Kelly: A Day In The Life

A lot of what makes Henshaws what it is are the people who work for us. Through our A Day In The Life series, we’re celebrating some of our fantastic and dedicated employees from across the charity who go beyond expectations.
This is to give an insight into how everyone at Henshaws works together to provide our services. We also want to highlight the day-to-day work of our staff, so that future employees can gain a sense of what working for Henshaws is like beyond the job description.
Kelly works for our Specialist College in Harrogate.

Our Specialist College is for students aged 16-25 with special educational needs and disabilities. It offers both day and residential services. You can find out more about the fantastic work our college does to support students at the link below.

Kelly works for the care team within the college. The care team provides personalised care and support to enable students to prepare for the college day and access the college programme. The team also supports students to learn to communicate with others and build on their independence.

Below, Kelly talks about her role, how she supports students and staff, and what working for Henshaws is like for her.

1. What is your role?

I’m the Deputy Head of Care at Henshaws College. My role is to support the Registered Manager in leading and developing high-quality, person-centred care for our students. I oversee care provision, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. I also play a key role in safeguarding as part of the Designated Safeguarding Team.

I’ve worked for Henshaws since 2009. While there have been many challenges along the way, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and continue to do so.

2. Who is the team that you support?

I work closely with, and help oversee, a team of Care and Support Workers across both residential and day services. Together, we create a consistent and supportive environment that enables students to both thrive in their learning, and develop their daily living skills.

3. What can a typical day look like for you?

No two days are the same. A typical day might include checking in with care teams, reviewing support plans, attending multidisciplinary meetings, supporting staff with complex situations, and ensuring safeguarding processes are followed.

I also spend time working directly with students, liaising with families and external professionals, and contributing to the strategic development of the service.

4. How do you support care staff and others to work to the best of their ability?

I provide regular supervision, coaching, and opportunities for reflective practice. I aim to ensure staff feel heard and supported.

Further to this, I offer clear guidance and training to build confidence and competence. Encouraging open communication and a positive team culture is key to helping staff perform at their best.

5. How do you ensure that the team meets each student’s individual needs?

We focus on person-centred planning, ensuring every student has a detailed and regularly reviewed support plan. I work with the team to ensure these plans are clearly understood and consistently implemented.

Collaboration with education staff, therapists and families ensures a holistic approach to meeting each student’s needs.

6. How do you stay up-to-date with best practice and high standards?

I engage in continuous professional development, attend relevant training, and keep up-to-date with sector guidance and legislation, particularly around safeguarding and care standards.

In addition, I’m currently completing a Level 7 qualification in Strategic Leadership. I’m thoroughly enjoying this and gaining a great deal from it.

I’ve also recently been successfully appointed as a Non-Teaching Staff Governor. This role involves supporting the strategic direction of the organisation, providing oversight and helping to ensure accountability.

7. How do you demonstrate Henshaws’ values of ambition, respect and empowerment?

I promote ambition by encouraging both students and staff to reach their full potential. Respect is embedded in everything we do, ensuring that everyone’s voice, choices and individuality are valued. Empowerment comes from both enabling students to develop independence, and supporting staff to take ownership of their roles with confidence.

8. How does your role fit into Henshaws College and Henshaws as a whole?

My role is to ensure that care and education work seamlessly together. By maintaining high-quality care provision and strong safeguarding practices, I contribute to the wider mission of Henshaws, supporting people to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

9. What would you tell people considering working for Henshaws and Henshaws College?

It’s a rewarding place to work where you can genuinely make a difference. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values development, inclusivity, and innovation. It’s a role that can be challenging, but it also gives you a real sense of purpose.

10. What does working for Henshaws mean to you?

Working for Henshaws means being part of something meaningful. It’s about supporting individuals to achieve outcomes that truly matter to them, while working within a team that shares strong values and a commitment to high-quality care and safeguarding.

Having been here since 2009, I’ve seen my fair share of challenges, like any organisation. However, what stands out is how we face them together. It can be tough at times, but we always support one another and that’s what I value most about working here.