Woodview Young Peoples Handbook

3 Dimensions project for girls

Residential care and education for young people

Specialised support for SEBD, ADHD, Asbergers and ASD

A Warm Welcome at Woodview

The team would like to welcome you to your new home at

Woodview and the 3 Dimensions project.

This Handbook is designed to introduce you to your new home, the

staff, what you can expect and also what will be expected of you

during your stay at woodview.

This guide should answer most of the usual questions, but we are

certain that there will be more that come to mind.

All the team are here to help and support you, so feel free to discuss

any questions or thoughts you might have with anyone.

We are all very happy to have you come and stay and look forward to

getting to know you better.

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This will be

your home.

Home Structure – at Woodview There are only three places at Woodview and you would be one of only

four young people aged between 10 & 17 years old who will be living,

sharing and learning together.

This guide should answer most of the usual questions, but we are

certain that there will be more that come to mind.

House Facilities

You will have your own spacious room equipped with a bed, new

bedding, wardrobe, chest of draws, etc.

The finishing touches, like rugs and posters, will be put together in the

way you would like, so you can put your own individual stamp on your

living space

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This would

be your

home.

House Facilities

All Three members of the house will have shared use of bathrooms/

showers/WC’s. The house is split into two levels that are basically self

contained flats with their own kitchens, bathrooms/WC, a lovely

garden edged with beautiful trees.

TV, DVD, Video player and PC will be provided for recreation in the

shared living room.

Music systems are allowed in your bedroom (at a reasonable volume

and level of use) and other things can be earned through our house

reward scheme, which will be explained in more detail.

Woodview is based in a good position in the south west of the U.K. in

the county of Devon. We are situated in a prime position to access

local facilities as we are only a 45 minutes drive from Exeter city,

Taunton or 10 mins from the beach!

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The House Manager

Emma English

Adele Frost

Care Director

Emma runs the house!

It’s her job to make sure everything

works smoothly, from the daily plans

to staff rotas.

Emma is your main point of contact,

she is there for you.

Adele is available to support both

Emma and you.

Adele is the care director of 3

Dimensions and she is the responsible

person for all three homes.

Adele will meet you when you arrive.

Our Commitments To You

We look after you and keep you safe

You can expect to have all your essential needs met, these include

good food, clothing, comfortable housing and inspiring education, all

will be our priority and to the very best of our abilities.

We are also committed to caring for your emotional needs. We aim to

help you find the things you are special at and support you in.

Everyone at woodview will help you, respect you, listen to you and

understand your needs. We will take care of you and keep you safe.

We will cheer you up when you are sad and help you make

friends if you are lonely.

All young pupils in the project build a record of achievement and can

get Qualifications.

Our aim is to help you build a brighter future for yourself, together we

can explore how to build on your strengths, setting you up for the

future.

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Being happy and enjoying the food we eat is all part of a healthy diet.

Health & Well-being

You will be offered your own consultation and personal nutrition plan by

our nutritionist.

Nutritional supplements will be provided as set out in your health plan.

Although there will be some healthy restrictions on food types ( i.e.

limited junk food), there will not be restrictions on healthy foods.

Health is very high on our list of priorities.

Balanced weekly menu plans along with snack menus and treats will all

be planned out in advance with you.

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When we eat well – we feel well and are capable of doing more!

Along with our “health programme“, we would register you with a

local doctor, optician and dentist, soon after you arrive and keep up

with all the proper health checks.

We keep any medication you are taking in a safe place and make sure

you take the right dose at the right time.

We will be encouraging all young people to learn to cook the food they

eat and one day a week one young person can take a turn to choose a

meal to burn, Oh! I mean cook for all of the others.……

This should be fun!

However, if any person’s cooking is considered to be a real health and

safety risk, we may have to dispose of “the meal” and look for safer

alternatives in Tesco’s!

Everyone will be following the house healthy eating plan with you,

from the care staff to management and admin.

We will also work out an exercise program with you to build your

stamina and your health too.

Our every effort will be based around your welfare and bringing you to

a place where you feel fit and ready to take on the world.

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House Rules -Taking in a new perspective

Smoking

Smoking is a serious health hazard and so young people that are

looked after at Woodview are not allowed to smoke.

