General Enquiries: contact@progressivei.co.uk
How We Care – Children’s Home
At Old School House, our Ofsted-registered Children’s Home, we provide a three-part approach designed to help children thrive. This combines:
- Therapeutic engagement focused on wellbeing, emotional resilience, and stability.
- Education, work, and skills opportunities to build confidence and aspirations.
- Enrichment and activities, including sports coaching and community involvement, to motivate, inspire, and reward progress.
This model has been developed in consultation with the children we support, listening to their experiences, barriers, and ideas for how they want to be cared for.
We also invest heavily in staff training and wellbeing, ensuring that children are cared for by a skilled, consistent, and nurturing team. Support is provided by our in-house wellbeing practitioner, experienced managers, and trusted external professionals where additional input is needed
Key Support Areas- Children's Homes
Our Pillars of Care
Our Three-Part Approach:
1. Education & Skills – The Education Standard
We are committed to ensuring every child has access to the right education, training, and learning opportunities. In line with the Education Standard, we work in close partnership with schools, tutors, and SEND services to help children re-engage with learning and build skills that reflect their abilities and aspirations. Our focus is on raising attainment, building confidence, and creating a positive experience of education.
2. Wellbeing & Personal Development – The Quality & Purpose of Care, Positive Relationships, and Health Standards
Children thrive when their emotional, physical, and social needs are met. We provide therapeutic support, structured routines, and wellbeing programmes that promote resilience and stability, in line with the Quality and Purpose of Care, Positive Relationships, and Health Standards. This includes health education, emotional regulation, developing safe relationships, and building life skills within a nurturing and safe environment.
3. Independence & Future Pathways – The Care Planning and Leadership & Management Standards
We prepare every child for their future, encouraging independence at a pace that is right for them. In line with the Care Planning Standard, children are supported to set achievable goals, develop daily living routines, and take on responsibilities that build confidence and self-reliance. Our team ensures children have clear, ambitious plans for their future, underpinned by strong leadership and consistent, supportive care.
Outbound & Activities Programme
At Progressive Independence, we believe learning and growth don’t only happen inside the home or classroom. Our Outbound & Activities Programme gives children opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships through structured activities and new experiences.
From sports coaching and fitness to creative workshops, cooking, outdoor learning, and cultural trips, every activity is designed to nurture personal growth, teamwork, and wellbeing. Children can also take part in accredited opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award or Sports Leaders qualifications, helping them develop valuable skills that prepare them for adulthood and enhance future opportunities.
Whether it’s enjoying football with friends, learning to cook a meal, or taking part in residential trips, we ensure every experience is meaningful, motivational, and tailored to each child’s individual needs and goals.
Key Support Areas
Therapeutic Support -
Trauma-Informed Care at the Heart of What We Do
At Progressive Independence, every member of our team is trained to understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and to respond with compassion, consistency, and professionalism. A Trauma-Informed Approach is not just part of our practice — it is the foundation of how we care for children and young people.
We are proud to have our own in-house trauma trainer, ensuring that trauma awareness and recovery run as a golden thread throughout our organisation. This wraparound training and continuous professional development mean our staff are always equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge, tools, and reflective practice to support young people effectively.
We know that past experiences of abuse, neglect, loss, or instability can affect how a child or young person feels, thinks, and responds. That’s why our staff are trained in therapeutic models and strategies to provide safe, nurturing, and emotionally attuned care that prioritises stability, healing, and growth.
Mental health and well-being are openly discussed and supported. We work closely with local services and specialist providers to ensure young people can access the help they need.
Alongside this, our in-house well-being practitioner offers personalised weekly sessions, giving children and young people the space to talk, process, and thrive.
By embedding trauma-informed and trauma-recovered practice at every level, we empower children and young people to build resilience, form positive relationships, and create meaningful, hopeful futures.
(Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Progressive Independence)
Our Children’s Homes
At Progressive Independence, equality, diversity, and inclusion are not add-ons — they are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where children feel valued, respected, and able to thrive.
Our Staff
We recognise the value of a workforce drawn from diverse backgrounds. We actively promote equality and challenge discrimination, welcoming applications from people of all communities. Staff in our homes act as positive role models, building trust and belonging while championing inclusion in everyday practice.
Our Children
Every child deserves equal opportunities to achieve their potential. We are committed to supporting children — regardless of gender, ethnicity, faith, ability, or sexuality — to grow into the best version of themselves.
