STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND FUNCTION · getting ready for bed. This is a pleasant time when children can watch TV, chat and have a drink before going to bed at the appropriate times

Windchimes Statement of Purpose and Function Updated March 2019

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

Revised May 2017

WINDCHIMES

SHORT BREAK UNIT URN: SC368763

Registered Provider – Kent County Council Responsible Person – John Meehan, Registered Services Manager, Disabled Children and Adults Residential Provision Registered Manager - Matthew Grice Address: Windchimes Resource Centre, Reynolds Close,

Mickleburgh Hill, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 6DS


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CONTENTS Page

Introduction

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Quality Assurance

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Quality and Purpose of Care

Philosophy of Care 4 Aims and Objectives 5 Description of the Unit 6 Facilities Available 7 An example of daily routines 8 Reviews 9 Equality and Diversity 9 Complaints

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Views Wishes and Feelings

Consultation with Children and Families

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Education

Education

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Enjoyment and Achievement

Activities for Children

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Health

Incidents/Observations/Accidents 12 Standard Operating Procedures for the Administration of Medication 12 Health and Safety

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Positive Relationships

Contact and Communication

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Protection of Children

Safeguarding 14 Anti-Bullying 14 Unauthorised Absence / Missing Children 14 Behaviour Management

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Leadership and Management

Staffing Arrangements 16 Staff List 17 Staff Flow Chart 18 Staff Training 19 Supervision of Staff 19 Team Meetings

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Care Planning

Admission Criteria 20 Unplanned Admissions

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Endorsement

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Appendices

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INTRODUCTION

The purpose of a short break is to provide children and young disabled people with time away from their parents/carers and allow them access to a range of social and recreational opportunities and experiences. We work in partnership with Kent Community Health NHS Trust, to provide services that are also accessible for children with additional or complex health needs. As a local authority provision, the Short Break Service adheres to the Kent County Council Social Services Directorate policy and procedures. These incorporate written guidance and training in various areas of work, to inform and ensure the delivery of quality residential care for children. The Kent County Council Short Break Service is managed in accordance with National Care Standards Act 2000, The Handling of Medicines in Social Care (Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain) and meets both Fire and Health and Safety legislation. The unit also operates to the philosophy of ‘Children First’ as advocated in the Children Act 1989.

Quality Assurance Inspections of Children’s Homes are conducted in line with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015. Statutory visits (Regulation 44) are carried out on a monthly basis, by an independent visitor. These visits are recorded in line with the Ofsted framework. Unannounced inspections are conducted regularly by Ofsted and the findings are published, along with any recommendations. Copies of the inspection reports are available at the unit in hard copy, or online via the Ofsted website. In order to provide an effective service, where good practice prevails, we adhere to a framework of service procedures that have been presented and ratified in a county wide forum.


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Quality and Purpose of Care

Philosophy of Care The philosophy of the overnight residential short breaks units is of ‘children first’ – a philosophy advocated in the Children Act 1989. To facilitate this we aim to offer the following: CHOICE We are committed to offering children and families choice in aspects of the service. We can implement this by maintaining good communication with families, keeping them informed of all issues and valuing their contribution to the Unit. On a day to day basis, the children are actively encouraged to be involved in all areas of choice and decision making during their stay. RIGHTS We are committed to working in a non-discriminatory way and to challenge any situations which might impede this process. FULFILLMENT We aim to provide a service which enables the young people using it to reach their potential and achieve attainable goals which are individual to them and which will promote self-esteem. INDEPENDENCE We encourage children to be as independent as they can within a safe environment. This will mean different things for different children and their individuality should not be compromised. PRIVACY We will ensure that children’s privacy and confidentiality is respected at all times. Personal care issues will be handled in a sensitive, safe way. DIGNITY We respect the children in our care for their individuality and ensure that they are valued for who they are and not for what they can achieve.


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AIMS What we aspire to do

OBJECTIVES How we will achieve these aims

To provide quality residential overnight short breaks for children and their families which are homely and welcoming and tailored to individual needs

We will have a clear referral and admission procedure. Each child and young person will have an individualised Care Plan constructed in conjunction with parents and other professionals. There will be clear service procedures which will ensure privacy, dignity and respect for children and young people at all times.

