MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION

Children and, where appropriate, their families will be consulted and involved in the decisions that affects their lives.

There is a daily house meeting within the home where all children contribute to the running of the home and the school, for example, planning menus and activities, discussing areas of interest or concern. Also, challenging each other about things we are not happy about in an acceptable and respectful way.

The Director visits the home at least weekly and talks to the children. In addition to this the children are informed by the Director of what policies are being updated and are invited to be part of the process. For example, one young person assisted the Director to write the homes key working policy. Another young person is in the process of helping to update the homes room search policy.

The ways in which children are helped to participate will take account of their background. Particular attention will be given to gender, ethnicity, religion, language and culture and the needs that may arise from these areas will be carefully planned for.

All consultation takes place at regular intervals and the views and opinions of all the children are very important in this process. Routine practices will not develop in the home, which result in the assumption that children no longer need to be consulted or involved. If and when any changes and developments are being planned children are consulted about these.

The Director ensures that procedures are in place for feeding back from consultation processes to children and their families.

When it is not appropriate to involve and consult with a child’s family (for instance because this compromises the welfare of a child) the reason for this is explained to the child fully.

The children are involved in the recruitment of staff. As part of the recruitment stages, the proposed staff member will, where possible, visit with the children as a second stage to the interview process and the Director meets with the children to ask their views. On occasions, if there is a child who is mature enough to participate well, they are invited to be part of the interview panel.