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Document Information
Document Title: Marydale Lodge Policy Stack
Document Owner and position: Andrea Marshall, Registered Manager
Document Owner Signature:
Document Authorised by and position:
Document Authorised Signature:
Document Publication
Date document published: 26.08.2022
Date of last revision: 26.08.2022
Date of next review: 26.08.2024
Authorised document change log is recorded at the back of this document.
This document will be reviewed at least every two years.
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Index
Policy for prohibited and restricted items; Page 4
Person property; Page 9
Visitors’ policy; Page 12
Jewellery policy; Page 15
Access to lockers policy; Page 17
Closed Circuit Television policy; Page 18
Safety and cleanliness checks policy; Page 24
Key policy; Page 27
Personal searches policy; Page 32
Home and bedroom search policy; Page 43
Admission policy; Page 48
Abscond from the Secure Home by breach of security policy; Page 52
Behaviour Management policy; Page 54
Single separation policy; Page 60
Managing away policy; Page 63
Supervision of Young People in Secure Accommodation policy; Page 68
Safe equipment policy; Page 75
Soft chairs policy; Page 79
Use of Escorts policy; Page 86
Mobility policy; Page 89
Personal alarm policy; Page 96
Animal and pet policy; Page 98
Exercise Equipment policy; Page 100
Medication Policy; Page 103
Marydale Lodge adheres to the policies in Nugent’s Operations Policy Stack. Additions to
this, specific to Secure Accommodation, are below.
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Policy for Prohibited and Restricted Items
It is essential to maintain a safe and secure environment at within the home. In so
doing, young people should not be unduly restricted nor have opportunities
withheld to which they are entitled, without clear reason.
Prohibited Items.
To ensure that security is maintained, a number of items have been identified as
prohibited and as such, must never be allowed onto the home.
 Alcohol
 Drugs
 Firearms
 Cigarettes
 Lighters/Matches
 Pornographic material
 Glue/solvents - not water based.
 Chewing gum (can be used to restrict locking mechanisms)
 Mobile phones/electronic devices
 Money
 Glass
 Scalpels
 Aerosols
Restricted Items
Young people will have access to potentially harmful items in both the education
and residential settings for lessons or enrichment/leisure activities. All items must
be signed out and in and their use clearly monitored. This applies to individual
belongings
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Examples of such items will include:
Paper cutting tools
Knives
Needles
Scissors
Mirrors
Cosmetic items (e.g. nail polish)
Nail files
Cord, elastic
Sellotape
Pencil Sharpener
Kitchen equipment e.g. tin opener, grater, pastry cutters.
Jewellery-see Jewellery policy
Batteries
Hair straighter / dryers
This list is not exhaustive and staff must remain vigilant and dynamically assess
items that may pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of young people or staff.
Young people must not have unsupervised access to such items.
All visitors must be made aware of the prohibited and restricted items list.
Any such items found within the initial check of young people’s belongings will be
stored/discarded in line with the personal property policy.
Other restricted items within the home, are those that make up part of the homes
resources. This may include, but not limited to:
Ligature removal cutters
Mobile technology (ipads, tablets etc)
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It is acknowledged that Education staff, maintenance, domestic external
contractors will need to bring equipment on to the home which could be
potentially harmful if accessed by a young person. There is an expectation staff
will take responsibility for such items, and make the duty officer aware of any risk
items onsite.
Personal searches, admissions searches, visitors policy and bedroom inventories
are all measures in place to ensure that items that may pose a risk are safely
managed within the home.
Items brought in to the home from friends, families or professionals.
The Prohibited and Restricted Items policy provides information regarding items
which are not allowed in the home; and those which require risk management via
restricted items procedure.
It is acknowledged that visitors, especially family members, will want to bring
belongings/gifts for young people. This must be balanced with the requirement of
maintaining a safe environment for young people, staff and visitors. In order to
achieve this, all items must be checked before being taken on to the home.
Information is sent to parents/carers and Social Workers following admission
which provides details of prohibited and restricted items. The information also
advises against bringing large amounts of snacks in recognition and support of
our Health Promotion policy; and informs visitors that all items must be checked
and documented appropriately.
Procedure
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Any items brought to site by a visitor should be checked by staff on reception (Security and Communications Operative or
Childcare staff). All packaging and wrapping should be removed to ensure a thorough check can take place.
Items should be checked against the prohibited and restricted items list
Before being allowed into the home the duty officer should be consulted to ensure any items are in line with individual risk
and care plans
Items not permitted into the home, should be returned to the visitor with clear reasons provided.
Any items which are retained on site (in the home, or in storage) must be added to the young person’s personal belongings
list on the electronic recording system. This does not apply to items which are likely to be consumed quickly e.g. snacks.
Young people may also receive post/parcels. All parcels must be checked as outlined above by the Secure and
Communications Operative or residential childcare staff.
Procedure for Restricted Items.
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Bedroom Inventory Lists
•Must be complete for every young person in line with the home governance
schedule to ensure complaince with Policy
•Any items in young persons bedrooms that are restricted are based on
individual risk assessments and must be detailed in individual risk and care
plans.
•Restricted items must be signed in and out
Specialist Items
•Need identified for use of a specilist item for a specific activity
•Item must be signed in and out
•Any restricted items as part of the homes resources, must be stored on a
shadow board and checked in line with governance schedule
Handover checks
•All restricted items must be checked as part of shift handover process and
recorded on the homes governance documents.
•Unaccounted items must be immeditaely searched for, and if neccessary
reduced movement on the unit implemented until the items is located. This
should be used if the Search Policy must be implemented, and movement
around the building would reduce the effectivness of this search.
Registered Manager Responsibilities.
 To ensure that staff are aware of the policy
 Ensure fit for purpose governance processes
Staff responsibilities.
 To ensure all young people are kept safe and that items that pose a risk to
young people or staff are managed safely and appropriately
 To comply with policy and ensure diligent checks and recording of restricted
and prohibited items
 To respond dynamically to changes in risk
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Policy for Personal Property
It is essential that young peoples’ personal property is kept safe during their
placement and treated with respect. This applies to all belongings, but especially
those which cannot be replaced e.g. photographs, letters, keepsakes etc. The
young person will not necessarily be able to keep all of his/her belongings in their
room due to risk assessment and space available, therefore it is essential to keep
accurate records of belongings on and/ or following admission and ensure that
stored items are clearly labelled and kept in a safe location.
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Procedure.
On admission, all property will initially be taken from the young person. This is to allow thorough inventory and all restricted and prohibited
items to be removed must be stored securely.
A young person will be given a Welcome Pack which will include nightwear, underwear and essential toiletries.
A security check must take place of all belongings as soon as is practical, this will be carried out by a Secure Communications Operative or
residential childcare worker. However, it is important that any items of comfort/sentiment such as cuddly toys, photographs are given to the
young person as soon as practically possible.
The first objective of the security check is to remove any prohibited/restricted items (See Prohibited/ Restricted Items List). We will not store
any items identified on the Prohibited list with the exception of money (which will be allocated to young person’s pocket money account); and
mobile phone/electronic devices which may be required by other agencies.