We actively promote the British Values of tolerance, fairness, respect for other faiths, democracy, and the rule of law, embedding them into care planning and daily life.
We celebrate diversity in all its forms. This includes:
- Providing safe and supportive spaces for children exploring or questioning identity.
- Recognising and celebrating cultural and religious practices (e.g. supporting children during Ramadan).
Keyworker Allocation
Every child has an allocated keyworker who provides consistent support, builds a trusting relationship, and ensures regular check-ins. This tailored support plan includes community engagement, personal growth, and steps towards education or therapeutic goals.
Practices & Policies
We are proactive in challenging discrimination and embedding inclusion into our homes. Our policies reference gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-discrimination explicitly, ensuring children feel safe and valued.
Training & Development
All staff receive Equality & Diversity and Identity & Self-Esteem training. Many also complete enhanced LGBTQ+ training. Respect for each child’s chosen name, pronouns, and beliefs is central to practice, ensuring children feel secure in expressing who they are.
Wellbeing Lead - John Gibbons
Wellness Sessions for children and Young People
A Safe Space for Growth and Connection
Quote from John:
"Together, we can soar beyond the stars, for united in our dreams, we hold the power to reach the greatest heights."
We are proud to have John, our in-house Wellbeing Lead, supporting all children and young people at Progressive Independence. With a background in children’s residential care, John brings both professional expertise and lived passion for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. As leader of our EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) team, he ensures these values run through every part of our practice.
John’s achievements include receiving Outstanding recognition in the Navajo Merseyside & Cheshire LGBTIQA+ Charter Mark 2021 in a previous role. Alongside this, he is a qualified yoga teacher, trained in trauma therapy, and passionate about children’s mental health. His trauma-informed, holistic approach ensures that every young person feels seen, heard, and supported.
Wellbeing sessions are built on core principles:
- Safe Pace – participation at a pace that feels right for the young person.
- Confidentiality – secure, private spaces with safeguarding where necessary.
- Non-Judgement – celebrating diversity and encouraging openness.
- Neutral Space – focused on growth and personal goals.
- Wellbeing Focus – tools to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health.
- Friendly Atmosphere – warm, inclusive sessions that build trust and connection.
John’s passion for social justice, equality, and inclusion makes him an invaluable resource for both our young people and our staff. Through his leadership, we weave a golden thread of trauma-informed practice across our homes, creating safe spaces where children and young people can flourish and grow.
A Safe Space for Growth and Connection
- John James Gibbons
Our Partners for Employment, Education, Training & Advocacy
Education Leadership at Progressive
At the heart of our educational approach is Adam Hurst, the founder and Head Teacher of YouThrive Academy, our purpose-built alternative learning provision. Adam brings a trauma-informed and relational approach to education—rooted in a First-Class Honours in Education and 7+ years of experience, including key roles as Head of Year and safeguarding lead.
Under Adam’s leadership, YouThrive Academy delivers a flexible, person-centred learning environment for children and young people disengaged from mainstream education or classified as NEET. Through tailored support, accredited qualifications, and a nurturing culture, he empowers learners to rebuild confidence, re-engage with education, and succeed.
Partnering with Career Connect Merseyside
At Progressive Independence, we are proud to work closely with Career Connect Merseyside to support young people in achieving their goals. Through our partnership, we provide tailored guidance and opportunities to help them access education, training, and employment. Together, we empower young people to build confidence, develop skills, and take steps toward a brighter, independent future.
Our Partnership with NYAS Merseyside
At Progressive Independence, we partner with NYAS Merseyside to ensure the voices and rights of young people are heard and respected. NYAS provides independent advocacy, legal representation, and volunteer support for children and young people in care, helping them navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Together, we empower young people to build brighter, independent futures.
LFC Foundation Employability programmes fall under the umbrella term 'Works'. Our 3 UK based programmes are Creative Works, SMF Works and Global Works.
Programme Delivery- Creative Works
The Creative Works programme is delivered across a period of 6 workshops, in which young people explore their creativity, developed an understanding of the pathways and career opportunities across various creative industries and work on soft skills such as communication, teamwork and decision making. Creative Works has provided an opportunity for young people to engage and be part of a group where they can feel comfortable, express their creativity and gain more knowledge on a topic of their interest.
Programme delivery- SMF Works
SMF Works is a multi-faceted employability programme which encompasses delivery in schools & colleges and community settings across LCR, for 16 – 25 year olds furthest away from the job market. The programme a series of 6-8 1-hour sessions focusing on workplace behaviours, key employability skills and exploring the LFC Core values followed by an invite to Anfield for a tour and final workshop.
