Southview Statement of Purpose. South View. Statement of Purpose. August

Transcription

1 South View Statement of Purpose August

2 Introduction This statement of purpose, is written in accordance within the regulatory requirements of the Children s Homes Regulations A copy of this statement is provided to Ofsted and is also available to upon request to: Any person who works at South View. Any young person accommodated at South View. The parent, or person/s with parental responsibility, of any child accommodated at South View. The placing Authority or Agency of any young people accommodated at South View The registered provider for South View is; Pathway Care Residential 7 Castle Quay Castle Boulevard Nottingham NG7 1FW Tel: The Responsible Individual (as defined under current legislation), for South View is Alexandra Bryn. alexandra.bryn@pathwaycaresolutions.co.uk The Registered Manager (as defined under current legislation) for South View is James Michael Proctor: Jim Proctor South View Farm House Stamford Lincolnshire j.proctor@acorncare.co.uk

3 Registration Ofsted URN Registration Number SC South View Children s Home May provide care and accommodation for up to 4 children/young people May provide care and accommodation for children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD). We will also consider children/young people with mild/moderate learning disability 1. Location of and Accommodation at South View South View Children s Home is a substantial, detached former farmhouse with large private gardens and a separate paddock, situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire market town of Stamford in a quiet semi-rural setting. Stamford has been identified as one of the best towns to live in, in England and has a range of local amenities, health services and activities, including, a gym, swimming pool, theatre, football clubs, drama groups, youth clubs, shops and restaurants. There are also excellent transport links via the A1 to larger towns nearby including, Peterborough, Grantham and Lincoln. In addition to this, Rutland Water is a short drive from the home offering opportunities for a number of outdoor pursuits and activities. South View benefits from large, light, airy rooms with a calming atmosphere. The house has a large kitchen diner with all domestic appliances. There is a separate utility area containing a washing machine and tumble dryer where young people are able to do their own washing, with support from staff if necessary. There are 2 main reception rooms downstairs, the main lounge and the snug. The lounge is a large open room, with patio doors leading to the garden. There is a pool table, television, DVD player and large table for playing board games, reading or any other hobbies any young people may have. It also has a punch bag. The snug is a smaller room that is designed, decorated and furnished in consultation with the young people accommodated at South View and their wishes. The snug is a comfortable, more informal space with a sofa, television, games consoles and multi-activity table. We also have a range of musical instruments in this room. There is also a large open hallway, with pictures and photographs from a range of activities and trips out and a telephone for use by young people. Each young person has their own bedroom with a lockable door and private bathroom facilities. Young people s rooms are decorated and furnished to a high standard. Young people are encouraged and supported to personalise their own personal living space. They can choose colour schemes, furnishings, soft furnishings or posters/pictures to reflect their individual personalities and tastes. Separate from the main building, above the garage there is access to computers and a large screen and projector where young people can access the internet, watch films on the large screen or complete school work if required. Outside, the house has extensive grounds including a large drive and lawn areas at the front, sides and rear of the house. There is also paved patio, which can be accessed through the lounge,

4 with a basketball hoop, barbeque and outdoor seating, perfect for the summer months. There is a small vegetable area, where young people can grow and cultivate their favourite vegetables. There is also a large paddock at the rear of the house for the use of young people, a range of activities have been provided including a football goal and even a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course. In addition to this there are enough bikes available for all young people to be able to use one at the same time. The extensive nature of the home and grounds will ensure that young people have the opportunity to spend time either on their own or with one or two particular friends. There are a mixture of social areas and also quiet areas for young people to relax. Surveillance There are door alarms fitted to each young person s bedroom. These can be activated in isolation and will only become so with agreement from the relevant Local Authority and parents where appropriate. Where this is activated, this is recorded in the young people s risk assessments. There are also alarm fitted to all external doors which are only activated once the staff go to bed at night. This alarm only sounds in the office (also sleep in room) and also pages the second sleeping in staff. 2. Admissions At South View all possible care is taken to ensure that all the children accommodated meet all of the criteria of registration, placement continuation and eventual discharge, as appropriate. In respect of all admissions, the assessment and approval process will always consider the needs of any new child concerned, and the likely effects of his admission upon the existing group of residents. This best-fit matching for all children ensures that no one child admitted presents a known significant risk likely to compromise the safety or developmental opportunities of any other. South View Children s Home aims where possible to follow a model of admission in line with schedules set out in The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) regulations 2010, where we will: Inform the child concerned, along with any person with parental responsibility of the pre-admission assessment. Consider all information from partners involved in the partnership of care for the child. Arrange, where possible to meet the child at their current placement prior to them visiting South View. Provide opportunities for the child to visit the home prior to admission. Agree with social work teams the tasks, preferred outcomes and the time limits of the placement, as outlined in the care plan and generate a placement plan in line with parts 2 and 3 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010.

