About

Small by design. Built around relationships.

Stepping Stone Homes Ltd operates Hammond House in Colchester. We chose a small-home model because children benefit from being known as individuals rather than managed as part of a large service.

Why we exist.

Children living in residential care may have experienced uncertainty, disruption or relationships that have not always felt safe. Our role is not to define a child by what has happened to them, or by the behaviour adults find difficult. It is to provide a stable home, dependable relationships and the support they need to make progress at their own pace.

A smaller home creates more opportunity for familiar relationships, individual attention and a day-to-day environment where each child can be known well.

A relaxed corner of the living room at Hammond House with comfortable seating.

What we mean by good care.

Good residential care shows up in ordinary moments as much as in formal plans: being greeted warmly after school, knowing who will be there, having adults who remember what matters to you, being helped to repair a difficult moment, and having your views taken seriously.

Known as an individual

Safe and respected

Supported to make progress

Included in decisions

Leadership and accountability.

Hammond House is led day to day by its Registered Manager, with oversight from the Responsible Individual and the provider’s governance arrangements.

Meet the people leading Hammond House

Strong residential care depends on leadership that stays connected to children, staff and everyday life in the home. Nancy leads Hammond House day to day, supported by Cristina as the Responsible Individual.

Nancy Bwalya

Registered Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead

“My role is to make sure every child at Hammond House receives the care, support and attention they need as an individual.”

You will see me around Hammond House throughout the week, working closely with the staff team and making sure the things that matter to each child are understood and followed through.

Sometimes a child may ask for something that needs a little more planning or a decision from someone else. When that happens, I will make sure they understand what is happening and will work to get them an answer as quickly as I can.

I want children living at Hammond House to know that they can speak to me, that their views matter and that difficult moments do not define what they can achieve. My aim is to help every child feel supported to take their next step forward.

Cristina Giugiuca

Responsible Individual

“My role is to support Nancy and help make sure Hammond House continues to provide care that is centred on each individual child.”

I am not based at Hammond House every day, but I remain connected to the home and am available when I am needed.

An important part of my role is making sure that children’s individual needs remain at the centre of their care planning and that Nancy and the team have the support they need to provide good, consistent care.

I want children to know that there are senior people around Hammond House who care about how they are being supported and who will listen when something needs attention.

Difficult moments do not define what a child can achieve.

Partnership matters.

Children do best when the adults around them work from the same understanding. We work with placing authorities, social workers, education and health professionals, and families where appropriate — and we are prepared to challenge constructively when a child’s needs are not being met.

Honest about fit.

Hammond House will not be the right home for every referral. Matching considers the child’s needs, the home’s current ability to meet them, and the impact on children already living there. A clear “not the right match” is better than a placement that begins without the right foundations.

Our Approach For Professionals