CREATING CARE CHOICES LTD
3’C’S CHILDRENS HOME
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Updated April 2015
Contents
NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED PROVIDER (1.3)
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NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED HOME
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STAFFING AND STRUCTURE (1.4; 1.5)
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RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL (1.4)
REGISTERED MANAGER (1.4)
SUPPORT STAFF (1.5)
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ETHOS AND PHILOSOPHY : (1.1; 1.11)
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OUR AIMS: (1.1)
EQUALITY (1.14)
DIVERSITY (1.21)
THE CHILD’S VOICE (1.15)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS (1.27)
ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE IN RELATION TO CHILDREN’S RIGHTS (1.27)
CONTACT (1.22)
HEALTH (1.2; 1.12; 1.26)
EDUCATION: (1.13)
RECREATION: (1.2; 1.14)
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KEY POLICIES-
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SAFEGUARDING/CHILD PROTECTION (1.17)
CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR: (1.16)
PHYSICAL INTERVENTION (1.16)
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THE HOME (1.2; 1.8; 1.22; 1.25; )
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CARING FOR CHILDREN(1.8, 1.9)
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WHO CAN 3C’S OFFER A PLACE TO? (1.8)
PLACEMENT OPTIONS
52 WEEK CARE: (1.9)
SHORT BREAK: (1.9)
EMERGENCY PLACEMENTS (1.9)
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
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FIRE (1.20)
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UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES (1.18)
SECURITY (1.19)
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STAFFING MATTERS (1.5)
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STAFFING POLICY FOR HOME (1.5)
SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF TEAM (1.6)
STAFF TRAINING (1.6)
STAFF DEVELOPMENT (1.6)
CURRENT STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS(1.5)
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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COMPLAINTS (1.23)
QUALITY ASSURANCE
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE (1.7)
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NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED PROVIDER
(1.3)
Creating Care Choices Ltd
38 Castle Drive
Ilford
Essex
IG4 5AE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED HOME
3 C’s Children’s Home
16-18 Aldersgrove Avenue
Mottingham
London
SE9 4PJ
Telephone: 0208 851 6502
Fax: 0207 6402168
Web Site: www.the3cs.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
3 C’s is regulated and inspected by OFSTED - Registration number: SC025657
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Staffing and Structure (1.4; 1.5)
Responsible Individual (1.4)
Mr Harjit Singh Sanghera
Harjit has had 14 years experience within the social care sector and is the proprietor
and founder of 3 C’s. He also oversees another home for elderly registered with the
CQC. He has attended numerous courses in Health and Social Care including
Safeguarding, understanding disabilities and Health and Safety.
Service Manager
Mr Evelyn Daniel
Evelyn has worked with children and young people in both community and residential
settings. He has over 20 years experience and has worked in community youth
projects before moving into residential childcare where he has been involved in
setting up a number of children’s homes and semi independence projects.
Evelyn successfully completed the Caldecott College/Greenwich University Postgraduate Course in Child Development and Therapeutic Childcare. He has also
successfully completed NVQ Level 5 in Operational Management with the Chartered
Management Institute. While at the University of North London he gained a BSc with
Upper Second Class Honours in Applied Social Science (Policy Studies).
Evelyn was invited to join the editorial board of the goodenoughcaring Journal. His
expertise has been essential in the development of the Journal and is in large
measure responsible for its increasing influence. He was also appointed to the board
of the Child Care History Network. Evelyn is an outstanding communicator who is
sought out as a speaker at conferences and seminars. He has made contributions on
residential childcare to radio and television broadcasts. Evelyn is a knowledgeable
author and has written a number of influential papers on residential childcare.
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Support Staff (1.5)
Geethu Poulose - Support Worker
Geethu has been employed at the children’s home since 2010. She completed her
general nursing diploma in India which is comparable to a BTEC/SQA Higher
National Certificate or falls between NVQ3 and NVQ 4. She also has a qualification in
Cardio Vascula Thorasic Nursing.
Hazel Gambiza- Support Worker
Hazel joined 3C’s as a bank staff in 2011and is now a Senior Residential Worker.