If items of concern are found i.e. Drugs or Weapons the Duty manager will be informed and the Police will be contacted to discuss the
collection/disposal of the items.
The second objective is to remove all restricted items. This must include a thorough check of all toiletries/make up.
The third objective is to search all clothing and identify any items which may be unsafe/inappropriate to wear within Marydale Lodge (e.g. cords
within jogging bottoms, tops with offensive slogans).
An inventory of personal belongings must be made and saved on the electronic recording system. The list will identify all items and where they
are to be stored. The list will indicate if any items need to be removed from site, in line with Prohibited items policy. The young person will be
provided with a copy of the list‐and one must be made available to Social Worker and parent on request.
When leaving Marydale Lodge, staff must ensure all items are returned to the young people, as per personal inventory.
Any discrepancies in items must be reported to the Registered Manager, and an event submitted
It is essential that all of the young person’s belongings are transported in appropriate luggage. Bin bags/carrier bags must never be used.
If a young person, for any reason, leaves any of their property behind, then it must be forwarded to their social worker by recorded delivery.
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 To ensure all young people peoples belongings are not unnecessarily
restricted
 That young people’s belongings are kept safe, and treated respectfully
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Policy on Visitors
Marydale Lodge, is first and foremost a children’s home. Visits from family, friends,
important people in young people’s lives and professionals should be supported,
and visitors made to feel welcome.
All visits should be made in line with individual care, risk and contact arrangements
for young people. Levels of supervision should be agreed with the placing
authority on admission of each young person, and should remain under regular
review via the Child Looked After Meetings, or other professional collaboration
opportunities. The underpinning ethos of this policy, is that supporting young
people to maintain and improve relationships that matter to them, and ae helpful
to their outcomes, should be encouraged and supported.
All visits with the exception of unannounced regulatory or governance inspections
should be planned and documented in the homes electronic calendar. This is to
ensure staff and young people can make the necessary arrangements and visits
be a positive and well organised experience for all. Professional visits will should,
wherever possible, take place during the working day. Visits from family/friends
should take place after 4.00 p.m. on weekdays – during the daytime at weekends,
in order that the young people’s education is not unduly disrupted.
If, under exceptional circumstances, visits need to be made during the school day
then 12.30 p.m. –1.30 p.m. should, wherever possible, be avoided.
All none professional visitors to Marydale should be searched before being
admitted to Marydale for the visit.
Procedure
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The individual requesting a visit should be confirmed as being able to visit the young person in their electronic records. Family members contact
arrangements should be consulted before a visit arranged.
The staff member organising the visit must consult the electronic calendar to ensure both availability of a member of staff to supervise and a room for the
visit to take place in.
All visits must be entered and initialled in the electronic calendar.
Details of these planned visits must be relayed in the Daily Briefing.
The member of staff admitting the visitor must first check against the list of planned visitors to confirm that the visitor is expected.
If the visit is unplanned, the admitting staff must immediately contact a Senior Manager in order for denial of access to be verified. If there are any doubts
about the legitimacy of a visitor, a duty officer must be contacted to verify denial of access to the home.
Upon arrival, visitors are asked to read the Prohibited & Restricted items list. Lockers are available in the Waiting Lobby for safe storage of belongings such as
bags, mobile phones and keys. *If Professional Visitors need to take items on the home e.g. pen, laptops, such items must be listed on the Restricted Item
sheet. The items recorded will be checked out when Visitors are leaving.
Visitors will be searched on arrival to Marydale before admisson to the unit.
Family members often bring items, gifts/belongings for young people. All items from any visitor must be checked as instructed in the Items brought for young
people or for home use policy. No items are allowed on to the home until such checks are completed.
Young people’s visitors must be offered the opportunity to use the visitors’ toilet prior to the visit commencing. It must be made clear to all visitors that
access to the toilet once the visit has begun should be avoided if possible, but if it is used it will mean that the toilet will be checked for contraband by staff
before and after use.
Visitors should not leave and re‐enter the visiting room during the visit, unless in exceptional/planned circumstances and with the knowledge of the staff.
This is in order to minimise the possibility of bringing contraband onto the home.
Refreshments should where possible be prepared and be ready for the young person and visitors and set out in the visiting room prior to the visit
commencing – if refreshments need to be provided during the visit this must not undermine any supervision of the visit.
Staff must consider where they sit during a visit in order to best supervise in accordance with any specific concerns. For example; if there is a concern about
contraband being passed no physical contact will be allowed and the staff must be seated in between the young person and their visitor
If issues are raised during/following any visit e.g. passing of contraband, the duty officer must be informed and a plan both for immediate risk containment,
and long term risk management of visits conducted.
All visitors must be made aware that CCTV is in operation both internally and external to Marydale Lodge
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 To ensure all young people peoples are supported to have positive,
welcoming vists within the home.
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Policy on Jewellery
In order to promote safety and security, young people are encouraged not to wear
high value jewellery in the home or items that might cause them or others harm.
Specific requests from young people, will be individually assessed based on risk.
This should be reviewed regularly.
The following jewellery is of a type that is acceptable for most young people on
the home:
1. Small stud earrings.
2. Band ring or similar flat type of ring.
3. Wrist watch which is not too large or obtrusive.
4. Small neck chain or pendant
5. Other subtle piercings
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list and all items allowed to a young person
are subject to risk assessment and safety. Staff must be sensitive to sentimental
items that young people wish to keep on them or in their rooms. All items should
be listed and checked on a regular basis. Reference should be made to any
issues/agreements re use of jewellery on individual risk management/behaviour
plans.
Any young person requesting a piecing, should be supported to express their
views, wishes and feelings, and consent and collaboration sought from the young
person’s local authority.

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 To ensure all young people peoples are kept safe, and not unnecessarily
restricted.
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Access to Lockers Policy
We recognise the importance of each young person having space which is
allocated specifically for personal clothing and possessions. Each young person
has the appropriate space in which to store their belongings. Only items that the
young person can have direct access to can be kept in these lockers – mainly
appropriate clothing - all other items (including restricted items) should be kept in
an appropriate safe location.
Young people should be supported to access their belongings without undue
restriction. Staff must use dynamic risk assessment and supervision appropriate
to the individual young person. The staff must remain with the young person at
all times. This is to ensure young people are only able to access their belongings,
and not the belongings of others.
Supervision will be provided in a sensitive and non-intrusive manner, allowing
privacy as far as practicable when the young person is sorting their belongings.
Young people’s lockers must be security checked in line with daily, weekly, monthly
home routines.
 To ensure all young people have access to their belongings, in line with risk
and care plan
 To take all practical steps to protect the belongings and possessions of all
young people
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Policy for Closed Circuit Television
Principles
Marydale Lodge uses its CCTV systems for a number of reasons. It is used to help
protect against crime and also aids in the safety of children, staff, visitors,
contractors and other stakeholders whilst at the secure unit. The camera system
comprises a number of fixed cameras located around the secure unit site.
Cameras can be monitored and adjusted in the Registered Manager’s Office.
This code of practice follows the Data Protection Act guidelines. The CCTV system
is owned solely by the secure unit.
