Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’
STATEMENT OF
PURPOSE
MULBERRY COURT
SC438648 Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR MULBERRY COURT, SC438648
CONTENTS PAGE NO 1
Introduction - Statement as to whom the Provision is for 3 Philosophy of Care and Ethos of Mulberry Court 5 Safety Trust Behaviour Modification Individual Placement Plans Our Commitment Facilities 7 Services 7 The Registered Provider and Responsible Individual 8 The Registered Manager 8 Registered Provider Profile 8 Registered Manager Profile 9 Staffing 9 Supervision, Training and Development 10 Organisational Structure 11 Details of Accommodated Children 11 Admission Criteria 11 Health Promotion and Protection 12 On arrival Awareness Educational Promotion 13 Recreational, Sporting and Cultural/Social Support 14 Consultation with Children 15 Arrangements for the Control, Restraint and Discipline of Children 15 Child Protection/Safeguarding Children 16 Countering Bullying 17 Dealing with Complaints 17 Missing from Care 19 Locality Risk Assessment 19 Electronic and Mechanical Means of Surveillance 19 Fire Precautions and Emergency Procedures 19 Religious and Cultural Observance 20 Contact 21 Arrangements for Vetting Visitors 21 Reviewing Placement Plans 21 Accommodation 21
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Therapy/Counselling 22 Anti-Discriminatory Practice/Respect of Children and Children’s Rights 22
Appendix 1 – Staff Profiles 24 Appendix 2 – Control, Restraint and Discipline of Children 25
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR MULBERRY COURT, SC438648
INTRODUCTION - STATEMENT AS TO WHOM THE PROVISION IS FOR
Mulberry Court is a medium sized home with three beds, established to ensure a safe and supportive environment for those young people who have suffered breakdowns at home or in previous placements. It provides intensive support for children and offers high staff to child ratios. The staff to child ratio will be in accordance with the personalised care plan. There are two staff members available during the night and one of the staff members takes the role of Resident Sleep Residential Support Worker who will undertake five sleep in roles and responsibilities every week.
Mulberry Court can accommodate three children of either gender, aged from eight years old up to their 18th Birthday on a medium to long-term basis. We have the capability of keeping young people beyond their 18 th birthday under specific terms.
We recognise that many of the children we care for will have suffered multiple rejections and will be displaying behaviours which are symptomatic of neglect, emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse.
We have experience of those challenging young people that have broken previous placements and we have been highly successful in achieving their outcomes within our organisation. We offer placements to young people who are experiencing, or have a history of, disruptive attachment difficulties, previous offending behaviour, sexualised behaviour, and provide flexible and adaptable support packages for high quality, individual tailored care.
The service provided is also aimed at children with challenging behaviours which includes, (but is not necessarily confined to), those children categorised with; emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), children with learning difficulties and those within the autistic spectrum (including aspergers syndrome).
Mental impairment is also one of the challenging behaviours, taking into account children whose learning disabilities (LD) have had a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the young person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise that these children can often have communication difficulties, so aids such as Makaton and the picture exchange communication system (PECS) are often utilised in order to overcome these potential barriers and to give children as many opportunities as possible.
The home does not provide a therapist on site or within the team. This resource can always be ‘brokered’ as appropriate in partnership and agreement with the placing authority.
We believe that the creation and maintenance of a comfortable, safe and nurturing home environment is, in itself, of significant therapeutic value.
All new placements will be matched to our existing residents and a highly successful transition procedure can be offered. We offer an array of communicative tools and methods of communicating should support be
Amended June 2015 4 To be reviewed June 2016 Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’ required for the young person. Mulberry Court sets out a consistent support structure for young people in a positive and progressive manner. We provide clear boundaries whilst providing appropriate care throughout their placement. We always strive to continually achieve every relevant outcome for the young people and support them through their journey into adult life.
We recognise that many of the children we care for will emanate elements of attachment disorder and multiple rejections, we recognise and understand the lifelong effects of such and will endeavour to support and encourage all relationships surrounding the young person where feasible. We are experienced in the exposure of negative behaviours which are symptomatic of neglect, emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
Whilst acknowledging that the presenting problems of children and young people coming in to our care environment will always be addressed with immediacy and professionalism. We also believe that educational requirement should not be overlooked or discounted. For this reason an experienced contracted tutor can be made available and the staff group and management advocate where necessary, in order to secure appropriate educational opportunities within local resources for the children and young people placed there. This is a matter of practice and policy for the entire staff group.
At Mulberry Court we understand that for any child, not being able to live at home with their family can be one of the most traumatic periods of their lives, therefore we aim to secure a safe nurturing environment, which is as homely as possible. Mulberry Court is a home where a child will receive consistent and appropriate care throughout their placement, where they will be valued for who they are and where they come from and a place where they can make a fresh start and feel valued. A professional counsellor can be provided for staff and residents if circumstances require this. We are able to commission qualified psychotherapists/counsellors in order to ensure that care plans are effectively implemented for each child, as and when required.
Mulberry Court is a home where young people can develop their independence and experience, and have their needs addressed in a positive and progressive manner whilst living within a framework of clear boundaries. We aim to promote a sense of pride in the young person, in their culture, their home, their neighbourhood and in all aspects in order to enrich their lives and enable a smooth supportive transition into adulthood. At all times an individual placement plan governs our work. This plan will be developed from the aims and objectives set out by the placing authority care plan for the young person. These aims may include re-integration into the family, moving on to other services such as fostering or adoption, working towards an independent living programme or other requirements identified by the young person’s placing authority, for example, assessment work.