Hazel has completed her Early Childhood Studies and Special Needs and Inclusive
Education She also holds an access to HE in Health and Social Care & Early years
Level 3. Hazel is very committed to the young people in her care. She has also
recently enrolled to complete QCF level 3 Diploma, Working with young people.
Lotricia Shava – Support Worker
Lotricia joined 3C’s as a bank staff in 2011. This was a change of career for Lotricia
after bringing her family up. She is currently completing a Diploma in Health and
Social Care. This has now been completed. In the meantime, Lotricia has enrolled on
many short courses such as Makaton to enhance her skills in looking after children
with disabilities. Lotricia is currently also enrolled for QCF level 5 course in
Leadership and Management.
Preetha – Nutritionist
Preetha joined the company the end of December 2013 and has settled well. She
brings with her a nursing degree and a lot of care knowledge from previous
employment. Preetha is currently enjoying her role as Nutritionist in 3C’s and is a well
liked member of the team.
Ethos and Philosophy: (1.1; 1.11)
Whether or not the child is resident for 52 weeks or visiting under the short breaks
scheme our ethos is to foster an atmosphere of care and support to enable and
empower the child to live as independent a life as possible.
The 3 C’s Children’s residential home aims to provide a safe, loving and holistic
environment for children who have learning disabilities, physical disabilities and
emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.
We will work in partnership with children and young people and all those with
parental responsibility to achieve the best outcomes and whenever possible we aim
to help and support young people to return to live with their families on either a full
time or shared care basis.
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If the aim is not for the young person to return home we will provide long term care
until they are ready to move on to live with another family or to live independently,
and continue to provide support to the individual during transition.
It is our purpose to provide services that enhance the lives of the children and young
people ensuring respect, privacy, dignity and choice are integrated into everything we
do.
Our Aims: (1.1)
We will
 Give young people an opportunity to grow both socially, emotionally and
physically by providing opportunities to enhance and nurture their
development.
 Provide a structured, stimulating, caring and safe environment that is free
from any prejudices and which provides young people the opportunity to be
listened to and to express their wishes and feelings.
 Regularly monitor and review the young person’s progress and success
within the placement.
 Continually improve the quality of care we provide through monitoring and
evaluation of our policies and procedures.
 Provide opportunities for activities and participation in experiences which will
enhance the quality of life to enable them to build stronger social networks
and reduce social isolation.
 Promote the welfare and safety of children and young people by ensuring our
policies reflect how we will address and enforce anti-bullying, equal
opportunities, safeguarding and complaints.
We aim to achieve this by:
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Working with the young people and external agencies to deliver better life
chances for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
We believe in the principles of co-operation with the young person, family
members and external agencies.
We believe that children and young people have a right to participate in the
decisions that affect their lives.
We will develop a set of outcomes and an evaluation process which will
enable us to monitor our services.
Helping and supporting young people to become more resilient so they
become better citizens able to cope with the stresses of daily lives.
Taking measured risks and allowing the child or young person to gain life
experiences and supporting them through this.
Equality (1.14)
Choices are extend to all areas of the children’s life, and we work flexibly with their
wishes around food, bath and bed times. None of which is structured into a daily time
or group activity. We work hard to ensure there is community cohesion with the
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children included in local activities, events and clubs. We believe that any thing that
the children wish to achieve or participate in should be supported and steps taken to
allow this to occur.
Diversity (1.21)
The staff working with the children living in the 3 C’s children’s home have a clear
understanding of Diversity and our policy supporting this. The team openly works
with the knowledge that it is every ones right to be cared for, and to work with
difference. Thus the team recognises each child in their care and each member of
staff employed with them as individuals. At no time is it acceptable for any person to
discriminate against another.
We ensure an open awareness of the differing cultural and religious needs of the
children in our care. This is achieved through a full diverse menu, and posters,
books, and toys presented through a variety of cultural experiences.
There is an open awareness of each child’s religious backgrounds, and support is
offered to enable the children to attend regular church services, meetings and clubs
of their choice, as is appropriate and requested. Any religious instruction or
observance will be supported.