We will give you all the help and support you need to quit if you

already have an addiction.

Drugs & Alcohol

By law these are prohibited for Young people and do not fit in with our

health policies at Wooodview.

We do not allow young people in our care to take alcohol or illegal

substances.

In order to keep you safe we do not allow young people in our care to

keep aerosol cans, like deodorant sprays. You would be supplied with

alternatives.

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Authorised Room Searches It is our policy to prohibit the use of recreational drugs, tobacco, or

alcohol in the home or on the grounds. We therefore maintain the right

to search any young persons room if we have suspicion that they are

in possession of the either of the above.

We also reserve the right to search any young persons room if we have

suspicion that they are in possession of an offensive weapon or such

items that could be deemed as such. This is for the protection of the

young people and our staff.

Search Guidelines We will inform the young person of our suspicion, giving them the

opportunity to hand over any items in question.

We will inform them of our intention to search their room and remind

them of our policy regarding drugs, alcohol & offensive weapons.

We will invite the young person to be present during the search, which

will always be carried out by two members of staff to minimise the

possibility of unfounded allegations.

If the young person is thought to have possession of the above

mentioned restricted articles and substances on their person, they will

be asked to turn out their pockets.

If the young person refuses they will be informed that it necessary to

involve the police to carry out a search of the person.

Mobile Phones/Telephones

It is our policy to keep all young people who are in our care safe,

therefore the possession of mobile phones are prohibited, unless

special arrangements are made with Adele.

There is a designated phone line for young people to make calls and

for their to family to call them on. Its best that these calls happen

after school and before bed time.

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Personal Hygiene You will be encouraged to keep yourself clean and well

groomed.

We will supply you with all the toiletries that you need to do the job.

Personal hygiene is viewed as part of our healthy living policy.

Clothing Good clothes to wear are important and you will be receiving a

monthly allowance to shop for and choose clothes you like to

wear.

Some of your clothing will need to be practical, as we will be spending

a proportion of our time Doing activities.

The specialist activity wear (i.e. wetsuit, waterproofs, etc.) will be

bought for you by your Activity Managers. Other personal items of

clothing (i.e. special trainers or fashion wear) can be earned through

the house award of merit scheme.

Emotional Needs. We believe in keeping things steady.

We try not to change the staff around if it can be helped. We also like

to plan for new pupils joining the project, to meet them first and offer

the chance to have a look around, but we know that its not always

possible.

Either way, your transition will be made as comfortable as possible by

the house team and we are confident that you will settle into your

new home in no time.

We have routines in the house that run from getting up in the

morning, mealtimes, to night-time lights out.

We aim to create as much of a homely, healthy environment as

possible.

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How we live in the house.

You are expected to be polite and not

to swear.

Help around the house with the jobs

you are asked to do,

Keep your room tidy, and you may

earn up to £5 per week pocket

money.

This is depends on how old you are.

We expect you to and will help you to

save some of that money for holidays, presents and phone calls you

may wish to make.

That you join in at meal times and afterwards, with helping to set

the table and clear up, wash and put away with us.

To get up for school without making a fuss and in time for breakfast.

According to how old you are we will expect that you start to do some

of your own washing and ironing with our help.

Wherever you may be living, we expect that you respect the privacy

of the others living in the house.

If you are having a problem or finding it difficult to cope, we expect

that you ask for help.

To join in as part of the group and be pleasant and nice to each other.

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Contact With Family We understand the importance of preserving

family ties and connections that are as close to

you as family.

With the full agreement of your Social Worker, we

would make arrangements for your family to visit the home, always

make them welcome and would be happy to provide a private space

where you could have time together, or we will transport you to

arranged visits.

We can help you keep in contact by phone or letters

This is also, of course, totally under the guidance of your house

manager Emma and your parent or guardian and Social Worker’s

recommendations.

To help you do this you can make an address book of those people

you would like to be in contact with:

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Social worker

Name:

Address:

Tel. Number:

Name:

Tel. Number:

Address:

Name:

Tel. Number:

Address:

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Name:

Tel. Number:

Address:

Name:

Tel. Number:

Address:

Name:

Tel. Number:

Address:

Name:

Tel. Number:

Address:

Keeping in touch

If you have a difficulty discussing your fears or feelings we will help

you try and express this.

