The staff team at High Peak House are committed to supporting and working with the children and young people in our care to make positive progress in their lives, to overcome adversity and successfully deal with significant life changes. Each child’s interests and strengths are encouraged, and this is reflected in how we promote and encourage participation in a wide range of activities.
We believe that children and young people should live in a stimulating environment that offers a variety of age-appropriate activities both within the Home and through carefully organised and controlled activities locally, and further afield. Participation in activities is seen as a way to channel negative energies, learn new skills, develop a level of fitness, develop social skills and friendships, grow in confidence, and achieve positively. Within our own home and grounds, we develop interests in outdoor life, such as growing plants, walking and bike riding, family games, puzzles, cooking and arts and crafts, as well as developing other hobbies the child may have an interest in. The local urban and rural environments then afford social, cultural, and spiritual opportunities close at hand. We ensure that all children and young people are given opportunity to follow their interests into hobbies and pastimes.
All children and young people are encouraged to reach a level of fitness that matches their ability and interest. Sport can be enjoyable whilst promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle. We arrange a number of internal activities and outside visits to support this. The enthusiasm and skills of our staff routinely combat any feelings of hesitance and reluctance on the part of the children and young people. We also utilise the annual succession of religious festivals, Halloween, and open days to facilitate involvement in production and craft.
Leisure time is important in the learning and growth process for children and young people. It also offers staff the opportunity to spend time constructively with children and young people, helping in the promotion of positive relationships. High Peak House also promotes the concept of allowing children and young people to take measured risks and tries to allow for a degree of spontaneity, recognising that these are a natural part of growing up.