To provide high standards of physical and emotional care in a safe environment where the welfare of children is paramount.

Our practice will reflect the diverse needs of the resident children in order to promote and celebrate difference and provide good opportunities for all.

To ensure staff are trained to meet the needs of the diverse group of resident children and young people.

Staff will be trained to Diploma level 3 in Residential Child Care. Ongoing training and development will be consistent.

To provide an enabling environment where children and young people can have a fun time and can grow and develop aided by clear boundaries and a consistent approach.

We will provide a range of social and recreational opportunities which promote fun, engagement and peer friendships within a safe and secure environment. We will work within a clear framework of behaviour management.

To provide opportunities where children can voice their opinions, express their needs and exercise their rights.

We will ensure children and young people are encouraged to exercise choice throughout their stay and take part in regular consultation through a variety of means.

To ensure that families who use our service have a clear understanding of responsibilities and expectations on both sides and know the process for communicating, celebrating and complaining.

We will communicate with families through reviews, annual feedback questionnaires and by daily engagement to ensure that all processes are clearly known and understood.


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Windchimes Short Break Unit

Windchimes Short Break Unit The Windchimes Children’s Centre, is located in the coastal town of Herne Bay. There is a regular and frequent bus service to and from Canterbury and Whitstable, and a mainline rail station. The nearby A299 also provides good access to the M2 and national road networks. The centre comprises of three different areas; an administration area, resource area and the residential Short Breaks area, which is called ‘The Beach Hut’. As you enter through the main entrance of the building, there is a reception and viewing area to the right, with a panoramic view of Herne Bay town and coast line. There is also a lift to lower ground floor. To the left there is a Parent’s rest area, accessible toilet and access to the administration area, with a number of offices, a meeting room and stairway to lower ground floor and access to the resource. The resource area comprises of a number of rooms, each designed to facilitate a particular activity. There is a Children’s kitchen; with height adjustable work surfaces and hob, a Computer suite; with height adjustable workstations, a Sensory room, a Soft Play room, showering and changing facilities. There is also a large multi-purpose room, which contains a cupboard of art and craft materials, a projector, tables and chairs. To the right from exiting the lift is a rest room and spa room with en-suite showering and changing facilities. Linked internally to the resource area by a controlled door (but also accessible via its own external entrance) is The Beach Hut – our Short Breaks Unit. The Beach Hut has been built to emulate a ‘home’ environment. On the lower ground floor there is a lounge area, dining room, kitchen, children’s toilet/changing facilities and separate toilet/changing facilities for staff. There is also a laundry room and medication room for staff to access. Accommodation located on the upper ground floor can be accessed via a separate lift or stairs. Here, there are six bedrooms, single toilet and three bathrooms, each equipped with a range of facilities to encourage choice and preference as well as meeting the needs of the young people in residence. The bedrooms are positioned around a central lounge area and there is a small kitchen facility for suppertime drinks and snacks. There is also a sleep-in room with en-suite shower. The Windchimes garden is large and incorporates a sensory area/Woodland Walk, Summerhouse and landscaping. There is a soft, matted, area with an accessible multi play frame, roundabout and swing. There are shops, restaurants, a park and other amenities, all within a short distance of the centre.


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Windchimes – Facilities Available

Outside Large back gardens comprising - Lawn garden and patio areas - Accessible swing and roundabout - Sensory garden - Access to play area - Summerhouse – Wii, Playstation, Pool Table. This area is only

accessed by the older peer groups and supervised at all times. Resource Area - Soft Play area - Sensory room - Computer suite/games room - Children’s kitchen - A multi-purpose room with projector, art and craft materials and toy

cupboard - A first aid/rest room - Spa Pool - Storage area - Medication Room The Beach Hut Short Breaks Unit - A large and friendly dining room with access to the garden - A lounge area with large, comfortable sofas, TV, DVD and Video player. - Six bedrooms – all single, fresh and pleasantly decorated. * All young people, who access The Beach Hut, are able to use the Resource facilities during their stay