The placement plan provides a clear foundation for our work in partnership with an individual child, the family and the placing social worker. On this foundation we seek to promote the individual’s agreed best interest in keeping with medium and long term plans developed by the relevant authority.
Staff relationships are based upon an honest, caring and enabling approach, the key role of which is communication and openness, while embracing a realistic outlook to problem solving and an expectation of behaviour that is respectful and fair to others. We believe for a child to feel safe and cared for they need to
Amended June 2015 5 To be reviewed June 2016 Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’ be able to understand boundaries. Therefore we work within a very clear framework of what a child can do and how they behave without putting themselves or others at risk. Destructive and abusive behaviour from any child is always addressed in a calm manner. The child is supported to take responsibility, create change, develop remorse and be accountable for their actions with ongoing support from the team.
We recognise that some young people have communication difficulties and therefore require information to be conveyed in various forms. We understand that communication aids such as Makaton and PEC’s may be utilised to suit one’s own style and promote growth.
PHILOSOPHY OF CARE AND ETHOS OF MULBERRY COURT
Mulberry Court has been established to offer children and young people a fresh start. We aim to offer a home where a child is able to grow and mature into a responsible, respectful and caring individual and to develop the young person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. We seek to enable solutions to problems by dealing with the emotional voids often displayed by children who have had no previous opportunity to integrate with an ordinary family setting. The essence of our work is a genuine commitment to all our children and young people and we aim to foster healthy independence and responsibility in line with therapeutic principle.
Safety
Some of our residents are particularly vulnerable, often suffering from Learning Difficulties. We aim to establish a safe and secure environment where a child can develop their individual identity and understanding whilst having their needs met in an honest, positive and above all consistent and professional manner. We aim to provide an atmosphere of ordinary family life within a small residential children’s home.
Trust
We aim to establish and maintain a trusting relationship with the children and to create a secure base where young people can begin to address their challenging behaviour in order to eventually assume some control over, and responsibility for, their lives. We hope this will help them to identify and modify their behaviour, which will enable them to return to their own family, substitute family or to live independently and thrive in the community. Our staff group believe in the principle of frank, open, non-judgemental and genuine discussions. We emphasise the personal worth of the young person with positive individual responsibility.
Behaviour modification
The approach we adopt is essentially non-punitive, employing rewards rather than sanctions. We employ a behaviour modification programme where loss of rewards is given for misdemeanours, in an effort to avoid the imposition of major sanctions. Initially we build on social and relationship skills within the home and beyond for each and every young person, and endeavour to promote a sense of pride in them, their home, their culture and their neighbourhood.
Individual placement plans
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An individual placement plan is completed for each young person following a placement meeting on or no later than 72 hours after their placement. The plan provides objectives and aims as set out by the placing authority and agreed to by the Registered Manager and the young person’s key worker. The plan may well look at the young person moving on to fostering, re-integration to their own family or relatives, adoption, or working towards independence or other requirements as identified by the young person’s placing authority. The plan will always lay out realistic age appropriate goals for the child or young person to achieve during their placement.
Our Commitment
Relationships with staff are based on a caring, honest open and embracing approach, which will lead to reciprocal trust. We encourage a questioning and open culture. We aim to help the young person to empower their own lives with an expectation that unacceptable behaviour towards others is challenged, and that the young person is supported to modify their own behaviour. The young person will always be encouraged to build upon his or her own self-esteem and to gradually reduce dependency on the care system. We will work towards the young person leaving Mulberry Court with hope, good memories and the skills that will enable them to take their place in the community as a valuable member of society. We strive to unconditionally accept each young person whatever his or her previous or presenting behaviour. We actively encourage the development, personal growth, maturity and education of each young person, encouraging self-confidence and independence. We emphasise care whilst enabling individuals to understand that actions have consequences and that they are ultimately responsible for their own behaviour. Staff in the home will endeavour to create and maintain an environment which is free from discrimination in any form regardless of race, culture, disability, social status, age, sexuality or any other factor, which may expose them to disadvantage or discrimination. Staff will encourage young people to recognise their rights and to value the rights of others. We acknowledge that certain things are theirs by right; we believe equally that rights carry responsibility. Whilst respecting a young person’s rights we also expect young people to accept their responsibilities and to respect the rights of others. We strive to ensure that a person’s disability is not the main focus, but encourage their capability while ensuring that they receive the level of support required. We fully recognise that children have their own views, wishes and feelings, and that we must promote each child’s right to have a say. Children’s views, wishes and feelings will be sought in all aspects of their planning and day to day care. No child is assumed unable to communicate their views; therefore appropriate methods for gaining views will be sought and provided. We recognise that some young people have communication difficulties and therefore require information to be conveyed in varies forms. We understand that communication aids such as Makaton and Picture Exchange Communication System may be malleable to suit one’s own style and promote growth
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FACILITIES
Mulberry Court is a medium size and spacious house with a large rear garden which faces out on a now unused airfield, originally a military airport. It is within minutes of all local amenities, shopping experiences, leisure facilities and all forms of public transport. We offer all of the facilities expected of an ordinary family environment and those associated with a registered children’s home. The home is immediately adjacent to our Ofsted Registered three bedded home, Madison House SC465579. The Registered Manager for Mulberry Court is Angela Baskerville who also has responsibility as Registered Manager for Madison House.