We will pair you with a key worker that can help with any speech

difficulties you might have, for example, helping you to use signs or

symbols for communication.

In these sessions we would like to talk with you about your feelings

around how our home is run, how you feel about past or present

events, fears worries or problems.

This way, Emma will get to hear what everyone is feeling in the house

directly, and can discuss strategies with Adele on how the points

raised can be answered and all of this will be fed back to the house

team as necessary.

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Communication and consultation

Communication is a key factor to all successful relationships.

Key worker

sessions are an

opportunity for you to

explore your choices and

express changes you need.

Your key worker is there to

support you.

Key worker sessions are an

opportunity for you to

explore your choices and

express changes you need.

House Meetings There are monthly house meetings in which time is put aside

by the House Manager, for all to discuss any aspect of life in

the home together.

Its always a good idea to write down a list of the things you want to

talk about so you don't forget anything.

If you need help with this, your key worker will be able to help you

put your thoughts onto paper and support you in the meeting

wherever possible.

Safeguarding you and others At Woodview we see truth and justice as a way of life that is at

the very foundation of our programme.

We will, therefore, always speak truthfully to you and treat you fairly.

We are also here to make sure that all in our care are treated justly,

that your rights and the rights of others are observed. This means

that you will be respected and will be expected to respect others.

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Feeling secure

We make sure that the staff we employ are safe to work with you so

you can feel comfortable and not worry.

If you are ever worried, talk to a staff member you trust, your key

worker or Emma.

Bullies

It is important to us that all young people in our care feel safe.

We will not allow anyone to be bullied physically or

emotionally.

If you ever feel bullied you would need to tell a member of the staff or

management team and serious steps will be taken to ensure this does

not happen again.

If a young person is found to be bullying another, a meeting will be

called in which they would be expected to explain why they are acting

in this way and measures will be taken to sanction privileges.

The young person will also be asked for an assurance that this will

stop, to explain how this will be achieved and show how they will try

to repair the hurt they have caused.

(i.e. a written or verbal apology)

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When we share our feelings openly we can manage anger and

form relationships that work.

About Our De-escalation, Physical intervention and Restraint

We do hope that there will be no need to use this, it is a last resort as

we are interested in finding solutions to problems.

If you have troubles, our aim will be to sit down, highlight the

problem areas and find practical ways of making things better.

Restraint does not really play any part in this healthy

communication process.

It’s OK to be unhappy or fed-up with something that’s going on, let’s

talk about it and sort it out.

There really isn’t much point in becoming angry and causing damage

if you have a problem, because when you are finished, you may not

earn merit awards and still have to talk about it at some time.

The only time we physically intervene with young peoples

behaviour in our care, is if we feel they are likely to hurt themselves,

somebody else or cause damage to properties.

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Protecting Young People and their rights

of discrimination.

Our Duty of Care is to keep you safe from harm. If you have been hurt

or somebody is hurting you, please talk to someone.

All of the staff at Woodview are good listeners and will not

judge you.

Keeping secrets will not stop the hurt.

Staff will talk to the Manager – Emma, and she will speak to whoever

she needs to in order to stop what is happening.

Complaints

We hope that you will enjoy your placement with us, but if there were

any issues or complaints, all the staff and management are easily

accessible and are committed to listening to you.

The whole team is there for you and will take real and practical

measures to help resolve any problems. We have a complaints

procedure which is set out below for you to follow:

Discuss any issues or any complaints with your key worker or any other

member of staff that you feel comfortable with.

If it is a minor complaint, the member of staff will try to resolve the

difficulties you have on the spot.

You will be offered feedback in key worker Sessions without having to

ask.

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If you are still unhappy

If you are still unhappy, and feel that the matter is not resolved or

the complaint is of a serious nature, ask a member of staff or your

key worker and they will help you fill in a form to write down your

complaint .

The Registered Manager – Emma English, would then discuss the

matter with you and try to resolve the complaint.

Emma will take all the necessary action to resolve your issues.

