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Woodview Young Peoples Handbook
3 Dimensions project for girls
Residential care and education for young people
Specialised support for SEBD, ADHD, Asbergers and ASD
A Warm Welcome at Woodview
The team would like to welcome you to your new home at
Woodview and the 3 Dimensions project.
This Handbook is designed to introduce you to your new home, the
staff, what you can expect and also what will be expected of you
during your stay at woodview.
This guide should answer most of the usual questions, but we are
certain that there will be more that come to mind.
All the team are here to help and support you, so feel free to discuss
any questions or thoughts you might have with anyone.
We are all very happy to have you come and stay and look forward to
getting to know you better.
- 2 -
This will be
your home.
Home Structure – at Woodview There are only three places at Woodview and you would be one of only
four young people aged between 10 & 17 years old who will be living,
sharing and learning together.
This guide should answer most of the usual questions, but we are
certain that there will be more that come to mind.
House Facilities
You will have your own spacious room equipped with a bed, new
bedding, wardrobe, chest of draws, etc.
The finishing touches, like rugs and posters, will be put together in the
way you would like, so you can put your own individual stamp on your
living space
- 3 -
This would
be your
home.
House Facilities
All Three members of the house will have shared use of bathrooms/
showers/WC’s. The house is split into two levels that are basically self
contained flats with their own kitchens, bathrooms/WC, a lovely
garden edged with beautiful trees.
TV, DVD, Video player and PC will be provided for recreation in the
shared living room.
Music systems are allowed in your bedroom (at a reasonable volume
and level of use) and other things can be earned through our house
reward scheme, which will be explained in more detail.
Woodview is based in a good position in the south west of the U.K. in
the county of Devon. We are situated in a prime position to access
local facilities as we are only a 45 minutes drive from Exeter city,
Taunton or 10 mins from the beach!
- 4 -
The House Manager
Emma English
Adele Frost
Care Director
Emma runs the house!
It’s her job to make sure everything
works smoothly, from the daily plans
to staff rotas.
Emma is your main point of contact,
she is there for you.
Adele is available to support both
Emma and you.
Adele is the care director of 3
Dimensions and she is the responsible
person for all three homes.
Adele will meet you when you arrive.
Our Commitments To You
We look after you and keep you safe
You can expect to have all your essential needs met, these include
good food, clothing, comfortable housing and inspiring education, all
will be our priority and to the very best of our abilities.
We are also committed to caring for your emotional needs. We aim to
help you find the things you are special at and support you in.
Everyone at woodview will help you, respect you, listen to you and
understand your needs. We will take care of you and keep you safe.
We will cheer you up when you are sad and help you make
friends if you are lonely.
All young pupils in the project build a record of achievement and can
get Qualifications.
Our aim is to help you build a brighter future for yourself, together we
can explore how to build on your strengths, setting you up for the
future.
- 6 -
Being happy and enjoying the food we eat is all part of a healthy diet.
Health & Well-being
You will be offered your own consultation and personal nutrition plan by
our nutritionist.
Nutritional supplements will be provided as set out in your health plan.
Although there will be some healthy restrictions on food types ( i.e.
limited junk food), there will not be restrictions on healthy foods.
Health is very high on our list of priorities.
Balanced weekly menu plans along with snack menus and treats will all
be planned out in advance with you.
- 7 -
When we eat well – we feel well and are capable of doing more!
Along with our “health programme“, we would register you with a
local doctor, optician and dentist, soon after you arrive and keep up
with all the proper health checks.
We keep any medication you are taking in a safe place and make sure
you take the right dose at the right time.
We will be encouraging all young people to learn to cook the food they
eat and one day a week one young person can take a turn to choose a
meal to burn, Oh! I mean cook for all of the others.……
This should be fun!
However, if any person’s cooking is considered to be a real health and
safety risk, we may have to dispose of “the meal” and look for safer
alternatives in Tesco’s!
Everyone will be following the house healthy eating plan with you,
from the care staff to management and admin.
We will also work out an exercise program with you to build your
stamina and your health too.
Our every effort will be based around your welfare and bringing you to
a place where you feel fit and ready to take on the world.
