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Sorrel Drive Children's Resource Centre

The Bungalow

Statement of Purpose and Function

37 Sorrel Drive, Eastbourne BN23 8BH

Responsible Authority: East Sussex County Council Social Services Department County Hall St Anne's Crescent Lewes BN7 1SW Tel: 01273 481000 April 2002

APPENDIX D

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Establishment Registered Provider The Bungalow Helen Davies

Assistant Director, - Children & Families, Social Services Department,

County Hall, St. Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex.

BN7 1SW Telephone: 01273 481000

Operations Manager Registered Manager – Residential Antony Julyan Paul Taylor Address Contact 37 Sorrel Drive, 01323 762024 Eastbourne, East Sussex. BN23 8BH

Core Statement

“The Bungalow” at Sorrel Drive Children’s Resource Centre provides respite care for up to seven young people of either gender between the ages of 10 and 19. The resident group comprises young people who have severe learning and/or physical disabilities.

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1. Operational Policy

1.1 The Bungalow is a residential unit which forms part of Sorrel Drive Children’s Centre. It is an integral part of the residential accommodation service for East Sussex County Council Social Services’ Dept. embracing recommendations as described in the Quality Protects agenda and provides services to young people and their families across the county.

1.2 The Bungalow is registered with the National Care Standards

Commission and complies with the national minimum standards. It operates within the Children Act 1999 and the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001. Alongside this, the Bungalow complies with the operational policies, guidance and instructions laid out by East Sussex Social Services Department.

1.3 The Bungalow has a clearly definable admissions procedure, which

provides a firm structure to the case planning process. It also ensures that realistic timescales are identified and agreed for a young person’s stay within the Bungalow.

1.4 The management structure and the Bungalow’s internal scheme of

delegation is clearly defined and ensures that effective decision-making in relation to the needs of the young people within the Bungalow is made. It is a management task to assess that placements are appropriate given the needs of the young person, taking into account the mix of residents currently within the Bungalow. Clear and firm expectations of the placing social worker during the initial placement phase, increases the likelihood of meeting targets consistent with the care plan objectives and that any placement drift will be highlighted and resolved at an early stage.

1.5 The Bungalow aims to provide a caring and comfortable environment in

which a young person can feel safe and secure. The key principle enshrined within the Bungalow’s operational ethos is that residential care can be a positive experience, which offers an opportunity to be both creative and innovative within the care planning process.

1.6 The core concepts for practice within the Bungalow are based upon a

clear planning, intervention and evaluation. All young people admitted to The Bungalow are participants within this process, which provides the foundation for individual care planning at all levels of their period of accommodation.

1.7 The health of a young person is considered of paramount importance

and to support this, the services of a General Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist and local Health Centres are available to the unit to help support staff, young people and their families and contribute to effective and cohesive teamwork

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1.8 Whilst we do not offer formal education within the Bungalow, staff members, in conjunction with parents and social work colleagues, remain proactive in attempting to secure formal education in a recognised establishment within East Sussex.

1.9 The philosophy and care culture within the Bungalow actively promotes

the notion of protection of individuals rights. All residents are encouraged to participate in activities outside of the centre and to maintain family contacts on a regular basis. All young people have unsupervised access to a telephone. Information from East Sussex Social Services Department’s Complaints Department at County Hall is easily accessible to young people within the Home.

1.10 Emphasis is given to ensuring an effective and efficient service is

maintained via comprehensive quality assurance systems. As required in the Departmental Best Value Performance Plan, systematic user feedback is obtained in order to measure outcomes.

1.11 The Warner recruitment process is rigorously observed to for all care

staff appointments and the TOPPS induction programme is in place for all new recruitment’s. Individual and team development plans are seen as crucial to our work and these are processed through regular supervision, personal development systems, individual training profiles and a comprehensive training package.

1.12 Comprehensive Team Plans are clearly linked to Government

agendas, in particular Quality Protects objectives. Our main service objectives fall under the following 5 headings:-

• Promote learning and development opportunities for staff • Constantly strive to improve the quality of service we provide • Meet the health and educational needs of all young people we look

after • To actively involve users in planning and delivery of service • To develop effective partnership with other agencies

Specific practice standards are contained primarily in the following documents: Children’s Homes Regulations 2001 The Children Act 1989 The Children Act 1989 Guidance Volume 4 The Children Act 1989 Guidance Volume 6 Care Standards Act 2000 Children’s Homes National Minimum Standards

The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 E.S.C.C. Departmental Operational Instructions East Sussex Child Protection Procedures

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Human Rights Act Health and Safety legislation Data Protection Act Social Services Best Value Performance Plan Quality Protects Management Action Plan

2. Facilities

“The Bungalow” is a place where young people live. Therefore, it is our intention to provide as normal living surroundings as possible.