The Child’s Voice (1.15)
Fortnightly/monthly meetings involving the children and young people will take place
if appropriate for the peer group. They will discuss their ideas and suggestions for
activities and things like their future menus. This meeting will offer an open forum for
the children to discuss any concerns they may have about how the home runs and
their involvement in this. Children are also given the opportunity to meet with their
keyworker using a variety of means to determine the child’s wishes. Other relevant
people in the Childs life will also be consulted as too how the child would wish to be
cared for if appropriate.
There is the opportunity for all young people to express their views and feelings with
symbolised cards readily available in various areas. These include symbols for Help,
Cross, Sad & Happy.
Equal Opportunities and Children’s Rights (1.27)
Providing culturally specific care and support for children and young people in line
with the National Care Standards, meeting their cultural, religious, racial, gender and
linguistic needs. We work to empower children and young people to have knowledge
of access to, and respect for their community. Supporting self identity by recognising
that a young person’s ethnicity, religion, culture, sexuality and language are crucial to
their self image and self -esteem. 3Cs recognises that to care for a young person
with learning difficulties can be both emotionally tiring and demanding, therefore 3Cs
offers an environment, where our services ensures that our staff:
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Work to the Care Plan to ensure that the cultural identity of the young person
is maintained in accordance with the young person’s and his or her family’
wishes. This involves all aspects such as diet, healthcare, education, clothing,
cultural needs and sexual health needs.
To participate and assist in facilitating reviews, post placement and planning
meetings and furnish reports for these meetings.
To try and stabilise young people looked after who have displayed emotional
and behavioural problems.
To provide a planned leisure programme to broaden young people’s interest
in and out of the Home
To provide a wide ranging programme that covers supporting young people
with their Personal Education Plan, or taking them on informal trips over
weekends. This could involve shopping trips in the community, interacting
with adults and peers or spending time with the key worker. Staffs encourage
young people to participate in doing house chores as part of their
independence life skills.
Key workers will establish and maintain links with family members and
significant people who will in turn play a significant part in the success of the
care plan.
Staff will ensure and enable access to full time education provision, including
monitoring attendance and achievement.
Specialist advice will be provided in conjunction with other agencies such as
CAMHS and the Education Support Services, Police and Community
Projects.
Staff will provide Risk Assessments for young people taking into
consideration that there is potential risk to children getting lost or accidents.
We aim to ensure when planning admissions to 3Cs clear consideration is
given to the mixes of children and young people due to the complexities of
their needs. We take into account their ages to ensure they are compatible.
We will use our rota creatively to reflect a balance of experience and gender.
as well as providing adequate numbers.
To provide adequate staff this will ensure and promote outside activities.
Identify a key worker for each child to ensure that individual care plans are
realised.
Anti-Discriminatory Practice in relation to Children’s Rights (1.27)
Within the principle of equal opportunities, all young people have rights. Within
Creating Care Choices young people have the right to:
 Be treated with respect, as a real person whatever their age.
 Be treated fairly whatever-their age, their race, their disability or their religion
etc
 Be listened to when people are making plans about their future.
 Be able to go to school.
 Be in good health
 Be able to complain if I am unhappy or worried about something, like being
bullied, abused or being picked on.
 Be able to have an advocate who can advise and help sort out matters when
their stay is not going well.
 Be heard, particularly if the young person feels that they are being treated
unfairly, are not being included in decisions about their life, if they disagree
with a decisions that has been made about them and if they are feel they are
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being treated differently, picked on or bullied because of their race, gender,
age, sexuality, disability, ethnic origin or for any other reason.
Be looked after by staff supporting the above rights
Contact (1.22)
3C’S welcomes and supports positive contact between a child and their family and/or
any other significant person in the Childs life. In most circumstances family are
welcome to visit at any time. In some circumstances family/ other visits may be
supported and sanctioned by social services.
Families and visitors are expected to abide by the home policies when visiting the
home and these can be made available on request.
So as not cause disappointment and ensure the child is in, it is good practice for
families to notify the home staff if intending to visit.