- 8 -
House Rules -Taking in a new perspective
Smoking
Smoking is a serious health hazard and so young people that are
looked after at Woodview are not allowed to smoke.
We will give you all the help and support you need to quit if you
already have an addiction.
Drugs & Alcohol
By law these are prohibited for Young people and do not fit in with our
health policies at Wooodview.
We do not allow young people in our care to take alcohol or illegal
substances.
In order to keep you safe we do not allow young people in our care to
keep aerosol cans, like deodorant sprays. You would be supplied with
alternatives.
- 9 -
Authorised Room Searches It is our policy to prohibit the use of recreational drugs, tobacco, or
alcohol in the home or on the grounds. We therefore maintain the right
to search any young persons room if we have suspicion that they are
in possession of the either of the above.
We also reserve the right to search any young persons room if we have
suspicion that they are in possession of an offensive weapon or such
items that could be deemed as such. This is for the protection of the
young people and our staff.
Search Guidelines We will inform the young person of our suspicion, giving them the
opportunity to hand over any items in question.
We will inform them of our intention to search their room and remind
them of our policy regarding drugs, alcohol & offensive weapons.
We will invite the young person to be present during the search, which
will always be carried out by two members of staff to minimise the
possibility of unfounded allegations.
If the young person is thought to have possession of the above
mentioned restricted articles and substances on their person, they will
be asked to turn out their pockets.
If the young person refuses they will be informed that it necessary to
involve the police to carry out a search of the person.
Mobile Phones/Telephones
It is our policy to keep all young people who are in our care safe,
therefore the possession of mobile phones are prohibited, unless
special arrangements are made with Adele.
There is a designated phone line for young people to make calls and
for their to family to call them on. Its best that these calls happen
after school and before bed time.
- 10 -
Personal Hygiene You will be encouraged to keep yourself clean and well
groomed.
We will supply you with all the toiletries that you need to do the job.
Personal hygiene is viewed as part of our healthy living policy.
Clothing Good clothes to wear are important and you will be receiving a
monthly allowance to shop for and choose clothes you like to
wear.
Some of your clothing will need to be practical, as we will be spending
a proportion of our time Doing activities.
The specialist activity wear (i.e. wetsuit, waterproofs, etc.) will be
bought for you by your Activity Managers. Other personal items of
clothing (i.e. special trainers or fashion wear) can be earned through
the house award of merit scheme.
Emotional Needs. We believe in keeping things steady.
We try not to change the staff around if it can be helped. We also like
to plan for new pupils joining the project, to meet them first and offer
the chance to have a look around, but we know that its not always
possible.
Either way, your transition will be made as comfortable as possible by
the house team and we are confident that you will settle into your
new home in no time.
We have routines in the house that run from getting up in the
morning, mealtimes, to night-time lights out.
We aim to create as much of a homely, healthy environment as
possible.
- 11 -
How we live in the house.
You are expected to be polite and not
to swear.
Help around the house with the jobs
you are asked to do,
Keep your room tidy, and you may
earn up to £5 per week pocket
money.
This is depends on how old you are.
We expect you to and will help you to
save some of that money for holidays, presents and phone calls you
may wish to make.
That you join in at meal times and afterwards, with helping to set
the table and clear up, wash and put away with us.
To get up for school without making a fuss and in time for breakfast.
According to how old you are we will expect that you start to do some
of your own washing and ironing with our help.
Wherever you may be living, we expect that you respect the privacy
of the others living in the house.
If you are having a problem or finding it difficult to cope, we expect
that you ask for help.
To join in as part of the group and be pleasant and nice to each other.
- 12 -
Contact With Family We understand the importance of preserving
family ties and connections that are as close to
you as family.
With the full agreement of your Social Worker, we
would make arrangements for your family to visit the home, always
make them welcome and would be happy to provide a private space
where you could have time together, or we will transport you to
arranged visits.
We can help you keep in contact by phone or letters
This is also, of course, totally under the guidance of your house
manager Emma and your parent or guardian and Social Worker’s
recommendations.
