Statement of Purpose Cheviot View

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

CHEVIOT VIEW

Children’s Social Care

Registered Provider: Registered Manager:

Newcastle City Council Ian Penrose Children’s Services Directorate Short Break Services Civic Centre Cheviot View Newcastle upon Tyne Bedeburn Road NE1 8PA Newbiggin Hall Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 4JQ Registered Person:

Mick McCracken Head of Safeguarding and Children’s Social Care Civic Centre Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8PA

Children’s Homes must have a Statement of Purpose as a requirement of Regulation 4 of the Children’s Homes Regulations (2001). Cheviot View’s statement of purpose has been compiled following the 27 listed matters that must be included (Schedule1)

July 2012 (update October 2012) Last reviewed April 2013 ( updated November 2013)

Next review date July 2014

Contents

Ref No Title Page No. Cheviot View Mission Statement 4

1 The aims and objectives of Cheviot View 5-9 Every Child Matters – outcomes and framework What is it like at Cheviot View? 2 Facilities and services 10 3 Registered Provider 11 4 Qualifications and experience of Registered Person / 11 Manager 5 Organisation and staffing 12-16 6 Staff supervision 17 Staff training and development 18 7 Organisational structure 19 8 Particulars 19 9 Admission procedure 20-21 10 Positive outcomes if the home accommodates more than 22 six children. 11 Ethos and philosophy of organisation and service 23 12 Health 23 13 Education 23 14 Recreational, sporting and cultural activities 24 15 Arrangements for consultation with young people 24 16 Control and discipline 25-27 17 Arrangements for Safeguarding and to counter bullying 28-32 18 Procedure for unauthorised absence of a young person 33 19 Electronic surveillance equipment 33 20 Fire procedure and associated emergency procedures 34 21 Religious observance 34 22 Arrangements for contact 35 23 Complaints 35 24 Review of placement plans 36 25 Type of accommodation 36 26 Therapeutic techniques used at Cheviot View 36 27 Anti – Discriminatory Practice 36 Other information: 37 Investing in Children Autism Quality Programmes

Children’s Services Directorate Children’s Social Care CHEVIOT VIEW MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is:

To enable young people to respect each other, live safely and healthily, and fulfil their potential through support and learning.

Our values:

Excellence: Endeavour to provide outstanding care, support and services to young people, families, stakeholders and staff.

Achievement: Seek to achieve your full potential and promote ambition and achievement.

Positivity: Approach everything you do with a caring, sensitive and creative ‘can do’ attitude. Ensure you can give a positive / caring response to young people, families, and allied professionals.

Purposeful: Have a clear understanding of your role. Be purposefully effective and be accountable for your own performance.

Respect: Respect others and value the contribution of all staff in achieving Cheviot View’s vision and goals.

Partnership: Communicate effectively with one another; collaborate with partner agencies to achieve our vision, and to show greater benefits and opportunities.

Our vision:

To achieve excellence and become a home that provides improving quality of care, widely recognised for:  Enriching and developing young people’s lives through their engagement in excellent care experiences;  Improving the effectiveness of the service and meeting the needs of all our young people;  Being a strong, creative and reliable service;  Our positive, professional service user focused approach;  Our contribution to the prosperity of the local community.

1. The aims of objectives of Cheviot View

. Empower and be committed to working positively with children and young people and their parents and carers by encouraging them to take an active role in the planning and delivery of the service.

. Ensure that the children and young people’s stay at Cheviot View is a positive and rewarding experience, which enables them to achieve their full potential and maximise their independence in a safe and caring environment.

. Liaise with social workers, colleagues in health, education, and voluntary agencies to meet the needs of the families who use the service; enabling parents and carers to maintain their primary caring role.

. Ensure a high standard of service delivery through regular monitoring and reviewing of work, in line with current legislation and good practice recommendations.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS – Outcomes and framework

All young people accommodated at Cheviot View will receive support and encouragement to:

Be healthy:

. Staff will encourage young people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and give advice to prevent poor health; staff will assist young people and their families to access appropriate services.

. Young people are encouraged to exercise appropriately (depending upon ability) and eat a healthy diet. Our meals have been assessed by a dietician / nutrition expert who states they are wholesome and fit for purpose. This situation is reviewed on a regular basis.

. The unit promotes healthy diet and eating plans and supports the LAC Healthy Eating Guide through our allocated nurse in health. The unit has a Food and Healthy Diet policy.

. Young people are registered with their own GP and a dentist, and are encouraged to attend all health related appointments.

. Staff maintain good links with health care advisors and community nurses and facilitate appointments.

. Staff encourage young people to take responsibility for their sexual health and support them in accessing appropriate services.

. The staff will offer the young people opportunities to discuss and examine their needs and feelings.

. In accordance with the current Government initiative, health related exercise, responsible diet and fitness are to be encouraged.

Stay safe:

. Cheviot View provides a safe, caring and a supportive environment free from mal- treatment, neglect, violence and sexual exploitation.

. Cheviot View meets, and will continue to meet, all health and safety standards.

. Young people are provided with advice regarding their physical safety when outside of the home. All young people have individual risk assessments that are updated on a regular basis, and a comprehensive child care plan.

. Staff at Cheviot View ensure young people are safe from bullying and discrimination, and apply the Directorate’s anti-bullying and equal opportunities policies.

. Staff will develop open, honest, valued and meaningful relationships with the young people so they can feel comfortable and safe within the unit.

