Lansdowne secure children's home
Lansdowne is a home for young people in East Sussex, run by the local authority. It is modern, purpose-built and physically secure. We provide care for up to seven young people, aged 10 to 17. Our ethos is child-focused and homely.
Each young person has a care plan ensuring support around agreed areas of work. This includes meeting education and health needs. They are encouraged to take part in individual and group work. This is designed to develop understanding and skills which will equip them once the terms of their secure order are met.
The nurturing environment and skilled staff ensure good outcomes for our residents. They develop positive relationships and feel supported to invest in themselves during their time here.
Education at Lansdowne
Lansdowne School is based onsite within the children's home. All the young people who live there go to school full-time and the school follows the same term dates as other local schools. Qualified and experienced teachers deliver a highly personalised and engaging curriculum to meet the needs of all individuals.
It's a safe place where young people can
- gain confidence
- start learning again
- learn how to study on their own
Young people work on developing core functional skills (like reading, writing and maths) and will also work towards qualifications within a broad and balanced curriculum.
The school teaches different subjects in 5 main areas:
- Core Subjects - Maths, English, Science, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education)
- The Wider World - Humanities (like history and geography)
- Creative Subjects - Art, Music, Dance, Drama
- Life Skills - ICT (computing), Careers, Food Technology, Design Technology, PE, Horticulture, Animal Care
- Ready to Learn Programme
The school helps young people think about jobs and careers. They learn work-related skills and can talk to an independent careers advisor to get advice.
There is an on-site animal care provision where children learn animal husbandry and responsibility as well as a fully equipped hair and beauty salon, art and DT suite, fitness suite, food technology room and sports hall.
Healthcare
At Lansdowne, we help young people who have been through tough times. Some of them may have been hurt or treated badly, or might do things that harm themselves. We recognise these behaviours often stem from big challenges and tough experiences.
We work hard to make Lansdowne a safe and caring place. We want young people to feel they can trust us and begin to heal and grow. We follow a special way of working called SECURE STAIRS. This means we consider each young person’s feelings and needs. From the moment a young person arrives, our team - made up of professionals in health, emotions, and communication - works together to understand their story and find the best ways to support them.
We look after the whole person. That means we help with health, feelings, learning, and life skills.
We use something called PACE, which stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, to build strong and kind relationships. We also work with other services outside Lansdowne to make sure young people get all the help they need. Our goal is to help them feel stronger, make safer choices, and have a brighter future.