Health (1.2; 1.12; 1.26)
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Staff will ensure that the physical, emotional and health needs of each young
person is identified and appropriate action is taken to secure the medical,
dental and other health services needed to meet them.
Ensure that children resident in the long stay home are able to have regular
health and dental check-ups and records are kept in their files.
Ensure that a record of medication is kept and that all medications are kept in
a safe and secure storage. Staff will sign for all medication given.
Ensure that children and young people are provided with guidance, advice
and support on health and personal care issues appropriate to their needs
and wishes.
Provide advice and support to each young person in accordance with the
young person’s age, needs, religion, culture and wishes in relation to social
issues. Confidentiality is respected and literature is on display within the
home to enable young people to obtain information.
Keep a record of all significant illnesses, accidents that occur during their
placement at 3Cs.
Deal with personal issues of personal hygiene sensitively.
Ensure that health needs of young people from specific ethnic and cultural
groups are understood by staff and specialist advice is sought where
necessary.
Ensure according to Regulation 6/7 of the Children’s Act that medical
examination and written health assessments are arranged for every young
person placed in the home.
Ensure that information including the name of GP is available at the home for
those children that attend for short breaks.
Ensure close co-operation and communication with those having parental
responsibilities, health visitors, school and other specialist services to ensure
that proper health care is offered to all children in our care.
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Staff will follow therapeutic advice and programmes supplied by professionals and
will be given appropriate training to follow this however the home does not provide
direct therapeutic support.
Education: (1.13)
3Cs recognises that all children have a legal right to be educated. Registration of the
Home is for the children of school age. Children are expected to attend school and
be punctual. Management and staff actively encourage and support this. Escorts
and transport are available as required. Any special educational needs will be
supported by the management and staff team and will form part of the child’s care
plan. Homework and any special needs outside school hours will be supported and
facilitated by management and staff at the unit. Uninterrupted time and space will be
allocated to the child for study and homework.
Full support will be offered to the education department/school and regular contact
with social services and parent /carers, where appropriate, will be maintained and
management and staff will support the child and advocate on its behalf.
Recreation: (1.2; 1.14)
At 3Cs our policy is to encourage and consult all young people to participate in
activities. These range from local to out of city activities. Due to the needs of most of
children who stay at 3Cs we work alongside social workers, teachers, parents and
appropriate adults to create activity plans for the young person to attend in the
community. At 3Cs a senior SSW is appointed to plan, organise and implement
activities with assistance from their colleagues who is on duty. All young people are
encouraged to participate as a group or as individuals if they wish to do so but most
importantly they are to have fun. Activities include:
Ice Skating
Cinema
Ten Pin Bowling
Shopping
Greenwich Park
Horse Riding
Swimming
Eating Out
Theatre
Libraries
Walking
London History Sites
All activities will be looked at and if possible means identified on how the children can
attend. Dynamic as well as written risk assessments will be undertaken to allow the
children the same opportunities as other children.
Key policies-
Safeguarding/Child Protection (1.17)
Staff at the home remain committed to practices which protect children and young
people from harm; are clear about how to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect;
have a full understanding about the thresholds that apply to safeguarding; know to
whom they should refer concerns or safeguarding issues. The safety and protection
of the children and young people who live here is the primary concern of the staff at
3Cs.
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All the staff at 3Cshave received safeguarding training and are aware of the issues in
relation to looking after children and young people. The staff are vigilant in relation to
the young person’s ongoing safety and protection, are aware of the indicators, signs
and systems when abuse is taking place. They are aware of the local Children’s
Safeguarding Board procedures for managing suspected safeguarding concerns and
are clear about the lines of responsibility and accountability within the home.
Bullying in the home is not tolerated, however, many of the children we
accommodate are not aware that their actions may be perceived as bullying. The
home staff understand that any actions that may make a young person /child feel
undervalued/upset or hurt is not appropriate and counter measures and risk
assessments will be used to not only ensure that the young person who may be
subject to bullying but also that the ‘bully’ is supported to educate them to understand
how their actions may make others feel. If bullying is felt to be an issue within the
home, the Management and staff will work with Parents, Social workers and all
relevant agencies to address this problem.