. Staff will ensure that all young people understand the Directorate’s complaints procedure, advocacy service and are aware of their rights.

. An induction pack will be given to all young people upon admission which provides information that helps them to ‘stay safe’.

Enjoy Life and achieve their full potential:

. Staff at Cheviot View actively encourage and facilitate regular school attendance, support learning and careers options that promote a positive work ethic.

. Young people are encouraged to experience a wide range of activities outside of school hours.

. Each young person will have a Statement of Educational Needs, which outlines what support is needed in order to maximise the young person reaching their academic potential.

. Develop and maintain close links with schools. A designated manager is responsible for school liaison.

Make a positive contribution:

. Young people are encouraged to participate in the planning for their future.

. Young people are encouraged to participate and contribute to the appointment of staff and delivery of services to Looked After Children.

. Young people are encouraged to be respectful to the needs of other members of the community, and to act within the parameters of the law.

. Young people will be encouraged to feedback individual, and family views on how to improve the service provided.

Staff assist young people to understand their position within the community and to make a positive contribution wherever the opportunity arises.

. Staff at Cheviot View support young people and assist them through their identified ‘placement plan’.

. Staff will encourage young people to take responsibility for their own actions (where appropriate) and support them in identifying and accepting the consequences.

. Staff will positively encourage anti-discrimination behaviour and attitudes. Primary work sessions, group meetings and daily living situations will be used to educate and model acceptable behaviour enabling young people to understand issues surrounding gender, race, disability, class, culture, religion and sexual orientation.

. Staff will work in partnership with parents and other significant parties to identify problems and a strategy for change.

. Staff will support young people in the development of their communication skills by helping them develop their own self worth.

. Young people will be encouraged to participate in shaping future services and have access to the “Investing in Children” initiative (Strategic Partnership Plans).

. Stakeholder feedback is welcome from all residents, encouraging them to make positive comments about how to improve services.

. LAC Partnership events – assist and encourage views and comments on how Children’s Services should be developed.

Achieve economic well-being:

. Young people are actively encouraged to seek gainful employment where appropriate, or further education.

. Cheviot View staff will jointly with Education Services and young people, arrange to integrate into schools.

. Encourage to attend appointments with Connexions Services and Transition worker.

. Regardless of ability all young people will have the opportunity to achieve.

. The expectations of young people are raised and they are assisted to achieve a standard of living which is commensurate with their care plan.

What is it like at Cheviot View

The service at Cheviot View is underpinned by the 5 outcomes outlined in Every Child Matters. The service will promote young people’s welfare by assisting them to:

. Be healthy; . Stay safe;

Enjoy life to their full potential; . Make a positive contribution; . Achieve economic well-being.

Cheviot View hopes to provide a seamless transition of care from the home environment.

When a young person is accommodated at the home, they have a private bedroom area with en-suite facilities. Young people will be assisted with personal care in accordance with their individual detailed health and care plans. Such plans are regularly reviewed and updated together with families, young people and social workers.

Personal care and hygiene issues are provided by an experienced and dedicated team of care professionals.

Medication is dispensed according to individual care needs and recorded by staff. Detailed records are kept on individual files.

Young people’s views about the service they receive are recorded in the Young Person’s Meetings and take into account such matters as menu choice, outings, bullying and general safeguarding.

We offer a range of activities including arts, crafts, cooking, games, computer and video games.

Staff will also encourage young people to engage in activities outside of the home for example trips to the coast in unit transport, a visit to the cinema or a session of ten pin bowling. The home has risk assessments that inform them of how to safely undertake these organised events and outings.

Overall staff endeavour to stimulate and engage young people at all times during their stay at Cheviot View to make it a positive and inspiring period of accommodation.

Meal times are social occasions and individual preferences are catered for. All staff will be aware of individual care plans in respect of menus.

Religious and cultural observances and requirements are taken into account in all care plans.

Staff will assist young people prepare for bedtimes by assisting in personal care matters including bathing and showering. Sleep systems are considered and put into operation, again to provide a seamless transition of care from the home environment.

Birthdays, leaving parties and religious events are celebrated within Cheviot View, with staff and young people both helping to create a positive experience.

During the late evening and night a member of staff will undertake sleep-in duties, in addition to a night shift care worker who will support young people and attend to them, assisting as and when required.

Families, carers and allied professionals are regularly invited to open days, coffee mornings and events, as organised in an attempt to promote transparency of service, and get service user and ‘stakeholder’ views on how to improve out service.

Feedback from previous service users’ families include comments such as:

‘…we would like to say a big thank you to all of you for support given to our son and family over many happy years he has spent at Cheviot View. He will miss his visits and all the staff…’

‘…where do we begin to thank you? It has been a great comfort…I am gutted that this could not continue until she is 65!! Please invite us to any open days or events – please keep in touch’.

The service undergoes regulated inspection via Ofsted, and also internal regulation through Regulation 33 visits and Regulation 34(6) – quality of care (manager’s reports). The intention if this is to provide and review the quality of care and ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’.

2. Facilities and services

. All children and young people will be provided with a single bedroom with TV and DVD. The unit has a good selection of DVD’s and computer games and regularly rents different ones. The children and young people are encouraged to bring in their own choice of age appropriate play station games.