5 Review the placement and care plans within 20 days of the admission and then three months and six months. Further reviews will take place at least every six months; or as requested sooner by any member of the Partnership of Care. Inform Lincolnshire LSCB of all admissions of young people out of the area to South View Inform our Police liaison officer of all new admissions and discharges 3. Aims and Objectives of South View The overall aim of South View Children s home is to provide a safe, nurturing, caring and homely environment for each young person, where issues and concerns affecting their past, present and their future can be positively addressed and supported. Working in partnership with each young person, their families, social workers and other professionals we endeavour to enhance each child s levels of self-esteem by creating and maximizing safe opportunities in which to learn, develop and realise appropriate degrees of selfdetermination. Wherever possible we aim for young people to return safely to their family homes. We are aware that this is not always possible or in the best interest of the young people, in these circumstances we aim explore other preferred choices which may be foster care, semi-independent living, independent living, supported lodgings, or specialised residential care. We achieve this through a holistic approach to devising and implementing individual Care Plans that address each young person s care needs, enabling them to optimise their potential and to achieve, or contribute to the achievement of planned outcomes. A child centred approach, where young person s opinions, feelings and wishes are valued and listened to and young people feel supported and cared for Offering an environment conducive to the child s personal development, where staff act as positive role models Providing each young person with a sustainable programme of appropriate social integration tailored to their changing needs, interests and choices. Considering the cultural, racial, spiritual, linguistic and all other needs of young people and make strenuous efforts to meet those needs Where appropriate supporting young people and their families to maintain and strengthen relationships and contacts. For young people to experience the joy of the best that life can offer Objectives: To protect each individual young person and keep them free from harm, abuse, exploitation, injustice and discrimination. For young people to be actively involved in their individual care and decisions relating to their care needs. To provide a range of quality assured opportunities for the child or young person to experience

6 For each individual young person to enjoy good physical and mental health and live a healthy lifestyle Wherever appropriate, to involve and re-integrate the young person into their local networks for play and leisure. To ensure that this involvement remains part of the child or young person s plan and pathway through the service. To offer accurate and comprehensive risk assessments to keep the young person safe To work in partnership with families and placing authorities. To actively pursue positive outcomes for young people through an individualised care plan to support each child to reach their potential. To listen to our young people to help shape our service. To work collaboratively with education provisions to provide consistency of support of the educational progress of young people in our care Preparing young people for their transition to adulthood in accordance with agreed plans. 4. Profile of Young People Accommodated At South View South View accommodates up to four children or young people between the age of 10 and 17 years. There will not be more than a six-year age range accommodated in South View at any one time depending on the needs of the children. South View accommodates only males who may display a range of challenging behaviours rooted from their emotional and behavioural difficulties. These may include aggression toward peers and staff, drug misuse, sexualised behaviours, going missing from care or criminal activities. The young people referred to South View often present with one of more of these difficulties. We will also consider young people who present with a mild or moderate learning disability. Through challenging the negative, praising the positive and taking the time to listen and talk to young people about their difficulties, we aim to help our young people to address the underlying causes of their difficulties and assist them in finding individualised strategies and coping mechanisms to support to overcome them. We will tailor the methods used in working with our young people to their particular learning needs. 5. Care Planning and Philosophy of the work undertaken at South View The philosophy of work and culture of South View Children s Home is one which promotes the development of meaningful relationships between staff and young people based on the core values of mutual respect and good parenting, respectful to the values of privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights, responsibilities and fulfilment. All staff at South View are encouraged to have an active awareness of each young person s racial, cultural, religious and dietary needs, and all young people will receive sensitivity in practice, especially when dealing with personal issues. All services and care provided for young people at South View will be based on the information provided by the placing agency and our own assessment documentation which will be used to develop an appropriate child centred plan of care.