2.1 Attention is paid to furniture, soft furnishings, equipment and fittings.

This is with a view to creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. We aim to provide a light and airy environment, which can give young people a sense of space and of not being hemmed in. The main living area has enough space and facilities to promote activities and relaxation via listening to music, watching videos, indoor games and arts and crafts activities such as painting and drawing.

2.2 Each young person has their own bedroom which is personalised with

familiar objects, toys, pictures and posters so that the young person will be able to identify what is their own space.

2.3 On the same campus at Sorrel Drive we are lucky enough to offer the

following facilities:

A Snoezelen room which offers a variety of stimulating sensory activities, such as bubble tubes, a ball pool, music and soft furnishings.

A large playroom complete with exploratory equipment for young people, such as tunnels, a small climbing frame, physiotherapy balls and go-kart.

A hydrotherapy pool where young people have the opportunity to enjoy swimming and water – obviously with a high staff presence.

The Bungalow also has a large garden which is used as often as possible in good weather. In very good weather the young people will eat “al fresco” at the picnic table in the garden,

Additionally the Bungalow has an adapted bus which can transport the young people out into the community to partake in any activities or events which mainstream young people would enjoy.

2.4 Sorrel Drive has seven bedrooms, each has the facility for an overhead

hoist to be fitted so that non-ambulant young people can be safely moved from bed to wheelchair and vice versa. All the doorways and corridors are wide enough to ensure wheelchair access and “The Bungalow” has a well-provisioned bathroom which includes an Elysee bath, shower tray, shower chair and Potterton toilet chair. All these are accessed via an ‘H’ track hoisting system.

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2.5 The only circumstances where young people would be placed together in a bedroom would be if they were part of a sibling group and the sharing of a bedroom was appropriate.

2.6 Staff will undertake physiotherapy exercises with some young people.

However, these are exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist external to Sorrel Drive but carried out by staff members.

3. “The Bungalow” Staffing Structure

Operations Manager |

Unit Manager |

2 Resource Officers

| | | | 14 2 1 Senior Care Night Care Admin 1 Driver/Handyman Relief Care Officers Officers Asst. Officers

2 p/t Cleaners 1 p/t Cook

4. Staff Qualifications - Experience NAME QUALIFICATIONS Antony Julyan, Service Manager

20 years residential experience NVQ Internal Verifier Award 1999 Certificate in Social Services 1985

Paul Taylor, Unit Manager

17 years residential experience Certificate in Social Care 1988 (Lewes Tertiary College) Institute of Management Certificate 1997 (University of Brighton) Diploma in Therapeutic Child Care 1999 (Exeter University, Caldecott College) NVQ Assessors Award – Caring for Children & Young People 1999

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Melanie Ross – Resource Officer

19 years residential experience Certificate in Social Services 1984 Child Protection 2 1995 Child Protection & Children with Disability 1996 Supervision Training 1996

Ann Crabb – SCCO (Nights)

17 years residential experience Lifting/Handling

Gill Gausden – SCCO 9 years residential experience – children with disabilities NVQ3 Caring for Children & Young People – commenced 2000Child Protection 1 & 2 1993 Halliwick Method – swimming therapy 1992 ASA Swimming Teacher Cert. 1990 3 years Psychiatric residential experience First Aid Lifting/Handling

Tony Hines – SCCO 9 years residential experience NVQ Level 3 – Caring for Children & Young People 2000 Child Protection 1 & 2 1993 First Aid Lifting/Handling

Nikki Ransom – SCCO

19 years residential experience NVQ level 3 Caring for Children & Young People 2000 Child Protection (Signs & Indicators) 1998

Janet Osborne – SCCO 13 years Home Help / 8 years Residential experience East Sussex Social Care Course, Lewes Tertiary College 1993 Child Protection 1 1993 BTEC GNVQ3 Health & Social Care 1996 Child Protection Foundation 1998 Advanced Diploma in Child Care & Education 1998 D32 & D33 NVQ Assessor’s Award 1999 First Aid Lifting/Handling

