Gemma Ferris

Service Manager

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.

Jackie Hills

Regional Director

I have been working in residential care and special needs school/services since 1999. My previous roles include consultancy work, supporting failing homes and schools to improve. I then became a Registered Manager for 5 years, during this time, the team and myself had an Ofsted Judgment of ‘Outstanding’ for 5 years.  

My more recent roles progressed to Operational Manager supporting 13 homes and most recently In November 2015, I joined Courtyard Care as Regional Director. 

I am a qualified Social Worker who is passionate and driven to provide the best possible outcomes for children and young people we support. Myself and my team have a keen interest in ensuring our services are ‘fit for purpose’ and meet all regulatory frameworks/requirements. We are very child-centred and believe every child should be given the opportunity to grow and succeed.  Barriers can be overcome by working together to achieve the best outcomes. We celebrate all achievements as every step is a milestone for the children and young people we support.

Deborah Hurley

Director of Children’s Services

I started my career in the corporate sector in learning and development before setting up my own business and then moving in to teaching within the prison service in 2000.

Since that time, I have worked in a number of positions within Health & Social Care and Special Education including Mentoring Project Manager, Head Teacher, Regional Education Manager and Operations Director.

My previous background in business combined with extensive knowledge and experience gained over the past 20 years lends itself well to the role of Director of Children’s Services. I am delighted to have joined Swanton in October 2022 and am excited to contribute towards the growth and development of the services.

I believe that everyone of us has the potential to make a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable children and adults so that they can be happy, healthy, and live as independently as possible. We do this by ensuring that we always doing the “right thing” and continue to ask ourselves how can I make this better.

About

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.’