Key Principles

At Ruby House we are committed to providing individualised care that meets each child’s needs and promotes their welfare, accounting for each child’s gender, culture, language, religion, sexual identity, health, disability, and life experience. We ensure children are loved, safe, and supported to heal, thrive and fulfil their potential in a homely environment. We value children’s voices and choices, involving them in decisions about their care and daily life. We maintain a safe environment free from harm, abuse, or discrimination, with robust safeguarding measures and striving for positive outcomes in all areas (education, health, emotional well-being, social development) as envisioned by the Quality Standards.

Welcome and Orientation

On the day of admission, a staff member is assigned exclusively to the new child to make the child become familiar with the entire home, including their bedroom, daily routine, and to go over the children’s guide to ensure understanding. Other child(ren) in the home, if any, are encouraged to help welcome the new resident. We strive to make the transition as comfortable as possible.
The Key Worker works with the child the first week to complete an ‘all about me’ form which includes preferences, interest, fears and goals to help staff get to know the child as an individual.
Each young person at Ruby House has a tailored Care Plan that guides their care, devised in collaboration with the placing authority’s care plan, any ‘looked after child’ plans, EHC plan for special educational needs. We follow the principle that a child’s relevant plan should form the basis for their care, ensuring consistency with local authority objectives while adding our home -specific strategies.

Views, Wishes, and Feelings

At Ruby House, children’s voices matter. We encourage children to express their feelings openly, celebrating diversity and addressing any discrimination and ensuring every child understands their rights, including their right to be safe, heard, and respected. We regularly hold meetings and one-to-one sessions to gather feedback about their care, home environment, and activities.

Education

Education is a cornerstone of our care approach. We work closely with local schools, virtual school heads, and educational psychologists to support each child's learning journey and provide tutoring to help children catch up and build confidence. We regularly promote school attendance, support with homework and assignments and foster a positive attitude towards learning.
We collaborate with educational psychologists to identify specific learning needs and develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Regular academic progress reviews ensure tailored interventions remain effective. Our staff attend school meetings and maintain open communication with teachers to create a consistent support network.
Our team organizes a variety of leisure, educational, and cultural activities such as: arts and crafts, sports and outdoor games, trips to local attractions and community events and cooking and baking sessions.
Health and well-being are central to our care approach. We support children’s physical, emotional, and mental health by: registering them with a GP, dentist, and optician, providing nutritious meals that cater to dietary needs, offering access to therapeutic services and educating young people about healthy living choices.
We track health outcomes through regular assessments and maintain a digital health journal for each child. Our staff receive training in mental health first aid, allowing them to respond promptly and effectively to emotional distress.