The month of February was a special one on the Kibble calendar as children and adults at Hallhill Cottage celebrated their first birthday in their new home!
To mark this occasion, children chose how they wanted to celebrate. Suggestions were raised by adults at the dining table, “maybe we can throw a big party”, “we could get a bouncy castle and ice cream” … but this was not what the children had in mind. Instead, the children collectively tapped into what home means for them, and so the day consisted of a delicious continental breakfast, a trip to the swimming baths, and home for a movie night in pyjamas. What could be a more perfect day for the children to mark this special milestone.
In readiness for our birthday breakfast, children got to work on decorating party hats, whilst the adults decorated the dining room with colourful bunting with photos of the children, star garlands, birthday banners and lots of colourful balloons. The children woke up so excited about their special birthday breakfast and ran from their beds. We enjoyed delicious pancakes, croissants and pain au chocolates washed down with orange juice. Of course, no celebration would be complete without cake, and not just any cake! We received a delivery of special highland cow cupcakes and pink roses… just like our hairy four-legged neighbours that graze in the surrounding fields.
Once breakfast had settled, the children enjoyed swimming in the afternoon, then came home to settle on the sofa with a movie in their pyjamas. The children remarked at how special a day it was, proving that often the simplest of celebrations are the most treasured.
A Milestone Year at Hallhill Cottage
Since the children moved to Hallhill Cottage, we are so proud of all that they have achieved. At what can be a difficult transition for children, they embraced this and settled quickly in their new home. What was important, is that they were all together. Significant steps were made by the adults at Hallhill to make the children feel as settled as possible. This included regular trips, where the children were so excited about the house, the acres of grounds to play and the wildlife on their doorstep. We also supported the children to remain in the schools, clubs and activities attended, giving them the option over time to try local clubs and amenities if they preferred. By keeping these important routines, the children thrived and adjusted quickly to their new surroundings.
When we moved initially, one of the children was anxious about his belongings being moved without him being there. To make this easier, we helped him carefully pack the items and carry them to the car before he went to school, then he helped bring his things into the house after school. This was very important to him, and helped him to feel safe and navigate this big transition.
The children are enjoying living at Hallhill Cottage and they love being outdoors. Given the chance, they would be outdoors playing from dusk until dawn. We get regular visits from roe deer, sheep, cows, owls and other incredible birdlife. We love to observe the birds on the feeders by our kitchen window when making our coco pops. The children have also embraced the community and love to go skating, ride their bikes and visit the nearby beach.
Dan Johnson, Executive Director and lead Forensic Psychologist with the Specialist Intervention Services at Kibble, said:
“The relationships that exist between children, young people and the adults that support them is the foundation for everything that we do. It’s these genuine, trusting connections that give children the stability and confidence to adjust to change, even when this can feel very unsettling.”
Committed to Excellence
During this year, Hallhill Cottage also was also awarded an overall score of ‘6 – Excellent’ by the Care Inspectorate. The recognition from the Care Inspectorate focuses on the current care, support and residential setting provided by Kibble, with a strong emphasis on the range of supports offered to help the children transition from their existing house in Largs to Howwood.
We continue to be incredibly proud of the children, and what we have collectively achieved across the service. It Takes a Village to Raise a Child, and we are so fortunate to have an incredible team of adults, parents / carers and neighbours who all work together to create happy childhoods and bright futures for the children.
Happy Birthday Hallhill Cottage!