Our Approach
At Heartwood House, our values are not statements on the wall – they are reflected in how we care, respond, and build relationships with our young people every day. We provide a home where children are understood, not managed, and where practice is shaped around each individual.
Our ethos is rooted in creating a calm, consistent, and honest environment where children feel safe to be themselves, develop at their own pace, and build skills that will stay with them beyond their time at Heartwood House.
We focus on meaningful, long-term outcomes, ensuring that every child leaves the Home with greater confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of self. We aim to improve each child’s quality of life so they can fully participate in their environment and community.
Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI)
We use SAI to support children in developing regulation, trust and sense of safety. This approach recognises the link between sensory needs, early attachment experiences, and behaviour presented by a young person. The team is trained to use attuned, sensory-based strategies (such as rhythm, movement, touch where appropriate, and environmental adjustments) to help children and young people regulate their emotions and feel secure. SAI is embedded in daily care, enabling the team to respond in a way that is calming, consistent, and relational, supporting children to build stronger connections and develop more effective ways of managing their feelings over time.