To help you do this you can make an address book of those people
you would like to be in contact with:
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Social worker
Name:
Address:
Tel. Number:
Name:
Tel. Number:
Address:
Name:
Tel. Number:
Address:
- 14 -
Name:
Tel. Number:
Address:
Name:
Tel. Number:
Address:
Name:
Tel. Number:
Address:
Name:
Tel. Number:
Address:
Keeping in touch
If you have a difficulty discussing your fears or feelings we will help
you try and express this.
We will pair you with a key worker that can help with any speech
difficulties you might have, for example, helping you to use signs or
symbols for communication.
In these sessions we would like to talk with you about your feelings
around how our home is run, how you feel about past or present
events, fears worries or problems.
This way, Emma will get to hear what everyone is feeling in the house
directly, and can discuss strategies with Adele on how the points
raised can be answered and all of this will be fed back to the house
team as necessary.
- 15 -
Communication and consultation
Communication is a key factor to all successful relationships.
Key worker
sessions are an
opportunity for you to
explore your choices and
express changes you need.
Your key worker is there to
support you.
Key worker sessions are an
opportunity for you to
explore your choices and
express changes you need.
House Meetings There are monthly house meetings in which time is put aside
by the House Manager, for all to discuss any aspect of life in
the home together.
Its always a good idea to write down a list of the things you want to
talk about so you don't forget anything.
If you need help with this, your key worker will be able to help you
put your thoughts onto paper and support you in the meeting
wherever possible.
Safeguarding you and others At Woodview we see truth and justice as a way of life that is at
the very foundation of our programme.
We will, therefore, always speak truthfully to you and treat you fairly.
We are also here to make sure that all in our care are treated justly,
that your rights and the rights of others are observed. This means
that you will be respected and will be expected to respect others.
- 16 -
Feeling secure
We make sure that the staff we employ are safe to work with you so
you can feel comfortable and not worry.
If you are ever worried, talk to a staff member you trust, your key
worker or Emma.
Bullies
It is important to us that all young people in our care feel safe.
We will not allow anyone to be bullied physically or
emotionally.
If you ever feel bullied you would need to tell a member of the staff or
management team and serious steps will be taken to ensure this does
not happen again.
If a young person is found to be bullying another, a meeting will be
called in which they would be expected to explain why they are acting
in this way and measures will be taken to sanction privileges.
The young person will also be asked for an assurance that this will
stop, to explain how this will be achieved and show how they will try
to repair the hurt they have caused.
(i.e. a written or verbal apology)
- 17 -
When we share our feelings openly we can manage anger and
form relationships that work.
About Our De-escalation, Physical intervention and Restraint
We do hope that there will be no need to use this, it is a last resort as
we are interested in finding solutions to problems.
If you have troubles, our aim will be to sit down, highlight the
problem areas and find practical ways of making things better.
Restraint does not really play any part in this healthy
communication process.
It’s OK to be unhappy or fed-up with something that’s going on, let’s
talk about it and sort it out.
There really isn’t much point in becoming angry and causing damage
if you have a problem, because when you are finished, you may not
earn merit awards and still have to talk about it at some time.
The only time we physically intervene with young peoples
behaviour in our care, is if we feel they are likely to hurt themselves,
somebody else or cause damage to properties.
- 18 -
Protecting Young People and their rights
of discrimination.
Our Duty of Care is to keep you safe from harm. If you have been hurt
or somebody is hurting you, please talk to someone.
All of the staff at Woodview are good listeners and will not
judge you.
Keeping secrets will not stop the hurt.
Staff will talk to the Manager – Emma, and she will speak to whoever
she needs to in order to stop what is happening.
Complaints
We hope that you will enjoy your placement with us, but if there were
any issues or complaints, all the staff and management are easily
accessible and are committed to listening to you.
The whole team is there for you and will take real and practical
measures to help resolve any problems. We have a complaints
procedure which is set out below for you to follow:
Discuss any issues or any complaints with your key worker or any other
member of staff that you feel comfortable with.
If it is a minor complaint, the member of staff will try to resolve the
difficulties you have on the spot.
You will be offered feedback in key worker Sessions without having to
ask.
- 19 -
If you are still unhappy
If you are still unhappy, and feel that the matter is not resolved or
the complaint is of a serious nature, ask a member of staff or your
key worker and they will help you fill in a form to write down your
complaint .
The Registered Manager – Emma English, would then discuss the
matter with you and try to resolve the complaint.