7 The individual Care Plan acts as a central document which is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure progress towards agreed SMART targets is being made, if this is not the case strategies are implemented in consultation with the young people to further support them to achieve their targets. The care plan is used to ensure that we are appropriately meeting health, education and social needs of each child placed at South View. All young people at South View will be actively encouraged to share and influence the day-to-day routines and practices within the home as well being provided with the opportunity to actively engage in, and influence the planning and delivery of a wide variety of leisure activities which may include holidays both abroad and in this country and access appropriate opportunities which involve calculated risk. We aim to achieve this through a variety of means, including young person s meetings, feedback forms, key working sessions and monthly reviews of their care plans. All young people at South View will be made aware of how to discreetly raise a concern both formally through the homes complaints procedure and informally, via "I just want to say (feedback) forms. Information on how to raise these concerns is included in the homes young person s guide, which is provided to young people on commencement of their placement at South View. There will be different versions of feedback forms depending on the learning needs of the young person Young People accommodated at South View will be provided with support and guidance from an allocated keyworker who will give support and guidance about how to make appropriate decisions and actions regarding their health, education and emotional wellbeing. Staff at South View will actively promote appropriate, positive family contact, as agreed in the Care Plan and in consultations with social services for each young person, particularly if it supports the possibility of a return to living in the family home. Young people placed at South View Children s Home will have the opportunity to gain confidence and build self-esteem in an atmosphere that encourages involvement in a range of social, leisure and cultural experiences dependent on their interests and abilities. The care team will strive to ensure that each young person has a strong awareness of, and pride in, their individual identity and culture and that they are enabled to develop their personal, emotional, social and educational potential. 6. Organisational Structure of South View Children s Home please see separate appendix for staffing details At South View, there will be up to three staff members on duty from 7.00am until 10.00pm depending on the numbers of children placed and the levels of their needs. Weekends or holidays if the children are not attending school there will be three staff members on at all times from 8.00 am to 10.00pm seven days a week. A child may be supported by additional staffing ratio by agreement with their placing authority. At night time, there will be two sleep-in staff and in the event of identified risk, staff ratios may be increased accordingly. The members of staff who are on a sleep in may be woken during the

8 night to respond to children s unexpected waking and/or emergencies. South View operates an on-call rota that affords all care staff the opportunity to request support and advice on a 24-hour basis. Staff Supervision Supervision is provided for all staff at South View in accordance with Children s home Regulations Each staff member receives supervision on a regular basis from a senior member of staff. A supervision agreement is discussed by both the supervisor and supervisee. Supervisions take place at least once every month, additional supervisions can be requested by either the supervisor or supervisee. The objective of the supervisions is to ensure that staff are supported to perform their role to the standards specified by South View and to, at all times, provide the highest levels of care to the young people accommodated within the home. Records, including the detail and date of the supervision are kept in individual staff supervision files within the home. Both the supervisor and supervisee sign the document to state the record is an accurate reflection of what was discussed. 7. Recruitment, Staff Training and Development All recruitment of staff at South View follows the Safer Recruiting guidelines. Before any staff are confirmed in position they have all had an enhanced disclosure check through the DBS checking system. We will also obtain two references for each employee, one of which is from their last employment. These will be followed up by a telephone call to confirm the identity of the author of the reference. Young people accommodated at South View are included in the recruitment process of new staff and their feedback is sought before any appointments are made. All newly appointed staff undergo an induction programme. Newly appointed staff will also undertake all statutory training and additional training relevant to their roles: that will include: Child Protection / Safeguarding TEAM TEACH First Aid Food Safety / Hygiene There will be a continuing induction training programme for new staff that will ensure that all staff receive training in the relevant areas such as Risk Assessments, reporting and recording, equality and diversity and health and safety. Specialist training can be sought such as epilepsy and attachment training. South View is committed to continuous professional development of all staff members. All staff complete a quarterly skills audit, whereby they score themselves based on their confidence and knowledge in all areas relating to their work at South View. We use the information received to identify areas where specific, personalised training for all staff at South View would be beneficial to the operation of the home and outcomes for young people.