. The lounge offers a 46” television with additional channels. The kitchen offers the facilities for meal preparation and beverages. A quiet room promotes young people developing curriculum/educational skills via the use of a computer. The quiet room can be used when children and young people have visitors. The Multi Purpose Room has a touch screen PC for the Young People to use.

. Meals are eaten in the dining area with a choice of menu and individual diet preferences are catered for.

. A separate telephone is available for a young person to make private phone calls. Assistance is available if requested.

. To the rear of Cheviot View there is a large garden and play area.

. Staff encourage young people to participate in group outings and days away as a means of actively using their leisure time.

. As well as a social worker and residential care staff, young people have access to the following: o Doctor – Home Area o Dentist – Home Area o Complaints Officer (Children’s Social Care) o Independent Advocate - NYAS

. Exit doors are alarmed to ensure young people’s safety and to alert staff if they attempt to leave the building, or if unauthorised persons attempt to gain entry. This is arranged to promote safeguarding. Due to their disabilities many of the children and young people are unaware of everyday dangers to themselves and others.

. Outside doors are operated by a fob system to ensure a safe environment for children and young people, the system is over ridden when the fire alarm sounds to ensure exiting the building is not impeded. The door is alarmed to alert staff if a child or young person leaves the building.

. There is a nurse call alarm system throughout the building so children and young people can call for help should they need it.

. The laundry is equipped with washing and drying equipment, it is kept locked to ensure the children and young peoples safety and is opened by staff to enable access for children and young people who wish to do their own laundry. Laundering of clothing is agreed with families.

There is a medication room which is kept locked at all times. During medication administration time’s children and young people will be taken to the medication room whenever practicable to take their medication.

. Children bring their own clothes when they come to stay, on arrival their clothes are unpacked and a record of their belongings is made, the children and young people are encouraged to help and take responsibility for them.

3. Registered provider

Mick McCracken: Head of Safeguarding and Children's Social Care. Childrens Services Directorate Children’s Social Care Civic Centre Barrass Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8PA

4. Qualifications and experience of Registered Person

Mick McCracken: Head of Safeguarding and Children's Social Care. Qualified in teaching, social work, family therapy. Post graduate awards in health and social welfare and management studies. From 1976, has occupied practitioner and management posts in a number of local authorities in the North East within the children's social care.

Qualifications and experience of Registered Manager

Ian Penrose - Interim Manager Short Break Services

Qualifications: - Diploma in Social Work HNC Management –social care

Experience: - 1983 – 1989: Residential child care worker 1989 – 1991: Acting deputy manager –children home 1991 – 1996: Residential child care worker 1996 – 2006: Deputy Manager – children home 2006 – 2007: Supervising Social worker/Long term family finder – Fostering 2007 – 2009: Co-ordinator of the community fostering scheme – fostering 2008 – 2010: Acting deputy manager - fostering 2008 – 2010: lead on participation / children council. LAC

5. Organisation and staffing

Cheviot View has a manager who has links with Senior Management within Children’s Services. The manager and deputy managers have overall responsibility for the service and standard. Duties include:

 The day to day running of the unit;  Knowledge of service recipients;  Monitoring and reviewing of service delivery;  Staff supervision, training and development, recruitment.

Cheviot view has 19 members of staff (including the manager and deputy managers) 11 full time, and 8 part time as well as a regular relief pool to call on. Care staff and ancillary staff work on a four week planned rota basis.

Adequate staffing is provided at Cheviot View to ensure that young people are appropriately supervised.

If staff are prevented from coming to work due to adverse weather conditions, road closures etc. then staff on duty will remain to care for children and young people until they can be relieved. Should staff be prevented from coming to work by an illness that was infectious and affecting staffing levels then Cheviot View would close to new admissions and children and young people would be returned home. In the event of an infectious disease breaking out all families would be informed.

The Staff team Comprises of:

1. Interim Manager 2. Deputy Managers 11. Residential Children Care Workers 3. Night Shift Children care workers 2. Domestics 1. Cook

There is a minimum of 2 staff on duty over night (10pm – 7am) one of which is a waking night shift. From 7am – 10am (term time) and 3pm – 10pm and 7am – 10pm (holiday time) we have upto 4 staff members on duty.

Cheviot View staff qualifications and experience

Name M/F Position Full/part Hrs. Date Qualifications time per commenced & experience: week Michael M Deputy F/T 37 01/06/02 Linford Manager Qualifications & experience: BSc Social Work ILM Management Qualification Level 5. Employed in Childrens services since 1987, working in residential units including those for children and young people with disabilities, as a Care Officer, Deputy Officer in Charge and Acting Officer in Charge Meg Laidler F Deputy F/T 37 21/06/2010 Manager

Qualifications & experience: B Tec National Certificate in Caring Services. in a range of local authority childcare establishments including Full Daycare , Out of School, Family Support Unit between 1993 and 2000. Worked as Community Childminding Network Coordinator 2000 to 2003. Worked as a local authority Childcare Consultant 2003 to 2007 and as a Childcare, Safeguarding and Compliance Officer 2007 to 2010. Delivered Safeguarding Training 2000 to 2010 Wendy F Care P/T 17 01/12/04 Donald Officer

Qualifications & experience: DipSW .Nanny in Australia (1yr+), Residential care officer LAC 3 (3yrs, Duty Worker Mainstream Social Work Team (6months), Care Officer CWD (14yrs) Alison F Care P/T 19 .5 05/09/90 Aldridge Officer Qualifications & experience: NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Employed as a Care Assistant working with elderly people ( 4yrs), Care Officer CWD (19yrs)