Christine Scutt – SCCO 2 years Family Link Scheme 3 years working with Elderly 3 years Childminding Advanced Certificate in Counselling Skills & Theory, Central School Therapy & Counselling, London 1999

Gordon Tinworth – SCCO 5 years working with Adults with Learning Difficulties (Special Needs) 5 years Residential experience working with Children (Learning Disabilities) Child Protection 1 1997 Child Protection – Working in Partnership 1997

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Paula Woodley – SCCO 6 years residential experience NVQ3 Caring for Children & Young People commenced in 1999 Child Protection 1 1996 Lifting/Handling

Rose Cooper – SCCO 2 years Respite Home Care 5 years Physio Assistant Children with Learning & Physical Disabilities 2 years Residential experience (learning disabilities) Commenced NVQ – Caring for Children & Young People Sept 2000

Melissa Crouch – SCCO 5 years Residential experience (children & adults with learning disabilities) BTEC National Diploma in Social Care, Lewes Tertiary College 1995 BSL Stage One 1999 BSL Stage 2 – commenced Sept. 2000 Child Protection (Basic Awareness) 1998

Jo Stratford – RCCO 6 years residential experience 2 years voluntary work Diploma in Nursing (Learning Disabilities), University of Brighton 1997 Registered Nurse, Learning Disability BSL Level 1 2000 BSL Level 2 – commenced Sept 2000

Olive Clark – Cook & Domestic Assistant

12 years at Sorrel Drive Food Hygiene Course 1993 First Aid Certificate 1996

Bob Lewin – Driver/Handyman

16 years at Sorrel Drive National Plant & pool Technicians Certificate 1993 First Aid Appointed Person 1999

Brenda Goldsmith – Domestic Assistant

14 years at Sorrel Drive Basic first aid 1996 Lifting & Handling 1997

Vaila Saunders – Admin Assistant

13 years at Sorrel Drive ESCC Social Care 1 1991 MS Word ’97 Introduction 1999 MS Word ’97 Intermediate 2000 Excel Training 1999 Meetings/Agendas/Minutes 1998 Word Processing 1996 Customer Care 1995

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5. Staff Development

5.1 The selection of staff is critical to the provision of a quality service and ensuring the protection and safety of young people accommodated. The Bungalow’s recruitment process is rigorous and challenging and in line with the “Warner” Committee report on staff recruitment and selection within residential units.

5.2 Clear expectations are placed upon staff within the Bungalow in

relation to their commitment towards achieving high standards of practice and care for service users. Strong emphasis is placed upon individual staff supervision and practice competency planning through the TOPPS induction and foundation process for all newly appointed staff.

5.3 Every member of staff has a personal development review which

measures their performance against departmental, and team plans and incorporates a development action plan for the year ahead. The monitoring of PDS forms part of regular supervision and individual agreements are tailored to the needs of the individual supervisee and reviewed on a six monthly basis

5.4 In addition to this, an active commitment is given to professional

training and development through individual and team training programmes. A rolling programme is in place for all staff to achieve N.V.Q. Level 3, Caring for Children and Young People. On site we have 3 N.V.Q Assessors and one N.V.Q Internal Verifier.

6. Services Provided

6.1 The young people admitted to The Bungalow have very complex emotional and behavioural needs which invariably have led to multiple breakdowns in previous placements. These will outweigh any disability. We aim to meet their psychological, social, emotional health and educational needs within a non-rejecting homely environment.

6.2 In almost all cases, admission to the Bungalow will be planned and as

such would have been subject to a pre-admission planning meeting involving the young person, parents and relevant professionals. Identification of the young person’s co-ordinator within the Bungalow will have taken place prior to this meeting, ensuring that the primary service users are able to meet the co-ordinator within the residential setting before admission.

6.3 Agreement as to the purpose and duration of the placement is

confirmed at this pre-admission stage and emphasis is placed upon the social worker to provide relevant and accurate information within the “Looked After Children” framework.

