Safeguarding & Child Protection

Safeguarding at Hamann Care is a top priority. We are fully dedicated to creating a secure and nurturing environment where the well-being and safety of every child and young person in our care are paramount. Our approach involves a comprehensive set of practices and measures to ensure that each individual can grow, develop, and thrive in a protective and supportive setting.

Our Experts

We employ staff who are skilled and experienced and then train them to deliver our high level of care. We only employ staff who are flexible, responsive, and innovative in meeting the needs of children who can be challenging and need a systemic and multi-agency approach to their care. Staff competence will be assessed in regular supervision and appraisals as well as in experiential learning debriefs. Further details of the training are given in the next section.

Surveillance & Monitoring

Ensuring the safety and security of every child and young person is a fundamental aspect of our commitment at Hamann Care. To achieve this, we have implemented comprehensive surveillance and monitoring measures that encompass.

CCTV Surveillance

CCTV Surveillence

Our facilities feature state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance systems strategically placed to ensure premises security. We prioritize privacy and well-being, obtaining proactive consent for CCTV monitoring before placement, respecting the rights of every resident. For more information, request our comprehensive Surveillance and Monitoring policy, outlining our commitment to a safe environment.

Bedroom Door Alarms

Bedroom Door Alarms

Individual bedroom door alarms are employed as needed based on individual risk assessments and in strict adherence to Regulation 24. They are activated exclusively under the following conditions: when it's for safeguarding and promoting the child's welfare, with prior written consent from the placing authority, after informing the child in advance in an age-appropriate manner, and with minimal intrusion.

Wi-Fi Safety

Wi-Fi Safety

We use Gryphon Wi-Fi, a parental control system, for online child protection. This system provides content filtering, monitors browsing history, sets bedtime limits, enforces screen time restrictions, ensures safe search, and allows for device-specific internet pausing. We employ these safeguards solely for protection, respecting privacy with consent from placing authorities or those with Parental Responsibility.
MEET OUR SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Connell Laird

To ensure the highest standards of protection, we have a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Officer, Connell Laird, who serves as our guardian of safety and security. Connell Laird is more than a manager; he’s a vigilant advocate for the welfare of all individuals under our care. Get to know our safeguarding champion and learn about the unwavering commitment to safeguarding practices.

Recording & Reporting

All incidents of negative behaviours including physical intervention, are recorded comprehensively, cross referenced and then sent to the child’s network, this is then placed on that child/ young person’s file. All recordings are monitored by the manager, Regulation 44 inspector and recorded in the regulation 45 report.

Arrangements made for the protection of children and to counter bullying:

All staff must undergo an enhanced DBS check prior to appointment and be made aware of the homes Safeguarding policy as part of the Induction. We will endeavour to foster a warm, home-from home caring atmosphere that embraces and respects the basic values of choice, privacy, dignity, diversity, independence, rights and personal fulfilment. Bullying is totally unacceptable in the home. It is widely accepted that bullying is a pervasive and intensely damaging experience. Staff will undergo training to identify the early signs of bullying and will be guided by the home’s anti-bullying policy. Each case of bullying will be dealt with on its individual circumstances. Our anti-bullying policy will be followed in each incident of bullying. In addition to the above, our service takes seriously the inherent dangers in the growth of internet usage for all young people, and the harm that they could inadvertently expose themselves to. To ensure their protection, we have an E-Safety Policy for staff which covers the use of electronic devises and also for the safe internet use for our Children and young people.

Within the residential setting all internet usage is restricted to that which is allowable via parental controls which are managed by the Director remotely. These restrictions cannot be tampered with as they are modem based and needs knowledge of the providers account details and a password access to amend. Individual risk assessments will be undertaken for each child around internet safety. Safeguarding concerns and procedures to follow are discussed in supervision, team meetings and management meetings. Any safeguarding issues are given the highest priority and advice is sought from 24 relevant professionals. All staff will receive ongoing training in safeguarding as part of their induction programme and have regular refresher training.

