Children's Guide - Children's Homes

A colourful, child-friendly guide designed specifically for children living in residential care.

The CareDocs Direct Children's Guide provides children and young people with clear, friendly and easy-to-understand information about their home, their rights, the people supporting them and what they can expect while living there.

Designed with colourful illustrations, accessible language and interactive sections, the guide can be personalised by each children's home to create a welcoming resource for the children they care for.

Developed by an experienced Responsible Individual with over 30 years in health and social care — so you can trust every section is practical, compliant, and inspection-ready.

The Guide Includes:

• Welcome to your home
• Meet the people who support you
• Your voice, wishes and feelings
• Feeling safe
• Health and wellbeing
• School, learning and activities
• Family, friends and important relationships
• Everyday life in the home
• Behaviour, boundaries and support
• Complaints and advocacy
• Reviews and information about you
• Goals, independence and your future
• Moving on and transitions
• Interactive spaces for children to share their views
• Home personalisation and review checklist

Fully editable — add your home name, photographs, staff information, routines, local services and contact details.

Format: Fully editable Microsoft Word (.docx) — instant digital download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this guide Ofsted-compliant?

Yes. This guide is designed to support children's homes in England to meet their obligations under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards, including the requirement to provide children with information about their home, their rights, and how to raise concerns. It should be used alongside your organisation's policies and procedures.

Can I edit the guide?

Absolutely. The guide is fully editable in Microsoft Word (.docx), so you can personalise it with your home's name, photographs, staff details, routines, local services and contact information.

What format will I receive?

You will receive a Microsoft Word (.docx) file. After purchase, your download link will be available immediately — no waiting, no physical item posted.

Is this suitable for a single children's home or a group of homes?

This guide is licensed for use within a single service. If you manage multiple homes, please purchase one copy per service.

What if I need help after purchase?

If you have any questions about your download or the guide, please contact us via the store and we'll be happy to help.