School
1st April 2019
Fairways School in Birmingham has recently celebrated British Science Week, with thanks to a grant from the British Science Association to get involved with extra curricula activities. British Science Week is an annual ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, which features entertaining and engaging events and activities for all ages. Eager to get involved, Fairways School applied for a dedicated science grant which they were delighted to be awarded. With the funding,…
The Day With No Name – Tackling Exploitation
20th March 2019
In late February 2019, Keys Group Policing Specialist Steve Challinor, North Wales Inspector Vic Powell and Quality Education with Care Director Natalie Fletcher, hosted an event to raise awareness of exploitation. The event, held at Deeside College, was attended by more than 200 front-line professionals from across North East Wales who are directly involved with vulnerable individuals at an increased risk of being targeted by criminal gangs. Keys Residential Children’s Home Managers attended the event,…
Fairways School awarded Good Ofsted Rating, five months after opening
13th March 2019
Fairways School in Birmingham has been rated Good by Ofsted Inspectors, just five months after opening its doors. The school, which caters for students with specialist social, emotional and mental health needs, was described by Ofsted as having a ‘warm and friendly atmosphere’ which significantly impacts on pupils’ engagement with school life. Teachers at Fairways were praised for their strong subject knowledge, along with their skilful methods of making the work relevant to pupils’ interests….
Keys Conference and EPIC Awards 2019
6th March 2019
Keys are delighted to launch their official new values EPIC – Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Caring. These values underpin the whole ethos at Keys Group and were chosen by asking others to describe the company in their own words. At the annual conference held last week, managers across the organisation came together to plan the future vision for Keys Group, incorporating the EPIC Values into all aspects of the conference. This included a heartfelt speech…
Reducing Substance Misuse with Keys Group’s National Specialist Advisor
4th March 2019
Fran Gracie, National substance misuse specialist advisor for Keys Group, has been delivering Substance Misuse Training in Wisbech and Rockingham for one of Keys Group’s most recent acquisitions, Direct Care. Staff were trained in all substances, including new and emerging drugs and their harmful effects on young people. Staff and Managers are now more equipped in spotting the signs of any drug use, where to access support from and are able to offer our young people…
Keys Early Intervention Strategy alongside Neighbourhood Policing
25th January 2019
At Keys Group we are firm believers that prevention is far better than cure. As part of this we work closely with neighbourhood policing teams, as well as having our own dedicated Police Liaison Officer, encouraging a positive relationship between the young people we support and the police. One of the recent projects Keys have been involved with is having Humberside Policing Early Intervention Teams spend time in Keys South Park Enterprise College, a specialist…
Outstanding Ofsted Reviews for Keys Children’s Homes
10th January 2019
Following recent Ofsted inspections, Keys Group has been awarded a further three Outstanding reports for their Ashbank, Adoquin and Topsgate Children’s Homes. All three residential homes received the highest possible Ofsted rating, recognising the outstanding service they provide to the young people they support. Ashbank Ashbank is one of Keys’ residential children’s homes, specialising in young people with attachment difficulties, who may have had multiple placements breakdown in the past. Ofsted described Ashbank as having…
Outstanding Ofsted Report for High Trees Children’s Home
24th December 2018
We are delighted that High Trees, a residential home part of the Keys Group, has received an Outstanding judgement from Ofsted in their latest report. Ofsted were full of compliments for the team at High Trees home, commenting that ‘staff show the children they care about them’, giving them ‘their full attention when they are in the home.’ Ofsted also noted that the children’s safety is top priority and that ‘staff are highly motivated and…
87% of Keys Homes Rated Good or Outstanding
19th December 2018
Ofsted has released a report on the inspection profiles of the largest private and voluntary providers of children’s homes*, reporting that 87% of Keys Group’s Children’s Homes were rated either Good or Outstanding, significantly above the national average for all homes of 82%. At Keys Care Group we pride ourselves on creating nurturing, safe and positive home environments and were delighted to see our successful achievement of this objective reflected in many Ofsted reports. We…
Keys leaving care service registered by the Care Quality Commission
30th November 2018
Keys Leaving Care seeks to support those care leavers who at the age of 16 and beyond are unable to live independently, are particularly vulnerable in the community and whose needs remain highly complex. Our passion is to deliver positive outcomes in line with the Every Child Matters framework, to empower all young people to develop effective life skills and make positive changes that make a real difference. The Keys leaving care service was registered…
Alcohol Awareness Week (19-25th November) at Keys Group 2018
27th November 2018
For Alcohol Awareness Week, staff at Keys Group have been promoting the theme ‘Change’ with the young people we support by discussing the harmful effects of alcohol and the impact it has on individuals and society in general. Fran Gracie, Keys National Specialist Advisor for Substance Misuse, has been leading the sessions using some great resources from Alcohol Change UK. These resources have been shared across the company, and many of the Keys services have…
Direct Care joins the Keys Group family
29th October 2018
We are very pleased to welcome the staff and children of Direct Care to the Keys Group family. Located in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northants this highly regarded children’s company comprises seven residential homes and one registered school providing up to 29 residential placements for young people with complex needs. Trish Lee, CEO Keys Group commented; “This acquisition not only enhances Keys Group’s position as a leading, independent provider of specialist residential care for young people…
Keys Group Open New Crisis Intervention Service
10th October 2018