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An example of daily routines After washing and dressing for the day ahead, the children go down to the dining room for breakfast. Breakfast is usually between 7 and 8am weekdays – later at weekends and school holidays. After breakfast, during term time, the children are collected for school by their appropriate transport. During term time, care staff are generally not available during school hours unless, for some reason, a child is not at school. A Shift Leader is available on site to answer queries. Staff and children return to the unit after 3.30pm. At weekends and in holidays, the staff and children plan activities for the morning. These may involve going on a range of outings or making use of the facilities on site. The group of children may be broken down to smaller numbers, to provide a range of activities which are appropriate and safe. Staff will consider appropriate activities that are both enjoyable and stimulating for children. The activities will promote independence and life skills and will be documented in daily reports. For all activities – on site or off – staffing levels are planned to ensure good supervision and safety at all times. Lunch is from 12:30-1:30pm. After lunch, there is the opportunity to relax before the next group of staff arrive, and plans are made for the afternoon activities. Dinner at Windchimes is between 5:00 and 6:00pm. After dinner, depending on activities, there will be some relaxation time before the children begin bathing and getting ready for bed. This is a pleasant time when children can watch TV, chat and have a drink before going to bed at the appropriate times agreed with parents. Most of the children have settled to bed before the night staff arrive. Their job is to check the children at regular intervals and ensure everyone is safe and settled. There is a senior member of staff on call (sleeping in) in the building should any problems occur. The unit has an ‘out of hours – on call’ system supported by managers, should any serious issues arise.


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Reviews

After an introductory period, a Child In Need review is held. The review looks at how well the placement has gone so far, and whether the unit is appropriate in meeting the needs of the child or young person. The Social Worker is required to produce minutes from the meeting. At the review, allocation is re-confirmed and Parents and Social Workers are made aware that dates will be proportionately allocated during the year. Built into this process is a written agreement between the child/young person and their family, the Social Worker and the Unit, as to the service we will provide. We construct our own Care Plan with the family, which gives detailed information about every aspect of the child and will also include an individual Risk Assessment and a Positive Handling Plan. These plans are updated constantly, to ensure we acknowledge each child’s changing needs. Thereafter, reviews are six monthly, once with the Disabled Children’s Team and once at the school. Parents, Social Workers and a senior representative of the Unit use this opportunity to discuss the service and to plan for the child’s or young person’s needs. The child or young person may attend themselves or alternatively their parent will act as their advocate. Where children have complex health needs, we may undertake more regular reviews and/or health reviews with Practice Educators to assess whether the unit is still able to meet these needs. Similarly if there is a significant change in health needs, or there are other particular issues which require discussion we may request an additional review.

Equality and Diversity Kent County Council and the NHS are committed to promoting equality and diversity issues in several areas; Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, Race/Ethnicity, Sexuality, Social Inclusion. We promote equality of opportunity for the individuals in our care and encourage anti-discriminatory practice by recognising rights, choices and beliefs of the children and their families. Differences are valued and included in all aspects of care planning to ensure individual needs are recognised and met. This includes any necessary arrangements for the child’s religious instruction and observance. Staff are observant of children’s language and communication needs and are respectful of specific routines required in the delivery of care to individuals. Care Plans will fully reflect each child’s differing needs specific to their ability and wishes. All staff are encouraged to challenge any discriminatory practice they may witness and are pro-active in seeking to support children to understand issues of equality.


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Complaints The unit welcomes feedback from families, both positive and negative. The Directorate has a clear complaints procedure for parents/carers and copies of the leaflet are available in the reception area. (Appendix 4) The unit also operates a complaints process for children. This recognises the broad range of capabilities of children using this service and aims to facilitate the process to achieve satisfactory outcomes. (Appendix 5) Additionally, the service has a wide range of service procedures – some of which re attached. A full list of procedures is available on request and any parent can request copies if they wish, by contacting the Manager.