Steve Mordey M Care F/T 37 01/04/00 Officer Qualifications & experience: Dip/MA Social Work, MA applied Social Studies Employed as in adult services 3 years, including 2 years as assistant manager. Mainstream LAC 7 years, Family Support Worker 1 year, Relief worker in Adult and Children’s services 3 years. Care Officer CWD 10 years

Valerie F Care F/T 37 01/01/96 Hammer Officer NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Employed as a Care Assistant caring for elderly people (7yrs),Care Officer Mainstream LAC (2 yrs), CWD (14 yrs)

Gordon M Care F/T 37 01/08/02 Fitzgibbon Officer NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Care Officer Mainstream LAC (7yrs)CWD (15yrs)

Alan Scott M Care F/T 37 01/03/03 Officer Qualifications & experience: NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Care Officer Mainstream LAC (15yrs) Care Officer CWD (8yrs)

Jackie F Care P/T 37 03/04/89 Muckian Officer Qualifications & experience: NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Employed as a Care Assistant caring for elderly people (2yrs) Care Officer CWD (19yrs).

Margaret F Care P/T 20 01/10/04 Southerton Officer Qualifications & experience: NVQ3Caring for Children and Young People. Occupational Health Assistant (1yr), Senior Care Assistant Adults with Learning Disability(3 yrs), Shared Care Support Worker children and adults with Learning Disabilities (12yrs), Care Officer CWD (6yrs)

Rachel F Care F/T 37 10/11/08 Hopkins Officer

Qualifications & experience: Degree in Business Studies. Sessional work with Youth Offending Team ( 2YRS), Relief pool worker in LAC emergency unit (6months)NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People 2012.

Ian Pallister M Care F/T 37 09/01/07 Officer Qualifications & experience: NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Befriender for Children with Disabilities Francesca F Care P/T 30 01/08/07 Furno Officer Qualifications & experience: Studying NVQ3 Degree in Counselling

Audrey F Night P/T 30 27/01/97 Wilson Care Officer

Qualifications & experience: NVQ3 Caring for Children and Young People. Employed as a Care Assistant Disabled Adults ( 3yrs), Care Assistant caring for elderly people (6yrs), Care Officer CWD(13yrs)

Denise F Night P/T 10 2008 Fenlon Care Officer Qualifications & experience: NVQ 4 registered Manager (adults)

Gwen Preece F Domestic P/T 19.5 03/01/95 Qualifications & experience: British Industrial Cleaning Services Certificate. Domestic work for the police service and Teachers training college.

6. Staff supervision

All members of staff receive supervision formally on a regular basis in accordance with the Directorate’s policy. Formal one to one supervision is provided to all staff on a monthly basis for a duration of not less than 1.5 hours.

The lines of responsibility are:

 The Manager of Short Break Services receives supervision from the Corporate parenting Manager.

 The Deputy Officers in Charge receive supervision from the Manager of Short Break Services.

 Residential Child Care Officers receive supervision from the Manger of Short Break Services and Deputy Officers in Charge.

 The Domestic staff receive supervision from a Deputy Manager.

 Admin assistant receives supervision from the administration team manager.

 Supervision is recorded and signed by both parties.

Staff meetings are held fortnightly and a formal record is kept on file. All staff will attend, except for those on annual leave / sick leave.

All staff participates in the Directorates performance appraisal scheme.

Staff training and development

All Staff attend the following mandatory training: First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, Medical Issues, Medication administration, Fire safety, Team Teach. Across the team staff have completed training in Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS),Makaton, British Sign Language (BSL) Sensory Issues and Autism. Care staff have completed or are working towards NVQ in Caring for Children and Young People. New staff have completed Induction training and supporting work book.

7. The organisational structure of Cheviot View

Mick McCracken Head of Safeguarding

Myra Milne Corporate Parent Manager

Ian Penrose Registered Manager To include Befriender, Outreach, Residential

Michael Linford Meg Laidler Deputy Officer in Deputy Officer in charge charge Residential Staff Wendy Donald Margaret Southerton Denise Fenlon Alan Scott Steve Mordey Gordon Fitzgibbon Ian Pallister Alison Aldridge Jackie Muckian Francesca Furno Val Hammer Audrey Wilson Rachel Hopkins

Administrative Domestic / Cook Assistant Gwen Preece / Chris Central Point Miller Relief Staff

8. Particulars

. Cheviot View accommodates children and young people with a disability referred by the Children with Disabilities Team. . Individual families can purchase the service through individual budgets.

. Provides accommodation for up to 6 children/young people of mixed gender aged 6 to their18th birthday. One Bed can be used for One young person 18 – 25 years old

. Provides, in partnership with families, a safe environment for children and young people who have been assessed as being in need of a service matched to their individual needs.

. Provides a range of clearly defined responsive services that will strive to maximise the potential of each child and young person within a child plan.

. Provides this service within a corporate parenting framework.