Objectives of the CCTV System
1. To protect the secure unit buildings and their assets
2. To increase personal safety and reduce the fear of crime
3. To support the Police in a bid to deter and detect crime
4. To assist in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting offenders
5. To protect beneficiaries, staff, visitors, contractors and other stakeholders
6. To assist in managing the secure unit
7. To analyse the use of RPI to ensure it is warranted, proportionate, and using
best practice
Statement of Intent
The CCTV system is registered with the Information Commissioner under the
terms of the Data Protection Act 2018 guidelines and the secure unit will seek to
comply with the requirements both of the Data Protection Act and the
Commissioner’s Code of Practice.
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Marydale Lodge will treat the CCTV system and all information, documents and
recordings obtained and used as data, which are protected by the act, in the
strictest of confidence.
CCTV cameras will be used to monitor activities within the secure unit and its car
parks, other public areas and surrounding grounds to identify criminal activity
actually occurring, anticipated, or perceived, for the purpose of securing the
safety and well-being of all. Private dwellings and property other than that in the
periphery of a view that is centrally focused upon secure unit, will be blanked out
from any camera view.
Unless an immediate response to events is required, staff must not direct
cameras at an individual, their property or a specific group of individuals, without
authorisation being obtained from the Registered Manager (or Deputy in their
absence ), as set out in the Regulation of Investigatory Power Act 2000. Images
will only be released to the Police for use for the investigation of a specific crime
and with the consent of the Registered Manager (or Deputy in their absence).
No images will be released to anyone for the purposes of entertainment. The
planning and design of the CCTV layout has endeavoured to ensure that the
scheme will give maximum effectiveness and efficiency, but it is not possible to
guarantee that the system will cover or detect every single incident taking place
in the areas of coverage.
Signage stating the use of CCTV, as required by the Code of Practice of the
Information Commissioner, will be placed at all access routes to areas covered
by the secure unit CCTV.
Operation of the system
The scheme will be managed by the Assets and Facilities Manager in accordance
with the principles and objectives expressed in this policy. The day-to-day
management will be the responsibility of the Assets and Facilities Manager

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during the secure unit day. The secure unit control panel will only be used by the
Registered Manager, delegated Deputy and/or IT Support.
Control of Cameras
Any request to view CCTV footage must be approved by only the Registered
Manager. IT Support will provide this footage to those nominated by the
Registered Manager.
Liaison
Liaison meetings may be held with Leadership, Site Staff and Contractors in the
support of the system.
Monitoring Procedure
Camera surveillance may be maintained at all times. Information is held on the
hard drive for a period of no more than 30 days. If information is required for
evidence purposes it will be transferred to appropriate recording media. If covert
surveillance is planned, authorisation must be sought from and granted by the
Registered Manager (or Deputy in their absence) prior to commencement.
CD/DVD/Recording Media Procedures
In order to maintain and preserve the integrity of the media used to record
events from the hard drive and the facility to use them in any future
proceedings, the following procedures for their use and retention must be
strictly adhered to:
i. Each record must be identified by a unique mark.
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ii. Before using each recording, media must be cleaned of any previous
recording.
iii. The controller shall register the date and time of recorded insert, including the
reference.
iv. A recording required for evidential purposes must be sealed, witnessed,
signed by the controller, dated and stored in a separate, secure store. If the
record is not copied for the police before it is sealed, a copy may be made at a
later date providing that it is then resealed, witnessed, signed by the controller,
dated and returned to secure storage.
v. If the record is archived, the reference must be noted.
Recording media may be viewed by designated operators and the police for the
prevention and detection of crime. A record will be maintained of the release of
records to the Police or other authorised applicants. Viewing of records by the
Police must be recorded in writing in the log book. Requests by the Police can
only be actioned under section 29 of the Data Protection Act 2018.
Should a record be required as evidence, a copy may be released to the police
under the procedures described in this policy. Records will only be released to
the police on the clear understanding that the record remains the property of
the secure unit, and both the record and information contained on it are to be
treated in accordance with this code. The secure unit also retains the right to
refuse permission for the police to pass on the record or any part of the
information contained therein to any other person. The Police may require the
secure unit to retain the stored records for possible use as evidence in the
future. Such records will be properly indexed and securely stored until they are
needed by the Police.
Applications received from outside bodies (e.g. solicitors) to view or release
records will be referred to the Principal. A charge may be made to cover the
costs of producing the material.
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Breaches of the Code (including breaches in security)
Any breach of this policy by secure unit staff will be initially investigated by the
Registered Manager (or appointed senior member of staff), in order for
appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.
Any serious breach of the Code of Practice will be immediately investigated by
the Registered Manager (or appointed senior member of staff) and
recommendations made on how to remedy the breach.
Assessment of the Scheme and Code of Practice
Performance monitoring, including random operating checks, may be carried out
by the Registered Manager or Assets and Facilities Manager
Complaints
Any complaints about the secure unit’s CCTV system should be in writing and
addressed to the Registered Manager or, where the complaint is about the
Registered Manager, to the Governance department. Complaints will be
investigated in accordance with the Complaints policy.
Access by the Data Subject
The Data Protection Act provides Data Subjects (individuals to whom “personal
data” relate) with a right to data held about themselves, including those obtained
by CCTV. Requests for Data Subject Access should be made in writing to the
Registered Manager.
Digital recordings will be kept for no more than 30 days, unless specific incidents
have been recorded to disk for investigation.

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Summary of Key Points:
• This Code of Practice will be reviewed in line with the review of the stack every
two years.
• The CCTV system is owned and operated by the secure unit.
• The Control system is not open to visitors except by prior arrangement and
good reason.
• Liaison meetings may be held with the Police and other bodies.
• Any recording DVDs will be used properly, indexed, stored and destroyed after
appropriate use.
• DVDs may only be viewed by Authorised senior secure unit leaders and the
Police.
• DVDs required as evidence will be properly recorded witnessed and packaged
before copies are released to the Police.
• DVDs will not be made available to the media for commercial or entertainment
purposes.
• DVDs will be disposed of securely by incineration.
• Any breaches of this Code will be investigated by the Registered Manager.
• An independent investigation will be carried out for serious breaches.
• Breaches of the Code and remedies will be reported to the Registered Manager.
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Policy for Safety and Cleanliness Checks.
Staff should never underestimate the value of regular safety and cleanliness
checks. They promote safe care by ensuring the protection of young people, staff
and visitors and ensure that the homes and especially young people’s bedrooms
are clean, tidy, in good repair and as pleasant as possible.
Staff are expected to carry out a Daily Safety & Cleanliness Checks within each
home including all social areas, bathrooms, toilets, external areas and young
people’s bedrooms – i.e. anywhere that the young people have access to in line
with the homes Daily, Weekly, Monthly schedule.
A search of a young person’s bedroom must not be mistaken for a cleanliness or
security check. Detailed searches, must only be undertaken with specific reason
(See room searches policy).