9 Training will be delivered either in-house, or through external agencies by suitably qualified trainers and independent providers. All permanent staff are expected to have or to be working towards the level three diploma in accordance with The Children s homes Regulations Training and development requirements will be identified through a range of sources including supervisions, skills audits, annual appraisals and the changing needs of young people accommodated at South View. 8. Outcomes For Young People Primary concern is given to the health needs and welfare of all young people accommodated at South View. Therefore, as part of the admission process, keyworkers at South View will ensure that every child is registered with a local GP, dentist and optician and that arrangements are made for necessary visits and periodic tests. Records of all medical appointments and any treatment and advice are completed and care plans and health plans updated in young person s individual live files. Young people will be supported by staff to make appointments for themselves to promote and develop their personal independence skills and self - confidence. Consent for the administration of medications and drugs will also be sought as part of the admissions process. Thereafter decisions about who will be responsible for administering or consenting to emergency medical treatment will be taken after consultations with medical professionals, senior staff and those, parental responsibility and social workers. All children and young people accommodated at South View will have an individual Health Plan to promote their health and wellbeing. This plan will cover all aspects of the individual s health and health related outcomes. This is to recognise that the children and young people who will be looked after at South View will have differing health needs. The staff team will be trained in the administration of medication and the National Health Services are available to provide on-going clinical interventions. Healthcare will not be restricted to the treatment of illnesses/accidents or medical matters. Personal health and hygiene will be promoted. Information and guidance on topics such as alcohol/drug abuse, sexual matters, HIV and Aids, will be made available when appropriate. At South View all medications including non-prescribed medicines are stored in locked cabinets, in accordance with Children s homes Regulations 2015 and are recorded on individual medical records held at the home. All records for medication administered at South View are signed by at least 1 member of staff to ensure accuracy and a robust system for administering and storing medication is maintained at all times. All young people at South View can access direct specialist therapeutic and counselling services from CAMHS or other professional therapeutic services where the need arises. Young people are all made aware of their rights to advocacy services and support from children s rights services and are made aware of how to access these services. All care staff at South View share a common responsibility to promote the health and welfare of all young people accommodated at the home. All children at South View are actively discouraged