Children’s Social Care REFERRAL PROCESS

Planned

Core Assessment Completed

Referral Meeting Child Plan Provided Manager SBS Manager CWD Registered Manager Hospital Manager Placement Team

Approval Approval of Manager refused Short Break Services for placement

Short Break Service

9. Admissions Procedure

All placements must follow the Directorate’s agreed protocol and all admissions will be co-ordinated by Cheviot View staff. Admission referrals will initially be considered to fit in with the specific Statement of Purpose based on information contained in a recently completed Core Assessment. All offers of short breaks will be made on the basis of what is known about the child or young person, and the current service users, by Cheviot View staff and other professionals involved, therefore it is essential that all information is made available to them. Due regard will be given to:

. the staff and the ability of the unit to offer adequate care and control . the potential adverse effects upon other service users . the mix of the resident group . the needs of the young people

ICS documentation must be completed prior to admission (overnights)

Crisis Admissions

. Cheviot View does not provided emergency placements, however if a family crisis means that a child or young person who accesses the service needs overnight provision away from the family home, consideration will be given to provide a short break at this point as part of the support to the child and family. A risk assessment of the current group of children will be carried out and if this is deemed an appropriate short break then it will go ahead.

It is not intended that Cheviot View provides accommodation for more than 6 children at any one time.

10. It is not intended to accommodate more than six children.

11. Ethos and philosophy of organisation and service

. All work in Cheviot View is underpinned by the principles of improving the life chances of children and young people and the involvement of children and young people in service planning and review.

. Staff share the Governments vision as set down in the Green Paper “Every Child Matters” (2003), of children being healthy, staying safe, enjoying life and achieving their full potential and making a positive contribution within the ethos of the Children Act 1989 (amended 2008) and will adhere to the Children’s Home National Minimum Standards(2011).

. Cheviot View does not adhere to any particular theoretical or therapeutic model – staff respond to the individual needs of young people, which will be identified in their child plan. Children will receive additional individual support where this is assessed as being necessary.

12. Health:

Children live in a healthy environment where their physical, emotional and psychological health is promoted and where they are able to access the services to meet their health needs. (standard 6)

. Responsibility for the health of the children and young people remains with the parents/carers. Staff promote all aspects of a child’s health and will seek emergency treatment for individual children and young people, should it be necessary during their stays.

. All medications are stored and administered in accordance with the local authority’s guidelines.

. A consent form is signed by the individuals GP giving permission to administer homely remedies. For details see the directorate medication policy.

. Health plans are in place for all children and young people.

13. Education

The education and achievement of children is actively promoted as valuable in itself and as part of their preparation for adulthood. Children are supported to achieve their educational potential. (standard 8)

. Responsibility for education reviews for children and young people receiving a service from Cheviot View remains with parents and carers but whilst at Cheviot View all young people in the unit are actively encouraged to attend/achieve at school – staff are in regular contact with all schools.

. Young people are taken to their school in the mornings by Educational Transport.

. Each school has an identified contact person for Looked After Children.

Cheviot View has a designated manager responsible for school liaison.

. Young people will be encouraged and helped to complete homework tasks. Homework can be completed in individual bedrooms or in the quiet lounge.

14. Recreational, sporting and cultural activities

Children are able to enjoy their interest, develop confidence in their skills and are supported and encouraged by staff to engage in leisure activities.

Children are able to make a positive contribution to their home and their wider community. (standard 7)

 There are parks, sports centres and libraries in the local area and young people are encouraged and supported to utilise these.

 Children and young people have a choice of indoor activities such as age appropriate DVD’s and computer games, sensory room, books and toys. A fine balance between meeting the needs of individuals and those of the group as a whole must be established

 Cheviot View has its own wheelchair accessible mini bus for outings in the wider community. Activities regularly organised within the community include, ten-pin bowling and cinema trips. Cheviot View is a short bus ride from Newcastle city centre and is on a direct bus route. Trips to the countryside and seaside are regularly organised. Written risk assessments are carried out on each activity to determine how appropriate and safe it is and parent/carer consent is obtained. These are retrieved on a regular basis.

 Young people are encouraged and supported to continue to be involved in any clubs/hobbies/interests they have prior to admission to Cheviot View.

 Children and young people are encouraged and given opportunities to take part in activities and leisure interests which take account of their race, culture, language, religion, interests, abilities and disabilities. Birthdays, name days, cultural and religious festivals are celebrated i.e. young people participating with staff in planning these events together. Young people are encouraged to meet with staff regularly at house meetings and individually to plan activities and to make their views known regarding any activities and hobbies.

15. Arrangements for consultation with young people

Children and Young Peoples Meetings: Meetings will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. The purpose of the meetings are:

. To enable the young people to have a say in day to day living arrangements.

To enable staff and young people to openly discuss ways of improving / modifying anything that will have a mutual benefit.

. To provide fire safety and emergency measures information and guidance.

. Safeguarding and bullying (use of Picture Exchange Communication System to facilitate understanding).

. A record of minutes is held on file within the home.

Primary Worker: Every child and young person prior to admission will be allocated a primary worker. The primary worker will be directly responsible for:

. Developing a professional, supportive relationship with the child or young person so they understand that the worker is their named person at Cheviot View and that they can take any issues to them regarding their stays.

. Listening to the child or young person, offering support and guidance.

. Ensure that suggestions or concerns raised by the children and young people are shared with team members and that the child or young person receives feedback on issues raised.

. Co-ordinating the formulation and implementation of the child or young persons placement plan, with the involvement of the child or young person.

. Key worker 1:1 sessions.

. Acting as an advocate for the child or young person.

. Specific regard to Safeguarding / Bullying.