In addition to the home governance checks, the following are minimum operating
standards:
 All doors must be kept locked and only opened for access. All doors must
be manually double locked. This also applies to doors that are on a magnetic
lock - they door they must also be manually double locked. The only
exception to this is the bedroom doors. (See Access to bedrooms policy and
Single Separation policy).
 All cupboards and drawers must be kept locked and opened only for access.
 The kitchen hatch must be kept locked except at meal times.
 All cupboards and drawers in the kitchen must be kept locked and only
opened to access items. Cutlery drawers and crockery cupboards must be
checked after each meal and will be recorded as per home governance
systems.
 Staff areas –all locked cabinets must be secured. Shadow board items must
be included in the check.
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 Any other item on the home must be either signed out as per the restricted
items policy or be identified in the young person’s bedroom inventory.
When checking a young person’s bedroom/ensuite staff are looking to identify any
security breaches or hazards – a security breach is something in a bedroom that
is not supposed to be there and which may cause harm to the young person
themselves or anyone else
Procedure
Staff member completes routine governance security or cleanliness checks or observes concern
whilst carrying out normal duties. This may include security breech, uncleanliness or disrepair
Staff take immediate remedial action or escalate to Duty Officer
Onsite Manager informed in the event of serious breech
Business support services notified of any remedial action (this may include repairs, maintenance
or domestic staff)
Staff responsibility
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 All areas of the home must be checked. If any breaches/hazards are
identified, immediate action must be taken to make the area safe. This may
involve seeking advice and should include a consideration of any action
needed to prevent a reoccurrence.
 A record must be kept of all checks as per governance schedule
 All breaches must be recorded and reported to Duty Officer immediately.
Any serious incidents must be reported via the events system
 Any repairs must be reported via Repairs reporting system.
 Cleanliness of young people’s living areas including bedrooms is something
that each young person is encouraged to maintain but staff also have a
responsibility to help in this and where necessary to become proactive in
not allowing a living area to become unfit for a young person to live in.
 Disrepair or areas requiring recordation must be reported immediately.
This includes walls that have been scratched or marked or had graffiti. It is
important to remember that while keeping a room clean and fresh is mainly
the responsibility of the young person there are times when intervention by
maintenance, domestic or home staff is needed, this needs to be explained
to the young person and they should be given the opportunity to be part of
the clean-up operation , but failing this staff will need to intervene and make
the room clean and presentable – young people’s rooms are their private
space but this does not mean they can misuse or neglect that space. A
repair or hazard will refer to the fabric of the room itself such as broken
furniture, blocked locks or ripped flooring.
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Key Policy
Safety and Security for young people, staff and visitors within the home is of
fundamental importance in all of our work. Central to this is the key management
system in operation. The key suiting and access to keys within Marydale Lodge
aims to achieve an appropriate balance of care and safety. Access to keys must be
controlled within delegated scheme of responsibility. No individual should ever be
issued keys without appropriate training.
None of the keys issued within the home allow access outside of the secure
perimeters – likewise internal keys must never be taken off the secure building.
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Procedure
On commencement of shadow shifts staff will be issued a 4 digit key code for access to the Key tracker by a Deputy Manager. This is
an automated system that allows staff access to the relevant keys required for their role i.e. Care Staff will not have access to
Maintenance keys.
Secure and Communications operatives have access to alternative codes for the issuing of keys to agency staff etc.
Once keys have been removed from the tracker, staff must not leave the airlock until the keys have been secured to their person by
way of a secure key strap attached to their belt.
Staff must be provided with a key induction by an approriately trained member of staff and must include door management, key
security, building orientation and buiolding fire and security proceedures.
Key induction must be signed off as part of the new starter induction process
Whenever staff exit the building, they should access the key tracker and replace their keys in the appropriate key slot. Keys must
only be removed from staff belt when they are alone, and in the secure airlock.
If staff place the keys in the wrong slot the system will alarm and indicate the correct slot for the staff member.
Keys must always be carried in a pouch attached to the secure key strap
External keys
External Keys for Entrance Doors, Secure Area Gates, St Catherine’s hub and
Shutter Keys are all kept within a locked keysafe in the main reception. If access to
the keysafe is required staff should seek permission from a Duty Manager or
Registered Manager. In an emergency it may be necessary for the external keys to
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be used before getting permission from a Manager – in this case the keys must
always be returned to the external secure key box and secured appropriately, and
a manager informed at the earliest opportunity.
Missing Keys
In the unlikely incident of any key going missing then:
all the young people must be accounted for and secured, the Duty Officer must
be immediately informed.
A full search will then start.
Senior management must be informed (if necessary via the incident command
procedure) and will liaise with the Duty Officer to decide if external agencies
(Police) need to be involved.
No staff is to enter or leave Marydale Lodge until this search has been
successfully resolved.
Broken Keys
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Broken Keys must be reported to the Secure and Communications
operative
The key must remain stored in the tracker, but cleared marked as broken
to ensure staff do not access it
Broken keys must be repaired as quickly as possible by Maintenance
Operative, and if necessary replaced with new, with safe disposal of
broken keys
Keys Obtained By Young Person(s):
Should a young person obtain by force or otherwise a set of keys, they must be contained as much as
possible within a safe area by staff and the keys retrieved, if necessary physical intervention must be used to
ensure the safety and security of the building and people in it.
Obtaining a set of keys will not give access to any high risk areas, nor will they allow the young person to exit
the secure home so there is time to consider appropriate options.
In order to restrict the young person’s movement around the building, staff must position themselves at
relevant doors and insert their key in the lock. This will prevent the young person from being able to open
that door with their key. The relevant doors will be determined by the location of the young person.
Duty Officer must be informed as soon as possible and all options discussed with them. If at any stage staff
believe that they are not able to contain the young person and that there is an eminent danger of them
exiting the secure home or causing harm to others the police must be informed ‐ if it is not possible to speak
to Senior Management before doing this they must be informed as soon as possible afterwards.
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 To ensure compliance with the policy and that the safety and security of the
building is maintained
 To respond quickly and proportionately to any actual or potential breeches
in the safety and security of the home.
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Personal Searches Policy
It is our primary responsibility to ensure that young people within the home feel
safe and are treated with respect. We also have the same responsibility for staff
and visitors. Searching, may, on occasion be necessary in order to minimise the
risk of a young person concealing dangerous items and putting themselves or
others at risk.
The process of searching – or checking young people for prohibited, harmful or
illicit items – is in integral part of the maintenance of a safe and secure
environment. The home undertakes the searching of young people under the
principles of “Duty of Care” for all young people and staff within the home.
Throughout the process, there are key principles that must be adhered to
 Personal searches include any procedure involving a physical or visual
examination of a young person.
 The search has to be thorough and methodical and in general, intelligence
based and led.
 The young person must be afforded dignity and respect throughout and
wherever possible should be consulted and the way in which the search is
conducted should be collaborative.
 When searching, staff should take full account of child protection principles
and reflect the need to balance security with the welfare of the child.
 A young person cannot be forcibly searched. The exception to this is where
staff are confident the young person maybe concealing a risk item that
would cause harm to themselves or others if not removed immediately. The
alternative use of constant observations and restriction of access to
communal areas should be considered to ensure appropriate support is
provided to a young person who may require a search.

