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Children's Needs

Ensuring that broken things are mended immediately is essential not only for the physical well being of the children and their sense of being valuable, but also symbolically. Through experiencing that things are fixable, and that the staff team and maintenance team have the resources and patience to keep mending them, children will gradually come to believe that their internal 'broken bits' are fixable and matter and are worth mending too.

The standard and maintenance of the physical environment gives an immediate message of the degree to which we prioritise the physical needs of the child. It is vital that we constantly convey, through our actions, our belief that they are more than deserving of our care.

Children who have experienced severe physical deprivation will initially find it hard to accept an environment which is so alien to their historical experience. Do not be surprised at their attempt to damage the homely items which you have put in place. It can be very frightening to accept from others what family has been unable to provide. It can also inspire strong feelings of guilt to accept more than appears to be provided for siblings placed elsewhere.

Unattended damage gives rise to further damage and it is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that the order of this physical environment remains one of our foremost priorities.

Do not forget that many of our children do not have opportunity to go elsewhere, whilst you will always be able to go home at the end of your shift, DMR Services Homes are their homes and they must be afforded every opportunity to experience it as such. Decoration and the purchasing of major items will happen through a process of close consultation with the children's group.

The Director of Services will always be happy to listen to any ideas staff might have regarding improvements to the physical environment or any aspect of the care task.

All staff are responsible for monitoring the upkeep of the premises. Repairs should be recorded in the Maintenance Book and on Care Track and brought to the attention of the Homes Manager. The Maintenance Department will then be contacted to arrange for agreed contractors to carry out work.

This chapter seeks to identify the arrangements in place that ensure that the buildings, and the internal and external fabric, decor and related structural facilities and grounds are maintained in a sound, clean and safe condition.

1. A three monthly Home Development Plan will be prepared by the Homes Manager and shared with the Director upon which will be identified the checks to be done, and their frequency, on the fabric of the Home’s buildings and the outlying grounds to ensure that all remains in a good state of repair. This will ensure minimisation of hazards and maintenance of Health & Safety standards;
2. Any maintenance/repair work necessary may be carried out by the Maintenance Manager and his staff and full records will be maintained by the Home’s Manager:
   
   The elements of buildings maintenance to be addressed will be as follows:
   • Safety checking of the Home’s electrical wiring system, including emergency generators;
   • Visual checks to be carried out on power outlets weekly;
   • Electrical installation certificates to be completed every three years by qualified electrician to industry standard;
   • Portable appliance testing to be carried out annually, all new electrical equipment to be tested prior to use;
   • Checking the condition of the plumbing, with particular attention to lead water pipes;
   • Verification that 43°C thermostats fitted to showers and baths are functioning correctly;
   • Evidence of the ingress of damp through ceilings, walls and floors;
   • Worn carpets, which may present a trip hazard;
   • Checking the roof for displaced or missing tiles etc;
   • A maintenance “home audit” to be carried out twice yearly;
   • All Health & safety issues to take priority over other Jobs;
   • Bedrooms to be redecorated and refurnished prior to any new admission, the preparation of empty bedrooms to be completed within a 24 hour timescale;
3. The elements of grounds maintenance to be addressed will be as follows:
   • Paths and driveways should be level and free from hazards;
   • Following risk assessment C.C.T.V to be installed and maintained as appropriate;
   • Sound boundary walls, fences, etc;
   • Handrails fitted onto steps, ramps etc;
   • Lighting over exits, drives and pathways;
   • Up-keep of gardens.

End