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6.4 The core assessment model is primarily based on the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (HMSO 2000)Assessment”

6.5 A plan of intervention identifies targets for measurement which are

regularly evaluated for their effectiveness. Individual care planning allows the opportunity to focus on outcomes from both the initial and ongoing process. This is formally monitored via the Looked After Children’s review process

6.6 Additional services which could form part of a young person’s care

plan include:-

• Group work • Family work • Art/Play Therapy • Independence Training • Pre and post placement support work • Joint work with the Leaving Care Team • Joint work with the Fostering and Link Teams • Leisure and recreational activities

All aspects of the service provided are within the context of achieving the aims of the care plan and meeting the identified needs of the young person.

7. Referral and Admission Process

7.1 It is the intention of the Bungalow to provide short-term respite care to young people with severe learning disabilities often combined with physical disabilities.

7.2 Occasionally young people have stayed for longer periods of time

when there has been a breakdown in their home care arrangements and there has been no suitable alternative accommodation available. However, it must be stressed that it was never intended to provide such a service at “The Bungalow”, as it is not considered to be in the best interests of any young person to be placed for a significant length of time in an environment with a constantly changing and residents group.

7.3 In order to procure a service to “The Bungalow” for respite care the

following process is followed:

Family/living placement agree with Social Worker and following an assessment that respite care is needed.

Social Worker presents a referral to the Disability Service Respite referrals monthly meeting.

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If a service is agreed the parents/guardian and young person are invited to visit “The Bungalow”.

If the parents/guardian and young person are happy with what they see, a member of staff from the Bungalow will meet with the parents and young person to arrange a “Care Plan”. The Care Plan will give detailed relevant information about the young person’s needs during their stay. Any other relevant information from other agencies such as the young person’s school and other support services will be recorded in the Care Plan. Once the Care Plan is completed the parents/guardians will receive a copy. In this process the member of staff will:

Gain written permission for emergency medical treatment, if it is needed.

Explain the Medical Procedure endorsed by the Social Services Department.

Gain a written agreement from the parents endorsing the use of residential respite care.

7.4 Wherever possible the young person involved will be encouraged to

participate in this process.

7.5 The young person will be invited for up to three “tea visits”. These normally take place after school and give the young person an opportunity to spend a few hours in the Bungalow to acclimatise. If this transition is successful then the young person will come for an overnight visit.

7.6 If the overnight visit is successful, i.e., the young person appears

happy to stay, then the agreed amount of respite care can commence.

7.7 The core principal of the unit mean that they are not primarily to be used for emergency admissions. However, the reality is that young people who have challenging behaviours and who are in placements (family or otherwise) that cannot meet their needs, will exhaust the placements to the point where it is untenable. In such situations there may be no where else to place a young person. Therefore, emergency admissions can only be countenanced if:

Not to place a young person in the unit would render them

homeless. The young person meets the criteria for the unit they are to be

placed in. All other options have been explored (e.g. fostering, link extended

family) and are not viable. The placement is agreed at Operational Manager level or above. The placement is reviewed urgently after the admission. The underlying principal should be that emergency admissions are

avoided.

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8. Involving Young People in the Running of The Bungalow

8.1 Young people’s views about the running of the home are actively sought in the following ways:-

House meetings. Individual sessions with “preferred” members of staff. Feedback at meetings/reviews. Use of viewpoint software on computers. Access to advocates via “Xpress” Access to inspectors, County Councilors and Reg. 33 “off line

inspector”. Access to a complaints officer.

8.2 All the staff involved in the running of the units are acutely aware of

past mistakes and scandals involving residential care Nationwide. They are committed to seeking and valuing young people’s feedback about their feelings and perceptions of the care they are receiving and how the home is functioning.

9. Young People’s Rights, Representation and Complaints

9.1 The Bungalow is visited by independent representatives either from Xpress Advocacy. The Unit is frequently visited by these representatives who give young people the opportunity to meet with them privately and confidentially to discuss any matters which the young person wishes.

9.2 The allocated Social Worker is expected to visit regularly and a young

person has a right to contact them. On admission, young people are informed of their rights, which includes their right to complain about aspects of the service being provided to them. All young people are encouraged to raise concerns in a positive way, with the intention of resolving difficulties. The Unit displays prominently the information relating to the Independent Representative and the Departmental Complaints Officer. Records of all complaints are kept, in line with departmental policy.

9.3 If someone is particularly pleased or impressed by any aspects of their

child’s care then they can report this verbally, or in writing to the Bungalow staff, Resource Officers or Unit Manager.

9.4 We welcome any comments which may help improve the service

provided in The Bungalow.