At this point Emma, the Registered House Manager will inform you’re

the care director,social worker, or responsible adult and OFSTED of

any serious complaint.

Should you be unhappy with any outcome, you may always speak

with your Social Worker or The OFSTED Inspector.

You will find useful phone numbers at the end of this booklet,

you can use it if you are still unhappy.

If you are unhappy with your placing authority , or social worker we

can also help you follow their complaints procedure to resolve the

issues.

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Pocket money, school bonus and treats

We have a terrific bonus system at Woodview

You could earn up to £10 per week.

This is full school bonus and full pocket money com-

bined.

Extra treats are there for those who earn them, Cinema trips, staying

up later at weekends and during holidays, having friends

over, special treats for tea, weekends activities such as horse-riding

and ten pin bowling.

These are a small example of

the rewards.

We encourage you to tell us

what you would like to see

happen when things are

going well.

Adults will always recognise,

praise, encourage and reward

good behaviour or special

efforts on your part.

When things go well at school, there is a school bonus.

It will be explained clearly to you what is expected and how you can

earn the most amounts. -

The rest is up to you.

We expect that you save some of your pocket money for things like

the summer holidays and special events.

We will help you to open a bank or post office savings account

where you can put the money you save. We will encourage you

to put a regular amount away each week and you will be surprised

at how quickly it grows.

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Pocket Money You will be given a certain amount of

pocket money every week

(as well as the awards),

in relation to your age.

This will be set by Emma when you arrive and is earned through

cooperation and being respectful.

Damage to Property If a young person deliberately damages property they will be asked

to make “reparation”.

This means that a percentage of your pocket money will be deducted

every week to pay for the replacement items.

You may be required to make reparation for the disrespect by putting

something back into the home.

Absent without authority We will always endeavour to encourage discussion about

worries or problems and discourage any absconding

Should a young person abscond we would have to inform the police,

your Social Worker and the parent/guardian if appropriate.

We would then take measures to follow or search for you and return

you safely..

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Safety Aspects

The aim is to protect all of the young people, the staff and

to meet Health and Safety regulations.

Woodview has all the necessary equipment for fire

precautions, fire doors smoke detectors, extinguishers, fire blankets

etc, regular checks are taken to make sure the equipment does it’s

job keeping us all safe.

We also have an emergency routine that we would practice every 3

months, so that if there ever was to be a fire everyone could get out

quickly and safely. We call it the fire drill and what you have to do will

be explained by the staff.

Daily Routines

These depend greatly on the type of education or activity we are

involved in on that day.

Sunday is always a rest day and is the day that you would be

allowed to lie in until 10.00 am.

On Saturday you can have a lie in until 9—10am and then we

like to decide on a plan to clean your room and change your

bedding ready for the afternoon chosen activity.

The usual morning routine is to wake, shower, breakfast, clean your

teeth and start the day. The night-time routine is in two parts.

At the weekends and during holidays, there may be times when

you are doing special activities or allowed to watch television

until later. These special occasions depend very much on your

attitude and behaviour during the day.

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Keeping things steady

The usual morning routine is to wake, shower, breakfast, clean your

teeth and start the day. The night-time routine is in two parts.

You will be required to wash and brush your teeth before bed and then

go to your room . You can then read, write or just chill out for half an

hour before lights out.

The exact wake-up and lights out times are set by the House

Manager.

The time you go to bed will depend on your age

and whether you handle later nights.

A rough guide to bedtime is:

9 Years old 8.00 pm 8.30 pm Lights out

10/11 years old 8.30 pm 9.00 pm Lights out

12/13 years old 9.00 pm 9.30 pm Lights out

14/15 years old 9.30 pm 10.00 pm. Lights out

16 and over 10.00 pm 10.30 pm. Lights out

At the weekends and during holidays, there may be times when

you are doing special activities or allowed to watch television

until later. These special occasions depend very much on your

attitude and behaviour during the day.

Everyone will have their responsibilities in caring for the home.

These responsibilities will be talked through with you during your first

week at woodview.

Mealtime routine

This varies in line with the activity, but we like to eat all meals

together and will encourage each other to eat with good manners.

We always help each other clear the table and wash up.

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When a young person enters the care of the Woodview

team, they are also entering a period of learning and

personal growth.