10 from smoking. Staff support young people, who smoke when they are admitted to South View, are encouraged to quit through key working, individual incentive schemes and local smoking cessation clinics. Smoking is not permitted within the building. Staff are not allowed to smoke in front of children at any time, or to provide any assistance for children to smoke. Any young person who does not smoke when they are admitted to South View are praised for this and reward schemes are in place to discourage them from starting to smoke. Young People at South View are actively encouraged and supported to influence their care and the way the home is run. No child is assumed to be unable to communicate their views or feelings. A range of avenues are available for all young people to express their views, including: house meetings, care plan reviews, LAC reviews, key working and the home s gripes and grumbles book, I just want to say forms and the complaints procedure. Information on all of these is available in the young person s guide which all young people receive upon admission to South View. Young People at South View are always encouraged to attend and complete the appropriate preparatory documentation prior to their reviews. At South View we believe that all young people should be involved in their care planning and review process and take a very child centred approach to the way the home operates. Keyworkers assist young people to complete relevant paperwork prior to the review and to express their views, feelings and wishes. Young people at South View also form part of the interview process for new staff at the home. Young people may be involved in showing prospective staff around their home or may form part of the formal interview. Their feedback is always sought by the management team before any decisions are reached with regards to new staff. House meetings are held on a regular basis at the home, at which children are encouraged to play an active role in the planning of both individual and group activities. During the house meetings, young people help plan the menu for the upcoming week, get a chance to discuss any activities they are interested in or express any concerns they may have. Minutes are written up following each house meeting and young people are able to request a copy if they wish. At South View the aim above all else is to provide a caring, nurturing and supportive home environment to enable each young person to acquire the necessary skills and confidence to make their transition to adulthood within a framework which ensures that: Young people will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. Young people will be cared for appropriately and valued as individuals. Young people will be given privacy as far as practicable and be free from unnecessary intrusion. Young people will be encouraged to exercise choice and participate in decision-making processes. Young people s welfare will be safeguarded whilst not being over protected and be free from exploitation and abuse. Young people will be supported to achieve their individual potential and make the most of resources available to them in the home and within the local community. Young people s ethnicity, language, culture and religion, sexuality or any other matter related to individual identity will be promoted.

11 Young people will be provided with a warm and safe environment free from bullying and harassment. Young people will be encouraged to make their views or complaints known without fear of victimisation. Young people accommodated at South View are actively encouraged to engage in a range of positive activities within the community. Any interests a young person has when they are admitted to South View, or develop whilst residing at South View will be encouraged and young people will be provided with opportunities to participate in their chosen interests. Young people are also encouraged to participate in projects to support the local community. These projects include raising money for local charities through care boot sales or cake sales and voluntary work in local charity shops. Young people are provided with opportunities to engage in voluntary work, work experience or even paid work within the local community to further develop their independence and development towards adulthood. 9. Education Provision and 24-hour learning The 24-hour learning is designed to help children and young people to consolidate their learning in a meaningful structured way by incorporating their learning targets into their daily life outside school. All young people placed at South View will be supported by the staff team to seek opportunities throughout their day for learning and achievement in the natural learning setting of their home. All our young people will be actively encouraged to partake in formal and informal educational opportunities appropriate to their individual needs. It is not uncommon for young people to be admitted to South View with a history of poor attendance or exclusion from school for a variety of reasons. At South View all efforts will be made at the active planning stage for admission to secure an education provision for the child. There are local education provisions within Acorn Care and Education that may be able to support the needs and requirements of young people accommodated at South View. If there is not an appropriate provision available within the company, then we will endeavour to find suitable external education provisions for all young people placed at South View. Where young people have secured an education place but need support to be reintegrated back to full time education, there are on-site education facilities which can be used by education providers to assist in this process. We have had experience of young people successfully transitioning into full time education where they have been absent from schooling for a prolonged period of time. All young people will receive encouragement and assistance from South View staff to attend their education provision regularly and educational achievements will be celebrated. All young people will have a Personal Education plan (PEP) which will be reviewed termly, and where appropriate, a statement of special educational needs/ Education, health and placement plan.