In addition to concerns that arise in the community, staff are aware of the danger of
professional abuse and exercise caution and vigilance in relation to the professionals
who have access to the children and young people. The home has a Whistle
Blowing Policy where staff are encouraged to speak to their Deputy and Senior
Manager if they have concerns about their colleagues’ conduct towards children and
young people. They may also speak to the Proprietor if they have concerns about
the management team
At Creating Care Choice:
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Ensure that the children and young people live in safe and comfortable
surroundings.
Ensure that staffs receive comprehensive training in child protection and that
there are clear policies and procedures in place. All relevant information will
be updated regularly and made available to staff.
Regularly review and update the homes risk assessments to meet all Health
and Safety requirements.
Promote a culture of openness and one that is free from any form of prejudice
or discrimination.
Ensure there are clear guidelines for staff, children and young people to
address any signs of bullying or intimidation this will also include cyberbullying.
All young people will have detailed risk assessments which will be identify all
risks within their files that are known and understood by all and signed off by
the manager. The risks assessments will identify all risks associated to the
individual and clearly outline how these risks will be managed and responded
to.
Children’s Behaviour: (1.16)
At 3Cs we endeavour to create and maintain a non-confrontational, non-violent and
anti-oppressive environment where children and staff feel safe. Aggression, violence,
and oppressive practice from staff and visitors will not be tolerated. Staff should
attempt to resolve any such incidents at the unit in a safe and positive manner. We
recognise that some children may have experienced aggression and violence in their
past lives which they may consider being normal behaviour and may act out such
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behaviour in the unit. We will work with such children to seek change in a positive
and safe way. Our work with children is based on positive reward for good behaviour
as well as disapproving of the negative behaviour. Any consequences to behaviour
will be recorded and an incident report completed when appropriate.
 Bullying of any kind from either staff or children is unacceptable at our home.
All children and staff are encouraged to report such incidents and will be
assured that they will be taken seriously. Our Policies and Procedures are
clear about the process and the Children’s Guide includes information about
bullying.
 Young people will be closely supervised at all times both on and off sight.
 Staff will record all relevant information in relation to the young person’s
mood, behaviour, incidents etc.
 All staff will ensure that they are familiar with the procedure of ‘children’ that
go missing from home or whilst out on activities. Staff will know the
background of the individual young people and the risks related to them
should they go missing. In these circumstances staff will contact the Homes
manager to inform them. Staff will also follow the guidelines on what to do in
these circumstances.
 Contact details of all relevant individuals will be recorded on their file.
 Staff will monitor changes in young people’s behaviours, appearances,
attitude etc, looking for any signs that they may be experiencing abuse e.g.,
and share any concerns with the homes manager and the young person’s
social worker. (1.17)
 Any complaints that give rise to Safeguarding concerns must be treated as a
disclosure and addressed under Creating Care Choices Child Protection
Policy and Procedure. (1.17)
Physical Intervention (1.16)
At times it may be necessary to physically intervene and prevent the child from harm.
This will only happen if the following circumstances are met
 It is necessary to protect the child from serious harm
 It is necessary to protect other children from serious harm
 It is necessary to protect a child from serious harm that may arise from the
environment.
Staff are trained in de-escalation and breakaway techniques as well as physical
intervention however it is preferred that a toolbox of techniques are used to manage
behavioural situations without the need for restraint. Staff at 3C’s however have a
professional ‘duty of care’ towards the children and will only intervene physically if it
is the last resort and to prevent a greater harm from occurring. All staff have been
trained in safe physical intervention techniques with ‘bespoke training services’.
THE HOME (1.2; 1.8; 1.22; 1.25; )
3Cs is located at 16-18 Aldersgrove Avenue, and comprises of 2 terraced houses
joined with a total of 7 bed rooms. The house is split into 2 separate wings with
Number 16 Aldersgrove serving as the short break wing and number 18 is used for
children and young people who require 52 week care. Current policies allow for a
maximum of 4 children in the long stay house and a maximum of 3 children at any
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time attending under the short breaks scheme. No more than 7 children can be
accommodated in the home at any time whether visiting under a short break scheme
or residential for 52 weeks.
