Extraordinary Experiences
We believe that childhood should be filled with discovery, laughter, and meaningful experiences that inspire confidence and joy. At Dharma Homes, we create opportunities for children to explore the world around them through outdoor adventures, creative arts, cultural activities, and community engagement. Whether it’s a hiking trip through the hills, a kayaking session on a calm lake, or planting trees to protect local wildlife, each experience is designed to build resilience, teamwork, and a sense of wonder. These extraordinary moments remind children that life can be joyful, adventurous, and full of possibility.
Our Core Values
Everything we do is guided by our core values of compassion, respect, integrity, growth and belonging. We treat every child with unconditional positive regard, valuing their individuality and voice. We act with honesty and transparency, ensuring that trust underpins every relationship. Our teams are committed to continuous learning and reflective practice, fostering environments where both children and staff can develop and flourish. Above all, we believe in creating homes where kindness, empathy, and belonging form the foundation for a better future.
Governance, Ofsted & Quality
The provider is registered with Ofsted; the home’s Responsible Individual (RI) provides strategic governance and the Registered Manager (RM) leads day-to-day compliance and culture. Dharma Homes operates in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the accompanying DfE guide to the Quality Standards, which set out expectations for care, health, enjoyment and achievement, protection, relationships, leadership and care planning. We keep our Statement of Purpose and policies under regular review, make it available on request, and use it to guide daily practice. Providers must register with Ofsted and notify the inspectorate of serious incidents; we follow these requirements, alongside any joint guidance where children’s health care intersects with social care. Our internal audits, consultation and reviews check that policies are lived out day-to-day—and that children’s views shape how we keep improving. We operate safer recruitment, escalation and whistleblowing routes, and multi-agency working with the local safeguarding partnership. We comply with UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018: role-based access, encrypted transfers, clear retention schedules and breach reporting.
Recruitment & Staff Development
The success of Dharma Homes depends on the quality, commitment and stability of our staff team. We recruit professionals who are skilled in trauma-informed care, therapeutic practice and relational work. Once onboard, we invest in ongoing training, mentoring and reflective practice so our team remain responsive, innovative and supported in their roles. We also value each person’s wellbeing and growth: as our staff thrive, so do the children in their care. We believe that excellent staff lead to excellent outcomes, and this drives everything from our hiring to our training regimes.
As part of our safer recruitment commitment, all applicants undergo thorough background checks, including enhanced DBS screening and verification of professional references. We ensure recruitment decisions are based on both competence and integrity, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children above all else. Interviews explore candidates’ attitudes towards safeguarding, boundaries and ethical practice. We also maintain a culture of vigilance, where concerns can be raised confidently and addressed promptly. Safer recruitment at Dharma Homes is not just a process—it’s a mindset embedded in every stage of employment.