01189 261 010

Residential

An Independent School

Residential Care

We run a small portfolio of family-style homes in the Thames Valley, providing each young person with a stable and supportive living environment. Each home is registered to accommodate up to 4 male children/young people between the ages of 11 to 18 who have histories of trauma, disrupted attachments and harmful sexual behaviour. We operate 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year.

In our homes we follow a Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) informed approach to working with children/ young people. We promote an emotional connection between the child/ young person and the adult before using behavioural correction. We teach prosocial behaviours with warmth, appropriate limits and boundaries. This is achieved through a stance of Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy (PACE).

OUR APPROACH Our Homes

Leaving Care

Leaving Care

We work closely with Placing Authorities to ensure a smooth transition into independence from the Looked After Setting of a Childrens’ Home into Semi-Independence or Supported Living arrangements once a Young Person has turned 18. This is an individualised approach dependent on need, location, risk management plan and any outstanding or ongoing specific Therapy input.

Residential Team

Key People

Ged Berry

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Diploma in Youth & Community Work, NVQ 4 in Childcare, NVQ Assessor

After successfully completing a Diploma in Youth & Community Work Studies in the mid 1980’s Ged went on to work in Centre-Based and Detached Youth Work Projects for both Berkshire & Salford Education Authorities. He joined SWAAY in 1995, initially as Care Manager through to Head of SWAAY. After a change of ownership in 2011 he has since worked as the Operations Director & Responsible Individual. In both Youth & Social Work he has sought to maintain the participation and involvement of Children & Young People in decisions affecting their lives applying the principles of Openness and Equal Communication central to his work.

Helen Holt Wells

Registered Home Manager

Level 5 in Residential Management; Level 3 in CYPS, Level 3 in Occupational Health and Safety, Level 3 in Assessing NVQ/Diploma in CYPS.

Helen is currently a Registered Home Manager with Swaay, she has been here for over 3 years now. Helen has been working within residential services for over 20 years during which she has qualified in a number of areas such as Level 3 in CYPS, Level 3 in Occupational Health and Safety, Level 3 in Assessing NVQ/Diploma in CYPS.

Helen holds a Level 5 in Residential Management, and is also a Foster Carer in my home life for which a great sense of humour comes in handy at SWAAY.

Helen is really passionate about giving young people the opportunities in life to really thrive and have a real chance of having a good life.

Sasha Austria

Registered Home Manager

Level 5 Diploma in leadership & management in health and social care

I have cared for children for twenty-two years; in fostering and secure environments, and as a registered home manager. I am passionate and committed to making a difference to the young people in my care, working with them to give them the best opportunity to turn their lives around. I came to Swaay in 2015 and completed my Diploma level 5 in leadership and management. During my time here I have trained and worked as Designated Safeguarding Officer and am trained to Level 2 in DDP (Dyadic developmental psychotherapy) I manage two SWAAY Homes and I’m proud to have led my team to seven Outstanding residential care inspections.

Anna Ditcham

Registered Home Manager

Ba (Hons) Applied Psychology and Sociology, NVQ 4 Registered Manager, NVQ 3 Care – Promoting Independence

Anna began working for Swaay in January 2022. After completing a Btec National Diploma in Caring Services she went on to university to complete BA Hons in Applied Psychology and Sociology. Anna also holds NVQ 3 Care - Promoting Independence and NVQ 4 in Registered Manager (Adults). She is presently completing the Level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management. Anna has extensive experience working in children’s and young adults’ residential services for over 20 years. Throughout her career she has held varied positions from Support Worker, Team Leader, Manager of young adult homes and children’s homes, Quality Assurance and Deputy Head of Care. This has allowed her to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience within children’s residential services. Her aim as registered manager to Swaay’s newest home is to provide a happy, safe and caring home. She is passionate about the children in her home being supported in an encouraging and respectful way, to have their views, wishes and feelings heard, thereby helping them to overcome their challenges to fulfil their potential and achieve best possible outcomes.

Sarah Baker

Quality Assurance Manager

BSc (Hons) Psychology; LMC Award

Sarah holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and the Management for Care (LMC) award. She began working for SWAAY in July 2002, progressing from a Therapeutic Residential Worker to Registered Home Manager. Sarah has a wealth of experience working alongside Children and Young people who display sexually harmful behaviour whilst supporting the various disciplines within SWAAY. More recently, Sarah has overseen Quality Assurance, policies and procedures, induction for new staff and the design/implementation of SWAAY’s children’s home management software. Sarah is a driven, motivated and organised member of the team at SWAAY.

Betti Erdelyi

Registered Home Manager

NVQ 3 - Residential Care, NVQ 3 - Business Management, NVQ 5 - Leadership and Management.

After earning a BSc in Public Administration in Hungary, Betti relocated to the UK in 2011. She began her career in elderly care before transitioning to roles supporting children. Betti spent two years working with individuals with Autism and ADHD before joining SWAAY in 2019. After serving as Deputy Manager for four years, she advanced to Manager and achieved her registration in November 2023. Betti holds a Level 3 qualification in Residential Care, a Level 3 in Business Management, and a Level 5 in Leadership and Management. She is deeply passionate about fostering a supportive environment for her team, empowering them to deliver the highest quality care to the young people they serve. Betti’s mission is to ensure that each young person feels a sense of belonging, safety, and encouragement to reach their full potential. Dedicated to showing genuine care, Betti inspires young people to build positive, healthy relationships and form meaningful attachments.

Daniel Penn

Registered Home Manager

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Care

Daniel completed his NVQ in Children and Young People's Workforce Level 3 in 2013 and began his career working with children in 2014, starting in a nursery setting. He spent three years as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner before transitioning into residential care. In 2021, Daniel joined SWAAY as a Therapeutic Residential Worker and has since advanced to the role of Registered Home Manager. His first OFSTED inspection as a manager resulted in a "Good" rating. Throughout his career in childcare, Daniel has completed various training programs, including DDP Level 1 and Legionella Awareness. He is a dedicated advocate for young people, striving to act in their best interests and provide the highest level of care.
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If you want to talk to a professional about any of the services that SWAAY provides, from residential placements of boys exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour, to our community based services, then get in touch with us by completing the form below.

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