20 June 2024
Caldecott already had, since 1965, Lacton Hall at The Street, Willesborough. Caldecott had built Lacton House on some former grounds there and it was opened in 1985 by the Queen Mother. It now is called Pine Lodge and still belongs to Caldecott Foundation. Small nearby premises known as Willow Trees was also acquired (still owned by Caldecott Foundation), and there was also Lacton Lodge / 62 The Street (later sold).
In September 1983 the family-type group at Lacton Hall had swapped locations with the group of older adolescent boys and girls of the Colt House at Hatch.
In August 2001 the occupiers of Lacton Hall vacated it, some going to the West Haven unit and others to Lakeview at Hatch. Later, Mayfield group moved from Hatch to Lacton Hall and was there until 2011 (vacated for sale of this Hall at 64 The Street in about 2012).
Some small premises elsewhere were acquired for satellite housing, opened in August and October 2001. More substantial buildings were constructed on purchased lands at Shadoxhurst (Woodlands and Five Acres). Lakeview group from Hatch moved there in 2002. I gather that this arrangement only lasted about 18 months before the occupiers then were brought to the Smeeth premises, so that the properties at Shadoxhurst were sold in about 2005.
Only part of the new school constructed on land adjoining Caldecott House was ready by August 2001. The secondary school had to operate from Caldecott House for just over a year until the new school premises were fully ready. Caldecott College was continued for a little while by hiring the former Caldecott school premises which had been vacated.
In subsequent years there have been further changes. These included the new primary school premises not far behind Caldecott House. Even this school needs now to have extended facilities for catering / dining in view of increased numbers of pupils, largely from outside, so as to save them having to hike over to the secondary school for dinners. There is always more to be done.
Caldecott had some financial difficulties in about 2015, with a proposal to sell up and move out of Kent entirely, concentrating on expanding its operations in the East Midlands. We are pleased both that this proposal did not proceed and also that good management has greatly improved the financial position of Caldecott Foundation which seems to be increasing the numbers of children to be accommodated. Good work.