The premises are privately owned and managed by a team of staff that provides a
homely, safe and environment for the children and young people within a supervised
setting. Whether it is for short breaks or 52 week care; 3Cs is purposely set up-up as
a Children’s Residential Home for young people of either gender (boys/girls) aged
between 6 - under 18 years. All children have their own bedroom.
The home was refurbished in April 2012 with new furnishings fitted. The two lounges
were redecorated and equipped with new sofas and a new sensory lighting system
installed. It was again redecorated in February and new TV’s were purchased and
some more homely items pictures/ blinds etc.
The accommodation comprises of 2 family sized kitchens with dining areas, thus
allowing children and staff to eat meals together in a homely atmosphere. The home
encourages and supports continued family contact where families meet together and
prepare meals on special occasions to meet with their cultural backgrounds. There is
an activity room where children can either play or have some quite one to one time.
There are IT facilities for children and young people available with appropriate safety
software installed and an internet policy in place. There is access to a telephone and
the children can use this at any time.
3Cs has a secure play area on the premises accessed from doors inside the house.
The area is fenced off with no external entrance and enables the children to play
safely outdoors.
ADMISSION CRITERIA (1.8, 1.9)
Who can 3C’s offer a place to? (1.8)
3C’s children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 7
children who may have behavioural and emotional difficulties; learning disabilities
and physical difficulties. In relation to physical disabilities 3C’s cannot cater for
children who are completely non weight bearing and who require significant
modifications within a living environment.
3C’s Children’s home cares for children and young people male or female aged
between 6 to 17 years age. Referrals are made by local authority social services
departments where the child has a named social worker. Accommodation for children
living with a disability could be offered at this unit, depending on their specific needs
such as:
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Preparing the young person for fostering
Preparing the young person for long term residential care
Preparing the young person for independent living and support into
adulthood
Accommodating the young person for short breaks in the respite wing
Management will consider the welfare of other residents in the consideration
of referrals. This consideration will include any conflict of needs or risks to
others.
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A visit to 3Cs by the referring Social Worker is essential with the young
person prior to admission.
It is expected that the Social Worker will make a commitment in the Care
Plan, to make regular visits to the young person they represent not only in
times of crisis or for meetings.
All relevant LAC documentation should be furnished before an agreement is
signed.
CARING FOR CHILDREN:
52 Week care: (1.9)
3 C’s offers 52 week care to children subject to being able to meet individual needs
and the completion of assessment. Referrals are made through local authorities,
families and relevant professionals are invited to the home and if it is felt that 3 C’s
can meet the needs of the child from both parties a place will be offered. A planning
meeting is held ensuring relevant and accurate information is provided to assist the
child’s transition to 3 C’s. All 52 week placements will have their own bedroom in 18
Aldersgrove Avenue. The maximum number of children that can be placed in the 52
week home is 4.
Short break: (1.9)
3 C’s offers ‘short break’ services to children subject to vacancy and whether the
child’s individual needs can be met. Referrals for short breaks must come through
local authority referrals and are subject to the same criteria as long term placements.
Once a child has been assessed and is suitable for respite at 3 C’s a contract is
provided and respite dates booked in advance. Respite is provided in 16 Aldersgrove
Avenue. A maximum of 3 children at any time can be catered for under the short
break scheme.
Emergency placements (1.9)
On occasions 3 C’s may be contacted by local authorities to provide an emergency
placement for a young child in need. 3 C’s will ensure:
 The immediate needs of the child are assessed and whether 3 C’s can meet
these ensuring other residents remain safeguarded.
 3 C’s will prepare a Care Plan until one is provided by the local authority
 There is a vacancy in no 16 Aldersgrove Avenue
 A short term contract is provided by the referring officer stipulating the length
of the emergency placement
 A planning meeting is held within 5 days to clarify future arrangements.