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 The level of searching of young people should not exceed what is necessary
and proportionate to deal with the actual situation. It is important that the
least intrusive level of search should be the first option unless there is good
reason to use the more invasive search.
 The searching of a young person should only be risk led i.e. where
behaviour (past or present) or information received suggests that either the
young person themselves or others may be put at risk of harm as result of
a prohibited item that he may have hidden on his person.
Occasions on which a young person maybe searched include:
 On admission (see Admissions policy). We are mindful that this can be a
very anxious time for young people; but we are also aware of our
responsibilities to prevent items that may pose a risk being brought on to
the home. The level of search will be based on information received prior
to or on admission from professionals such as Social Worker, Police, parents
and Secure Escorts. A young person may also provide information, which
will need to be taken into consideration.
 Following all mobility away from the home which may include but is not
limited to, court Appearance, medical treatment, leisure activities). The level
of search may vary according to the risk assessment of the mobility, the
young person and any relevant information provided by secure escorts or
escorting staff, family or other professionals. As a minimum personal
searches and searches of purchased items must ensure that compliance
with the restricted and prohibited items policy.
 Searches Following Visits. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that
restricted or prohibited items are not brought in the home, on occasions
this may not be successful. Young people may be searched following any
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visit where staff consider that they may have had access to restricted or
prohibited items. On completion of the visit, the young person should be
isolated from other young people and remain under supervision of staff
until a search is completed. Staff should determine the level of search
required according to the assessed risk, relating to the young person, and
/or circumstances.
If staff are in any doubt re level of search required, they must liaise with a duty
officer or Manager (Registered Manager, Deputy Manager) whether this be on site
or on call.
Procedure
Forms of search
There are five levels of personal search which can be utilised:-
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Level 1
• A request that requires no contact with the young person, or removal of
clothing e.g. emptying pockets. Matching the gender and ethnicity of the
searchers to the young people must always be considered.
Level 2
• Minimal contact with no request to remove clothing, e.g. hand held metal
detector. Matching the gender and ethnicity of the searchers to the young
people must always be considered.
Level 3
• Increased contact with the young person e.g. a Patdown Search (“Patdown
Search” searches are similar to those normally carried out at a football ground
or airport). Matching the gender and ethnicity of the searchers to the young
people must always be considered.
Level 4
• The young person will be asked to remove their clothes (i.e. parts of their
clothing at any one time) and a visual search of their body will be made, no
physical contact will be made with the young person. A dressing gown may be
used to support young people's dignity during a level 4 search. Matching the
gender and ethnicity of the searchers to the young people must always be
considered.
Level 5
• This will be an intimate search and must only be carried out by an appropriately
qualified person, such as a GP or Police Surgeon if concerns are raised that a
young person has secreted something internally that if left may cause harmStaff
within the home are not qualified or authorised to undertake intimate
searches, and must not do so under any circumstances.
Although all searches must be based on risk assessment, there is an expectation
that a Level 2 and Level 3 search will be conducted for all new admissions. A Level
4 search will only be used if we are provided with information which would
necessitate this increased level of search. The same applies to any young people
returning from mobility’s away from the home.
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If we have information which suggests that a young person has contraband on
their person, then a Level 2 and Level 3 search must be conducted in the first
instance.
It is essential that the use of searches does not become routine and oppressive;
however, staff must remember the reason why such searches are necessary and
be prepared to complete the appropriate level of search as and when required.
Before any search takes place, the young person must be made aware of the reason for the search and be given the opportunity
to hand in any items which are prohibited in the home.
Staff must explain clearly what the search will consist of and offer reassurance throughout the process. This is particularly
important, if the young person will be asked to remove parts of their clothing.
For all searches, 2 members of staff should be present, ensuring that there is at least one staff member of the same gender of
the young person.
If a Level 3 search is required, it must be a staff member of the same gender of the young person who carries out the search
(unless the young person specifically requests that it be a member of the opposite gender this would be appropriate to minimise
any reconstructive anxieties around traumatic events that they have suffered).
Search carried out
Any prohibited or restricted items processed in line with policy
Full details of search including staff present, level of search, location and time of search and staff members present should be
recorded on the electronic recording system
Lack of cooperation by a young person
In all circumstances the young person will be encouraged to surrender any
restricted or prohibited items that they may have. If a young person refuses to co-
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operate with a search or refuses to hand in items which may be considered
dangerous, staff will remain non-confrontational and give further explanation of
the need to maintain a secure environment. It is important that staff continue to
negotiate whilst at the same time attempting to find the reason for the lack of
cooperation.
If a young person continues to refuse to be searched then a member of the
Management Team is to be informed and the young person is to be managed
separately from the rest of the peer group under close supervision until the issue
is resolved satisfactorily. This is in order to minimise opportunities to hide
something potentially dangerous in the home.
If a child has an item on their person, where the greater harm would be for the
item to remain, physical intervention may be applied to remove the item safely.
Approval for this must be sought from a member of the management team, and
a defensible decision log must be completed to clearly document the thought
process and potential risks should the item not be removed. The child should
always be given the opportunity to give the item in to staff themselves, with it
being clearly explained to the child that staff may have to use physical
intervention.
Following any of the above incidents, staff must always take the opportunity to
discuss the reasons behind the actions and talk tSCH.MAILBOX@education.gov.uk
through any issues with the young person.
Search Procedures
When searching young people, for example, when there are strong grounds to
believe that the young person is concealing harmful or prohibited items, the
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search process is progressive, moving through levels 1 – 4 in order. For this reason,
the procedure has been written in a progressive format.
Level 1
Check the area where the search is being conducted to ensure that it is clear before commencing.
Stand facing the young person, and advise them clearly the reasons for the search and the form that
the search will take.
Ask him/her if he has anything in his possession that they are not allowed to have, and encourage their
cooperation in handing it over
Ask him/her to empty their pockets
Examine the contents of their pockets and anything else they may be carrying
Level 2
Scan the young person slowly and methodically from head to foot with a metal
detector.
If anything is detected, encourage the young person’s cooperation in handing it over.
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Level 3
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Before commencing, explain clearly to the young person what will happen next.
Ask him/her whether he has any sharp objects concealed which could cause injury if touched.
When patting down, move hands slowly and firmly, maintaining contact with the body at all times.
On no account should the area around the breasts or genitals be touched. The second member of staff watching the search procedure must
pay particular attention at this point, in order to ensure that the procedure is followed correctly.
Ask the young person to remove any headwear, and to pass it to you for searching.
If he/she has long hair, ask him to run his fingers through it to show that nothing is concealed.
Visually check behind the ears.
Ask him/her to open his mouth, and look inside, both above and under the tongue.
Lift any collars, feel around, beneath and inside it, and rub across the shoulders, moving outwards from the neck.
Check between fingers, and the palms of hands.
Check the arms from shoulder to wrist, then from armpit to wrist.
Check the front of the body from neck to waistband (avoiding the breasts of any females)
Check the back of the body from neck to waist band
Check each side of the body, from neck to waistband.
Check around the inside of the waistband.
