Working Holistically in Children’s Residential Care

In this episode, Clare talks to David Bartlett MBE, founder and Managing Director of Pear Tree Projects, about working holistically in children’s residential care.

David introduces his foundational framework of values, environment and experiences that underpins his organisation’s approach, and reflects on the interplay between these three elements. He also emphasises the importance of involving children and young people in designing their environment and supporting them to build skills for life. They discuss what is meant by ‘animal-assisted therapy’ and the benefits of this approach for individuals who have experienced trauma.

Guided by a values-based approach and strong connection to nature, David Bartlett founded Pear Tree Projects in 1990, to provide an alternative environment in which children and young people in the care system could thrive. Pear Tree Projects currently has 6 residential homes and a special school based on the organisation’s farms, which cover over 500 acres of land. David received an MBE in 2016.

Find out more about Pear Tree Projects on their website, where you can also read David’s publication, ‘In Search of Utopia’.

He also shares three tips during the episode:

• • Giving young people the skills they need to engage in economic society and preparing them well for employment is key.

• • Acknowledge the importance and impact of a behaviourist approach.

• • Implement a fair and effective justice system in your setting.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.

Find out how Team Teach can help your organisation.

The Team Teach podcast is created in the UK, adhering to UK law and guidance. Practitioners should exercise their professional judgment to determine the appropriateness of any Team Teach material for their specific sector and geographic region, and be aware of the applicable laws and guidelines governing their organisation.