Views, Wishes and Feelings Consultation with Children and Families The unit is managed and run, as far as is practically possible, akin to a family home and with this, children’s views and wishes are sought on a day to day basis to inform activities and daily routines. Discussion with the young people happens informally all the time and is part of daily life. For children who cannot verbalise their wishes and needs, staff are trained in a variety of communication systems such as Makaton and PECS and we utilise children’s own communication systems where possible. It is important that we maintain good communication and feedback with children and their families. Wherever possible, we encourage children to attend reviews, although often their parents/carers will choose to act as their advocate. We have a programme of consultation in place, which includes questionnaires to both parents and children as well as feedback forms for children and monthly children’s meetings. Children are encouraged to be involved in and make decisions regarding all aspects of their care. We are committed to listening to the views expressed by both the young people and their families and will use these views to inform practice and opportunities. The Children’s Act 1989 legislates to ensure that children’s welfare and developmental needs are met. As well as ensuring they are protected from harm, it promotes the philosophy of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child’. i.e respect for each child’s race, culture and ethnicity and taking into account the child’s wishes and feelings in decisions that will affect them.


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Education Children attend their usual school whilst resident with us. The unit is responsible for commissioning school transport and ensuring children are safely escorted there. As the resident children all have a learning disability, much of the focus will be on social education and life skills. This will shape practice and be evidenced in individual Care Plans. Whilst at school, liaison with the unit is maintained via the home/school book or by telephone. Any issues arising are dealt with swiftly. Our close links with school through meetings and training, ensure good collaborative working toward children’s best outcomes. We aim whenever possible to follow management plans initiated by schools and incorporate them into the child’s Care Plan. If a child was excluded from full time education for any reason we would liaise with the Social Worker and seek to make arrangements. This could mean providing appropriate homework to be undertaken at the unit in the interim.

Enjoyment and Achievement

Activities for Children and Young People Although children and young people are only at the unit for a short time, we aim to provide social and recreational opportunities which will develop their interests and skills at all times. In term time they will attend school and we will liaise with schools and follow plans which have been created there. We will also help with homework if that is appropriate for the individual child. The range of facilities, both on site and off, allow us to try new things with young people who may not have experienced them before – from something as straightforward as sharing a mealtime with others, to more complicated activities such as swimming. Care Plans, which have been agreed with parents, are constantly changing and will reflect each young person’s needs. These will include targets for children – big and small – and are the focus of our practice. Achievements are celebrated and rewarded (by certificates or similar methods) and then become integral to the ever changing Care Plan. Consultation with both the young people and their families, informs our activities and daily reports back to parents evidence what the child has done.


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Whilst we focus on achieving targets and promoting life skills and independence, one of our primary aims is that the children have fun!

Health

Incidents / Observations / Accidents We have a procedure to note or record any accidents or incidents which may occur while the child or young person is resident. Health and Safety regulations require that specific documentation is completed at the time of any such occurrence. On admission, staff seek information from parents regarding any incidents or accidents which may have happened prior to the child’s arrival but which might be relevant for us to know. Observations regarding behaviour and general demeanour are also noted, as they may be significant. If may be necessary to notify others of any issues as appropriate. (Appendix 7)

Standard Operating Procedures for the Administration of Medication Within the requirements of Ofsted, we have specific responsibilities. As we work with health partners, our medication procedures follow the NHS format and are ratified by tem (Appendix 8). We keep a Medicines Administration record for each child and young person, regardless of whether or not they are on current medication. This information must comply with all medication packaging supplied to us. It also provides us with essential contact information for both family and professionals involved with the child’s care. Parents / carers are required to provide us with written information from the GP or Consultant regarding their child’s medical needs, including clear instructions for medication and administration. Staff designated to the task of undertaking administration of medication will be trained and competent in this role. Each child’s Care Plan has detailed information regarding their health needs and this is updated on every stay.

Health and Safety We maintain high standards of physical care and operate within the framework of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 and other associated regulations.


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Regular Health and Safety Audits are undertaken to ensure compliance and monitor standards.

A number of staff are qualified in First Aid and regular updated training is undertaken in both this and other health and safety issues. The Unit is inspected by Fire Officers and we operate regular fire drills. Fire Safety Equipment checks are carried out in line with the Fire Safety Risk Assessment. We maintain documented Risk Assessments on individual children, the environment and activities undertaken. All of these are regularly reviewed and updated.

