Kent House is a 17-bedded tier 4 low secure hospital for young people aged 12–18 years with mental health, behavioural or psychological difficulties, and an Ofsted-registered school which supports the young people with educational attainment.

We aim to provide young people with the best care and support possible, in the least restrictive way, adhering to the values and principles of positive behaviour support (PBS).

Our approach

We are members of the Quality Network for Inpatient CAMHS (QNIC) to measure and improve the quality of our care and treatment.

The physical health and wellbeing of the young people in our care is just as important as their mental health and we have a responsibility to support both.

We also recognise the importance of the sensitive developmental stage individuals are at, therefore our care is also focused on adaptive skills, families and carers.

Activities that we provide at Kent House include:

• Healthy living groups
• A range of sporting activities
• Cookery
• Music and arts and crafts
• Gardening
• Relaxation sessions
• Gym
• Community activities such as swimming, gym and shopping
• Community meetings
• Social and community skills groups

Education

At Kent House we offer full-time education for young people.  The on-site school has its own facilities, a highly-qualified and experienced staff team and offers a rigorous and appropriate personalised curriculum to each young person, from key stage 3-5. 

Whilst in our care, young people have access to nationally accredited study pathways including functional skills, GCSEs and A Levels. We are also a recognised satellite centre for examinations.

Educational provision at Kent House is central to the daily hospital timetable and the multidisciplinary team work closely with the education staff to establish the importance of engaging with learning, as a positive pathway to successful transition and discharge.

Each young person receives an individual school timetable, personalised to their health and academic needs, and a curriculum strongly focused on independent living skills including literacy and numeracy. Sessions take place in small groups (with the exception of whole group activities, such as physical education and enrichment workshops), and many young people benefit from individual tuition if they are unable to access the education building, due to their medical presentations.

The environment

We believe that our therapeutic environment is just as important as the treatment and support that we provide. Kent House offers each young person:

• Their own room with en-suite facilities
• Recreation areas
• A spacious hall and outdoor sports area
• A skills kitchen
• A purpose built school
• Games room
• Quiet areas

The hospital is set in a rural environment with close links and transport to the local community and amenities.