Check the front of the abdomen, and the front and sides of each leg
Check the back of the legs from hip to ankle
Ask the young person to remove footwear. Check soles of feet and between toes.
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Check through socks and shoes.
Level 4
This level of search requires authorization from the Duty Manager
The staff member requesting the search must be able to identify the presenting risk on which the authorization can be
based.
The risks requiring Level 4 searches are where a risk assessment identifies that a young person is a potential physical threat
to himself or others.
On admission to the home the risk is assessed based on information provided in referral
Levels 1‐3 of the search procedure must have already been completed prior to a request for a level 4 search to take place.
Two staff of the same gender should be used.
Provide the young person with a towel/dressing gown if required.
Ask them to undress, removing all clothing except boxers/pants/bra and to pass you the clothing for checking. The towel
may be wrapped around the young person’s waist to maintain their dignity. Carry out a visual check of the body.
Depending on information received prior to the child's arrival and intelligence shared, the child will be encouraged to
engage in a dressing gown search.
Check the area around the young person for any dropped or discarded material.
Ask the young person to take a pace to one side, and check that nothing has been dropped and concealed underfoot.
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Recording
Details of any search must be recorded in the electronic recoding. The young
person must be offered a debrief, details of which must be detailed within this
record, providing the young person the opportunity to make comments. A young
person may not want to do this immediately following the search, but it must be
offered at this stage and followed up if the young person refuses at that time.
 To ensure the home is a safe environment for young people, visitors and
staff
 That any searches that are carried out are done so with dignity and respect,
and that the level of search is proportionate to the risk posed.
 To respond proportionately and dynamically to risk
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Home and Bedroom Searches Policy
Marydale Lodge recognises that it is necessary to search the Homes and Young
persons’ rooms and their property in the event of a potential item of risk being
present within the building. Searching is a sensitive procedure and must be
conducted utilising the highest professional standards, otherwise the process can
be perceived as degrading and provocative.
Reactive Searches is when a search of the building – or a specific part of the
building - is undertaken due to either an incident taking place, or a breach of
security.
Incidents
After an incident in which items may have been thrown or kicked staff must check
to make sure that there is nothing broken or that items such as broken glass,
plastic or splinters have been cleared up. Doors that have been kicked should be
checked to make sure that they are secure and that the locking function still works
properly.
Breach of security
Any breach of security should be followed up with a search of the area to make
sure that the area is safe and clear of hazards such as contraband.
Bedroom Searches
Reasons for Bedroom Search
Bedroom Searches are undertaken as a reaction to an incident or particular
concern being identified and must be agreed to by a duty officer before taking
place.
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Routine/daily Bedroom Searches will only take place if specified as necessary in a
specific young person’s Risk Management Plan. This will usually be where there is
an ongoing risk either to the young person themselves of self-harm or where there
are real concerns that a young person may hurt someone else.
Bedroom Searches must be authorised by a Duty officer.
A Bedroom Search may also be advised due to:
1. a consequence of damage being found that could cause serious risk
2. an incident taking place
3. a breach of security being discovered
4. receipt of information
1. Damage Identified During Safety & Cleanliness Checks etc.
Damage to any of the fixtures and fittings in areas where young people are not
constantly supervised – bedrooms, toilets and bathrooms is especially serious.
This damage may include picking sealer/mastic away from joints around doors,
windows, and furnishings etc. which can not only weaken the structure but also
signal that perhaps the young person is deliberately causing damage to the
structure or trying to create a ligature point. It also has to be considered that the
young person maybe using some sort of improvised tool to cause this damage. In
instances like this staff must inform the Duty Officer, speak privately to the young
person and discuss the finding and let them know that as a consequence a search
of their bedroom and possessions may take place.
2. Incidents
After an incident in which items may have been thrown or kicked staff must check
to make sure that there is nothing broken or that items such as broken glass,
plastic or splinters have been cleared up. As an added security check - doors that
have been kicked should be checked to make sure that they are secure and that
the locking function still works properly.
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3. Breach of security
Any breach of security (restricted or prohibited items being found or damage to
fittings being noted) should be followed up with a search of the area to make sure
that the area is safe and clear of hazards such as splinters, screws etc. or restricted
or prohibited items.
4. Receipt of information
Information may be received from an external source (e.g. family member, Social
Worker, Escorts) or internal source (e.g. another young person, staff from across
the site) which indicates that the young person may have restricted or prohibited
items in their room or on their person. If the latter, a Personal search will be
conducted (See Personal Search information).
Procedure
Room searches can be proactive or reactive, they must be carried out in a
methodical way to ensure that all areas of the room are searched correctly.
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Once a search has been instructed staff and young persons will remain secured in the area they are currently in, unless instructed by
duty officer to move to a more sterile area. There will be no free movement until the search is complete.
Working in pairs the staff team should enter the area to be searched and select a sterile area to start from (the sterile area should
be free from any debris/items of risk. Any items found on the search should be placed into the sterile area).
From the sterile area the staff team should split the room into sections.
Starting from the sterile area staff member 1 should enter section 1 and follow the line of that section carrying out both a physical
and visual check. Physical check will include fingertip searches of all areas, ledges, furniture, unfolding clothes checking hems,
checking inside of pillow/cushion cases, fanning books, checking inside plug/drain holes etc.
When staff member 1 has completed section 1 they will move to section 2 and search that section. Staff member 2 will move into
section 1 and complete a secondary search of that section (the secondary search is to ensure that staff member 1 has not missed
any items).
The above process will continue until both staff members have searched all agreed sections and have arrived back at the sterile
area.
During the search any items found should be documented with the date, time, item description and location it was found.
The search team will then inform the duty officer that the search of that area is complete.
Once all areas of concern have been searched the duty officer will allow the movement of staff and young people.
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Key points to remember
1. Do not rush the search take your time and thoroughly check each area.
2. Any items moved should be returned to the original placement unless they
are found to be an item of risk.
3. If you are searching a young person’s bedroom, you must remember that
his is their personal space, regardless of the rationale for the search, their
property within the room should be treated with dignity and respect, the
methodical approach to the search allows time for staff to move and replace
items to their original state/position.
4. When a bedroom search is required the young person should be informed
of the reason for the search, and offered the chance to produce any items
of risk that they may have present in their rooms. Wherever possible, and
safe to do the search should be completed collaboratively with the young
person, with full information sharing, whilst maintaining the integrity of the
search.
 To ensure the home is a safe environment for young people, visitors and
staff
 That any searches that are carried out are done so with dignity and respect,
and that the level of search is proportionate to the risk posed.
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Admission Policy
Staff must never underestimate how anxious a young person may feel during the
admission process. It is important that a young person is given the necessary
support in order to come to terms with his/her present situation (e.g. be given the
opportunity to contact family/friends following Social Worker approval).
On all occasions 2 staff members are required to undertake the admission.
Upon arrival the young person and accompanying adults must be greeted in a
friendly and welcoming manner. The Duty Officer will already have, from the
referral form, information regarding the young person’s general background and
behaviours.
In addition, the Duty Officer will also need to speak with escorts/social worker on
admission. Information gained will assist in decisions regarding overall risk
assessment and level of personal search to be conducted on admission.
