Every Child Matters

Every Child Matters is a set of reforms supported by the Children Act 2004.  Its aim is for every child whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to:

Be Healthy

In line with the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2001 and Care Standards Act 2000, we strive to deliver the highest standard of care thereby encouraging young people to develop and sustain a healthy lifestyle.  The young people in our care are educated and encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.  In achieving a positive outcome for the young person, we will uphold the principles ensuring that each young person is:

• physically healthy;
• mentally and emotionally healthy;
• sexually healthy;
• safe and know how to keep themselves safe;
• lead healthy lifestyles and are aware of the risks from smoking, substance and alcohol misuse, underage sexual activities and infections;
• understand the need for personal hygiene

Staying Safe

In response to the Children Act 1989 and working together to Safeguard Children 2006, we are commited to delivering a service which protects all young people from harm.  Our team members are trained in safeguarding young people and are able to recognise the physical and emotional signs of abuse and trauma.  We deliver a clear policy in relation to the referral of safeguarding children ‘incidents’ and pride ourselves in being rigorous in our reporting and transparent in our practice.

Enjoy & Achieve

One of the principle aims set out within the ethos of the organisation is that young people should have the opportunity to develop their social skills and self esteem through pursuit of educational and recreational activities.  We deliver a 52 week activity programme designed to encompass both educational and recreational elements.

Some young people have progressed within hobbies and interests they have been encouraged to undertake, on occasions attaining recognised qualifications and awards in sports and recreational hobbies such as diving, horsemanship and motor racing.

Make A Positive Contribution

We encourage the involvement of the young people in the development and running of their individual homes.  Through appropriate usilisation of keyworker meetings, young people forums and a range of social and eduational activities, the young people are able to positively influence all aspects of their care provision.  The young people are encouraged to take an active role in the recruitment and selection process of new team members and provide valuable feedback.

It is our aim to support our young peole in the development of their social, emotional and educational life skills, thereby preparing them to deal appropriately with change and to develop and sustain problem solving skills that can be extended and utilised throughout their lives.

Achieve Economic Wellbeing

At 24/7, each young person is encouraged and supported to develop their self sufficiency skills, undertaking a programme of independence training which is delivered by both care and education teams.  The independence programme teaches young people not only self care and support skills, but interview techniques, problem solving and budgeting skills.

Our team members work closely with ‘Connexions’ officers and leaving care workers, ensuring that the young people have a realistic and achievable pathway plan which will clearly identify housing, employment/career prospects and further education.