Emma will take all the necessary action to resolve your issues.
At this point Emma, the Registered House Manager will inform you’re
the care director,social worker, or responsible adult and OFSTED of
any serious complaint.
Should you be unhappy with any outcome, you may always speak
with your Social Worker or The OFSTED Inspector.
You will find useful phone numbers at the end of this booklet,
you can use it if you are still unhappy.
If you are unhappy with your placing authority , or social worker we
can also help you follow their complaints procedure to resolve the
issues.
- 20 -
Pocket money, school bonus and treats
We have a terrific bonus system at Woodview
You could earn up to £10 per week.
This is full school bonus and full pocket money com-
bined.
Extra treats are there for those who earn them, Cinema trips, staying
up later at weekends and during holidays, having friends
over, special treats for tea, weekends activities such as horse-riding
and ten pin bowling.
These are a small example of
the rewards.
We encourage you to tell us
what you would like to see
happen when things are
going well.
Adults will always recognise,
praise, encourage and reward
good behaviour or special
efforts on your part.
When things go well at school, there is a school bonus.
It will be explained clearly to you what is expected and how you can
earn the most amounts. -
The rest is up to you.
We expect that you save some of your pocket money for things like
the summer holidays and special events.
We will help you to open a bank or post office savings account
where you can put the money you save. We will encourage you
to put a regular amount away each week and you will be surprised
at how quickly it grows.
- 21 -
Pocket Money You will be given a certain amount of
pocket money every week
(as well as the awards),
in relation to your age.
This will be set by Emma when you arrive and is earned through
cooperation and being respectful.
Damage to Property If a young person deliberately damages property they will be asked
to make “reparation”.
This means that a percentage of your pocket money will be deducted
every week to pay for the replacement items.
You may be required to make reparation for the disrespect by putting
something back into the home.
Absent without authority We will always endeavour to encourage discussion about
worries or problems and discourage any absconding
Should a young person abscond we would have to inform the police,
your Social Worker and the parent/guardian if appropriate.
We would then take measures to follow or search for you and return
you safely..
- 22 -
Safety Aspects
The aim is to protect all of the young people, the staff and
to meet Health and Safety regulations.
Woodview has all the necessary equipment for fire
precautions, fire doors smoke detectors, extinguishers, fire blankets
etc, regular checks are taken to make sure the equipment does it’s
job keeping us all safe.
We also have an emergency routine that we would practice every 3
months, so that if there ever was to be a fire everyone could get out
quickly and safely. We call it the fire drill and what you have to do will
be explained by the staff.
Daily Routines
These depend greatly on the type of education or activity we are
involved in on that day.
Sunday is always a rest day and is the day that you would be
allowed to lie in until 10.00 am.
On Saturday you can have a lie in until 9—10am and then we
like to decide on a plan to clean your room and change your
bedding ready for the afternoon chosen activity.
The usual morning routine is to wake, shower, breakfast, clean your
teeth and start the day. The night-time routine is in two parts.
At the weekends and during holidays, there may be times when
you are doing special activities or allowed to watch television
until later. These special occasions depend very much on your
attitude and behaviour during the day.
- 23 -
Keeping things steady
The usual morning routine is to wake, shower, breakfast, clean your
teeth and start the day. The night-time routine is in two parts.
You will be required to wash and brush your teeth before bed and then
go to your room . You can then read, write or just chill out for half an
hour before lights out.
The exact wake-up and lights out times are set by the House
Manager.
The time you go to bed will depend on your age
and whether you handle later nights.
A rough guide to bedtime is:
9 Years old 8.00 pm 8.30 pm Lights out
10/11 years old 8.30 pm 9.00 pm Lights out
12/13 years old 9.00 pm 9.30 pm Lights out
14/15 years old 9.30 pm 10.00 pm. Lights out
16 and over 10.00 pm 10.30 pm. Lights out
At the weekends and during holidays, there may be times when
you are doing special activities or allowed to watch television
until later. These special occasions depend very much on your
attitude and behaviour during the day.
Everyone will have their responsibilities in caring for the home.
These responsibilities will be talked through with you during your first
week at woodview.
Mealtime routine
This varies in line with the activity, but we like to eat all meals
together and will encourage each other to eat with good manners.
