We're here to support
What sets us apart as a Quality Provider?
Founded in 2015, Next Step Independence originally supported young people aged 16-18 through a range of Supported Accommodation homes (formerly known as semi-independent or supported living) in the South West of England. These homes are now registered with Ofsted.
Through collaborative working with Local Authority Commissioners, we have broadened our services to include Registered Children’s Homes, so that as an organisation, we can work with children from the age of 8 upwards.
Small family style homes
We specialise in ‘homely homes’, and each home has an experienced home manager and a core team. Our homes reflect our passion and commitment to the children and young people we support and are designed to feel warm and welcoming and provide an accepting and nurturing environment.
Each home is different because of the children and young people that live there, they reflect their personalities, their needs and often their interior design skills!
Experienced Staff
Our homes are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and where necessary we can provide 1:1 support levels. We do not use agency staff. All team members are recruited in line with safer recruitment standards and have enhanced DBS checks. They receive regular robust supervisions and have a full annual appraisal.
Hearing the voice of our children and young people
We believe that every child and young person should be able to give voice to their lived experience – and be heard. All of our children and young people are encouraged to express their views. This means that our children and young people can say how they are feeling, what support they need, and tell their worker what is important to them.
Specialist training
We are fully committed to ensuring that all our team members receive a high-quality induction, regular protected supervision, annual appraisal, and have all the necessary training they will need to deliver the highest standard of quality care.
Furthermore, through training, team members are offered the opportunity to develop new skills for the development of more creative and constructive ways of working, resulting in higher levels of resilience throughout and ultimately leading to more consistent and compassionate care and support for our children and young people.