12 Keyworkers at South View will support young people in terms of resolving any issues and/or difficulties with the school, transport, uniform and equipment purchases, attend school functions, parent evenings and provide the conduit for information shared between the home and school. Staff at South View will take an active interest in the education for all young people accommodated at the home and will aim to provide clear lines of communication and consistency between the home and education provision. In addition to the education facilities available at South View each young person has an area either in their bedrooms or downstairs for quiet, personal study. 10. Leisure and Social Activities Young people are consulted and their views and wishes are always listened to with regards to leisure activities. All young people will be encouraged and supported to make the best use of local leisure centres, youth clubs and sports facilities. Specific activities may be arranged to facilitate individual s wishes such as a young person s favourite sport or hobby. Young people have access to and a choice of toys, games, books and magazines. Young people may have T.V, DVD and games consoles in their own room. 11. Supporting Good Behaviour, Order and Conduct South View promotes and rewards positive behaviour as opposed to using punitive measures to sanction negative behaviour. Young people residing at South View may have a history of challenging behaviours and we believe that positive re-enforcement and a caring supportive atmosphere is the best environment to support young people in overcoming these difficulties. South View operates a points and rewards system, this has been designed in consultation with the young people accommodated at South View and is based around a model of basic social expectations. Young people who achieve high scores on the rewards system are able to earn additional privileges or trips out. The points and rewards system is specific to each individual young person accommodated at South View and is tailored to their specific areas of difficulty. The points and rewards system and positive re-enforcement employed at South View has drastically reduced the frequency of incidents within the home. We operate policies on care and control and positive behaviour management. This is supported by incentive schemes that are individually tailored to each young person. Each young person at South View has a Behaviour Management Plan that is written in consultation with the young person and agreed with parents/carers and the young person s Social Worker and placing authority. The Behaviour Management Plan focuses on individual young person s previous successes and positives that they feel help them to regulate their behaviour and de-escalate situations. All staff receive training in the BILD approved Team Teach model of de-escalation and physical intervention. The course is specifically planned to meet the needs of young people. The course

13 can be customised (within the remit of the model) according to changes of need. We firmly believe that physical intervention should only be used as a last resort to maintain safety. We believe that interventions with young people should be relationship based and founded upon the principles of a child-centred, caring, nurturing approach. The value of encouraging young people to connect feelings to presented behaviour assists in their cognitive development to encourage recognition and work towards more suitable/positive alternative behaviours. Young people are encouraged to talk out rather than act out acknowledging that what they do affects others, just as what others do affects them. Boundaries within the home are appropriate to the age, circumstances and plans of each young person. They are designed to be realistic, sensitive, not demeaning and are consistently applied. Staff members will strive to engender a sense of belonging and personal worth in young people living at South View. There is awareness within the staff group that emotional distress and lack of comprehension can manifest in disruptive behaviour and that this must be managed and responded to sensitively. This aspect of behaviour management is covered within our training programme. In managing difficult behaviours, members of staff are made aware that there is a hierarchy of de-escalation techniques and skills, verbal intervention approaches and early behaviour management techniques which they can draw from when assisting and supporting young people with stressful and painful situations. We are committed to creating an ethos within the home that ensures no member of staff or young person is subjected to intimidation, discrimination, racial or sexual harassment or any form of harassment or bullying. We also recognise that for some children or young people that bully they too may be doing this due to experiences of being bullied themselves. This too will be addressed in a non-judgemental and positive manner where the act of bullying is not acceptable behaviour. If a significant incident occurs at South View, it will be reported to parents/carers, social workers and, where necessary, to Ofsted. The Registered Manager has a clear responsibility to conduct regular monitoring of incidents and patterns of behaviour and will pay particular attention to potential for stereotyping, labelling, bullying, personality clashes and misuse of procedures. 12. Consultation with Children and Young People All young people will be actively encouraged and supported to take part in discussions relating to the operation of the home and the home environment. Young people will be given opportunities to participate in activities of their choice and will always have their views, feelings and wishes listened to by staff in relation to any aspects of the service provision. House meetings take place on a regular basis where young people are encouraged to express their feelings and views. This gives the young people an opportunity to make decisions which are beneficial to them and to the smooth running of the home as a whole.