Programme delivery- Global Works UK
Global Works is a community-based employability programme in partnership with the Liverpool FC Foundation and funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund. This programme will look to provide high-quality, outcome-driven delivery around employment support. Consisting of sport-based employability sessions, mentoring and post programme support. The programme aims to get each participant to feel work ready and actively seeking employment. It will look to focus on the development of skills and the exposure of careers within sport through meeting industry professionals.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Everton in the Community is all about getting people involved in football – but you’d be wrong!
Everton in the Community provides local people with routes into various education, employment and training opportunities which are individually tailored to suit their learning needs.
EVERTON FREE SCHOOL
Standing on Spellow Lane in an impressive £4.2m state of the art learning facility is the Everton Free School. The building, which opened in the summer of 2015, has room for 200 students and contains a teaching block, sports hall, a creative block and a covered street to link different parts of the complex.
Students at the School are made up of young people aged 14-16 who have not adapted to mainstream school, at risk of exclusion or have been excluded, have poor attendance records, have suffered bullying or have other related issues. The School provides a lifeline to a lot of young people getting them back on track and giving them an opportunity for education, employment or training.
The school also offers young people aged 16-19 the opportunity to take on further education courses at the Everton Sixth Form. The higher education facility also based on Spellow Lane within the Free School gives Sixth Form students access to Premier League standard facilities at Goodison Park and USM Finch Farm.
Students enjoy inspirational and transformational learning opportunities as they develop and thrive into successful citizens. The school delivers an innovative, personalised curriculum supported by local stakeholders and partners from Further and Higher Education as well as businesses.
Phil Duffy, Executive Director at Everton in the Community said: “The commitment and determination of those involved in the Everton Free School is second to none, nothing short of incredible. The School has a curriculum that creates the conditions for all young people, including their families, to prosper.”
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME
The charity’s ‘Everton 4 Employment’ programme has worked with almost 1000 disadvantaged people since 2009, through a series of employability courses, enterprise projects and training programmes that have raised aspirations, developed skills and supported people into employment in Liverpool and beyond.
The charity’s Apprenticeship programme, in partnership Riverside College, offers opportunities for individuals who would prefer to work, learn and earn. This season Everton Apprenticeships has broadened out its curriculum offer and now extends to supporting job roles within Hospitality and Catering, Team Leading/Management and customer service. An apprenticeship gives young people the opportunity for practical learning as opposed to going down the more academic traditional pathway.
An apprenticeship programme will last a minimum of 12 months in which in which time apprentices will work to complete all components of the project including functional skills in Maths, English and IT, Employee Rights and Responsibilities and vocational led qualifications. Apprentices will also undertake a recognised qualification in a subject related to their job such as L2 NVQ Sport Activity Leadership, L2 NVQ Customer Service and L2 or L3 NVQ Business Administration as well as the opportunity to work towards additional qualifications in First Aid and FA coaching badges.
As well as the range of qualifications, apprentices will also receive on-going support, information, advice and guidance. Apprentices will have regular reviews with tutors and line managers as well as the opportunity to explore future career paths and personal development via employability sessions.
82% of Everton Apprenticeships successfully complete their full Apprenticeship framework compared to a national average of 72% and through our programmes offer unrivalled educational support and enrichment opportunities.
Transitions
Moving On Plans
When young people leave us, we conduct comprehensive exit interviews and share their Moving On Plans with relevant agencies. We recognise the benefits of Staying Close arrangements (originally proposed by Sir Martin Narey’s review of services for looked-after children, to which our organisation contributed), and maintain contact with young people by never ‘closing the door’.
When young people approach independence, we work closely with the placing authority to assess their abilities and ensure Action Plans provide appropriate support for transitions. Key actions include:
- Six months before a young person’s 18th birthday, we support them with applications for social or council housing
- At the same stage, we support young people to prepare applications for relevant benefits (e.g. JSA, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, PIP etc)
- We evaluate young people’s independence skills and their ability to live successfully within a community; our ongoing evaluation of independence skills and use of Outcomes Stars™ during placement informs this assessment.
Our teams are well-informed about local housing options and will help young people register for council housing so they can access the Merseyside Lettings Company’s services. We explain options such as private rented or social housing during their ‘Independent Living Journey’ and we ensure post-18 expectations are realistic.
We help young people secure tenancies and ensure sustainable support is in place before they leave us, including access to universal services and the means of seeking specialist support.