Mulberry Court provides the following:
Equipped education room Single bedrooms, individually furnished allowing for personalised decoration for each young person Space for private meetings with families, planning meetings and professional consultations Dining room TV Lounge Recreational room Garden/patio area Access to reference and support materials for homework and other personal studies, including computerised facilities, alongside appropriate support from teacher and staff. Life and social skills training through practical experience and interaction with the local community Access to mainline rail, bus and coach routes, all within walking distance from the home Tutor services Therapeutic advice, input and counselling Access to Benecare’s rescued Pony, ‘Bertie’
SERVICES
In addition to those social working services expected of a registered children’s home we are also able to offer the following. Where there is not an appropriately trained individual on team the organisation will broker/commission a resource on behalf of the child/placing authority
Counselling/therapy, on or off site as required Expert teaching appraisal of needs and planning Additional classroom support where needed for those returning to education Curriculum menu synchronised to national attainment framework Assessment reports, (standard and specialised) review reports, educational assessment reports, court reports, addendums for youth justice board and placing local authorities. Consultation and advice to young people, their families, and social workers regarding future placements Ongoing preparation for independence and specific aftercare programmes leading to independent living where appropriate, including assessment Consultation and advice for young people and their future placements once they have left Mulberry
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Court, where this is agreed as appropriate with other relevant agencies High staff ratio Task centred care planning for specialised problems i.e. sexual abuse/exploitation advice and guidance provided by Ray Wyre (UK) Staff have access to training opportunities
The Registered Provider and Responsible Individual for Mulberry Court Children’s Home is:
Stephen William Richmond Managing Director, Benecare CQSW. DIP SS. BA (HONS).
Add: 113a St John’s Hill, Sevenoaks Kent. TN13 3PE Tel: 01732 740088 Fax: 01732 740086 Email: [email protected]
The person who acts on behalf of that Company in all matters is:
Stephen William Richmond As above
The Registered Manager of Mulberry Court Children’s Home is:
Angela Baskerville
Add: Mulberry Court, 22 King Arthur Road, Cliffsend, Ramsgate, Kent. CT1 5DX Tel/Fax: 01843 584623 E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]
REGISTERED PROVIDER PROFILE
Stephen Richmond has been a qualified Social Worker since 1981 (CQSW). He worked as a Probation Officer in inner London for eight years (1981 to 1988 including ancillary work), and as a Locality Manager for Kent Social Services from1988 to 1994 in the Children and Families Department. In this capacity he held responsibility for two young offender teams in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, and in addition “lead” departmental responsibility for Leaving Care and Residential Accommodation services (remand).
Since 1995, when he joined Castle Homes (a residential child care company) as Development Manager, Stephen has concentrated on operational and strategic management of residential provision for children. He has experience in sourcing and developing over 40 homes for children, providing a variety of services from specialised to generic, for the 8 to 18 age groups for children and young people.
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Much of his recent developmental project work focused on residential treatment provision for children who sexually exploit others, and in addition Learning Disability provision.
In 1997 Stephen became a Director with Castle Homes and served as Managing Director for Castle Homes Ltd, with responsibility for 14 Children’s Homes throughout England.
In 2004 Stephen took on a new Directorship with the newly formed Castle Care Holdings which had taken over from Castle Homes. This led in 2005 to a new role as Director – Business Development. This focused on contracting large service tenders with Local Authorities and the overall growth of the Company via organic development and acquisitions of other residential child care companies in England and Wales.
Stephen left Castle Care in August 2006. He has acquired a wealth of experience in Residential Child Care and the Health and Social Care sector in general. He has held post (in the capacity of Company Director, Castle Homes) with National Service Standards and latterly, Commission for Social Care and Inspection as Responsible individual, for a large number of Children’s Homes over a number of years, notably in Kent, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Nottinghamshire and Wales.
REGISTERED MANAGER PROFILE
Angela Baskerville worked previously at a failing children’s home which initiated her drive to achieve a Registered Managers position with Benecare. Angela possesses an innate drive to ensure every young person receives personalised tailored care that suits the precise needs of the young person. Angela has a wide array of experiences from working as an experienced detective and vulnerable victims officer for Kent, Police to leading a rehabilitation team within psychological services. Angela can also demonstrate her specialist experience drawn from her work as an applied behavioural analysis therapist with children which offers insight into the most complex needs and challenging behaviour that children can display.
See Staff Profiles at Appendix 1 for Angela’s qualifications.
STAFFING
Staff employed at Mulberry Court are selected on the basis of their experience, competence, qualifications and commitment to the wellbeing of the children. The staff group are expected to take part in mandatory (in house) and appropriate ongoing training within the childcare profession in order to promote our professional development and the individuals’ understanding of the needs of the young person. The training culture and opportunities provided focus on the therapeutic provision of care.
Mulberry Court strives to maintain a balanced staffing gender mix within the home. Due to the nature of the role and environment, this can fluctuate naturally. During these times we will ensure that we are proactive in our approach to care to expose young people to wider community activities, involving support and exposure to both males and females. We will endeavour to seek exposure via contact, education means and social opportunities.
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The staff allocation for Mulberry Court is 10, including the manager. We also have sessional staff available as required.
See Staff Profiles at Appendix 1 for individual qualifications
SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
All staff employed by Mulberry Court will receive regular supervision in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015. The aim of supervision for our staff is to provide them with an opportunity to discuss their workload and surrounding issues with their line manager in a private, constructive and reflective manner, and to receive support, guidance and reassurance relevant to individual development.
The aim of supervision for the manager is to facilitate good communication with the staff team and to identify support and training needs which the establishment should meet in order to maintain the highest quality service delivery. The emphasis is the development and maintenance of core therapeutic childcare skills focused on respect, communication and appropriate integration for the children cared for.
