Andover and District Mencap are celebrating their registration with Ofsted of their new respite facility ‘Rainbow Corner.’
12th February Ofsted informed Andover and District Mencap, we had achieved our goal of Registration.
We will be holding an official opening in March and look forward to showcasing our hard work and what our service will be offering
Chris Dixon CEO sent a celebration tweet:
“So after 3 years of blood sweat and tears…I am pleased to announce that @AndoverMencap have been registered by #Ofsted to open our #RainbowCorner Children’s Respite Home. Well done
Ami Turner Registered Manager said “I am so happy to be at the end of the registration process, and finally in the position to help children and families locally. Respite can be an essential element of happy family life and to be able to offer Rainbow Corner to help, is amazing. I am delighted our hard work showed Ofsted how good we are, and how much of a vital resource we will be able to deliver now, and in the future.”
Andover and District Mencap identified a need for a purpose-built facility that could provide bespoke care and respite for children with learning disabilities and complex health needs in 2016. Our new home will offer 1344 bed nights per year.
Chris Newman Director of Care and Support Services said: “Having joined ADM on this final part of a long journey, I am so pleased that our registration has been approved by Ofsted. We have a great team in place, to support the children and their families of Andover.”
The 4-bed facility has been purpose designed and furnished with the many needs of children and young people with learning disabilities in mind. A range of sensory equipment, ceiling hoists and wet rooms will enable children with the most complex needs to feel at home.
The bungalow has gone from an outdated dwelling to a light, bright and spacious modern property. The whole house has been plastered, painted and has a beautiful finish creating a clean and neat aesthetic.
Chris Dixon CEO said “This is the end of a challenging chapter for Andover and District Mencap. We have worked hard to ensure that as an organisation we have learnt past lessons and embedded that learning into our new Home. To have realised a vision set by the trustees and myself is an amazing achievement and one which will have a profound impact on children and families with a learning disability.”
Andover and District Mencap identified a need for a purpose-built facility that could provide bespoke care and respite for children with learning disabilities and complex health needs and went about developing a provision that would provide Andover, the children and families with a facility they could be proud of.
Along the way the Andover and District Mencap team have worked with Hampshire County Council, the NHS, therapists, families and Ofsted to ensure that the house, policies and processes of the house are robust and meet the requirements. The Ofsted process was in-depth and rigorous making sure every part of Rainbow corner is fit for purpose.
Chris Dixon said “I am so proud of everyone that has helped us on our Journey, but particularly our Registered Manager Ami Turner, who has worked hard to develop the house and its processes. I look forward to welcoming children into the home for their respite.”
The next stage of the project after the opening is revamping the garden with help from The Co-op communities, local groups and other fundraising events.
For more information please contact:
Chris Dixon: Twitter @ChrisDixon Email Chris.Dixon@andovermencap.org, Ph 01264 321861
Chris Newman ph 01264 321840 Email Chris.Newman@andovermencap.org
Ami Turner Email Ami.turner@andovermencap.org
