Pentwyn
Hillcrest Pentwyn School is registered with the Welsh Assembly Government as a residential special school for boys with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The school is also a registered home with the Care & Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW). Between its two seperately located residential homes, Pentwyn offers both 39 and 52 week placements to boys aged between 11-17 yrs.
"A clear and focused approach to children, a commitment to providing children and young people through extremes of challenging behaviour." CSSIW Report
Philosophy of care
Hillcrest Pentwyn offers a holistic model of care and education that is designed to help boys between the ages of 11-17 years to take control of their lives. The young people in our care are afforded every opportunity to achieve their potential both academically and socially and to recognise the unique contribution that they have to make to the world around them.
The nature of the young men looked after by Pentwyn include those who have difficulty in managing or expressing their feelings in a socially acceptable fashion. This generally manifests itself in 'challenging behaviour'.
These behaviours are consistently confronted by the staff working at Pentwyn who ensure that firm, fair boundaries underpin a good parenting approach to care.
Therapeutic provision
The work at Pentwyn is overseen by the Principal, Head of Care, and Head of Education all of whom have a wealth of experience in the rehabilitation of troubled and troublesome young people.
Any therapeutic intervention is only undertaken after careful assessment by suitably qualified practitioners in consultation with all relevant professionals. The Head of Care oversees the management of health and social care service provision. The practice is also supported by a Consultant Psychologist attached to the team.
Pentwyn has a service level agreement with 'Hiraeth' who are professional practitioners offering bespoke needs-based health and human development services. They provide a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Art and Nature therapy. This reinforces the Hillcrest philosophy of providing a more therapeutic approach to child care.
Education
Central to the success of the Pentwyn model is the full time on-site school with its dedicated education team. The Estyn registered school's focus is on outcome based education and accreditation and has a growing vocational provision. Pupils have the opportunities to sit a wide range of accredited subjects and vocational courses including GCSE's, ELQ's, BTEC's and ASDAN.
There is a strong emphasis on improving literacy, numeracy and ICT skills and building the students' personal and social skills as well as the demands of the National Curriculum. There is on-going co-operation between the school and the two care homes on site to ensure the young people's needs are met at all times.
The school is a fully registered Examination Centre with the OCR Examination Board.
Activities
Pentwyn's activities include an all-weather sports pitch for basketball, football, tennis, badminton and a games room for pool and table tennis. The grounds and surrounding countryside lend themselves to a variety of experiences including gardening, orienteering, hill walking, horse riding, canoeing, abseiling, mountain bike riding and rock climbing. All these assist in developing self belief and self esteem in young people and instil aspirations that will allow them to become productive citizens.
Admissions
The admissions process process depends upon the willingness of the young person to want to engage with what's on offer at Pentwyn. Wherever possible admissions should be planned and involve all family and professionals so as to ensure each placement has the best possible chance of success.
Pentwyn will take account of urgent situations and more rapid referrals can be considered in certain circumstances. Careful attention is paid to the young person's chronology as we make a real effort to ensure that Pentwyn's service will meet their individual needs.
Hillcrest Pentwyn is registered & approved as a residential special school for boys with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Hillcrest Pentwyn offers both 39 and 52 week placements for boys aged 11-17 yrs. To make a referral please call: 08458 727477 Email: head.office@hillcrestcare.co.uk
