The Courtyard is a small purpose-built bungalow for children with complex medical needs, with life limiting illnesses. The support team are trained to look after children who may have a tracheostomy tube, require long term ventilation, epilepsy, physio, gastrostomies, and other medical needs.
Tracheostomy tube
Long term ventilation
Epilepsy
Physio
Gastrostomies
Complex needs
I have worked for Courtyard Care since 2004, in this time I have worked in various roles from a Keyworker to a Registered Manager. I have completed a Level 4 diploma in Children and Young People Work Force and Level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management. Since becoming the Registered Manager of The Courtyard, the home has been graded ‘Outstanding’ on 5 occasions which we are extremely proud of.
It’s important that the team members we employ share the values of the company and have high expectations for the children. My favourite part of my role is coaching and developing my team to make sure the children live the happiest lives, achieve their full potential, and stay safe.
The children are the centre of everything we do.
I bring over 25 years of experience in social care, supporting both children and adults with learning disabilities and complex health needs. Much of my career has been spent in children’s residential care, where I’ve focused on safeguarding, supporting family connections, and helping young people live fulfilling, ordinary lives.
Most recently, I was a Registered Manager where our team achieved an Outstanding rating across all areas — a reflection of our commitment, development, and the quality of care we provided.
My background also includes working as an Accommodation Team Leader within a domestic abuse service — a crisis management role centred on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both adults and children. Alongside this, I’ve carried out Regulation 44 visits, maintaining strong links with children’s services.
I hold an NVQ Level 3 in Care, NVQ Level 4 in Management, and a Social Work Diploma in Children and Families, along with additional Health and Safety qualifications. These provide a solid foundation for supporting best practice and creating safe, nurturing environments.
Above all, my priority is — and always has been — the safety and wellbeing of the young people we support. I’m passionate about developing our teams, promoting good practice, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
We are registered with Ofsted for children up to the age of 18 and all the children live here on a permanent basis. The home has 6 bedrooms and a large bathroom with ceiling track hoists, a shower trolley and a jacuzzi bath with sensory lights.
The children at The Courtyard - Courtyard Care, are encouraged to be as independent as possible; we assist them to choose their own clothes, choose what activities they want to do and are involved in house meetings. We are like one big family, it’s like having 6 mums and dads on shift, looking after the children, doing homework, going out on activities, and making the tea.
It’s a busy house but a very happy house, and everybody works hard to make sure the children have a great life with great experiences.
Parents' feedback: ‘If I had an ideal this would be it, I didn’t think places like this existed.’ Another parent said: ‘I can go to sleep knowing he is safe there, the staff are excellent, I wouldn’t want him to be anywhere else.’