Supervision will take place regularly for all staff (once every two weeks for those on induction). Staff appraisals will take place initially after six months (plus at the three month point during the first six months of probationary employment) and thereafter on an annual basis.
The aim of appraisals is for staff to have their general work performance formally evaluated in the context of the home’s requirements, the staff members personal and career development, to receive a formal evaluation and feedback of work performance, and to plan future training needs. The young people will fill out a good work report on all staff prior to their appraisals. Supervision and appraisal is used to enhance professional development and is always practised in an anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory manner.
All staff joining Mulberry Court will undergo a full induction programme and will also receive formal training in:
Child protection First aid Health and Safety Fire drill and fire awareness Drug and alcohol awareness Care and control awareness (Team Teach) Managing difficult behaviour Food hygiene Administration of medication training level two Children who sexually exploit Equality and diversity Food safety
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In line with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, any training not covered during the induction period or not included in the formal training requirements, will be covered by Mulberry Court or purchased from a professional training organisation.
In line with The Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 32(4)(a) and (b) Mulberry Court is committed to training all care staff to a minimum of NVQ level three, Caring for Children and Young people.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SERVICE MANAGER
REGISTERED MANAGER
DEPUTY MANAGER
SENIOR RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER
RESIDENT SLEEP RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER
RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER
SESSIONAL RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER
DETAILS OF ACCOMMODATED CHILDREN
All children placed at Mulberry Court will be in the care of or accommodated by their local authority. They may be of either gender and will be aged up to their 18th Birthday. Mulberry Court can accommodate, and is registered for, three children or young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). We welcome the placement of sibling groups where this is appropriate to meeting those children’s needs. Those placed with us will need to present a commitment to their own development and to working with us. This is in line with our ethos of respect and care for oneself and for others.
Due to the design of the building the health and safety needs of children with a physical mobility problem cannot be met at Mulberry Court.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Admissions to Mulberry Court will generally take place after a period of consultation between the young person, their family, local authority and any other relevant persons/agencies involved in the child/young person’s care plan. All those involved will be encouraged to visit Mulberry Court prior to placement in order
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Prior to placement the social worker or placement officer will need to complete the homes ‘needs assessment tool’ to assist us in ensuring that the placement is suited to the home and residents in place. The expectation is that the placing authority, in conjunction with the home, will help to complete a risk assessment on the child based around any presenting behaviours, issues or concerns so that routine, structure and strategies can be implemented and in place prior to or on arrival.
We acknowledge that planned placements are not always possible if the child’s welfare is to be protected and their needs are to be met effectively. In circumstances where this is not possible we will ensure the child’s welfare and emotional needs are respected with their needs being managed effectively and within the guidelines of all relevant legislation and safeguarding protocols.
As such we will always consider emergency, same day and respite placements, but only where such placements will promote the young person’s welfare and not cause an unacceptable level of disruption to the progress of those children and young people already resident in Mulberry Court. These placements will of course be subject to an initial 72-hour review in discussion with the placing authority.
We will also consider requests for higher staffing ratios for each child admitted where this is appropriate to the stated welfare needs of the child or young person, and where such action will not cause unacceptable levels of restriction of liberty or disruption to other young person’s Mulberry Court.
Similarly we may be able to extend some flexibility in our admissions policy where sibling groups are concerned subject to the consent of our regulatory body, OFSTED.
If it becomes apparent that a placement is not feasible the maximum notice possible will always be afforded to the local authority. However, Mulberry Court reserves the right to terminate a placement within 24 hours should the child or young person behave in such a manner whereby:
a) their removal is the only option available in order to protect the wellbeing of the young person and the other residents Or:
b) they have deliberately breached a clause in the contract they have entered into voluntarily
Planned ends to placements will normally provide a minimum period of 14 days notice to all those concerned.
HEALTH PROMOTION AND PROTECTION
Health records and health information will be actively sought from prior carers, parents and local authorities in order to minimise the risk of health issues being missed or not followed up.
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All young people will be expected to take part in an annual LAC Health Assessment by arrangement with the placing authority.
In order to meet the needs of the children and young people resident and to safeguard their welfare, our placement agreement requires that parents or others with parental responsibility, provide written consent for us to authorise emergency and routine medical treatment on their behalf. Whenever possible we will seek to notify those with parental responsibility before any major treatments are given and gain their consent for that treatment. Other than first aid and prescribed medications/treatments, qualified medical advice is sought when a young person is unwell or injured. This will be from their GP, the local accident and emergency department or appropriate specialist resources. Where needed, additional training, advice and instruction to staff will be sought before they are permitted to administer any treatment.
On Arrival
Young people’s health needs play an important part in their development and it is vital that any such needs are addressed promptly. All children and young people who come to live at Mulberry Court will be registered with a General Practitioner (Minster Surgery, 75 High Street, Minister, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 4AB), and any other professional persons/agencies as required and agreed in the placement meeting.
Within the first few weeks of arrival all young people will participate in a dental check up (the dentist used will be a local practice who may be taking on new patients, if this avenue is unavailable advice from Dental Line emergency treatment will be sought), and a general eye test. Thereafter checkups will take place at regular intervals.
Each young person will have their height and weight monitored on a monthly basis and a record of this will be held on their personal file.
Young people choose their own toiletries and personal hygiene products. These are purchased as and when required. Staff discreetly monitor standards of personal hygiene and provide guidance and encouragement as necessary. Any specific concerns are discussed within the care plan.
Awareness
At Mulberry Court all young people are encouraged to eat and be aware of the importance of a balanced diet. They are actively encouraged to participate in menu planning which cater for 5 a day, and in helping with the weekly shopping.
Mulberry Court will supply information and courses for young people regarding various health issues such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, HIV/Aids, and various forms of sex education, depending on the age and level of understanding of any individual child or young person.
EDUCATIONAL PROMOTION
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Mulberry Court is not D of E registered.
We recognise education as being a vital component in the life of every young person. It should therefore suffer the minimum of disruption. We aim to ensure that wherever possible, young people placed at Mulberry Court continue at their existing school or make a speedy transfer to a new school in the area. The expectation is that prior to placement placing authorities will liaise our own local education department or special educational needs department, and that they will provide the education department with the relevant written referral, along with educational reports from previous schools to support the application. Mulberry Court will also liaise with other schools and the area education office in an effort to facilitate a dual approach thereby providing a speedy transition. Our practical goal is to facilitate appropriate mainstream local educational sourcing for the children we care for.
Where this is not possible or would not meet the young person’s immediate needs, we can provide education within Mulberry Court through the staff and the use of a contracted tutor. Where it is planned for a young person to be temporarily educated at Mulberry Court, they will be required to give an undertaking to commit themselves to the plan and the boundaries set within the teaching unit.
Where a young person becomes excluded from their school we will inform their placing authority and liaise regarding the action that should be taken in response to that situation. For short periods such young people will be educated on site in order to minimise the disruption to their education (work will be requested from the school and implemented within the educational plan).
We provide facilities, materials and works of reference within Mulberry Court so that young people can study and complete homework, with our staff giving each child the necessary encouragement and support to complete this work. We also encourage the use of local amenities such as libraries, colleges, clubs and other educational facilities.
For those children in full or part time education programme, Mulberry Court will make every effort to support the placement. This includes attending parents’ evenings, PEP meetings, and annual school reviews. Where appropriate and agreed by all parties involved in the young person’s care plan, we are also able to offer staff to attend the school to give 1:1 support.
RECREATIONAL, SPORTING AND CULTURAL/SOCIAL SUPPORT
Staff at Mulberry Court, in conjunction with the young people, will identify cultural, sporting and recreational needs and wishes. Once identified, individual interests can always be incorporated into the placement plan. However, there are always plenty of opportunities for our young people to take part in their recreational preferences. We always have a full activity programme on offer, which mainly uses local facilities along with short breaks and activity holidays.
All children and young people are encouraged to plan their own weekly activity programme, inclusive of regular exercise, with support and guidance from staff.
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Access to local educational, recreational, youth, sports and study facilities is available within the local community. This includes sports centres/clubs, swimming pool, beaches, parks, youth clubs, cinema, amusement parks, primary and secondary school, colleges of further education, employment training schemes and work experience. Staff make use of additional life skills which are evidenced in file and the young people are encouraged to complete/accredit training via Kent Children’s Safeguarding Board.
CONSULTATION WITH CHILDREN
The young people of Mulberry Court are central to all decisions made about their care and therefore they will always be consulted about all issues regarding them. They will be expected and encouraged to voice their wishes and feelings with regard to their:
Placement plans and care plans Issues they wish to be discussed at their reviews, at planning meetings and all other meetings concerning them Young people will hold regular house meetings for which they will be responsible for formulating the agenda and taking the lead in all discussions. Staff will be present to facilitate, regulate and minute the meeting Young people of Mulberry Court will be involved in menu planning and weekly shopping Young people will receive individual key working sessions where all of their wishes and feelings can be discussed and formally recorded and monitored/auctioned The young people of Mulberry Court will also be responsible for coming to agreement regarding holiday and short breaks and all activity programmes
All young people will also have telephone access to their social worker, independent reviewing officer (IRO) and the Children’s Commissioner (Anne Longfield) for any consultation. Also to their families, if this is included in their care plan.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL, RESTRAINT AND DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN
At Mulberry Court we promote the provision of a warm and caring environment and the maintenance of firm and consistent boundaries. We encourage young people to develop the positive relationships which will allow them to gain a sense of personal worth within a nurturing environment. These positive relationships are the predominant means by which behavioural boundaries are maintained and issues of control dealt with. The behavioural boundaries set are both appropriate and realistic. If a young person does not co-operate, a reminder will be given. If this fails, a verbal reprimand may be used or advice to take time out and calm down may be given.
It is acknowledged that the use of physical intervention, if it is possible to use safely, may be necessary if there is evident a serious risk of significant harm to the young person or others, or a risk of serious damage to property. Whenever physical intervention is used an incident report and the record of restraint log will be
Amended June 2015 16 To be reviewed June 2016 Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’ completed as soon after the incident as possible. Serious events will be forwarded to the placing social worker and the regulatory body (in this case OFSTED). A review of the event will be held with the staff and the young person (s) involved to establish their feelings regarding it, and to offer a reflection and learning experience to all concerned.
It is inevitable that misconduct will occur and that, at times, sanctions will need to be imposed in order that young people can learn from their inappropriate behaviours, develop a sense of responsibility for their own actions and interact more positively with others. However, our focus is on positive regard and rewards, rather than on punishment. It is our belief that young people should learn from any errors they make, not suffer for them. When it does become necessary for a sanction to be imposed, it will be within our own written guidelines and regulations and of course, formally recorded.