Positive Relationships

Contact and Communication Windchimes is committed to maintaining honest and effective communication and contact arrangements with families, schools, social workers and any other appropriate agency. We aim to achieve this by:

- Creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

- Maintaining on-going communication via direct contact, letter, newsletter or phone call.

- Attending and contributing to the annual review process along with families and social workers.

- Encouraging parents to maintain contact with the unit during the child’s stay. This may be either with staff or the child – whichever is more appropriate.

- Encouraging children to maintain telephone contact with home during their stay (if appropriate).

- Facilitating family visits in the event of a chid being resident for a longer period.

- Sharing concerns and achievements with families

- Providing a report at the end of each stay, which details events and activities which have taken place.

- Consulting with children and their families and encouraging feedback. Ensuring complaints and suggestions are listened to and acted on in accordance with Directorate guidelines.

- Having regular social events where children and their extended family can enjoy the facilities and meet with friends and peers.


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Protection of Children Safeguarding We operate Safeguarding Procedures in line with guidelines operated by Kent Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB). All staff have a clear responsibility to observe and take action, where necessary, in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. (Appendix 1) All staff – both KCC and NHS employees – receive annual training updates. However, Safeguarding of children is paramount to the delivery of the service and is part of the culture of everyday activity.

Anti-Bullying We take the subject of bullying seriously and have a policy outlining how we would deal with these issues, should they occur. These include strategies for the child who is bullied and for the child who has exhibited the bullying behaviour. We aim to create an environment where staff and children treat each other with mutual respect. Children’s Meetings and Team Meetings are forums to discuss these issues and Care Plans and Risk Assessments will reflect decisions about actions taken. (Appendix 2)

Unauthorised Absence / Missing Children Unauthorised absences such as a child leaving the unit unaccompanied or going missing, will be reported to the Police, recorded and notified to Ofsted and the local authority. The security of the unit and the practice of close supervision by staff, mean these absences rarely occur. (Appendix 3) Individual Care Plans will document details of any child who may be at risk of running off, so that strategies can be put in place to minimise the risks.

Behaviour Management We operate within the KCC framework and have clear guidelines to ensure matters of discipline are handled with sensitivity and care. Staff will seek to promote positive behaviour by providing appropriate engagement and support in activities and by consistently adopting the strategies identified in each child’s Care Plan. Children are supported to recognise ways to positively and appropriately communicate their needs, and staff work in partnership with parents, schools and other professionals to achieve a consistent approach to behaviours across each environment.


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For certain behaviour, sanctions can be imposed as a last resort. If physical intervention is necessary to maintain safety, staff adhere to the ‘Team Teach’ approach which is an accredited method of behaviour management. Staff training in this approach is updated regularly by an external trainer, who assesses competency. Any sanction or physical intervention is recorded on the daily reports for parents/carers information and in the appropriate unit logs. These records are also scrutinised by Managers and Inspectors. Children are encouraged to have positive relationships with both peers and staff. Careful planning of groups and staffing, along with robust and comprehensive Care Plans, will ensure these opportunities are optimised.


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Leadership and Management

Staffing Arrangements The home is managed on a day to day level by the Registered Manager, who in turn

is answerable to the Registered Services Manager, Disabled Children and Adults

Residential Provision.