14 Consultation will also take place through individual key working sessions. This process will enable young people to have an active say in the running of the home or decisions which are important to them. Young people are also consulted about their care plans, and prior to any LAC review or PEP meeting. There are systems in place within the home which enable young people to raise concerns in a private fashion through the formal complaints procedure, gripes and grumbles book and I just want to say forms. These formats will be tailored to different learning needs. 13. Representations and Complaints We have a clear policy and procedure for managing comments and complaints. A copy of our complaints policy and procedure will be made available to all families, young people and placing authority. No complaint is considered too trivial to be given full and serious attention and we believe that with an open and honest dialogue most concerns can be resolved informally by discussion. On admission, all young people will be given a Young Person s Guide which has guidance on how to raise a complaint. We will ensure this information is provided in a format which aids understanding. Significant family members and placing Social Worker will also be given these documents. Information regarding the complaints procedure is one of the issues discussed at the beginning of a placement. It is also discussed via the Placement Planning Meeting with parents/carers and Social Workers. While every care is taken throughout the process to remain objective and impartial in relation to the complaints we acknowledge that young people may wish to discuss their complaint with, or seek representation from a person not employed at South View. Parents/carers, other significant family members or visiting advocates may act as representatives on behalf of a young person. In any event, it is essential that Social Workers and those with parental responsibility be kept informed throughout the complaints procedure. It is important to note that if the issue relates to a member of staff they will be made aware of the complaint but will not interview the young person. A staff member who is the subject of a complaint may not initially be given the full details of the complaint until the Registered Manager or other senior manager has completed a fact-finding enquiry. Comments and complaints records are monitored by the Registered Manager and via monitoring visits by the Responsible Individual. These records are also available to inspectors from Ofsted and if appropriate the young person s placing authority. Complaints can also be made directly to Ofsted and these will be monitored in the inspection procedures.

15 14. Safeguarding Children and Young People In order to help young people placed at South View, the Service has developed policy, systems and processes with partners and stakeholders in order to not only minimise risks for children, staff and members of the community but also enable learning and resolution. At South View, the welfare and protection of children from abuse is paramount. The management and staff at South View work very closely with the Local Authority Designated Officer(s) in terms of prevention and resolution of child protection issues and the investigation of allegations against persons employed in the home. All serious incidents involving the protection of young people resident in the home are notified to Ofsted by way of a notification in accordance with Regulation 40 of the Children s Home s regulations Less serious incidents or concerns are conducted in line with the home s policies in Behaviour Management, Appropriate Sanctions, Bullying, Missing from Care/Unauthorised Absence and Care and Control All staff at South View receive appropriate child protection and safeguarding training which is regularly reviewed and updated. Mr. J Proctor is the named Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer, Miss R Everitt is deputy Designated Safeguarding officer. All named designated staff have received advanced safeguarding training. All staff at South View are aware of the safeguarding implications for our young people with regard to the internet and other technologies. Consideration is always given to the individual circumstances of particular children in watching DVDs and television, and in using computer games and accessing the Internet. DVDs, games consoles and computer games may be watched / played only by children of the intended age range. Social Workers and legal guardians are always consulted regarding internet access prior to young people accessing it. South View has detailed policies and procedures relating to child protection that combine national and local guidance with existing good practice. It is a key principle of our practice that young people are protected from abuse and exploitation. As a part of this process we ensure that: Young people are made to feel valued and respected and their self-esteem promoted. There is openness to the external world and external scrutiny including families, Ofsted, social workers and the wider community. Members of staff are trained in all aspects of safeguarding children, alert to children s vulnerabilities and risks of harm and have knowledge of how to implement the child protection procedures. Young people have access to a trustworthy adult outside the home. This could be a family member or advocate. Young people are given details of how to contact Child Line, other help lines and Ofsted. Complaints procedures are clear, effective, user friendly and readily accessible to young people.

