At Courtyard Care, we take pride in recognising and celebrating the thoughtful work our teams bring to the children they support. At Emily’s House, this has recently included the introduction of monthly research boards created by Caitlin, a support worker who began developing them as a way to deepen understanding and share knowledge across the team. What started as her own curiosity has grown into a resource the whole home now benefits from.
Caitlin’s interest in research began long before the boards were displayed. She started out of personal curiosity, wanting to understand the medications used in the home on a deeper level. As she explained, “It started with the medication I handle in the workplace. Although I already knew their function, I was curious as to how exactly they carry this out on a biochemical level, so I created case studies for all the children's medications and their mechanism of action.”
From there, her research naturally expanded into exploring the conditions that affect the children at Emily’s House. Caitlin said, “This then progressed into researching deeper into the children's conditions to boost my knowledge, but also to see if there are any adaptations we can make as a team to improve the lives of the children with these conditions.”
One of the first topics she explored was Fundoplication. After sharing her case study with the nurse practitioner to understand whether it may be beneficial for a child in the home, they both recognised how useful this kind of research could be for the wider team. From that point, Caitlin began developing her findings into monthly research boards so they could be shared more easily with colleagues.
Caitlin chooses each topic with careful consideration. She explained, “I always make sure the research boards are relevant to our children and ask the team if there is anything they'd like to have more knowledge on.” Her current board focuses on a condition affecting a child who is transitioning into the home, giving colleagues the chance to prepare in advance.
When creating each board, Caitlin enjoys the process of learning. She said, “I enjoy learning and understanding more about the children I work with — we can never know too much when it comes to improving their lives and providing our support.”
Caitlin makes sure the information is presented clearly. “I structure the information clearly and fluidly, with clear images and diagrams presented alongside descriptive information,” she explained. “When there is terminology that may be unfamiliar, I include definitions so there's no potential for confusion or misunderstanding.”
Creativity is also an important part of her work. As she described, “I frame the information with different colours and shapes to make the research boards engaging and have the different sections clearly separated, rather than overloading the board with paragraphs.”
Her hope is that each board strengthens understanding and confidence across the team. She shared, “I hope they feel more connected with our children through an improved understanding of their conditions and how they may be affected by them. I hope they feel more confident discussing these conditions with professionals, and feel like they can put this extra knowledge into their day‑to‑day practice.”
Feedback from colleagues has directly shaped her approach. Caitlin said, “Staff said they liked how I already defined unfamiliar terminology for them — it helps them retain the information more smoothly.” She added, “They also said they preferred the more colourful and creative presentation to the more textual, formal presentation, so I will do these types of boards more often.”
These boards have now become a valued part of the learning culture at Emily’s House. Caitlin reflected, “It is a fun way for staff to have regular refreshes and boosts of their knowledge outside of more formal competency reviews and training. New staff can learn more about the children they may be training with, building their confidence through increased knowledge and understanding.”
Caitlin is grateful for the support she has received, saying, “I'm very grateful that my nurse practitioner and manager have recognised that I am passionate about researching such topics and have given me a manner to display the work I do.”
Manager, Victoria, shared her appreciation for the impact of Caitlin’s work:
“Caitlin puts so much care into each research board she creates. Every topic she chooses helps the team deepen their understanding of the children we support. Her recent board on Hydrocephalus — a condition one of our children has — was particularly clear, compassionate and informative. We are genuinely proud of the positive impact her work has at Emily’s House.”
Regional Director Sam also shared a few words about Caitlin’s contribution, saying:
“Caitlin’s research boards have given the team helpful insight into the children’s needs, and it’s clear how much thought she puts into them. They’ve been a valuable addition to the home.”
We are incredibly appreciative of Caitlin’s passion, creativity and commitment. Her work continues to make a meaningful difference to colleagues and, most importantly, to the children we support.