9.5 In addition to the above, the Bungalow is inspected twice annually (one announced, one unannounced inspection) by the National Care Standards Commission.

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9.6 The Bungalow is also the subject of an unannounced visit once monthly by an appointed officer from the County Council but who does not work in the home. This is carried out in accordance with Regulation 33, Children’s Homes Regulations 2001.

9.7 Additionally, the new legislation has added another dimension to

complaints in that the National Care Standards Commission can also receive complaints from young people, staff, family members and others involved with young people of the home outside the home. The NCSC can be contacted at Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne.

9.8 Every resident has the right to pursue a normal pattern of life in the

community, irrespective of the origin, status, ability, sex, age, creed or contribution to society.

9.9 Every person has rights to self-determination, choice, responsibility,

value and dignity. The home aims to provide an atmosphere where young people can experience a safe and caring environment.

9.10 Research has proved that young people in care (Looked after Children)

lose out on “life chances”. Therefore the young people resident have the same rights and should have the same opportunities that any young person deserves. Any stigmatisation for Looked after Children must be avoided at all costs. “Quality Protects” objectives are a very useful reference point for this section i.e. that young people gain maximum life chances, are supported when leaving care, are securely attached to carers and are protected from significant harm.

10. Health

10.1 The unit actively promotes awareness for young people in relation to their health and general fitness. All staff encourage residents to take a responsible attitude towards their health and general welfare. Attention is given to general hygiene, personal care, exercise, diet and recreational activities.

10.2 All young people have access to local G.P’s. Alternatively, where

possible we endeavour to retain their own GP. Strong emphasis is based upon ensuring that a young person is subject to a medical upon becoming a resident and that dental and eye care checks occur. It is recognised that many young people with physical and learning disabilities often have complex medical needs. Therefore, it is vital that prior to any admission a very clear protocol for a young person’s medical needs is in place in the young person’s Care Plan.

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10.3 Any medication needed for the young person during their stay is checked on admission. Medication must be prescribed from the young person’s G.P. and must be in its original packaging/bottle. If this procedure is not followed then it is possible the young person will not be admitted for respite care unless their medication is corrected immediately.

10.4 Once the young person is resident, two staff on each shift will check

and cross check medication times and quantities in order to ensure accuracy and safety. Any medication administered is recorded on the correct form in their Care Plan.

10.5 In the event of a medical emergency, medical assistance, i.e. a Doctor

or ambulance will be summoned immediately. The parent or guardian of the young person will also be informed of the situation as soon as possible.

10.6 Young people who are suffering from contagious conditions such as

chicken pox, scabies, etc. will not be admitted to “The Bungalow” until the condition has cleared up.

10.7 If the young person has a change or addition to their medication, the

staff at the Bungalow must be informed of this in writing.

11. Promoting Education

11.1 As carers for young people the staff have an obligation to support young people to attend and succeed to their potential in their schooling. Each young person will either have a Statement of Educational Needs or a Personal Education Plan which has the investment of all relevant parties and will outline what support is needed for each young person throughout their education.

11.2 The following key principals underpin the ethos supporting a young

person’s education.

All young people will be encouraged to attend school regularly. Key workers will identify the named person at school with whom

workers will liaise at any given time. Any attendance issues will be dealt with promptly and the

necessary people informed of non-attendance, i.e. school, parents, Social Worker.

Staff will ensure that a young person’s Individual Education Plan is understood and supported.

11.3 Staff will actively encourage young people to complete homework,

ensuring they understand what is being asked of them and assist in identifying any useful resources that could help.

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11.4 At other times staff should support and encourage young people to read as much as possible.

11.5 Staff will ensure knowledge of any communications sent by the school

in relation to after school clubs and activities as well as parent evenings. Young people resident in the Bungalow are expected to attend their usual school. Parents, social workers and bungalow staff are expected to liaise with the school to ensure that transport is arranged so the young person can attend.

11.6 A “communication” book is a vital tool in letting school and parents

know of any day-to-day events or significant incidents that have or will be occurring.

11.7 Whilst there is a formal education offered via the school we also

believe that “education” can also be seen in a broader context of young people learning from different activities and experiences outside of school.

11.8 Facilities for homework or private study

Each young person has a room where they can go to complete

homework, study or read. Additionally each unit has at least one computer which young

people can use to access information off the Internet or to use for word processing or constructing documents.

