Witherslack Care & Education Initiatives makes every possible effort to maintain a safe and caring environment where children and young people can prosper, build friendships, develop social skills, develop self-confidence and achieve their full potential in preparation for later life.
A range of support systems have been developed to maintain this. For example, the safety of the buildings is maintained with regular safety checks, risk assessments and support provided by the Witherslack Group’s Building Services.
Young people are actively encouraged to express their views both individually and in small groups. Opportunities are provided for young people to express any concerns or fears they may have. There are regular group meetings where young people are invited to comment on the operation of the home, it’s facilities, physical condition and to be involved in day to day decisions, for example decorative choices and budgetary options.
Witherslack Care & Education Initiatives has a Safeguarding Policy and training programme which all staff are familiar with and participate in. Each home has two designated Child Protection Members of Staff (the Registered Manager and the Deputy Manager). However, any member of staff may make a referral directly to the Operations Director, or to Social Services if this is considered appropriate.
Witherslack Care & Education Initiatives seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for all the young people in our care. However, as in all group living experiences, there is always the potential for bullying by other children and young people.
At Witherslack Care & Education Initiatives bullying is taken very seriously, and a number of measures have been introduced to manage this. Staff are trained in recognising the signs of bullying, there is a complaints procedure for children and young people, each home has a bullying policy which is known and understood by staff and young people, there are regular and planned opportunities for young people and staff to discuss bullying in all its forms, and the policy and it’s implementation is monitored by senior staff.
