Residential care
In accordance with National Care Standards (School Care Accommodation Services) students are supported in making informed decisions about their life, while being encouraged to recognise and respect the rights of others to do the same.
Therefore programmes are developed to help students to live and learn together, to share space, equipment and facilities both in the house and in the wider school and community. Relationships with peers and staff are developed through trust and consistency. The dignity of all children and young people is respected at all times and where possible, they are all assisted to enjoy meaningful social relationships with others. Through individualised and group approaches opportunities for making choices are provided by helping the children and young people to consider the range of options available to them. This includes the development of their evening and weekend programmes which encourages them to explore new experiences, further enhancing the fusion of care and education as an integral part of the 24 hour curriculum.
In promoting appropriate use of their personal space, free from intrusion, the privacy of all children and young people is respected as far as is possible. For those who require a greater degree of support and supervision, this is provided in the least restrictive way taking due account of individual needs. They are encouraged to feel safe and secure but not over protected within the living environment and in all aspects of their life. Their health and wellbeing is paramount and with this in mind we take account of diet and exercise. In support of this we work in close collaboration with allied health professionals.
We respect every child and young person’s right to be protected from abuse or exploitation. This is addressed through a range of robust policies, procedures and ongoing staff development which promote best practice across all departments.
Supported living
The Principles of dignity, privacy, choice, safety, realising potential and equality and diversity (National Care Standards: Care at Home) are promoted through a range of living and learning opportunities.
Supported living is one component of the overall arrangements for living and learning on Daldorch senior campus. Living in their own tenancy, within a shared living environment, the young person will access a range of benefits in order to support daily living. Where a young person does not have the capacity to understand the tenancy process, an intervention order will be sought, to enable another appropriate adult to sign on behalf of the young person.
In supporting young people in their own homes, we adopt a range of approaches to promote independence through empowerment. A person centred philosophy is adopted based on the principles of choice, rights and inclusion. Each young person’s wishes will be taken into account and those of his / her nearest relative, carer or guardian. Support will be provided to ensure that maximum opportunities are afforded without unduly limiting the young person’s freedom.
Complementing the development of independent living skills are educational, vocational and community based work experience activities which assist the young people to make successful transitions into adulthood and lay the foundation for a positive lifestyle when returning to their own local community.