Children’s Files and Arrangements for Dealing with the Reviews of the
Placement Plans of Children Accommodated at Creating Care Choices
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3Cs has established a written case record on each child and is governed by
the Children’s Home Regulations.
To maintain security, these records are held in a locked cabinet an access to
the records is controlled in such a way as to ensure confidentiality
Within these records we hold different categories of information, i.e. the Care
Plan, Placement Plan (where applicable) LAC documentation, progress
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sheets, plus certificates, photographs, school reports and other important
information.
We acknowledge that much of the information we hold in the children’s home
file will be a duplication of that held by the young person’s Social Worker as
required by the Children’s Homes Regulations.
It is the responsibility of the young person’s Social Worker to arrange
Reviews and the frequency of reviews required by the Regulations as the
minimum standard and should take place as often of the circumstances of the
individual case requires. In certain circumstances, a review meeting may be
requested by the registered manager
We promote a structured, co-ordinated approach to the planning of child-care
work in individual cases and a monitoring system for checking the operation
of the review process. To address this, Key Workers will where necessary
advocate on a young person’s behalf and request an urgent review if one
becomes overdue or necessary to develop a positive outcome as part of the
Care Plan.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We have strict Health and Safety procedures and regulations and produce holistic
and individual Risk Assessments for children and equipment. Fire safety and regular
drills for all staff and children occur monthly.
Fire (1.20)
The unit displays policy on emergency fire procedures noting exits and
meetings/assembly points in prominent places and staff and children are made
aware of them during their induction. The senior staff member on duty during an
emergency is responsible for accounting for all children and staff. All fire safety
equipment at 3Cs is serviced regularly by qualified engineers. Fire drills will take
place every 3 months at the least. All fire drills, planned or unplanned, will be
recorded in the fire Drill Record Book and assessments of drills will be made as
appropriate. Staffs are trained in the use of fire fighting equipment and all equipment
is checked regularly and inspected annually. Any defects of safety equipment must
be reported to the senior member of staff on duty and the home manager
immediately. The local Fire Authority will be fully involved with the unit’s fire policy
and procedures and will recommendations will be acted upon. Any other emergency,
such as flooding will be treated with the same degree of urgency and responded to in
the same way.
Unauthorised Absences (1.18)
3 C’s have a Major Incident Plan, and a Missing child Plan, both of which we will
follow if the need arises. All notifiable events are reported to OFSTED in a timely
honoured way. 3 C’s will seek assistance from local emergency services if
appropriate and each child will have a risk assessment and have clear detailed
information on file to support in event of the child going missing.
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Security (1.19)
CCTV has been installed as extra security measures and monitoring is only carried
out at the front entrances and outdoor play area. CCTV is not used anywhere inside
the premises to monitor young people.
A door alarm is also present for the front door in no18 Aldersgrove Avenue and .
Entrance/Exit doors are kept locked for the safety of the children. This is regularly
monitored through risk assessment – it is our purpose to keep the children safe from
environmental dangers and not to restrict their liberty.
Staffing Matters: (1.5)
The diverse nature of the staff team in terms of age, gender, ethnicity experience skill
and qualification provides the opportunity to promote a positive view of difference to
young people. Furthermore it is diversity that the team is committed to continually
building and extending upon. 3C’s employs both male and female staff to meet the
needs of the children and young people.
Staffing Policy for Home (1.5)
A minimum of three staff is generally in the home at any time day or night when the
children are present. Staffing however is determined by the amount of children
resident at specific times, for example additional staffing would be on duty if required
for children visiting for a short break.
Efforts are made to ensure that the staff on duty represent a range of experience,
gender balance and qualifications. Where identified as beneficial or through risk
management, staffing levels are increased to meet the young people’s needs, for
instance in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays or when specific
young people have a greater need of attention.
Staff provide 24 hour care for children in the home. If for any circumstances it is felt
sleep in staff is not appropriate, for example, after a major incident or missing child, 3
C’s will provide waking night cover.
3 C’s uses its own bank staff to provide cover for any gaps on the rota’s where there
is sickness and annual leave, training or any vacancies The pool of bank staff is
appointed using the full recruitment and selection procedure. They will be attached to
Creating Care Choices so would be known to young people when they come on duty.