11.9 Recreation sport and culture

The Bungalow has facilities which offer the opportunity for young people to enjoy music, television, indoor games, art, crafts and individual hobbies. The staff team are encouraged to explore outside opportunities for the young people to become involved in, such as football, scouts, brownies, swimming or any other activities or clubs young people belong to. This process is underlined by the ethos generated in Quality Protects and Social Inclusion. It is appreciated that children “Looked After” for a significant amount of time can become isolated and excluded from the community.

11.10 If there are specific cultural issues, activities or anniversaries e.g.

Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, Divali which the young people have expressed an interest in or are directly culturally linked then the staff will ensure that they are celebrated and acknowledged.

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12. Maintaining Outside Contact

12.1 Contact by family and other persons identified by the young person as important are actively promoted through visits home. Contact through correspondence and telephone is agreed with the young person’s Social Worker and ensures that any child protection issues are addressed and adhered to.

12.2 Contact with Social Workers, legal advisers and independent visitors

are unrestricted and private.

12.3 We have a duty to maintain contact for young people in the Bungalow; however, we also have a duty to ensure that those who contact the young people are “safe” people who will not pose any threat to a young people emotional or physical wellbeing.

13. Religious Observance

13.1 On admission to the unit staff ensure that enquiries are made into religious and cultural background of each young person as part of the overall case plan. Special effort is made to help a young person make contact with a local church or group of adherents to the young person’s religion. Special privacy is afforded for the purpose of prayer during the day. We feel it is important that a young person recognises that every possible consideration is being given in respect of their religious, cultural and dietary needs.

14. Reviews

14.1 In order to promote the welfare of each young person, it is important that, when considering placement, there is a clear view as to what is hoped to be achieved by admission and how this fits into the overall care plan. If a young person is “looked after” for less than 120 days a year and for not more than four weeks at a time, the above pattern of reviews can be maintained. However, if this is not the case the above sequence will be changed as per instructions in Section 26 of the Children Act 1989.

14.2 Statutory reviews held under Section 26 of the Children Act 1989.

Service Review or case planning meetings are also held to ensure a young person’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted through comprehensive planning. These meetings focus on a young person’s educational, behavioural, social, emotional and health needs and monitor how the placement plan is progressing in the context of achieving the overall care plan.

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14.3 All young people, parents and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. In the event of a young person not wishing to attend, the co-ordinator takes steps to ensure that any feelings or wishes that the young person may wish to have voiced at the meeting are presented and recorded. Also an Advocate may attend to represent the young persons views.

14.4 The use of “Viewpoint” can also be used to help young people express

their views at reviews. This can be done via either a document produced by the young person for each member of the review or a document to be used as an aide memoir for the young person in assisting their verbal feedback, if they are confident enough to do this. Additionally, Co-ordinators will also produce a written report in consultation with the young person for the planning meeting.

14.5 The meeting will be recorded on the appropriate LAC review forms and

any salient points will be recorded on the CRC6 forms in the young person’s file.

15. Measuring Outcomes

15.1 The Bungalow is a respite provision and intended to assist and advise parents and carers with the care and support of disabled young people.

15.2 It is possible that young people may attend the Bungalow for several

years as part of a rolling programme of respite stays.

15.3 It is important that outcomes are considered for both the young person and their siblings and carers.

15.4 Regular six monthly reviews are held throughout the duration of a

young person’s involvement with the Bungalow, these provide an opportunity for discussion and feedback on outcomes for young people and their families.

15.5 Young people have individual Care Plans giving details of their

personal care and any programmes currently being followed. These are regularly updated by co-ordinators in consultation with the young people and their parent/carers, these provide a useful indication of outcomes.

16. Child Protection

16.1 All unit staff receives training in the signs and indicators of abuse. The staff members have key roles in identifying possible abuse and there are clear procedures, which they have to follow as set out by the East Sussex Child Protection Committee.

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16.2 The underlying principles, which dictate practice in this matter, are:

The East Sussex Child Protection Committee believes that:

Children are entitled to protection from neglect, abuse and exploitation. A child’s welfare is the paramount consideration. Working in partnership is the paramount consideration. Working in partnership with families and supporting parental

responsibilities are vital to the protection of children. Child protection must take account of the racial, linguistic, cultural and

religious needs and differences of families and children. Personnel from different agencies must work together constructively. Suitable forms of supervision and support are essential for persons

who are formally responsible for protecting children. Confidentiality is essential amongst agencies.