Keys Group are delighted to announce the opening of their new Crisis Intervention service located in Gloucestershire. The service is one of the few specialist homes that supports young people with complex needs to move from a disrupted or broken down placement to a more stable, permanent placement. Selfwood is a newly refurbished 6 bedded home registered with Ofsted and is licensed by AALS (Adventurous Activities Licensing Service) to operate using adventurous activities. The service…
Our young people do not live in our work place, we work in their home
4th September 2018
Keys Group are perhaps best known for supporting young people with emotional or behavioural needs but we have a number of niche services providing support for young people with differing complex needs. One such service is Tourmaline in Hampshire. Tourmaline offers residential and respite care supporting up to six young people up to the age of 18. The home is specifically adapted to meet complex health needs. This can include life limiting conditions, disability associated…
Fairways School in Birmingham Opens in September
27th July 2018
We are delighted to announce that our latest school has been approved by Ofsted and will open for students in September. The fully refurbished building opens its doors to students in September 2018 as a result of an initiative to provide locally based, easily accessible, high quality learning experiences to young people with ASD, SEMH and other moderate learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD. Fairways School is situated in an attractive location in the…
Focus on The Keys Academy
11th June 2018
In January 2018 Keys Group opened its new training academy. Based in Wrexham this central educational and training hub offers company specific training and development to the 1,500 employees at The Keys Group across England and Wales. Supporting the philosophy of caring and commitment to making a real difference to young lives; the Keys Academy strives to ensure staff reach their potential and offer a real career pathway in childcare. We offer the right blend…
The Duke of Edinburgh Award at Unity College
4th June 2018
Unity College is a specialist education provision in Buckinghamshire which provides for students aged 11-16 years with social, emotional and mental health needs who can benefit from a smaller, more nurturing educational placement in order to succeed academically. Students at the college are very proud to say that they have successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award for the first time ever this year. They overcame some real challenges to achieve this, particularly on…
The ‘Outstanding’ Famous Five
11th May 2018
Our region in Hampshire comprising 5 homes supporting young people with a variety of complex needs have recently completed a full house of ‘Outstanding’ inspections from Ofsted, the highest grade that Ofsted award. This amazing achievement is the result of the dedicated work of the five managers of these homes, their brilliant staff teams and the leadership provided by Michelle, their Regional Manager. Pictured are the Famous Five – Chrissy, Sam, Anna, Karen and John…
Keys Awards 2018
6th May 2018
The achievements of some of our brilliant staff were recently celebrated at our new Halesowen Support Centre. Several hundred nominations were received across six award categories making the selection of a winner an extremely difficult task. The awards were organised by Pauline Paterson, Quality Director at Keys, who said: “It is really important to recognise the work that our dedicated staff do in going above and beyond what could reasonably be expected of them. The…
Keys Group opens new Support Centre in Halesowen, near Birmingham
1st May 2018
Keys Group are delighted to announce the opening of a new Support Centre for the business in Halesowen, near Birmingham. The move follows the closure of the previous Head Office for the business which was based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Halesowen office will house the key support functions for the business as well as providing a convenient central meeting point for all staff. Trish Lee, Group CEO commented: When I first started with the…
Alliance Care and Education Ltd join the Keys Group family
20th March 2018
Keys Group continues to grow by welcoming the staff and children of Alliance Care and Education Ltd to the Keys Group family. Located in Cheshire and Lancashire this highly regarded children’s company comprises four residential homes and two registered schools. All four residential services are rated ‘Good’ with Ofsted and provide residential therapeutic services for young people displaying high-risk behaviours. We are delighted to add these high-quality homes to our portfolio of services across England…
Kingdom Care joins the Keys Group family
21st February 2018
We are very pleased to welcome the staff and children of Kingdom Care to the Keys Group family. Located in West Sussex this highly regarded children’s company comprises two residential homes providing twelve highly specialist placements for young females. Trish Lee, CEO Keys Group commented; “This acquisition not only enhances Keys Group’s position as a leading, independent provider of specialist residential care for young females with complex needs but also extends Keys Group’s service offer…
The children’s services division of Aspirations Care join the Keys Group family!
6th February 2018
We are pleased to welcome the former Aspirations Specialist Children’s Services Division and The Leaving Care Company to the Keys Group family. The Specialist Children’s Services division includes ten residential homes and two schools based in the South West and Midlands. The Leaving Care Company operates throughout England and Wales supporting young people transitioning from residential care to independence. Trish Lee, CEO Keys Group commented; “This acquisition enhances Keys Group’s position as a leading, independent…
Brookfields heading for “Outstanding” Ofsted
1st August 2017
Peter O`Neill (Marketing Director, Keys Group) commented “Massive congratulations are due to Mumtaz (described as inspirational, confident and ambitious for children in the report) and all the team at Brookfields in West Yorkshire for their fantastic recent Ofsted inspection. The verbal feedback suggests they will have achieved “Outstanding” status when the formal Inspection Report is produced.” “In addition to the obvious very positive, child centred work that is a hallmark of Brookfields, particularly pleasing is…
Trish Lee appointed Chief Executive Officer of Keys Group
We are delighted to welcome Trish Lee to Keys Group. Trish joins the group as Chief Executive Officer as of todays date. Trish brings a wealth of experience to the business having previously worked with Nuffield Health and more recently Embrace.