SCHOOL RULES

You are polite and do not swear.

You try your best in your school work.

You do not get involved with other people’s issues.

You can earn bonus points for good work, attitude,

behaviour, helpfulness etc. These points are added up and at the end

of the week converted into money.

The school day begins at 9.00 and ends at 3.30 pm.

There is a break in the morning and at lunch

Woodview is a short drive from the sea at

Charmouth and Lyme Regis.

We sometimes go to the beach where we

can look at fossils and have some fun.

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Education

Personal Growth Programme Each young person will have time put aside in which we will highlight

areas of personal interest, talent and identify some personal goals for

you to reach during your stay.

This can be anything from learning to swim to playing an instrument.

It could be something you have always wanted to be able to do but

thought that you couldn’t.

Together we will help develop these interests into skills by creating

access to clubs, tuition and groups, perhaps vocational experiences for

older students!

Education gives you power

Power gives you choices

The freedom to choose for yourself, the way you want to live.

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Activities for Woodview We do have Various activities that will be available for you and were

always open to new ideas.

Activities – may be part of your activities in school time or they

may be offered outside school time, some may be a special

request as you’ve earned a chosen activity through good work.

Forest School

Beach Craft

Swimming

Cycling

Horse Riding

Orienteering

Llama Trekking

Tennis

Squash

Dancing

Go-Carting

Youth Projects

Tennis

Squash

Dancing

Go-Carting

Youth Projects

Team Building

Food technology

Environmental studies trip

Swans at Abbotsbury

And much more............

Charity & Community Work As a team, we currently donate funds for Greenpeace, who will keep us

up to date with developments in our environment. We also raise

money to help children around the world.

We hope to have written contact with the children that you help.

We already help some pay for education but many just for food or

simple operations that allow them to walk again.

Each young person would have the choice to be part of making a

difference and help change someone else’s life!

Identity If you are practising in any form of religion, we will facilitate your visits

to a relevant place of worship in the area.

If you have not made a choice in this area and wish to investigate

different religions and cultures we will help you do this.

It is important to find out about your heritage, where you are from,

and maintain links, discover new information. We would help you do

this.

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What we expect of you

For us to help you build a bright future it is important that you:

Accept our help when it is given to you.

Will allow us to keep you safe.

Will control your anger and not hurt anyone.

Will respect the school and house rules.

YOU WILL SMILE AT LEAST TWICE A DAY !!!

Respect We encourage people to respect differences between each other and

their rights.

Your rights will be respected so please will you treat others in the same

way

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Dare To Be Different “Good” and “Bad” are labels that vary between those that make up the

rules and what morality they believe in. We are not interested in these

labels.

When you arrive, in our eyes you start with a clean slate, a fresh start.

Everyone has a right to be here.

All we will be interested in is if you are prepared to move away from

doing things that are self destructive now!

Your move..

Communication

Willingness to communicate, to talk and to listen

This means that you are prepared to discuss problems/difficulties

In order to try and resolve them together.

If in doubt, talk and we will listen.

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Our aim is to enable young people to

empower themselves so they have the skills to go out into the world with their heads

held high, with respect for themselves and

live their life to the full.

We can help you to build a brighter

future for yourself, together we can explore how to build on your strengths,

setting you up for the future.

To take on the challenge of life go out into

the world, contribute and succeed

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Come and Visit We hope you can visit us before your placement begins.

When you arrive, once settled we would have a placement meeting

with you and your Social Worker to agree your placement plan and set

goals to achieve.

After one month with us, we would hold a four week review with both

you, your Social Worker and our Education Manager present, to look

at how you have been doing.

We would discuss with you how you feel your achievements have

gone and make any further plans.

A further review would take place after three months on our

programme. We would encourage you to partake in these reviews as

they are a chance for you to air any views or ask any questions you

have not already have had answers to and for your placing authority

to tell you any plans they have.

After this the reviews will be held every month, but you can always

talk about any the things mentioned at any time.

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OFSTED: 08456 404040

Child Line: 0800 1111

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline :

0808 8005000

Children’s legal centre : 01206 873820

Kidscape: 08451 205204

Useful Telephone Numbers:

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