Procedure
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On arrival, the Escorts must be asked for any relevant paperwork/medication/restricted items which are in their possession‐
All medication must be stored and recorded in line with the Medication Policy.
The young person will then go to the Admissions Room. The young person will be asked to hand in any prohibited and restricted items (see
Prohibited /Restricted Items policy). Please take note of the Jewellery policy. There is an expectation that young people will remove items of
jewellery that are not approved within the policy.
A personal search will be conducted (see Personal Search Policy). If a young person refuses, staff must spend time supporting the young person,
re‐emphasising the reasons for such requests and procedures.
If the young person continues to refuse, a duty officer must be informed. The decision may be made to escort the young person to the home,
where he/she will be managed away in order to avoid restricted or prohibited items being hidden or passed to others.
As always, restraint and single separation must only be used as a last resort‐ particularly at admission as this is a very stressful time for the young
person.
The young person’s belongings will remain in Reception. All belongings will be checked and listed by a Secure and communications operative as
soon as is practical and a copy will be given to the young person.
A thorough check must be conducted in line with the Personal Property and Restricted Items Policies. This will identify items which are allowed
on to the home and those which need to be put into storage.
The young person will be given a Welcome Pack which will include emergency clothing, essential toiletries and written information about the
home. It is acknowledged that young people need a lot of support at this time and may be anxious about moving on to the home.
Staff should spend some time allaying any initial worries and concerns that the young person may have. A specific staff member will be allocated
to provide support and supervision for the young person on their first day/night on the home. This will include showing the young person their
room, meeting the group, having a drink or something to eat and to telephone family/significant adults.
Night staff will carry out increased observations at no less than 5 minute intervals for the first 3 nights in Placement for all young people. This will
then be reviewed as part of the young person’s overall Risk Assessment
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 That staff undertaking admission are provided with the necessary and
appropriate information regarding risk and admission arrangements.
 To ensure that young people have, as far as is practicable a positive
admission experience
 That a diligent and respectful approach is taken to ensuring the safety of
young people’s belongings
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Abscond from the Secure Home by breach of security
policy
Keeping young people safe, is an integral part of the homes purpose. Any incident
where an actual or potential abscond from the home must be responded to
immediately.
Procedure
If a young person absconds from the home, staff must immediately complete the
following:
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Activate the Panic Alarm / Pin Point
Ensure safety and security of other residents in the home
Make the building secure
The duty officer must inform the Senior Manager on site, Duty Officer as appropriate.
If possible staff should be allocated to follow – without putting themselves at risk – and at least

see which direction the young person is heading, if they are met by anyone, if they use public
transport or any other details that will enable staff or police to locate the young person.
Try to persuade the young person to stop, return to the home or even go for a walk with the
staff rather than ‘running off’.
Inform Duty officer of what is happening so that they can mobilise support (site car) to support
any staff following as well as helping to locate the young person.
Duty Officer will liaise with Senior Management or On Call Manager to update.
Depending on risk assessment ‐ Police, Local Authority and, where applicable, Parents to be
informed.
If visual contact is lost staff must try to contact the young person on their mobile phone, either
through voice or text, to try and establish their whereabouts and to ensure that they are safe.
The Duty Officer on site must then immediately:
Ensure the safety and security of other residents in the building and make it secure
Inform Senior Manager/on call Senior Manager
Inform local police (see section on Contacting the Police)
Inform parents or external carers
Inform social worker/placing authority
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Procedure - Absconding occurring whilst on mobility
If an absconding occurs during any exit or mobility staff must immediately inform
Senior Manager on site or Duty Officer as appropriate and dial 999. The Duty
Officer on site must then immediately follow the incident management procedure.
 Appropriate notification to the regulators in the event of a young person
absconding
 To ensure that young people have are kept safe within the home
 Respond proportionately and appropriately to attempted or actually
absconds.
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Behaviour Management Policy
The general approach of Behaviour Management should be one of developing
therapeutic relationships where young people understand that there are clear limits and
boundaries but feel safe enough to reflect on their behaviours, take responsibility, and
know that consequences will not result in the withdrawal of care from the adults around
them. Clear expectations, effective communication and supported reflection are the main
tools in developing and maintaining good behaviour. Young people are more likely to co-
operate if they value their environment and relationships, understand what is expected
of them, the reasons behind any rules and regulations, and understand that there are
logical consequences to both positive and behaviours that challenge. Staff must be aware
of and devise strategies for discerning indicators of challenging behaviour, diverting
disruptive behaviour and dealing with abuse and aggression. They must also be aware of
the potential some young people have for self-harm and again devise strategies for
prevention. It is essential that it is recognised that any care support plan has to be
consistent and highly individualised.
Behaviour Management
Any measures used to support young people to improve behaviours that are challenging,
socially inappropriate or pose a risk to the young person or others should be highly
individualised and take into consideration the age and life experiences of the young
person. Staff should also aim to have a restorative justice ethos to any intervention. Below
are examples of behaviour management strategies that staff may consider using when
managing behaviour.
‐ 1. Praise should be a regular and important part of the relationship between the
care worker and the young person. Given orally, it should be frequent for routine
achievements and should be consciously used to provide encouragement and
support. Similarly, peer group praise at home meetings is valuable expression of
worth and should be encouraged.
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‐ 2. Verbal challenge - clearly stated expectations and descriptions of behaviour that
allow the child to understand what a more appropriate behaviour would be.
Always delivered in a calm manner using thoughtful language, ensuring that the
language used does not result in the child feeling shamed.
‐ 3. Helping to clear up the consequences of unacceptable behaviour (cleaning
graffiti off, mopping up spills etc.).
‐ 4. Encourage reflection and repair, when hurt feelings or injury have been caused
to another or others, then conversations and apologies to be supported and
encouraged, this to be done with careful consideration to the developmental level
and understanding of the young person
‐ 5. Returning others’ belongings, when these have been taken, but not to include
compensation
Numbers 3 to 5 form the basis of restorative justice - the process where by a member of
staff and a young person will sit and talk through what happened and try to explore why
it happened and how to avoid it happening again. These measures are to be used
thoughtfully as ways of assisting the young person to understand that adults can put in
place boundaries but maintain care, and that self-regulation is an essential part of
community living and that all of us, from time to time, have to regulate our wishes in order
that other people have the opportunity to live their lives satisfactorily. They are not to be
used as punishment and senior staff should be informed throughout the day as and when
they have been used.
Rewards and Incentives
In building relationships with young people, staff must acquire sufficient knowledge for
them to identify with the young person appropriate rewards for particular effort and
progress. To this end, the management of the home provides for the reward and positive
reinforcement of good behaviour. All staff are required:
‐ To establish positive personal relationships with the young people in accordance
with good professional practice
‐ To maintain appropriate level of supervision at all times
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‐ To empower young people to positively manage their own behaviour and behave
in a socially acceptable manner, showing respect for themselves and others
‐ To develop a spirit of co-ordination and to develop peer group skills.