16. Control and discipline

Cheviot View adheres to Newcastle upon Tyne Childrens Social Care Directorates Policy and Guidance on Care, Control and Sanctions for Childrens Social Care (2009)

. This policy sets out a framework for the care and good order of young people in residential care and is based on the need to provide a safe and caring environment in which the rights and responsibilities of both staff and residents are respected.

. The policy affirms certain key principles that underpin residential care and establishes a framework for good care practices and clarifies the support and training necessary to assist staff in this task.

. The policy acknowledges the challenge of the residential care task and the fact that young people sometimes behave unacceptably. We therefore have a responsibility to establish clear boundaries and to provide guidance on ways of addressing this behaviour. This may include appropriate use of sanctions and, as a last resort,

physical restraint inline with our policies and agreed within positive behaviour plan. Permitted sanctions may include:

o Reparation-putting right the harm or damage a young person may have done, e.g. making an apology or doing something helpful

o Restitution-compensation, e.g. paying for damages

o Curtailment of leisure extras.

o Additional household chore.

o Increased supervision.

o Restriction of contact with individuals, but only in accordance with the care plan for the young person or where there is urgent need to restrict access to individuals of doubtful influence.

o Refusal to go out may occur as a normal domestic sanction, but only where there is an agreed sanction in the unit and is not seen as a restriction of liberty.

o Physical intervention, control by physical intervention is the last resort intervention where other interventions have failed, or would be insufficient to prevent the immediate risk of serious harm to the child or others. Workers must be appropriately trained. If staff are not trained, it is dangerous for the young person and themselves.

o Holding. When used to hold a young person in such a way as to encourage calming to prevent them from injuring another person.

. Control and discipline cannot be enforced by staff upon children and young people and is best maintained through good relationships. Relationships are built on trust, understanding and respect for each other.

. While staff on duty takes ultimate responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within the home we believe that control is most effective when the children and young people want to behave and keep within the set limits. Therefore we try to keep sanctions to a minimum preferring to reward and encourage positive behaviour.

. Where negotiation and communication does not diffuse a potentially harmful or highly charged situation, the use of positive physical intervention may be required. This will only be used when staff are satisfied that all reasonable efforts have been made to avert and diffuse the situation, and when they have considered the risk involved in intervention, as opposed to the risk on non-intervention. Team Teach is the approach adopted by children’ homes in Newcastle.

Team Teach:

All staff receive training in Team Teach, which is a structured, non-violent, staff development programme that:

 Training will aim to work within the guidelines produced by the DCSF Guidance documents Nov 2007 and DOH/DFES RPI Guidance (July 2002) and the B.I.L.D. accreditation Scheme.  Positive Handling Strategies have sufficient range and flexibility to be appropriate across the age and development range, for both the intentional and non- intentionally “challenging” individual.

. Promotes effective, safe verbal, non-verbal and physical techniques, designed specifically for children.

. Enables services for children to develop acceptable and appropriate responses to serious incidents of "out of control" behaviour, in a manner that maintains positive relationships and provides safety for all.

. Informs staff of their legal obligations/responsibilities as employees working with children.

. Informs staff of health and safety aspects when intervening with children.

. Gives instruction on accurate recording when working with children.

. Promotes safe physical techniques for staff and children.

. Provides support methods for staff and children following intervention.

There is a two-day training course followed by annual refresher training (1 day).

Staff must attend the annual refresher training on or before the identified date to validate their team teach practice.

17. Arrangements for safeguarding and to counter bullying

Safeguarding:

. The unit manager will ensure that all staff are aware of the systems in place to promote the safety and welfare of the young person and to ensure that the young persons are protected from abuse.

. A copy of the Safeguarding Policy for the directorate is kept in the unit’s Policy and Guidance file and all staff must read it and sign to say they understand.

. Copies of “What to do if you are warned a child is being abused” and “Working Together” are kept in the unit and all staff must read these and indicate to their manager that they understand and are knowledgeable about them.

. All staff should attend the one day Raising Awareness Child Protection Course as a minimum standard.

. Staff should also be aware of Newcastle’s Whistle Blowing Policy for confidential reporting of concerns and also the Multiple Abuse Policy Guidelines.

What to do if you are worried a child is being abused

To be read in conjunction with the Directorate Safeguarding Policy and the Home’s devolved guidance on safeguarding, and HM Government Publication – ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’ (2006).

In the event that suspicion arises and / or there is clear evidence that a young person in your care has suffered abuse, the following response must be followed by all staff:

. The immediate welfare of the child is of paramount importance. The child must be moved with immediate effect if their safety is not ensured.

. In an emergency, call the police and advise the manager or deputy (whoever is on call).

. Follow the attached flow charts

. All staff must be aware of the above document HM Government 2006 publication.

If staff are concerned about the manager being involved in an alleged abusive episode, then the Corporate Parenting Manager must be contacted by one of the deputy managers to share the concern.

FLOW CHART 1 REFERRAL

PRACTITIONER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT CHILD’S WELFARE

Practitioner discusses with manager and/or other senior colleagues as they think appropriate

Still has concerns No longer has concerns

Practitioners refers to No further child children’s social care protection action, following up in writing although may need to within 48 hrs act to ensure services provided

Social worker and manager Feedback to referrer acknowledge receipt on next course of of referral and decide action on next course of action within one working day No further children’s social care involvement although other action may be necessary, e.g. onward referral

Initial assessment See flow chart 2 on required initial assessment

Concerns about child’s immediate safety

See flow chart 3 on emergency action

FLOW CHART 2 WHAT HAPPENS FOLLOWING INITIAL ASSESSMENT?