When using agency staff wherever possible we would use staff that have previously
worked at the home and know the routines and structures. All agency staff must
provide proof of ID and evidence of their CRB status when they come on duty.
Supervision, training and development of staff team (1.6)
Supervision is a vital part of supporting, developing and management the team. It is
statutory and departmental requirements that staffs receive and participate in the
supervision process. Supervision is provided by the manager. Supervision is used
as a tool to develop and support staff and to provide staff with knowledge enabling
them to complete their job roles to a high standard.
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Staff undertake a Performance Appraisal with their manager every 12 months which
enables a review of their progress over the last 12 months, identifying what has gone
well, any issues and how these will be dealt with, development, learning and training
completed.
A new member of staff is subject to a 3 month probation period. A new member of
staff will be supervised fortnightly and their performance appraised at intervals of 1
and 3, months to ensure they are meeting the requirements of the role. If there are
concerns regarding a member of staff performance at the end of probation (3months)
the probation period may be extended for up to 3 months only. If significant
improvement is not made the probation will not be passed.
Staff Training (1.6)
As part of their induction training, all staff are introduced to Safeguarding Procedures.
No staff will commence work at the home without completing child protection training.
Some of the training covered during induction includes:
 Basic induction to Safeguarding
 Health and Safety
 Physical Interventions and breakaway
 Medication administration
 First Aid
 Infection Control
 Basic Food Hygiene
Additional training needs will be identified and delivered depending on the population
and needs of the children in the home.
Staff Development (1.6)
Staff development is seen as an ongoing process and includes:
 Training and supervision
 Team meeting forum
 Working as part of a team
 Key working and joint working with other professionals and agencies
 Extra duties and responsibilities, which are delegated to staff as they become
more skilled and competent within the team.
 Achieving identified targets and goals which would be identified within the
individual staff members.
 Personal Development Plan of which progress would be reviewed at regular
intervals.
Current Staffing Arrangements(1.5)
Staffing is based on child needs and occupancy of the home. There is currently 5staff
working in the home including the registered manager.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Complaints
(1.23)
Complaints are dealt with as they arise, then actioned and recorded in the home.
Low level complaints are handled in the home by the Manager or the Deputy
Managers, and recorded there. For a formal complaint, an acknowledgement of the
receipt of the complaint will be given within 10 days. Follow up investigations will
occur to deal with the complaint and a response will be given within 28 days. It is
hoped a satisfactory outcome can be found. Complaints are monitored closely by the
registered manager. All written and complex complaints are dealt with by the
Registered Manager or the Responsible Individual. They are then handled in line with
our Complaints Policy. Complaints can have a positive effect on our service. If valid,
they can only improve the service we offer.
Creating Care Choices is regulated by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) and
if you wish to contact them, the address to write to is:
Address:
Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
Telephone:
0300 123 1231 - Children’s Services and General Enquiries
Quality Assurance
To regularly review, evaluate and develop the quality of care and the service to
ensure that we deliver the best quality service for our children and young people. In
doing so, we will identify any shortfalls or areas for concern and rectify immediately.
To ensure that we deliver these outcomes we will:
 Maintain Codes of Practice which identify minimum standards of day-to-day
practices.
 Review, develop and actively promote the organisation’s policies and
procedures, ensuring that all staff have a full understanding of their content,
regular training and development will help to develop knowledge in this area.
Other Useful Contacts
Lin Blakelock
Lewisham Quality Assurance Team Manager and
Local Authority Designated Officer for allegations
Children's Social Care
Children and Young People's Directorate
0208 314 7280
07710 705614
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Greenwich Local Authority
Contact- Victoria Spence
Access to Resources Team
Children’s Services
Royal Borough of Greenwich
35 Wellington Street
London
SE18 6HQ
Children’s Rights Director
Roger Morgan
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6SC
www.rights4me.org
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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE (1.7)
Director/Responsible Individual
Registered Manager
Vacant
SRCW
SRCW
RCW
RCW
RCW
RCW
Vacancy