Staff at Windchimes are appointed under the ‘Choosing with Care’ framework – a rigorous selection procedure which ensures good quality staff who are all checked under Criminal Records Guidance. We have an integrated staff team, comprising both Health and Social Care staff. Health staff are recruited through an equally robust recruitment process, which includes DBS checks. There is a Lead Nurse for Residential Short Breaks who oversees issues across the five units in the county. Additionally there is a Practice Educator based in the unit. The Practice Educator is a qualified and experienced nurse and will work as part of the team, providing expert and specialist advice, up to date and evidence based teaching and assessment of clinical skills competency and support to the whole team including Children’s Residential Workers, Shift leaders and Band 3 Children’s Support Workers. They will be responsible for planning, delivering and facilitating all in-house clinical skills training to both Health and Social Care Staff, as dictated by the needs of the children accessing the service, ensuring the clinical care delivered to children accessing residential short breaks is safe, up to date and of a high quality. This training will ensure staff are appropriately trained and competent to manage the needs of children with complex health needs. The Practice Educator will also provide ongoing support to the team and provide clinical supervision to children’s support workers. The Practice Educator will also act as mentor to nursing students and other multi-discipline learners and lead the induction and orientation for new staff as required. Each shift is led by a Shift leader, who supervises care staff. At night the Shift Leader sleeps in, whilst a waking night staff is on duty. These staffing arrangements are minimum requirements to ensure appropriate supervision, monitoring and support to individual children in residence. The staff group at Windchimes are primarily female – for no particular reason, and we are aware of the issues this presents for the young people in our care. However, as we provide short-term breaks, we are confident that by being integrated into the community through recreational activity and education, they are able to experience positive male role models too. As the unit offers short term breaks, we do not operate a key worker system. On occasions when children are with us longer, we will allocate a named worker for the duration of their placement. In the following pages there is a list of staff who work at the unit, along with a list of their child care qualifications.


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Staff List

Name Role Qualification

Matthew Grice Registered Manager NVQ 3 CCYP /NVQ 3 Community Working Kent Manager /Diploma Level 5 Management & Leadership

Bethany Etherington Senior Team Leader NVQ 3 CCYP

Lynsey Davies Practice Educator Diploma in Higher Education Nursing Studies

Rebecca Hales P/T Shift Leader CACHE DIP Child Care and Education NNEB. / NVQ 3 CCYP / Moving & Handling Trainer

Kerry Balmer P/T Shift Leader NVQ 3 Care

Wendy Riley P/T Shift Leader NVQ 3 Childcare, NVQ 3 CCYP

Rachael Davis Shift Leader NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care; British Sign Language Level 2

Donna Aldous CRW & PR Shift Leader Diploma 3 Health & Social Care (Children & Young People)

Tracy Janes P/T CRW NVQ 3 Health & Social Care; CCYP

Sarah Jane Keane P/T CRW PR Shift Leader

NVQ 3 CCYP

Debra Maybourne P/T CRW NVQ 2 Health & Social Care

Sarah Quinton P/T CRW – Nights Level 3 CQF Diploma: Children & Young Peoples Workforce – Social Care Pathway

Tina Webb P/T CRW Nights NVQ Health Social Care Caring For Young People

Danielle Dorkins-Brice PR CRW Level 3 Diploma – Preschool Practice

Chantelle Groom P/R CRW Undertaking : NVQ 3 CCYP

Rebecca Hodgett P/R CRW & CSW NVQ 3 Caring for Children & Young People

Fiona Logan P/R CRW Bachelor of Science Honours Degree (1st Class) Child Psychology

Victoria Monsoon-Ramirez

P/R CRW Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (England) – in progress

Linda Richards PR CRW C & G Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care (Adults)

Emma Robinson PR CRW / CSW NVQ 3 Childcare

Lesa Shonk CRW NVQ 3 Health & Social Care – Adults/OCR Level 2 Support Work in Schools

Koulla Wickens P/R CRW BTEC Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing)

Sarah-Jane Dickerson CSW

Frankie O’Neill CSW / PR CRW Open University Certificate in Early Years Practice / NVQ 3 Teaching Assistant

Ann Briggs P/T Cook Health and Hygiene (Intermediate)

Lorraine Dunworth P/T Cook City & Guilds Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering

Fay Hagan Domestic Assistant

Michelle Smith Domestic Assistant

Paul Yuill Handyperson

Matthew Weller Handyperson

Beth Scott Administration Officer ECDL

Elaine Gould Receptionist

Golda Valek Family Support Worker

Kirsty Hawthorne Family Support Worker

KEY: CRW = Children’s Residential Worker / CCYP =Diploma in Caring for Children & Young People / NSW = Nursing Support Worker / CSW = Children’s Support Worker (KCHT) /

CACHE Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Windchimes Statement of Purpose and Function Updated February 2019

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Registered Services Manager John Meehan

