Celebrating 20 Years: We’re Opening a New Therapeutic Residential Home in Deal
As we mark 20 years of providing therapeutic care and education to vulnerable children, we at Channels & Choices are proud to announce the opening of our newest residential home — Pier House, located on the outskirts of Deal, Kent.
Pier House is a beautiful, newly renovated four-bed home designed to provide therapeutic residential care for children aged 6 to 14 who have experienced early life trauma. It reflects our ongoing commitment to offering safe, nurturing, and homely environments where children can heal, grow, and begin to thrive.
A Home That Feels Like Family
We have carefully adapted Pier House to create a warm, welcoming space that mirrors a typical family home. With four spacious bedrooms for children, and communal living areas that promote togetherness and belonging, every detail has been designed to offer comfort and familiarity.
Our small, family-sized homes allow us to deliver high-quality, individualised therapeutic support. At Pier House, our dedicated team of therapeutically trained staff will provide 24-hour care, helping each child feel safe, heard, and understood.
Therapeutic Support Built Into Every Day
At Channels & Choices, therapeutic care is at the heart of everything we do. Each child at Pier House will benefit from a personalised daily routine, including both one-on-one and group support sessions such as Children’s Meetings and ‘Get Togethers’. Shared meals and activities are important parts of the day, helping children feel part of a caring and consistent community.
Children placed with us will also have access to specialist education through our SEMH school, The Sallygate School, located in Kearsney, near Dover. Additionally, our in-house multidisciplinary therapy team — including Speech and Language Therapists, an Occupational Therapist, a Dance and Movement Psychotherapist, and an Art Psychotherapist — ensures that support is timely, consistent, and tailored to each child’s needs.
A Pathway to Family Life
Wherever possible, we aim for children to return to a family environment — whether that’s with their parents, extended family, or in a foster placement. Our unique Stepping Stone programme supports children who have lived in our residential homes to move into fostering, often keeping their same school placement, therapist, and trusted staff members throughout the transition. This continuity is key in helping children feel secure and supported as they take the next step in their journey.
A Proven Track Record of Outstanding Care
We are proud that all our residential homes are rated either Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Recent inspection feedback highlighted the nurturing environments we create, the positive experiences we offer, and the dedication of our staff.
“The children live in a nurturing home. Their achievements are celebrated regardless of how big or small, which empowers children and increases their confidence about what they can achieve.” — Ofsted Inspector
Activities like horse riding, drama clubs, and talent shows are just some of the ways we help children explore their interests, build confidence, and enjoy their childhoods.
Growing Our Team in Deal
With the opening of Pier House, we’re also creating new job opportunities for local people. We are passionate about investing in our staff and offer a comprehensive two-week induction, ongoing training, and a fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
Every Channels & Choices employee also receives Private Medical Care, which includes optical, dental, and audiological coverage, as well as 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. We want our team to feel valued, well supported, and proud of the work they do.
Kate Stephenson, Operational Director and Responsible Individual, shares: “We are delighted to be opening Pier House in our twentieth year of caring for children. Our new staff team are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first children, and we are incredibly proud to be offering a safe, small, nurturing, family-style environment where children can begin to heal and flourish.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you’re passionate about working with children and want to be part of a committed and caring team, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our current opportunities and start your journey with us today:
