Rowden House School Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A Guide to the Residential Care At Rowden House School for Parents/Carers and Professionals
CONTENTS
Welcome
3
5
How We Care for Your Child
7
Home Ethos
9
Young People’s Rights
10
Participation & Consultation
Accomodation
11
12
Keeping Young People Safe
15
Admissions
16
Rowden Referral Process
17
Supporting Young People’s Behaviour
19
Young People’s Education
20
Young People’s Health
21
Meet the Team
24
How We Staff the Home
26
Policies & Additional Information
27
Quality & Compliance Manager
28
Contact
WELCOME TO ROWDEN HOUSE SCHOOL’S CHILDREN’S HOME
Our focus at Rowden House is to ensure that each young person reaches their full potential regardless of the barriers presented to them. We are specialists in supporting children and young people aged 11-19 years with autism, severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. Rowden House School is situated in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside and is fortunate to have extensive grounds and woodlands which are both safe and accessible to users. As well as these open areas, we have specially adapted play areas and equipment within the grounds. We have ample space for children to ride their bikes safely, run around and bounce on various trampolines. We offer day and 38 – 52 week residential placements at our peaceful rural setting in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. The education and care teams offer an integrated provision with an interdisciplinary approach. Uniquely, our care staff support the young people both in the home and in school, thus ensuring consistency across both settings. We believe this is the best way for young people to thrive and develop their independence.
We always value the insight and knowledge parents have about the needs of their child and the best way to support them, and we work closely with parents throughout their child’s time with us. Parents and family are welcome to visit and stay at our onsite accommodation when visiting their child. In October 2020, we created a family and contact complex with a sensory room. This is the additional room on site alongside the existing caravans and a lodge accommodation. The new room offers families a safe, fully accessible and private space to meet with their children and engage in fun activities such as playing games, arts and crafts and baking or just relaxing in a quiet environment. Our residential staff team receive comprehensive ongoing training to keep them up to date with latest practice. Young people are supported by a Multi Disciplinary team including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. We also employ trained staff who deliver yoga exercise and rebound therapy.
We pride ourselves on our flexible provision which is reflected in the care packages we can offer including adapting the physical environment to meet the needs of the young person
We hope the information provided within this guide will answer many of your questions, however we would strongly recommend you visit us and we would be delighted to assist you further.
Iwona Makal, Registered Manager
HOW WE CARE FOR YOUR CHILD
Each young person has an individualised care plan built around them. The level of support, the constraints of the environment, tolerance of peers and levels of risk, will be established by the inter-disciplinary team prior to the young person joining us. This will be combined to form a detailed profile which will ensure that each young person is cared for in a nurturing and consistent way. In addition, each young person has a Positive Behaviour Support Plan called Lalemand, a risk assessment and specific information to that young person. This forms their care plan. The care plan will travel with the young person throughout the home as well as during the school day to ensure a consistency of approach is maintained in all settings. Each young person has a room of their own, personalised from the start of their time at the home. The Key Worker is responsible for this role from the outset of assessment, plus specific adaptations to the environment will be made to ensure it is also safe and a positive living space. All young people residing at Rowden receive pocket money appropriate to their age and are encouraged to manage their finances appropriately and at a practical level to their ability. Residential young people also have a toiletries/personal care allowance on a weekly basis, but only those on a 52 weeks placement receive a clothing allowance. All young people accommodated at Rowden receive birthday and religious festival allowance each year.
We will always support family contact wherever possible. We support young people to stay in touch via phone, skype, emails, letter and face to face. There is on campus family accommodation which can be booked in advance. We work with young people and their families to agree individualised contact plans. We value the insight and knowledge parents have about the needs of their child, and the best way to support them. We work closely with parents throughout their child’s time with us. Parents who sign up to a WEDUC application receive regular photos of their children’s achievements and their participation in activities. Parents also receive monthly summary reports emailed electronically, which include photographs of their children’s lives at Rowden. Our Leisure Barn has a ‘Stargaze Room’; a dark room equipped with sensory lighting, furnishings and ceiling light projection system. Our water room is an indoor wet room with water sensors and jets, coloured lighting and music, providing the ideal setting for indoor water play.
The homes are surrounded by large woodland areas where they can explore and learn about nature, as well as follow the Gruffalo trail, which makes the walk through the woods more enjoyable. There is also an allotment on site, which allows children to grow healthy foods and encourages them to participate in extra physical activity. This promotes healthier lifestyles. We have numerous vehicles to allow trips far and wide, and we also make use of public transport to ensure young people have all the learning possibilities open to them. There is also a specialist minivan with an electric wheelchair lift to suit those young people who have mobility issues. All our home and school vehicles are tracked by an electronic system which monitors staff driving styles, the speed vehicles travel at and locations. This monitoring is part of our safeguarding steps to ensure young people are safe when travelling. Young people travel in the rear of the vehicles which have the child locks switched on during use.
HOME ETHOS & THE OUTCOMES THAT THE HOME SEEKS TO ACHIEVE
We are committed to ensuring that no young person is stopped from experiencing and enjoying their childhood because of barriers their disability may put in their way. Our aim is for children and young people to: engage in learning, learn to self manage behaviours, develop communication skills and form positive relationships. Young people of the right age have the opportunity to start work experience in the local area. This helps them to adapt to and understand the rules of different working environments and helps boost their confidence. We aim to provide a high standard of care and services but recognise that sometimes things do not go according to plan. We take all concerns and complaints seriously and encourage young people, families and professionals to raise concerns as soon as possible. We have a policy and procedure which clearly sets out how to make a complaint and how it will be dealt with. This can be done either verbally or in writing. In these cases we will try and put things right as quickly as possible. We have a policy and procedure which clearly sets out how to make a complaint and how it will be dealt with. This is available on the policies page of the Rowden House School website. We arrange regular key working sessions for each young person, this may be for the young person to spend time with the Key Worker having fun or for the young person to share thoughts and wishes.
We arrange regular consultation meetings to ensure the young person’s voice is heard. These meetings also reiterate to the young people important messages such as who are in the safeguarding team, what to do if they are worried, and are
delivered in an appropriate form of communication for the individual.
The ethos of Rowden House School is our individualised approach. Every element of the care package is bespoke to that individual; whether that be the number of nights they stay, their specific routine, the input from professional services, diet, cultural and religious preferences, etc. We are unable to offer respite services. The nature of the establishment, having education and care on the same grounds, with onsite professional support services gives the opportunity to build an inter- disciplinary package around the young person. The homes and schools have access for wheelchair users.
It is essential that the young people we care for have a voice and have a say in how the home is run.
Advocacy services are available for all young people.
YOUNG PEOPLES RIGHTS / ADVOCACY
The Learning Difficulties experienced by the young people in our care mean that they may struggle to make informed decisions about their care, access appropriate services and express their views and wishes. Independent advocates or advocates provided by the relevant local authority are made available to our young people. Rowden House provides access to advocacy services for those whose local authority has not.
A representative will meet with the young person on a monthly basis or on a need basis and can provide the following support:
Obtain information and guidance
Help to identify and understand options and support in making decisions
Support at meetings and other formal processes
Support to make representations and complaints
Support to access professional advice
Support the person to express their views and wishes if they are unable
Promote and protect the rights and interest of the young person if they are unable to give clear instructions and protect their own interests
SENAD provides an independent person to visit each of the homes on a regular basis, in addition to independent advocacy services used by the home. They gather the views of young people and provide a report which is shared with the home, SENAD, OFSTED and placing authorities
PARTICIPATION & CONSULTATION
Here at Rowden, we strive to ensure that every young person is able to access the language around them, as well as communicate to the very best of their potential. As such, we embrace a total communication approach; recognising that many of our young people benefit from additional support to access to the spoken word. Our environment and staff therefore continuously provide Makaton sign, pictures and symbols to support the spoken word. Expressively, many of our young people are non-verbal, or have inconsistent spoken language, and will communicate using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); from Makaton signing, low tech AAC such as picture exchange through to high tech communication devices, depending on their needs and preferences. Every young person is carefully assessed and supported to participate in consultations to the best of their ability.
It is imperative to us that our young people take an active role in shaping their environment. We work closely with our speech and language therapist and multi- disciplinary team to ensure that we consult with our young people at a level that is appropriate and accessible for them. This allows us to listen and respond to their views, wishes and feelings. We are committed to the inclusion of all stakeholders in the review and development of not only the services we provide but the views, wishes and feelings of the young people in our care and the environment in which they live. Consultations and feedback take place in the chosen or given communication format for the individual. This may be written, sign language, Makaton, photographic symbols or other formats. Consultation with our young people allows us to build positive relationships with them as well as engaging in their every day lives and ultimately makes sure their views and wishes are expressed.
ACCOMODATION We have a mixed gender, age and ethnic group of young people for whom we provide accommodation for up to 52 weeks of the year. Rowden is registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for up to 30 children.
The residential home comprises of 2 clusters of houses with 4 homes on Chestnuts site (Spinney, Grove, Juniper and Willow) and 4 homes on Acorns site (Coppice, Birch, Meadows and Oaks).
Willows, Juniper, Grove, Birch, Spinney & Meadows can accommodate up to three young people each.
Coppice accommodates four young people.
Oaks is 2 bedded and is our smallest apartment.
All of our homes are designed to meet DDA legislation and are on ground level. Each home has a lounge, dining/kitchen area, bathroom and wet rooms. Some rooms may have privacy screening on the windows. This is to ensure the young person’s dignity and privacy and in some cases address specific sensory needs. To support family time we have self-catering accommodation on campus specifically for residents families. It offers families the opportunity to stay and spend time with their child as well as stay overnight. This accommodation is available on a booking system. For further details please speak to reception or a Manager.
KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE
Safeguarding children and young people is at the heart of our practice. We do this through having clear policies and procedures. All staff receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and this is refreshed annually. The senior management team have received safeguarding training to a higher level to reflect their additional service responsibilities with respect to safeguarding. We support young people to develop their understanding of risks and how to keep themselves safe (in line with their age and ability). Every child receives a children’s guide on their admission to the home. This is adapted to children’s level of understanding and their communication needs. Young people have posters in the homes with photos of the staff that form the safeguarding team at Rowden. Through close collaboration with our therapists, and individualised assessment, we support our young people to develop their understanding of risks and safety to the best of their potential. We consult with individual young people at a level that is accessible to them, making full use of total communication strategies. For some young people, this may include the use of social stories and/or pictures, Makaton sign and widget symbols to support access. For our less intentional communicators, this may include careful analysis of behaviour and close multi- disciplinary working.
Our person-centred approach allows us to provide a robust safeguarding support network, through regular opportunities for every young person to access tailored and fully accessible consultations. As a result of some of our children’s impairment or disability, restraint may be a necessary component of their care -this may include wearing soft helmets or personal protective equipment in the form of arm guards which are designed to protect skin from serious injuries. Should these restrictions be required -the information would be included in children’s care plans and risk assessments, agreed with their parents and social workers. Our Designated Safeguarding Persons (DSP) are based within the home and school setting. They have received additional, specialist training to become ‘designated safeguarding leads’. They share responsibility for monitoring and ensuring practice within the service to meet the needs of the people. If you have concerns related to a young person’s wellbeing or safety please contact a Home Manager, DSP or Registered Manager. Alternatively you can contact the SENAD Group Head Office or Hereford Safeguarding Team directly. A copy of our Safeguarding Procedure is available on request.
There are fire emergency exits and smoke and heat detectors throughout all the buildings. Fire safety equipment is regularly tested and is subject to regular audits. Young people, staff and visitors are regularly involved in fire drills and fire procedures are displayed throughout the campus. Within the residential setting unannounced fire evacuations take place to allow the young people to learn how to evacuate safely. Personal evacuation plans are in place for those young people who have been reluctant to evacuate or who have mobility or The SENAD Group employ a Health and Safety Manager and Building Service Manager. The Building Service Manager is responsible for building regulations, fire safety, as well as managing the building team. The School is subject to regular safety inspections. The water and electrical systems, playground, and lifting equipment are checked independently in line with Health and Safety legislation.
If a young person leaves the campus without permission we have a Missing from Care protocol for searching the campus and local area, informing the police, family and relevant authorities. This protocol may be individualised for young people who are at higher risk of going missing. We work closely with West Midlands police coordinators who regularly update us with information on procedures if a child goes missing from care.
When young people do not return from home breaks without a reason being given, contact is made with the parent or guardian to ascertain the reason. If pupils are persistently absent without authority, we will follow protocols agreed with the placing authority.
Fire safety procedures are in place for all our young people, employees and visitors. When you visit the campus we will ask you to sign in and take the time to read our fire safety information. CCTV cameras monitor the drive by the leisure barn, areas of car park, the main entrance to reception.
Smoking is not permitted in the buildings or on the campus. The homes and school are visited periodically by Herefordshire fire services and Environmental Health Officers. There are clear fire and emergency procedures and regular fire practices. There is an emergency plan if the home needs to be evacuated for any reason.
Young peoples living environment is risk assessed by staff teams on a daily basis. Any requirement for adaptation are implemented to keep the young people safe at all times.
We may need to use electronic devices (monitors) and magnetic door alarms in some circumstances to ensure the safety of young people during the night when staffing support reduces. Should the use of electrical devices be agreed, the use of these items will be written into the young person’s support and supervision assessment for staff to follow. Suitable approval of parents and social workers will be gained prior to the implementation of such devices. In exceptional circumstances we use key pad entry system to a home’s entrance / exit. The decision to use this door locking mechanism is assessed on individual need. The use of electronic monitoring devices will be regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to be necessary to meet the young persons needs.
Young people’s bedroom windows have restrictors fitted where agreed. This is due to the location of the home. The restrictors allow plenty of fresh air into the bedrooms, but protect children when they are asleep. During the night the main entrances to the home are locked for security reasons, the doors can be unlocked from within using the door thumb lock.
ADMISSIONS A young person can be referred directly to Rowden House School or alternatively through the SENAD Group Head Office. The Registered Manager and Head of Learning will coordinate the referral and assessment process; they will be the referrers point of contact. We ask the referrer to complete a referral information form and attach any further information they think may be of relevance to assess the young person’s needs in line with our Statement of Purpose. Families are welcomed and invited to visit at any time throughout the admission process. An initial assessment will be conducted by Rowden House to ensure we are able to meet the young person’s needs in line with the assessment and recording framework. We will arrange with the referring authority to assess the young person by conducting observations in familiar environments. This may include education, care, respite and their family home. Residential assessments can be arranged and offered on request. Placements can be 38 to 52-week packages for both males and females aged between 11 and 18 years. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept emergency or respite placements. Rowden House School is registered for education for KS3 to Post 16. For pre KS3 admission a suitable off site education provision will need to be in place. The School’s multi-disciplinary team will be actively involved in the referral assessment. Assessment reports are produced which are then used by staff to plan the agreed admission and subsequent care plan and education programme. At any stage within the referral and assessment process, we may request a professionals meeting with the referral authority. The authority will be provided with the outcome of the assessment. We aim to complete this process within twenty-eight days of the first visit.
ROWDEN REFERRAL PROCESS
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S BEHAVIOUR
Our young people are diagnosed with varying disabilities, have significant differences and varied forms of communication. The common thread for all the young people who come to Rowden is their ability to display challenging behaviour. All forms of behaviour are seen as some form of communication and as a team of specialists we aim to give the young person a healthier and safer way of communicating. We follow the NAPPI ideology (Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention) and all of our staff are fully trained in this approach. Proactive and preventative approaches are always used in dealing with problematic behaviours, but at the same time we challenge the young people to ensure they are fulfilling their potential. All young people have a Lalemand scale, which is recognised as a behaviour support plan and gives a consistent way of dealing with a young person’s behaviour and clear guidelines in what should and should not be done. We do use specific trained NAPPI physical interventions to ensure the young people are kept safe, however every intervention, and in fact every incident, is closely monitored by the leadership team, as well as the on-site NAPPI trainers. Managers add their comments on how the incident has been managed by staff and address any shortfalls directly with staff. This helps to ensure that staff follows agreed approaches at all times. We believe in a transparent approach so all incident records are shared with parents/carers and any other significant person in the young person’s life.
The behaviour management strategies are developed and updated with staff representation from across the campus and support from all inter-disciplinary team departments. Natural or consequential incidents and interventions are formally recorded in the home and young person’s records. All incident and restraint forms are reviewed by operational managers and analysed to decide on developments in approach and actions for each young person as-and-when this is required. We train all staff supporting young people in Positive Behaviour Support and Non- Aggressive Physical and Psychological Interventions (NAPPI). This training consists of three, eight-hour days of learning. Two days of refresher training then occurs every twelve months thereafter for each employee. When identified as required for a young person, NAPPI training is developed around the young person’s specific needs. This is delivered up to level three NAPPI needs led training. All NAPPI training lesson plans are agreed in advance through the schools senior management team. Rowden is working with NAPPI PODS UK which are being used as a means to provide environmental support for vulnerable individuals of all ages who present with behaviour concern. The safety PODS are situated in the homes and classrooms. The use of PODS for each individual is detailed in their risk assessment and support plans. In line with the agreed health care plans our clinical consultants work alongside the staff teams in the use of PRN medication prescribed for behavioural reasons. Should a young person have behavioural PRN
prescribed, instructions for use will be clearly documented within the young person’s plans. Should a Behavioural PRN be used as an intervention then a report will be completed. This will form part of the young person’s individualised plans and will be part of the monitoring and analysis process.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S EDUCATION
We have a purpose built school which is separate from the residential facilities. The school comprises of a dedicated school building on one level. There are six classrooms and a separate class for group learning, an ICT suite, sensory room, individual work spaces, library and kitchen. The setting has full access to the campus facilities. Each classroom has one fully qualified teacher and at least one Teaching Assistant. A maximum number of 5 pupils are placed within one class. Other considerations in forming class groups will include ability, communication skills and behavioural profiles. This allows for the correct facilities to be available to the different groups and the dynamics of the classroom interactions to be effective. The classes have further staffing from care residential support workers.
The objectives from the plan are used to produce the Individual Learning Plan which consists of annual objectives and six monthly targets. The plan is reviewed annually in consultation with parents, representatives from the authority and all teams at Rowden. Targets are reviewed six monthly in line with the LAC/Placement review. All young people are encouraged to attend their review but in all cases pupils are asked to provide their views in an appropriate format. From Year 9 a transition review is planned and implemented in line with the Code of Practice. Young people’s views are sought prior to review meetings and they are encouraged to attend such meetings. Attendance at reviews will typically be for a part of the review and will focus on the young person through praise and encouragement. For those of a higher ability inclusion will be greater up to and including full attendance.
All young people have an Education Health and Care Plan.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S HEALTH
Rowden House staff in partnership with the Health Liaison Officer, social workers, health authorities and families, establish the individual health needs of the young person in our care. Young people will be registered with the local GP, Dentist and Optician and will have access to a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, OT and SALT if needed. These services are available for all children with exception of day placements. Children have access to a therapy room which provides an alternative therapeutic space to explore sensory experiences, activities and preferences in accordance with their sensory diet plans. These plans are reviewed during regular meetings with multidisciplinary team and following feedback exchanged between care and education. The effectiveness of these plans are summarized in children's’ review reports shared with parents and placing authorities. Looked after children will receive annual medical assessments. We work with learning disability nurses and local hospitals to ensure the young people receive the right care when they have to attend medical appointments.
Young people are encouraged to:
Eat a varied diet – special and religious diet requirements are catered for Participate in regular exercise Attend all routine health appointments, annual health assessments Have access to sexual health information as appropriate
MEET THE TEAM
Iwona Makal, Registered Manager
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People Level 3 NCFE Certificate in Management Level 2 award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Iwona has worked for Rowden House School since August 2005 and has a great deal of experience in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young people with special needs, severe learning difficulties, mental and physical disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour. She takes pride in effective leading, training, supervising and motivating the staff team. Iwona has over 20 years of practice at Rowden, as a Residential Support Worker, Key Worker, Shift Leader, Deputy Manager, Senior Residential Manager and now Registered Manager, Iwona has continued to maintain effective working relationships with staff, young people and their families.
Chloe Tyler, House Manager
Diploma Level 3 Residential Childcare Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and management for Residential Childcare
Chloe joined Rowden House School in 2017 as a residential support worker. Over the last 7 years she has progressed through the roles gaining valuable experience around challenging behaviours, autism and severe learning disabilities. Chloe strives to ensure that positive lines of communication are always open between parents, staff, young people and other professionals ensuring the best possible outcomes for the young people.
Ruth Nolan, Head Teacher
BEd (Hons) – Bath Spa University NVQ 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management
Ruth was appointed Head Teacher in May 2025. She joined the SENAD group in February 2013 as Head of Learning. In this role she created a consistent approach to the development of learning within the SENAD services in Herefordshire, ensuring that each provision is tailored to the individual’s needs. Ruth has over 35 years experience of teaching and senior management in a variety of educational settings. During this time she has developed an empathy and understanding of students’ educational, emotional and social needs and is committed to supporting continuing development, knowledge and understanding for all learners and staff.
Cassie Taylor, House Manager Cassie joined Rowden in 2018 as a residential support worker, completing her Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and has been promoted to shift leader and now to house manager.
Cassie has built strong relationships with the children in her care and is extremely child focused and passionate about her staff and the important roles they play in providing children with a safe and nurturing environment.
Ellie Bliss, House Manager
Ellie joined Rowden House School in 2017 as a residential support worker and has been promoted through each level to the position of House Manager. Ellie has gained valuable experience and knowledge working with young people with autism, challenging behaviour and severe learning difficulties and has excellent relationships with the
young people, families and professionals, as well as her staff team. She is committed to wanting to achieve outstanding practice and support the young people to meet their targets.
Louise Clayton
Diploma Level 3 Residential Childcare Louise has worked in children’s homes for 10 years a Residential Support Worker, Waking Night and a Key Worker. Louise has several years’ experience at management level. Louise believes in a personal centred approach and is very child focused.
She supports the young people to lead a positive and healthy lifestyle, ensuring they are able to have the best outcomes possible. She is also passionate about young peoples relationships with their families and carers and ensures there is regular opportunities for young people to communicate and see their families.
HOW WE STAFF THE HOME The care team is led by the Registered Manager, who is the designated manager for the residential home. The Registered Manager works full time and is supported by four full time Home Managers, Lead NAPPI Trainer and Behaviour support, rota coordinator and the Health Liaison Officer.
There is always a Manager available and the leadership support also includes a senior manager on call service 24 hours a day.
Staffing is 1:1 for 90% of the waking day. Our shifts comprise of:
Early: 07:30—15:30
Late:15:00- 22:00
Waking Nights: 21:45—07:45
At weekends, teams work a longer day from 07.30-22.00
Alternatively there is a second rota available that consists of 3 double shifts (07.30-22.00) followed by 3 days off.
This enables a degree of independence in all settings. Staffing levels can be lower for times of independent working, break times, play/leisure times, very routine based times etc. The home sees part of its role to increase these skills where possible for future independence, however it is also likely that there will be some times when the allocation could be greater than 1:1.
This might occur when anxiety levels increase; when we are finding out about the young person’s skills, when new tasks are introduced, for some trips etc.
Higher staffing levels can be put in place for certain individuals if their needs require further targeted support. The managers are rostered as supernumerary to the staffing levels to ensure they are available to support when and where needed.
During night time hours, waking night staff are employed. We also use sleep in staff. Typically there will be 1 waking night per home and there may be additional waking night staff available if the young people are specifically identified as requiring additional waking night support during assessment and referral process. This may reduce during holiday periods when some houses may be closed due to young people going home or going on holiday. Specialised bed monitors or audio/visual monitors are also used to support certain young people with medical conditions such as epilepsy. All care staff receive a comprehensive induction training package prior to working in the homes. This is to give staff the opportunity to develop their skills and understanding. There is also targeted training to specifically meet the complex and varied needs of our young people. Staff are encouraged to build positive relationships with the young people in order to provide trust around daily living opportunities and personal care. All staff are required to complete a probationary period of 6 months and staff receive professional supervision monthly on commencement of employment from a senior staff member. The professional supervision includes feedback on performance, the development of professional practice, key working skills and professional progress made connected to the staff members performance reviews and appraisals. A written record is kept on the staff members support and supervision records. Each day team have a dedicated learning and development day every month; this provides team meetings, learning and development and time to fulfil other dedicated duties such as audits, health and safety checks. All care staff who are not already qualified are enrolled on a Diploma in Residential Childcare. Those studying have the opportunity to meet with their college tutor on their learning and development days. All care staff undertake an annual performance review and agree a professional development plan for the following 12 months. Training and professional development continues through employment, this builds on the initial training completed through the employees induction and probation period.
Virtual College Online Training—33 modules
Induction Face to Face Training—10 days
Mandatory Qualification—Level 3 Diploma or Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Child Care
Management Training including Safeguarding, for House Managers only
Further training is made available for specific needs such as food allergens and mental health.
POLICIES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The SENAD Group owns and operates a number of schools and children’s homes and has a set of common policies and procedures which apply to all settings. The Group has a philosophy of operating in an open and transparent manner, involving and keeping parents and placing authorities informed of all incidents, accidents and positive outcomes as regular as possible. Copies of most of SENAD’s policies are freely available on our website or can be supplied on request. As a group we welcome feedback. Child protection policies and our behaviour management policy can be found on our website policies page. All staff are required to have a monthly supervision with their line manager and will receive an annual appraisal which will set targets and agree a personal development plan. Mark Ryder is Director of Children’s Social Care and Responsible Individual for all of the SENAD children’s homes in England. He is based at the SENAD head office in Derby.
This is in addition to independent advocacy services used by the home. They gather the views of the young people and provide a report which is shared with the home, SENAD, Ofsted and placing authorities. All of the homes use a positive approach to promoting positive behaviour. Our physical intervention technique is called NAPPI but the group aim is to reduce and eliminate the need to use physical intervention where ever possible. SENAD and all of the homes see complaints as part of the learning process; it helps young people understand how to resolve issues appropriately and helps the home to develop best practice. In the first instance, any complaint should be referred to the home to resolve. If this cannot be achieved, the complaint can be referred to SENAD and/or Ofsted. SENAD will follow its complaints procedure by appointing someone independent of the home to investigate. The final stage is for any unresolved complaint to go to a complaint panel.
SENAD provides an independent person to visit each of the homes on a regular basis.
SENAD offers staff training in anti- discriminatory practice as part of our
mandatory training and embraces difference and diversity across all settings. We support our staff and the young people we care for to embrace the multicultural society in which we live. As part of our campus security we have CCTV monitoring some areas of the staff and visitors car park.
Mark Ryder, Director of Children’s Social Care, SENAD Group, 1 St George’s House, Vernon Gate, Derby DE1 1UQ , Tel: 01332 378840
QUALITY & COMPLIANCE MANAGER
The company’s Quality and Compliance Manager, Kelly Watson reports directly to the company’s Directors.
She performs the function of ensuring all SENAD homes meet the Children’s Homes Regulations (2015) by managing the independent person and ensuring that the young people’s voice is heard, their rights promoted and that safeguarding policies are followed in an open and transparent manner. She offers professional challenge to the Registered Managers and Heads of Service. She is available to take an independent view on any concerns.
To contact the Group Quality and Compliance Manager:
SENAD Group, 1 St George’s House, Vernon Gate, Derby, DE1 1UQ
CONTACT
This Statement of Purpose is based on the recommendations contained in the publication:
Children’s Homes ( England) Regulations 2015
Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards
A full list of the ‘matters to be included’ can be found in Schedule 1 of this publication.
There is a format for young people which is simplified and uses symbols. However, as carers will know, students with severe communication difficulties have a wide range of language needs. We would work with parents and guardians to provide statements that the young people would understand. These would include symbol or photographic timetables and formats for presenting their needs for review.
To speak directly to Ofsted:
URN Number: SC 035625 Address: Rowden House, School Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4LS Telephone: 01885488096 A full outline of staff and line management is attached / available from the school office.
Ofsted, National Business Unit, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
Tel: 0300 1231231
Provider: Mr Brian Jones Responsible Individual: Mark Ryder, SENAD Group, 1 St George’s House, Vernon Gate, Derby, DE1 1UQ
POLICIES The following policies are available to view on our website: Accessibility Admissions Child Protection & Safeguarding Complaints Equal Opportunities Diversity CONTACT Please email referrals@senadgroup.com or call 01332 378840 Option 1 Ext 2
01885 488096
rowden.info@senadgroup.com
Rowden House School (part of the West Midlands Learning Campus) Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LS
senadgroup.com/rowden-house/
LA CONSULTATIONS Please email
PARENTS / CARERS Please email info@senadgroup.com or
referrals@senadgroup.com or call 01332 378840 Option 1 Ext 2
complete our online enquiry form or call 01332 378840 Option 1 Ext 1
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