Registered Manager Matthew Grice

Admin Officer

Beth Scott Receptionist Elaine Gould

Senior Team Leader Bethany Etherington

Shift Leaders

Kerry Balmer Rachael Davis Rebecca Hales

Wendy Riley

Perm Relief Donna Aldous Sarah Keane

Children’s Residential

Worker

Donna Aldous Tracy Janes Sarah Keane

Debra Maybourne Sarah Quinton

Lesa Shonk Tina Webb

Permanent Relief

Children’s Residential

Workers Danielle Dorkins-

Brice Chantelle Groom Rebecca Hodgett

Fiona Logan Victoria Monsoon-

Ramirez Frankie O’Neill Linda Richards

Emma Robinson Koulla Wickens

Cooks

Ann Briggs Lorraine Dunworth

Domestic Staff

Fay Hagan Michelle Smith

Handyperson Matthew Weller

Paul Yuill

Senior Admin Officer Kathy Hodge

Family Support Workers Golda Valek

Kirsty Hawthorne

Lead Nurse for Children's Short Breaks & Residential Schools

Heidi Payne

Practice Educator Lynsey Davies

Children’s Support

Workers / Nursing Support

Workers

Rebecca Hodgett Emma Robinson Frankie O’Neill

Sarah-Jane Dickerson

Staff Flow Chart

Windchimes Statement of Purpose and Function

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STAFF LIST

NAME ROLE EXPERIENCE Matthew Grice Registered Manager

Bethany Etherington Senior Team Leader

Kerry Balmer Shift Leader

Rachael Davis Shift Leader

Rebecca Hales Shift Leader 15 years working at Southdowns/Windchimes. Previously worked as Nursery Manager for 9 years.

Wendy Riley Shift Leader 16 years work experience a Southdowns/Windchimes. Worked in private sector for 14 years; offered respite care for SEN young people.

Donna Aldous CRW & PR Shift Leader

Tracy Janes CRW

Sarah Keane CRW & PR Shift Leader

Debra Maybourne CRW

Sarah Quinton CRW – Nights

Lesa Shonk CRW – Nights

Tina Webb CRW – Nights 4 years working at Windchimes covering both both day & waking night shifts. Previously worked in residential home for challenging behaviours.

Chantelle Groom PR CRW 11 years working at Windchimes – currently working waking night shifts. Previously worked with adults in independent living.

Rebecca Hodgett PR CRW & CSW (KCHT) Over 2 years working at Windchimes as agency staff, and now PR CRW and as a KCHT CSW

Fiona Logan PR CRW

Victoria Monsoon-Ramirez PR CRW

Frankie O’Neill PR CRW & CSW (KCHT) 10 years working with NHS. Also works in the community (NHS) as well as at Windchimes. Prior to this worked at Foxwood Special School (now The Beacon).

Linda Richards PR CRW

Emma Robinson PR CRW & CSW (KCHT)

Beth Scott Administration Officer 30 years administration experience with KCC – Admin Officer for short break service for 12 years

Elaine Gould Receptionist


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Ann Briggs Cook

Lorraine Dunworth Cook

Fay Hagan Domestic Assistant

Michelle Smith Domestic Assistant

Matthew Weller Handyperson

Paul Yuill Handyperson Worked for KCC for almost four years – over 20 years experience in building maintenance.


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Staff Training As indicated previously, staff are appointed through a nationally recognised process, ‘Choosing with Care’ and are required to have childcare qualifications on application. Once appointed, all staff are required to undertake a thorough induction relevant to their role. This will include core training and shadowing shifts, to observe practice and routine. Staff are supported and reviewed throughout this process to ensure they are competent. The Registered Manager holds a CMI , Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management, as a requirement of Care Standards. The Lead Nurse for Short Breaks has a degree in nursing and works with the Practice Educator in planning training and development for the staff. All Care Staff are required to have the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Training is available globally throughout the department for these qualifications. In addition, the unit has in house training provided by specialists in areas such as Moving and Handling, Child Protection, Health and Safety, Behaviour Management and Medication Administration. Training is an ongoing process and as well as accessing courses available within the Directorate, the unit closes to children for two weeks in the year to undertake and update on specialist areas. Health staff have an ongoing programme of training, to ensure their registration is up to date. Both Kent County Council and the NHS are committed to providing ongoing training and development for staff, so that high standards are maintained.