All staff at Mulberry Court will be trained in Team Teach care and control awareness. This training is refreshed and maintained in line with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities code of practice by appropriately qualified personnel within the organisation, providing certification for each staff member as confirmation that they have successfully completed the course.
All measures of control are monitored by management to ensure that they are in accordance with current legislation.
See Control, Restraint and Discipline of Children at Appendix 2 for measures of control and discipline prohibited by current legislation, and in opposition to our philosophy of care.
CHILD PROTECTION/SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
The safety and wellbeing of the young people placed at Mulberry Court is our primary concern and their welfare is paramount. All staff members are familiarised with the child protection policy on induction, and undergo further training to ensure they have knowledge and skills to identify any causes for concerns and deal with disclosures and allegations of abuse. Any member of staff who has reason to believe that a young person is at risk is required to report their concerns to management immediately.
If a young person discloses to a member of staff they will be advised that the information will have to be shared with management, social services and the police. Staff will not ask any leading questions and the young person will be allowed to explain in their own words. A detailed record of the conversation will be completed. A referral will be made to social services under child protection procedures and the appropriate regulatory body (in this instance OFSTED), will be informed. All staff know that abuse can occur anywhere and that anyone may be a perpetrator of abuse.
If the involvement of management is suspected staff are aware that they must use the ‘whistle blowing’ policy.
If the alleged abuser is a member of staff they will be suspended without prejudice until a full investigation has been completed.
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If another child is the alleged abuser, both social workers will be contacted to determine what action should be taken.
All child protection procedures are consistent with the local policies and procedures agreed by the Kent Safeguarding Children Board and OFSTED, and a copy of their documentation is available within the staff office as an immediate source of reference. All staff are aware of these procedures, supplemented by specific additional guidance relevant to the organisation and structure of Mulberry Court.
The manager of Mulberry Court is the designated child protection co-ordinator for the home, with responsibility for maintaining effective internal records, developing positive links with both social workers and child protection services, and for attending relevant child protection strategy meetings on request. In the absence of the manager, the deputy manager will act as interim co-ordinator to ensure thorough coverage throughout the whole period of a child’s residence in Mulberry Court.
COUNTERING BULLYING
At Mulberry Court we always endeavour to promote and safeguard the welfare of each young person and the right of all staff to feel safe in their working environment. It is the responsibility of all staff members to ensure that each individual living or working at Mulberry Court is treated with respect and protected from oppression, humiliation and all forms of abuse.
Staff will always be alert to any young person who may be at risk of being bullied. They must endeavour to ensure that all young people are protected from all forms of physical verbal and electronic, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual and racial abuse.
At all times staff promote anti-oppressive practice/non-discriminatory practice both with young people, each other and any other person visiting the home in either a professional or personal capacity.
Young people are encouraged to recognise their own rights and to understand that such rights carry a responsibility to respect the rights of others.
A risk assessment of the home has been carried out with a view to highlighting any potential bullying areas that may require extra monitoring. In line with this assessment the young people themselves are consulted as to their view of the home and their willingness to report and discuss bullying. This issue will be revisited regularly during house meetings, new ideas will be put into practice and any new problem areas addressed. Clear, concise bullying monitoring systems are in place; all incidents of bullying are fully recorded and monitored by the homes manager
The system for ensuring children are well protected from abusive experiences will be monitored by the manager, and in addition during the monthly inspection visits carried out by an external consultant. These visits monitor the effectiveness of all records maintained in the home and inform the continued improvement plan within Mulberry Court.
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DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS At Mulberry Court we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and professional practice. In doing so we are fully aware that at times difficulties may arise which we hope can, in the main, be resolved through consultation with management of the home.
We also recognise children in care are a vulnerable group and that when ‘looked after’ in the care system, they may become acutely vulnerable. With this in mind we operate a representation and complaints scheme that recognises that our group may be less able to articulate clearly what may be troubling them.
We have established a complaint procedure which correlates to Section 39 of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 - complaints and representations. On admission each young person will have access to the young person’s guide which promotes a transparent explanation of the action to be taken when a complaint is received. Staff promote key working sessions and participation during the residents meeting that further embeds the action taken in response to a complaint. The information will give full details of how to obtain immediate access to external and independent confidential help lines. It is made clear to all young people resident here that they will not receive any form of sanction as a result of having made a representation or complaint. The main function of the procedure is to facilitate the effective investigation of representations or complaints and, where possible, to resolve issues to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
On receipt of a complaint the staff on duty are required to record it immediately, offer a complaint form to the complainer to complete if not already done so, and to remind the person making it of the procedure. The manager will ensure that a written record is made of any complaints, of the action taken in response, and of the outcome of the investigation. Management will inform the regulatory body in this case OFSTED SC438648 Contact details being; telephone; 0300 1231231, e-mail; [email protected], of all complaints received in accordance with Regulation 45, Review of Quality of Care.
As part of our desire to integrate Mulberry Court fully into the local community, we will consider complaints raised by members of the public relating to the actions and behaviour of young people living here. Where it is appropriate, the aim will be to address the relevant issues with young person(s) concerned in a constructive manner, and to assist the individual in developing an awareness of the wider implications of their actions. Equally, we look towards identifying and promoting the positive actions of the young people and their effects within the local community. A record will be kept of any complaints received and updated accordingly, along with our responses to such complaints.
Included in the young person’s guide is an outline of how to make a complaint. The complaint procedure is a part of a group of policies and procedures that are available to all staff and young people. The policies and procedures are accessible in the staff office for all staff and young people to peruse.