16 There is a Complaints Register which records any representation or complaint, action taken to address them and the outcome. Recruitment and selection procedures for members of staff are rigorous. Clear procedures are in place for employees to express legitimate concerns about practice through the whistle blowing policy without prejudicing their own position and prospects. There is a respect for diversity and sensitivity to race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation and impairments. Members of staff are alert to the risks to children living away from home and from people in the wider community. Members of staff are aware that young people living away from home are also vulnerable to being abused by other young people. The staff at the home are made aware of what they should do if they observe or have reported to them possible evidence or signs of abuse. Detailed guidance is in place, detailing how staff members should respond when a young person reports an allegation of abuse. If there is a suspicion that a young person may be experiencing abuse, including a suspicion of professional abuse, a referral will be made to the relevant department of the placing authority and/or the local Safeguarding Children s Board. Ofsted will also be informed. If a young person is persistently missing from the home or at risk of harm the Registered Manager may seek to review the young person s care plan with the local authority and other professional agencies. The welfare of all young people accommodated at South View is of paramount concern at all times. If a host authority believes a young person accommodated at South View is at risk of harm they may request an additional care review. This is to further safeguard the young person s wellbeing and ensure that they are receiving the highest possible care and are being kept safe from potential harm. Senior staff at South View work closely with all host authorities to provide a consistently high level of care and safeguarding. Surveillance There are door alarms fitted to each young person s bedroom. These can be activated in isolation and will only become so with agreement from the relevant Local Authority and parents where appropriate. Where this is activated, this is recorded in the young people s risk assessments. There are also alarm fitted to all external doors which are only activated once the staff go to bed at night. This alarm only sounds in the office (also sleep in room) and also pages the second sleeping in staff. 15. Governance and Quality Assurance South View Children s Homes is inspected twice a year by OFSTED. OFSTED is a government organization that inspects children s homes to make sure they are run well, appropriately staff

17 and resourced and follow the children s individual care and placement plans providing the best possible outcomes for children and young people. OFSTED S phone number is In addition to Ofsted visits, South View Children s Home is inspected on a monthly basis by a Regulation 44 visitor who records their findings of the home set against the standards set out in Children s homes regulations This report is forwarded to OFSTED, senior staff within the home and the home s Responsible Individual. The findings will be used for to monitor the performance of South View on specific matters relating to childcare practice and the performance of staff in meeting desired outcomes for the home and children placed there. The Registered Manager will produce a report on the quality of care at least every 6 months in Line with Regulation 45. These reports will be made available to Ofsted, the responsible individual and placing authorities. The Registered Manager will also produce a written development plan, reviewed monthly, either identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of South View, or confirming the continuation of the home s current operation and resources. The Registered Manager will ensure that systems are in place to monitor the performance of the home against its Statement of Purpose. The Registered Manager will monitor and sign the home s records regularly, to identify any patterns or issues requiring action. Where action is taken, in relation to any trend or pattern in recorded issues or events, to improve the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children and the quality of care in the home, the Registered Manager will ensure that staff and residents are informed. 16. Arrangements for Reviews of Placement Young people and their families should be active participants in the care planning process where possible. During the initial Placement Planning Meeting and subsequent reviews, they will have access to reports and be invited and supported to submit their own views. Any significant change to the Placement Plan outside of a young person s review will not take place without prior consultation with the young person, parents/carers, Social Worker and any other significant party. The first formal meeting will be the initial placement meeting, this will take place within 72 hours of the admission date. Following the planning meeting, subsequent reviews for young people accommodated at South View are held as per Looked after Children requirements. Prior to any review, the wishes and feelings of the young person are sought and recorded by their appropriate keyworker. The young person s views are very important through the care planning process and reviews. If a young person does not feel comfortable expressing their views

18 during the review meeting they can request that a member of staff advocates on their behalf or a specialist advocacy service can be sought. The Registered Manager will contribute to each young person s placement plan which will identify areas of assessed need, tasks and objectives. The plan will identify who will be responsible for meeting these needs and ensure that agreed outcomes are reached within the stated timescales. The Registered Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the Local Authority minutes of the meeting and the home s report are held on the young person s file. Guidance will be issued to all members of staff responsible for writing review reports. A representative of the home will attend all reviews. This will usually be the key worker and/or the Registered Manager. The keyworker is responsible for monitoring the Residential Placement Plan and highlighting any progress or difficulties regarding the placement at the home. We will endeavour to provide written copies of the review report to the young person, their parents/carers and Social Worker prior to the review. All young people will be encouraged to attend their reviews and they will receive appropriate levels of support dependent on their age and level of understanding. A permanent record of the proceedings and recommendations of the review shall be kept and placed in the young people s files. A copy is also given to families, young people and all other relevant people.