Supervision of Staff Once appointed, staff are allocated a supervisor to monitor, review and develop their performance. Meetings take place 6 – 12 weekly (dependent on role) and are recorded, to ensure targets are achieved and practice is sound. This ensures good, consistent childcare practice and also allows staff to develop both themselves and the service. Staff are also subject to appraisal and performance monitoring. Any issues of poor performance can then be identified and rectified as appropriate.

Team Meetings Weekly team meetings are held with a fixed agenda, where many issues relating to the children of the unit are discussed. The focus of the meeting is related to Child Care issues. This ensures good communication and sharing of information for the whole staff group including target setting and updating of Care Plans.


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The Team meeting is a vital part of the working week, which all staff are committed to. As well as ensuring a comprehensive sharing of information and ideas, it can also be used as a training tool to review and improve practice.

CARE PLANNING Admission Criteria To access our service, children will have a diagnosed learning disability and may have other associated or additional needs. We work in partnership with Health and the unit is also able to provide support to an increasing number of children with complex health needs. The provision caters for both boys and girls from 5 – 18 years of age (until their 19th birthday). All children accessing the service are referred by the Disabled Children’s Team and attend specialised educational provisions. Once a decision is made that the child can be referred to Windchimes by the Disabled Children’s Team the family is invited to visit and see the premises for themselves, with their Social Worker. A planned period of introduction takes place when full information is collected and an assessment of the child’s needs is obtained. A decision is made not only on eligibility criteria but also on other factors such as whether or not short break care is the most appropriate service for the individual child. We have dependency criteria in place – a system whereby children are awarded points to assess their level of ability in all areas of their lives. Once collated, these points provide us with an overall figure for each child, which allows us to see which children are more dependent – this may be for physical, emotional or behavioural reasons. We use this information as a working tool when planning our occupancy and staffing levels. In principle we could accommodate up to 6 children but when we are planning the groups we work to a maximum number of points per day, which means that if we have very dependent children resident, there will be less of them. Conversely, if we have more able children, the number in the group will be higher. The system of pointing is done in conjunction with parents and social workers to provide a fair and objective result. As a result, the number of children using the unit each week varies and the staff ratio varies to accommodate greater levels of need. Another factor to consider when planning is the compatibility of the groups – where possible we can use our experience and knowledge of the young people to promote peer friendships and inform the groupings of young people resident.

Unplanned Admissions There may be occasions when we are asked to care for a child on an unplanned basis. When the child is known to us, we are clearly the most appropriate option. If the child is not already known to us we ensure all necessary information is provided, to guarantee the child’s stay is a positive one.


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Decisions regarding these placements would be directed through the Registered

Services Manager, Disabled Children and Adults Residential Provision.

If an unplanned placement becomes longer than anticipated, discussions with regulatory bodies will be undertaken, regarding potential variations in our registration. In the case of any unplanned placement, it is imperative that regular meetings and reviews occur, to monitor the situation and to consider longer term options. Under no circumstances will an unplanned placement impact on the needs of planned resident young people.


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This statement of purpose and Function has been read and endorsed by the

Responsible Person John Meehan, Registered Services Manager, Disabled Children

and Adults Residential Provision.

Signature:

Date: 21st February 2019


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App 1. Child Protection Procedure App. A. Flow Chart (Form RCP1) App. B. Personal/Intimate Care Policy Standard App 2. Anti-Bullying Guidance

App 3. Unauthorised Absence Procedure App 4. Complaints Procedure App 5. Complaints Procedure - Children App 6. Behaviour Management App 7. Incident, Accident and Observation Guidance App 8. Standard Operating Procedures for the Administration of Medication If you require any further information or guidance regarding anything contained in these documents please contact the unit. Windchimes Short Break Unit Reynolds Close Mickleburgh Hill Herne Bay Kent CT6 6DS Tel: 01227 741748 Fax: 01227 367185 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND FUNCTION · getting ready for bed. This is a pleasant time when children can watch TV, chat and have a drink before going to bed at the appropriate times