Children can also find out about their rights by writing to: Children’s Commissioner – Anne Longfield Sanctuary Building 20 Great Smith Street
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London SW1P 3BT Free phone: 020 7783 8330 E-mail: [email protected] In the case of a serious complaint Ofsted will be notified in accordance with Regulation 40 of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
MISSING FROM CARE
At Mulberry Court we understand that many of the young people who come to live with us are vulnerable. Taking this into consideration part of the young person’s risk assessment will consider previous instances of unauthorised absences to determine what actions need to be taken. This will depend upon age, functioning ability, usual patterns of behaviour and events leading up to the absence. Dependant on what actions need to be taken the local police will be informed, behaviour management plans and absconding policies will be followed. All required documentation will be completed and the placing authority, independent reviewing officer and parents (if this is part of the care plan) will be informed.
Young people assessed as ‘absent without permission’ will be continuously re-assessed whilst they remain absent, and staff will take all reasonable and practical steps that a good parent would take to locate the young person and return them home.
In the event that this behaviour becomes a frequent occurrence a specific behaviour management strategy will be agreed with the social worker, generally via a specially convened meeting.
LOCALITY RISK ASSESSMENT
The registered manager reviews the locality risk assessment annually, sourcing from information accessible from the following websites; https://shareweb.kent.gov.uk/Documents/roads-and-transport/road-safety/Review http://www.kscb.org.uk/kscb_resources_ and_library/sexual_expoitation.aspx http://www.police.uk/kent/253/crime/ http://www.ukcrimestats.com/Police_Force/Kent_Police
ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL MEANS OF SURVEILLANCE
We endeavour to create a homely, warm and comfortable environment at Mulberry Court and believe that this is not readily compatible with an over abundance of surveillance equipment. Mulberry Court does not currently have any electronic or mechanical means of surveillance, other than audible alarms on individual bedroom doors, for which social worker consent is sought.
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FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Mulberry Court complies with current fire regulations, has relevant fire fighting equipment on site, and is protected by an automatic fire detection and alarm system, which can be activated manually. All staff in Mulberry Court receive fire safety training.
Staff and residents take an active part in regular fire safety drills and are encouraged to develop a sound awareness of all fire safety matters. Staff receive appropriate training in fire prevention, first aid, and other emergency procedures. Unless part of a pre-arranged routine test of the fire alarm system, all soundings of the fire alarm are treated as genuine.
Written procedures exist for dealing with fires, medical and other emergencies, which both young people and staff are made aware of.
All fire equipment is checked regularly. Risk assessments are completed to identify potential hazards and all new members of staff or new young people joining the home are shown all the fire exits, asked to read the evaluation procedures, and are taken through a fire drill.
RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCE
Mulberry Court is a non-denominational children’s home within which young people are free to practice the faith of their choice. In providing for their care, due consideration is given to their personal beliefs and the way in which they can be supported in following these beliefs. Consideration is also given to any needs related to their ethnic and cultural background. Places of worship for the major world religions are available locally but where they are not, provision will be made for a young person to have appropriate access to necessary facilities. Whenever necessary, Mulberry Court will provide literature, materials, space and support to enable children and young people to follow their religious beliefs and adhere to their cultural customs and practices. Staff will interact with the child/young person to ensure that their religious and cultural needs are being met to the best of our ability. Where required, educational materials will be sought in order for staff to work pro-actively with the children and young people. This will generally be effected via our ‘key-worker’ system. This information and how we will meet the needs and wishes of the young person will be clearly laid out within the young person’s placement plan.
In order that no child feels isolated through their faith, we will attempt to observe and uphold particular holy or feast days in an appropriate manner within Mulberry Court. In a similar context, customs and practices associated with a young person’s ethnic or cultural background will be observed as far as is lawful and within our means to do so.
As part of our day-to-day work with children and young people, we seek to expose both them and the staff team to as wide a range of cultural experiences as possible. This is done in order to promote a healthy interest in other cultures. Whilst no child will be required to take part in any practice which may offend their own faith, ethnic or cultural backgrounds, we do expect due respect to be paid to the beliefs, customs and backgrounds of others. At times the following of a particular belief may require support in the form of staff
Amended June 2015 21 To be reviewed June 2016 Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’ participation, and where this does not infringe on the personal rights or beliefs of staff this will be provided.
Staff will give active and ongoing consideration to challenging any form of discrimination against a young person or their family in line with our equal opportunities policy.
CONTACT
At Mulberry Court we actively promote and support arrangements for contact between young people and significant members of their family and friends. At the placement agreement meeting a list of permitted contacts and the level of supervision required will be agreed. Arrangements will be reviewed at statutory reviews or as deemed to be necessary. The staff can facilitate contact at the home where a room and refreshments will be made available.
Young people have access to a telephone and can send and receive mail in accordance with their placement plan.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR VETTING VISITORS
Visitors to Mulberry Court will, in the main, be expected by appointment only. Staff will always request identification.
All visitors are required to sign the visitor’s book after having received a fire induction and at the end of their visit.
Staff will monitor the presence of any repair/maintenance person within the house, will ensure that they do not have unsupervised contact with any of the young people, and that they do not leave any equipment un- attended
Any visitor who gives cause for concern will be asked to leave the premises and, if necessary, the police will be informed.