INITIAL ASSESSMENT COMPLETED WITHIN 7 WORKING Feedback to DAYS FROM REFERRAL TO referrer SOCIAL SERVICES

No children’s social Child in care support need required, other action may be necessary

No actual or likely Actual or likely significant harm significant harm

Social worker discusses with Strategy discussion, involving children’s child, family and colleagues to social care, police and relevant agencies, decide on next steps to decide whether to initiate a s47 enquiry

Decide what services are Concerns arise about the required child’s safety

In-depth assessment Social worker leads core assessment; required other professionals contribute

Further decisions made about service provision

Social worker co- See flow chart 4 ordinates provision of appropriate services, and records decisions

Review outcomes for child and when appropriate close the case

FLOW CHART 3 DECISION MADE THAT EMERGENCY URGENT ACTION TO ACTION MAY BE NECESSARY TO SAFEGUARD SAFEGUARD A CHILD CHILDREN

Immediate strategy discussion between children’s social care, police and other agencies as appropriate

Relevant agency seeks legal advice and outcome recorded

Immediate strategy discussion makes decisions about: Immediate safeguarding action Information giving, especially to parents

Relevant agency sees child and outcome recorded

No emergency Appropriate emergency action taken action taken

Child in need Strategy discussion and s47 enquiries initiated

See flow See flow chart 4 chart 2

With family and other professionals, agree plan for ensuring child’s future safety and welfare and record decisions

Bullying (positive relationships):

. Bullying is the intentional or perceived causing of pain, distress, anxiety, humiliation or social exclusion to one young person by one or more other young people, by physical or verbal means or through damage or loss of property.

. Cheviot View adheres to Newcastle upon Tyne Children’s Social Care Policy and Guidance Counter Bullying which is held in the units Policy and Guidance file which staff must read.

. A copy of bullying involving children with special educational needs and disability is available for staff reference in the office at Cheviot View.

. Bullying is formally recorded in the Bullying Record in the main office, this includes internet bullying and mobile phone bullying.

Newcastle City Council, Children’s Services, will not tolerate bullying in any of its residential establishments.

. Bullying is a serious issue for all young people especially those living in-group settings.

. Bullying should be discussed openly on a regular daily living situations, it will be a set agenda item for all children and young peoples meetings.

. As part of the admission process every young person should be made aware:

o that bullying is not acceptable

o what to do if they are being bullied or witness another young person either bullying or being bullied

. Young people should be encouraged to see bullying as a problem for everyone and not just an individual issue. They should be encouraged either to intervene themselves to prevent bullying or to bring adult assistance immediately.

. Staff must act as role models and should not engage in any sort of bullying, verbal abuse or fun fighting.

. Bullying should be discussed on a regular basis in staff meetings, individual supervision, young people's meetings and reviews.

. Young people should be encouraged to speak up if they are being bullied or witness bullying.

. Young people staying at Cheviot View have a right not to be bullied.

. Any member of staff who witnesses or suspects that any form of bulling is occurring must act to prevent it.

18. Procedure for unauthorised absence of a young person

. Where a young person absents themselves from the Home without the authorisation of the staff, the procedure, unless there has been an agreed strategy developed at a planning meeting for managing an individual’s unauthorised absence, is that the young people will be reported as missing persons to the local police central control immediately they are known to be absent. For all children a “missing person form” will be completed by the staff and the details will be collected by the local police, after a verbal notification by telephone has been made. During the verbal notification process the police control centre will provide a log number for reference purposes which will be entered into the appropriate records which are kept for all unauthorised absences.

. A revised ‘missing from care’ policy under DCSF Guidelines is available for all staff to read.

. A parent or carer will be contacted by telephone by staff who will always inform them of any unauthorised absence. For parents who do not possess a telephone, staff will have to rely upon either the police or the social worker/EDT visiting the home address and notifying the parents in person.

. On some occasions it may be possible for care staff to visit the home address to notify parents of an unauthorised absence but often other duties and responsibilities prevent this act from happening.

. The young person’s Social Worker will be informed by telephone at the first possible opportunity of any unauthorised absences and an exchange of information and concerns will take place. In some cases unauthorised absences will “trigger” a need for those involved with the young person to meet and formally develop a strategy for managing the unauthorised absences.

. Any young person who is subject to a statutory order (i.e. Care Order) will be reported “as missing” to the police immediately after they are known to be absent.

. Care staff will monitor and record all unauthorised absences outlining such details as the police log number, the time of absence, the time of reporting the absence to the police and the time of any return.

19. Electronic surveillance equipment

(In accordance with Children’s Homes Regulation 22)

. Cheviot View has CCTV fitted to the outside of the building. These cameras cover all of the boundaries of the unit. They are recording 24 hours per day. They allow the children and young people to have a safer environment to live and they assist staff in maintaining everyone that comes into or approaching the building and grounds.

. Sound monitors are placed in individual bedrooms to alert night staff when a young person’s sleep is disturbed. An agreement for the use of this is made with the family

and social worker, and contained in individual care plans. This is in accordance with clear safeguarding protocols.

20. Fire procedures and associated emergency procedures

. The unit is equipped with a fire detection and alarm system (voice activator) with each bedroom having its own smoke detector installed. This is tested and maintained regularly.

