United Kingdom
I support care teams to create a safe, positive climate where young people can enjoy life and build resilience in order to have enhanced life chances. My passion is getting my teams to focus on the 'Journey of the Child'. I draw upon my experiences working in residential children's homes, special residential schools, fostering and the therapeutic community. These days I am mostly concerned with Leadership, Management and Strategy and acting as the Responsible Individual, but it's still a joy to be hands on as often as possible.
I am very excited to be Head of Residential Care within one of the foremost educational establishments in it's field. I am involved in maintaining the highest standards of care and pupil experience as I lead and manage all aspects of the school's residential provision, taking into account all relevant DfE regulations, standards and the current Ofsted framework relating to residential special schools. I am very proud to have led a fantastic team on a three year journey from requires improvement to outstanding in all areas. On our latest inspection (June 2019) we maintained our Outstanding in all areas with no recommendations or requirements. I act as the designated person for child protection in the school and am a member of the senior leadership team contributing to the development and delivery of the schools strategic aims.
As Deputy Manager I was required to be responsive and able to support the Registered Manager through ensuring the successful delivery of agreed outcomes and high quality care and support for children living in the home and in transition to foster care. I provided effective leadership, scrutiny of care plans and therapeutic interventions, supported and guided staff and foster carers, promoted integrated working and partnerships whilst retaining a child-centred focus at all times by working to agreed plans and desired outcomes.
Supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs within a residential setting. ~ Being an advocate, mentor and representative for young people ~ Being an appropriate adult for young people in police custody ~ Supporting young people to deal with times of stress ~ Teaching young people coping skills for times of stress ~ Teaching basic social and pro social skills ~ Becoming adept in participating in a trauma informed working model