Running Away or Going Missing:

Emphasis is placed on providing a safe and secure environment. All Children and Young people will have a support worker allocated to them to oversee their care. In the event of a young person going missing whilst in our care, our staff will follow company procedures and inform the relevant authorities within the agreed timescales. All staff will have access to a copy of the ‘Running away or missing from home or care Policy’ and are able to access this via the online database. Before a Child or Young person leaves the home, they are signed out with their worker, giving an indication of where they are going, mode of transport and the approximate duration of time that will be spent away from the home. Should a Child or young person leave the home without permission, or go missing from their worker whilst out in the community, they will be reported missing within their agreed timescales. When the Child/ Young person returns to the placement they are engaged in a discussion with the staff on the dangers of going missing in the form of a post missing interview. The information received during this process will be shared with the Local Authority and OFSTED via the completion of the formal notification procedure.

We follow strict and comprehensive CSE and CCE procedures and we are in the process of developing strong positive relationships with the police, which will enable our staff to gain a better understanding of potential and on-going issues that may occur and working together where possible.

Our Safeguarding Continuity Plan

We prioritise seamless safeguarding at all times. In the event that our designated safeguarding lead, Connell Laird, is temporarily unavailable for any reason, rest assured that we have a robust safeguarding continuity plan in place. Our Responsible Individual, Peter Cirulis, is also DSL trained and serves as an additional point of contact in the absence of the Registered Manager. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding and maintaining uninterrupted support for the children and young people under our care. Our comprehensive Safeguarding Policy is always in operation, outlining our commitment to safety and protection. 

Should you require access to this policy or need to reach out in case of safeguarding concerns, you can contact Connell Laird, who will be readily available to assist. Your peace of mind is our utmost priority.

MEET OUR SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Peter Cirulis

Peter Cirulis, our Responsible Individual, plays a vital role in safeguarding. He is DSL trained and serves as an additional point of contact in the absence of the Registered Manager, ensuring the continuity of our safeguarding efforts. Peter’s expertise and dedication are essential in upholding our commitment to a safe environment for children and young people under our care.

Anti-discrimination & Children’s Rights:

Mayfield House is committed to working within anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive values and does not tolerate discrimination. We consider all human beings to be equals regardless of their race, culture, religion, beliefs, physical or mental capabilities, political persuasion and sexual orientation and as such it is our intention to educate, challenge and when necessary, inform on any negative view that may be held in these areas. Equal opportunity means that everyone should have the same opportunity to access services. Our aim through education, discussion and example is to instil in Children and Young people a sense of equality and fairness and a degree of understanding, tolerance and acceptance of others. We make a positive commitment to try to address the needs and preferences of Children and Young people. We aim to assist them in understanding that difference does not mean inferior.

Express

To recognise that Children and Young People need to express their needs and feelings and those expressions should not be condemned even if they appear negative, but to help them express themselves in a positive way which is not a threat to anyone but brings about self-gratification and fulfilment.

Equality

The provision does not discriminate on the grounds of race, culture, language, religious beliefs, gender, sexuality, disability, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Our Staff are committed to providing Children and Young People with equality and opportunity.

Rights

The basic human right of every child and young person to be acknowledged, appreciated and respected, without distinction of any kind and the service provided by our staff should not judge a young person’s circumstances, backgrounds and lifestyles.

Dignity / Respect

Recognising the individuality and unique qualities of Children and Young People, to accept them as they are and appreciate their value and worth, treating them with dignity and respect at all times.

Confidentiality

Ensuring that all personal information is treated in confidence and to include young person’s need for privacy. We have a policy and approach in relation to: Anti-discriminatory practice in respect of children and their families. Children’s Rights. This works within the Equality Act 2010. This act protects people in the workplace and in the wider society from discrimination.

Non-judgmental

It is recognised that assessments will be made about a child concerning their care which may include attitudes, beliefs and actions. But those assessments should not include blame, guilt or any judgment about the child themselves. If any assessment needs to be expressed it should focus on the behaviour of the child and the support needed.

Empowerment

A commitment to provide opportunities for Children and Young People to think and act independently; by helping them do things for themselves wherever possible whilst ensuring their safety at all times.