. The unit is equipped with a sprinkler system, fire blankets and fire extinguishers, which are also inspected, tested and maintained on a regular basis by an approved firm in accordance with local authority regulations.

. Fire Safety Guidance is issued and approved by the D.F.O. Fire Drill practices are held regularly with a maximum interval of three months. These are recorded in a register, which is inspected by fire officers.

. Young people are given fire safety information on their arrival as part of their admission procedure and confirmation of this will be recorded at young persons meetings. Each child has a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) on their file.

. The Local Authority provides training in resuscitation techniques, First Aid and Safety. (The DFO has agreed to provide Fire Fighting awareness courses for the staff, which will include practical training).

. The Fire Alarms are tested on a weekly basis.

. All staff receive fire training, which is compulsory; a certificate is received and has to be renewed every three years. There is a 3 monthly in-house update training for all staff.

. In the event of a fire or other emergency that necessitates the evacuation of the building children and young people will be returned home. If this is not immediately possible children and young people will be taken to Slatyford Lane children’s home until arrangements can be made

21. Religious observance

Cheviot View staff will:

. Consult with and seek advice from, Parents, Guardians and the social worker responsible for the young person and an appropriate representative of the religious body to which the young person belongs regarding him/her following the practices of his religion.

. Give every young person the opportunity to practice and receive instruction in their religious observance, including attending religious services.

Provide the young person with any necessary facilities, as far as is practicable that he/she would need to undertake his/her religious observance in keeping with his/her age.

. Endeavour to make every young person feel that positive consideration is being given to their religious persuasion.

. Provide any special dietary requirements appertaining to religious persuasion.

. Be aware of dress codes specific to a young person’s religious persuasion.

22. Arrangements for contact

. During their break at Cheviot View staff recognise that children must be able to maintain constructive contact with their families, friends and other people who play a significant role in their lives.

. Children are provided with practical support for such contact, helping them to make telephone calls and family members may be transported to the home to visit if that is appropriate.

. Contact arrangements are discussed at the time of the child’s admission and detailed in the placement plan. Any restrictions on contact for the protection of the child are clear. Contact by visits, telephone and letters are facilitated where there are no such restrictions. There are facilities for young people to receive and make telephone calls in privacy.

. Contact arrangements are flexible and are reviewed regularly with family and other involved agencies.

23. Complaints

Young people wishing to make a complaint can do so by means of contacting any of the following:

. Hilary Roberts - Customer Relations Officer Tel. 0191 232 8520 ext. 26454

. Their own Social Worker located at Springfield Tel. 0191 277 4700

. Named IRO – Independent Reviewing Officer Tel.

. Mick McCracken – Head of Children’s Social Care Tel. 0191 232 8520

. OFSTED Tel. 08456 40 40 40

. Pat Thompson – Service Manager, Children with Disabilities Tel. 0191 211 6362

. NYAS (Advocacy Service) Tel. 0800 616 101

. Myra Milne – Corporate Parenting Manager Tel. 0191 2772422

Page 34 24. Review of placement plans

. All young people will have a placement plan under section 20 or section 17 section 20 is in accordance with Looked After Children (LAC) systems are expected to be involved in their reviews and in any decisions made. Section 17 is in accordance with short breaks process, whether S20 or S17 plans will be renewed every 6 months.

. There are separate consultations in place for both young people and parents to complete prior to a review taking place.

. A viewpoint interview is undertaken with children and young people who are able to do so. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the young person’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted in the most effective way throughout the period they are looked after or accommodated, and to ensure holistic care is provided commensurate with the 5 Every Child Matters outcomes.

. Reviews form part of a continuous planning process.

. Reviews are regulated by the Review of Children’s Cases Regulations 1991.These are the minimum standard and reviews should be as frequent as the case circumstances require.

25. Type of accommodation

. Cheviot View is a single storey purpose built building on a residential estate.

. The bedrooms are all single en suite rooms. Children will not share a room.

. Bookings are arranged by managers at Cheviot View who use their knowledge of the children and young people and their likes and dislikes when arranging stays.

26. Therapeutic techniques used in Cheviot View

No therapeutic techniques will be used in Cheviot View unless identified within the young person’s education or health plan and will be delivered only by an appropriately qualified trained professional.

27. Anti-discriminatory practice

Everyone at Cheviot View will be committed to the equality of all people regardless of: . Race . Gender . Age . Religion . Impairments . Sexual orientation

All staff have undertaken Equality and Diversity and Rights training.

All staff at Cheviot View will be pro-active in their approach to fully understanding the concept of Children’s Rights and the Relationship of these Rights with their Responsibilities:

. The right not to be ill-treated but the responsibility not to ill-treat others.

. The right to be cared for and the responsibility to care about others.

. The right not to be put at risk and the responsibility not to put others at risk.

. The right to be heard and the responsibility to listen to other people.

. The right not to be discriminated against and the responsibility not to make discriminatory remarks, or take discriminatory action.

. The rights to have their personal possessions protected and the responsibility to respect other people's possessions.

. The right to privacy and the responsibility to respect other people's privacy.

. The right to live free from verbal or physical Intimidation or bullying and the responsibility not to intimidate or bully others.

Other information

. Investing in Children Cheviot View is an Investing in Children accredited unit. ‘Investing in Children is concerned with the human rights of children and young people. In particular, Investing in Children works to ensure that children and young people have a voice, and are able to influence the services they use.’

. Autism Quality Programmes Cheviot View has Autism Accreditation status.