REVIEWING PLACEMENT PLANS
The expectation of Mulberry Court is that a review of the young person’s placement must take place within the first 28 days whereby the home can align their placement plan with the care plan and expectations of the placing authority. These placement plans will be reviewed at all statutory reviews thereafter, firstly after three months, and then at 6 monthly intervals. Placing authorities are also required to ensure that pathway plans are set up at the relevant time, if this applies to a particular child in the care of Mulberry Court. All young people are encouraged to take part in the formulation of their own placement and care plans, and it is the task of the key worker and manager to ensure that their wishes are addressed and included in the plans. It is also the responsibility of the key worker to keep placement plans up to date with all relevant information, new aims and objectives that have been introduced into the care plan and to ensure that the young people are always aware and agree with its content.
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ACCOMODATION All children/young people will have their own room and will be encouraged to become involved in the décor in order to establish ownership and a sense of personal belonging. Staff will support each of the young people to purchase items for their bedrooms (for example, bedding and pictures). The young people of Mulberry Court will never be expected to share a bedroom and the ages and genders of children placed will be considered when allocating bedrooms.
THERAPY/COUNSELLING
We believe that the living experience at Mulberry Court promotes excellent role models and an atmosphere of trust, responsibility and security. When required it is the practice of Mulberry Court, in partnership with the placing authority, to seek specialist advice and, where appropriate, the participation of relevant agencies, in any decisions affecting the child or young person.
Support, guidance and advice is also available from other sources such as community support teams, educational support, police, youth justice, specialist support groups for black and minority ethnic people, and any other reputable agencies which are evidenced to have services which can effectively enhance the life of the child or young person.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE/RESPECT OF CHILDREN AND CHILDRENS RIGHTS
Mulberry Court operates an equal opportunity/non-discriminatory policy. As a reflection of psychological and sociological fears, beliefs and misconceptions, it must be recognised that discrimination exists in our society. We discriminate both consciously and subconsciously on many issues, including racial identities, physical appearances, sexuality, age, religion and disabilities. This discrimination is neither fair nor acceptable and cannot be tolerated. It is the responsibility of staff and management to challenge discrimination when it is apparent and to encourage the young people living at Mulberry Court to do the same.
1. Mulberry Court will provide placements to children and young people purely on merit and on the ability of the home to meet their needs. Similarly, staff will be recruited purely on merit and their ability to do the job. Those responsible for arranging placements and recruiting staff will be aware of both positive and negative discrimination, and act accordingly.
2. All staff are required, and young people encouraged, to internalise the above statement, and to challenge discriminatory actions whatever their source, including those of their colleagues and other young people resident at Mulberry Court.
3. Combating discrimination should be seen as an education, not a punishment.
As part of our promoting diversity policy, young people are free to practice the faith of their choice and are encouraged to do so. Where necessary, appropriate support and advice will be provided by staff or from recognised sources within the young persons’ chosen faith. Children and young people will partake in various
Amended June 2015 23 To be reviewed June 2016 Benecare Children’s Services ‘Providing care without compromise’ workshops, individually and as groups, to raise awareness and to educate, also giving them a space to experience other people’s values and beliefs. Author of report, Mr Stephen Richmond, Managing Director, Benecare Ltd.
Signed ------
Dated ------
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR MULBERRY COURT, SC438648
APPENDIX 1 – STAFF PROFILES
Available on request by appropriate persons.
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APPENDIX 2 – CONTROL, RESTRAINT AND DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN
The following measures of control and discipline are prohibited by current legislation: 19.—(1) No measure of control or discipline which is excessive, unreasonable or contrary to paragraph (2) may be used in relation to any child. (2) The following measures may not be used to discipline any child— (a) any form of corporal punishment (b) any punishment involving the consumption or deprivation of food or drink (c) any restriction, other than one imposed by a court or in accordance with regulation 22 (ii) visits to the child by the child’s parents, relatives or friends; (contact and access to communications), on— (i) a child’s contact with parents, relatives or friends (iii) a child’s communications with any persons listed in regulation 22(1) (contact and access to communications) or; (iv) a child’s access to any internet-based or telephone helpline providing counselling for children (d) the use or withholding of medication, or medical or dental treatment (e) the intentional deprivation of sleep (f) imposing a financial penalty, other than a requirement for the payment of a reasonable sum (which may be by instalments) by way of reparation (g) any intimate physical examination (h) withholding any aids or equipment needed by a disabled child (i) any measure involving a child imposing any measure against another child; or (j) any measure involving punishing a group of children for the behaviour of an individual child
(3) Nothing in this regulation prohibits— (a) the taking of any action by, or in accordance with the instructions of, a registered medical practitioner or a registered dental practitioner which is necessary to protect the health of the child; or (b) taking any action that is necessary to prevent injury to any person or serious damage to property
This Regulation is subject to any direction given by the Secretary of State in accordance with Section 53 (2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, or Section 22(7) of the 1989 Act.
Only those sanctions listed below have approval for use within Mulberry Court:
1. Financial reparation for damage or loss 2. Other appropriate reparation to enable a young person to ameliorate the effects of their misconduct (e.g. help with repairs) 3. Confiscation of property that may cause, or is being used in, such a manner that it is likely to cause a haz- ard to health and safety 4. Temporary confiscation or immediate removal from Mulberry Court of property causing a disturbance, after the owners’ refusal to use it in an acceptable manner
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5. Restriction of the facility to entertain a visitor at Mulberry Court whose presence is deemed to be detri- mental to the well being of the young person or others 6. Withdrawal of extra curricular activities 7. Early bed or ‘in’ times 8. Restriction of household privileges for a specified period
Staff have written guidelines regarding the imposition of sanctions and their levels of authority in applying them.
All staff are trained in appropriate care and control techniques, utilising de-escalation as a priority and physical restraint as last resort.
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