We always help each other clear the table and wash up.
- 24 -
When a young person enters the care of the Woodview
team, they are also entering a period of learning and
personal growth.
SCHOOL RULES
You are polite and do not swear.
You try your best in your school work.
You do not get involved with other people’s issues.
You can earn bonus points for good work, attitude,
behaviour, helpfulness etc. These points are added up and at the end
of the week converted into money.
The school day begins at 9.00 and ends at 3.30 pm.
There is a break in the morning and at lunch
Woodview is a short drive from the sea at
Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
We sometimes go to the beach where we
can look at fossils and have some fun.
- 25 -
Education
Personal Growth Programme Each young person will have time put aside in which we will highlight
areas of personal interest, talent and identify some personal goals for
you to reach during your stay.
This can be anything from learning to swim to playing an instrument.
It could be something you have always wanted to be able to do but
thought that you couldn’t.
Together we will help develop these interests into skills by creating
access to clubs, tuition and groups, perhaps vocational experiences for
older students!
Education gives you power
Power gives you choices
The freedom to choose for yourself, the way you want to live.
- 26 -
Activities for Woodview We do have Various activities that will be available for you and were
always open to new ideas.
Activities – may be part of your activities in school time or they
may be offered outside school time, some may be a special
request as you’ve earned a chosen activity through good work.
Forest School
Beach Craft
Swimming
Cycling
Horse Riding
Orienteering
Llama Trekking
Tennis
Squash
Dancing
Go-Carting
Youth Projects
Tennis
Squash
Dancing
Go-Carting
Youth Projects
Team Building
Food technology
Environmental studies trip
Swans at Abbotsbury
And much more............
Charity & Community Work As a team, we currently donate funds for Greenpeace, who will keep us
up to date with developments in our environment. We also raise
money to help children around the world.
We hope to have written contact with the children that you help.
We already help some pay for education but many just for food or
simple operations that allow them to walk again.
Each young person would have the choice to be part of making a
difference and help change someone else’s life!
Identity If you are practising in any form of religion, we will facilitate your visits
to a relevant place of worship in the area.
If you have not made a choice in this area and wish to investigate
different religions and cultures we will help you do this.
It is important to find out about your heritage, where you are from,
and maintain links, discover new information. We would help you do
this.
- 28 -
What we expect of you
For us to help you build a bright future it is important that you:
Accept our help when it is given to you.
Will allow us to keep you safe.
Will control your anger and not hurt anyone.
Will respect the school and house rules.
YOU WILL SMILE AT LEAST TWICE A DAY !!!
Respect We encourage people to respect differences between each other and
their rights.
Your rights will be respected so please will you treat others in the same
way
- 29 -
Dare To Be Different “Good” and “Bad” are labels that vary between those that make up the
rules and what morality they believe in. We are not interested in these
labels.
When you arrive, in our eyes you start with a clean slate, a fresh start.
Everyone has a right to be here.
All we will be interested in is if you are prepared to move away from
doing things that are self destructive now!
Your move..
Communication
Willingness to communicate, to talk and to listen
This means that you are prepared to discuss problems/difficulties
In order to try and resolve them together.
If in doubt, talk and we will listen.
- 30 -
Our aim is to enable young people to
empower themselves so they have the skills to go out into the world with their heads
held high, with respect for themselves and
live their life to the full.
We can help you to build a brighter
future for yourself, together we can explore how to build on your strengths,
setting you up for the future.
To take on the challenge of life go out into
the world, contribute and succeed
- 31 -
Come and Visit We hope you can visit us before your placement begins.
When you arrive, once settled we would have a placement meeting
with you and your Social Worker to agree your placement plan and set
goals to achieve.
After one month with us, we would hold a four week review with both
you, your Social Worker and our Education Manager present, to look
at how you have been doing.
We would discuss with you how you feel your achievements have
gone and make any further plans.
A further review would take place after three months on our
programme. We would encourage you to partake in these reviews as
they are a chance for you to air any views or ask any questions you
have not already have had answers to and for your placing authority
to tell you any plans they have.
After this the reviews will be held every month, but you can always
talk about any the things mentioned at any time.
- 32 -