16.3 If any member of staff is concerned about a young person’s well being

they must inform the On-Call Manager.

16.4 If for some reason a Resource Officer or the Unit Manager are not available during Office Hours then they contact - either Operations Manager.

16.5 No form of bullying is acceptable within the Bungalow. Staff raise

awareness of bullying by:

Dealing with bullying when it occurs.

Developing a culture in which respect and consideration for others is fundamental.

Developing staff understanding through induction and training. Staff being vigilant and consistent. The young person being able to report bullying and it being taken

seriously. Incidents being investigated and recorded. Giving young people the opportunity to talk about bullying in general

terms.

17. Control and Discipline

17.1 The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations state: -

“A major determinant of good behaviour and positive ethos of the home is the quality of the relationships between the staff and the children. Relationships between the staff and the children need to be based on honesty, mutual respect and recognised good professional practice.”

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17.2 The ethos of each unit emphasises that we believe the regulation to be correct and that our methods of work are planned accordingly. We stress the need for mutual respect and fairness, combined with clear consistent boundaries, which help establish a safe and caring environment. However, there will be times when disciplinary methods are necessary and the following sanctions are approved:

Restitution: i.e. the use of a proportion of pocket money to make

restitution for damage, stolen money or goods, or to pay fines imposed by a court.

Reparation: i.e. where appropriate, making good or repairing any damage.

Curtailment of leisure extras. Additional house chores. Increased supervision.

17.3 In reality it is extremely rare for a young person to be subject to formal

disciplinary sanctions as the staff on shift will strive to de-escalate situations using diversion tactics. However, if a member of staff does need to impose such a sanction, then it must be clearly recorded in the “Control and Discipline” or “Sanctions” Book, and the action must be endorsed by the Manager.

17.4 On occasions, physical restraint may be necessary to ensure the safety

of all concerned.

17.5 Physical restraint is only exercised as a last resort in the following circumstances: -

When a young person is: Likely to cause themselves physical harm. Likely to cause another person physical harm. Likely to cause serious damage to the fabric of the building and/or

furniture or fittings.

17.6 In every case, no more than the minimal necessary force is used within the shortest timescale possible to achieve the objective. The young person is given repeated opportunities to exercise their own self-control and the restraint is ceased at the earliest opportunity. The young person is talked through the incident, with the intention of ensuring they are fully aware of why it happened and what can be learned and understood from it.

17.7 All incidents are fully recorded and monitored by the unit manager and

discussed in detail at the following team meeting, in order to ensure that any practice issues are identified and rectified if necessary.

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18. Unauthorised Absence of Young People

18.1 Upon discovering that a young person is missing, police may be informed immediately and a ‘missing persons’ form completed and sent by facsimile to the police. The following people are also informed:

Resource Officer Children’s parents/guardian Social Worker Emergency Duty Service Any other relevant person

18.2 On return all relevant people are informed. The circumstances

surrounding the absence will be investigated and discussed with the young person, to ascertain their whereabouts and activities whilst they were missing, with a view to helping the young person to keep themselves safe in the future.

18.3 Every effort is made to return the young person safely and all incidents

of going missing are collected centrally within the Department and subsequently transmitted to the National Missing Persons Help line.

19. Electronic or Mechanical Surveillance

19.1 No forms of electronic surveillance are used in any of the units save a “baby listener” at Sorrel Drive. This is a portable device, which can help alert staff (especially Night Care Officers) to a young person becoming distressed or suffering an epileptic fit.

19.2 All the bedrooms have call points, these are fitted to allow young

people to summon assistance and do not have any surveillance facility.

20. Fire Precautions

20.1 The Unit is inspected by the East Sussex County Fire Officer to ensure that fire precaution conditions are satisfactory. We maintain the following: -

Adequate precautions are taken against risk of fire. Adequate means of escape in the event of fire. Adequate arrangements are made for detecting, containing and

extinguishing fire. Adequate arrangements are made for warning of an outbreak of fire

and for evacuation in the events of fire.

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20.2 Fire drills are held at least monthly at different times of the day and a

full record kept. No advanced warning is given. All staff are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire alarm sounding and these are explained to the young people at point of admission.

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