Rewards Systems
Marydale Lodge operates to a banding system, where children receive points for being
respectful to others and adhering to rules and routines. The banding system gives further
incentives for each level. This does not detract from the need for behaviour management
to be individualised, but rather provides a framework and system within which
individualised measures can be put in place. The rewards system is an incentive to young
people to develop and continually improve their behaviours. The reward system is about
encouraging and rewarding good behaviour, it’s about recognising the efforts that young
people make to moderate behaviours that are seen as unacceptable, and it is a way of
demonstrating to young people in a practical way that we do appreciate their efforts and
recognise their improvements. The rewards system must never be used as part of the
disciplinary system; they are intrinsically different and approach behaviour management
from different perspectives. The Disciplinary system seeks to demonstrate consequences
for negative behaviours; the Reward system acknowledges effort – even when such effort
is marked by blips so it is important that rewards are not taken away due to challenging
behaviours as this damages motivation and trust in the rewards system.
Disciplinary Measures
The starting point for any procedures regarding disciplinary measures must be the
identification of what are the basic rights for the young person and what are privileges.
Basic rights must not be withdrawn as a punishment. The following are prohibited
measures for punishment (Children’s Act 1989 - Guidance and Regulations – Volume 4
Residential Care).
‐ Corporal Punishment
‐ Deprivation of food & drink
‐ Deprivation of sleep
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‐ Imposition of fines
‐ Restriction of family visits
‐ Use of medication to modify behaviour, or withholding of medication
‐ Intimate physical searches
‐ The wearing of distinctive or inappropriate clothing
Additionally, removal from the planned education programme should not be used as a
consequence. Whilst it is prohibited to impose fines, it is appropriate for a young person
who wilfully damages something to have to contribute towards the replacement/repair of
the item. The contribution decided upon should reflect the cost, the degree of
premeditation and the length of time needed to pay. The amount should not be payable
for more than 12 weeks and should not be more than 2/3rds of the young person’s weekly
pocket money. Staff should always endeavour to use informal systems to amend
behaviour before resorting to formal consequences and seek to understand the
communication behind the behaviour so that they can fully understand an appropriate
response (and where appropriate, consequence). A verbal request or warning and helping
the young person to regulate their emotion is often sufficient to prevent certain behaviour
escalating to the point where formal action needs to be taken
Within this overall system of incentives and loss of privileges, consequences that may be
used are:
‐ Restorative justice is always aimed for and may be used in conjunction with or
instead of another sanction if it is felt appropriate.
‐ Loss of access to activity, this could include fun activities being reviewed or
postponed
‐ Remuneration
‐ Loss of access to media
‐ Loss of earned privileges
‐ Earlier bed time
Where possible, staff should always verbally warn the young person before applying a
consequence, thereby giving the young person the opportunity to amend their behaviour
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but consequences should not be used to “threaten” young people and staff should be
aware of their tone and offering solutions and alternative positive behaviours. Staff from
the team at the time of the incident should let the young person know what the
consequence is to be and record it accurately as an incident on the electronic recording
system. Special Measures – Some incidents are so serious that they cannot be adequately
covered by a sanction;
‐ Assaults – on staff or other young people.
‐ Abusive, derogatory language.
‐ Threats of violence or assault.
‐ Bullying
‐ Racist, sexist or any other personal focused abuse.
‐ Bringing contraband onto the home, or colluding with people who do
‐ Entering prohibited areas including the office or other young people’s bedrooms
These basic rules of the home are in place to keep everyone, especially the young people
in our care, safe. It is at these times that the process of restorative justice becomes most
valuable and important. If behaviours that warrant such a response are frequent, the
young person should have this reflected in their risk management plan, home
management and, where appropriate, the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team should be
consulted regarding strategies.
Review of behaviour management
All approaches to behaviour management must be regularly reviewed, and the views,
wishes and feelings of the young person held central to discussions. Reviews should
include monitoring of the effectiveness of behaviour management, and changes to
approach tried if measures are ineffective. Any behaviour management must be reflected
in the child’s risk and care plan, and the two elements of care (risk and behaviour) should
be complimentary and consistent.
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Responsibilities
Registered Manager
‐ Ensuring staff receive training, support and feedback in relation to supporting
people who behaviour management
‐ Ensuring each beneficiaries care, treatment, needs and preferences assessed by
staff with the required levels of skills and knowledge for the particular task.
‐ Care reviews should ensure that beneficiaries support in relation to behaviour
management is effective and that approaches are reviewed regularly
‐ To ensure that staff action in relation to behaviour management are child-centred,
highly individualised and are compliant with relevant legislation
Staff
‐ Staff are expected to work in partnership with the beneficiary, and adopt a
supportive, restorative approach to behaviour management. Staff should
demonstrate robust, fair and consistent approaches that role model restorative
approaches, whilst supporting young people to understand consequences to
behaviours that they may exhibit
‐ Staff must do everything reasonably practicable to make sure that beneficiaries
who use the service receive person-centred care and treatment that is appropriate,
meets their needs and reflects their personal preferences, whilst ensuring their
safety
‐ Staff must be able to demonstrate that they took action in response to any
challenging behaviours that is proportionate and in line with individual risk and
care plans. Staff must ensure that dynamic and responsive changes to care and
risk are fully documented in individual care and risk plans and evaluated in
collaboration with the beneficiary
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Single Separation Policy
Enforced or directed ‘single separation’ in a secure children’s home is locking a
young person into their room or other area by themselves or placing them in the
said areas that they are physically prevented from leaving.
Enforced Single Separation – this is when a young person is placed on Single
Separation in any area with a locked door between themselves and everyone else
with no way for them to re-join other people without staff unlocking the door and
allowing them to do so.
Directed Single Separation - this is when a young person placed on Single
Separation and the young person co-operates with that direction and as such the
door remains unlocked but the young person is aware that they are not to leave
the area without permission from staff.
A third category Room time - when a young person requests to be in their
bedroom for privacy or for some time by themselves. This is at the young person’s
choice.
Use of Single Separation
Single separation is only used when all other options such as Managing Away have
been considered or failed and there are genuine concerns for the safety of the
young person and/or others.
Reasons for implementing single separation:
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 Where a young person is likely to cause injury to others;
 Where a young person is likely to cause significant damage to property;
 When a young person is refusing and continues to refuse to comply with a
personal search, when allowing the young person free access around the
home would pose a significant risk to themselves and/or others. (eg: from
being in possession of a prohibited or restricted item;
 In rare occasions when a serious incident has made it necessary for young
people to be temporarily locked in their bedrooms to ensure their safety –
all other options must be considered such as moving young people to a
different room/part of the home before this is done.
Procedure
When a young person is put on Single Separation, the following must be adhered
to:
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A member of staff must be allocated to remain outside the room/area in which the young person is being held on Single Separation. The purpose of observation is
primarily to ensure that the young person is safe. During single separation a strategy of contact with the young person must be agreed by the team. Consideration
must be given as to how, who or if verbal communication should take place. This must be in line with individual risk and care plan
The Duty Officer must be made aware of single seperation
Automatic stripping and clearing of the room must not occur and consideration must be given to what possessions the young person should be allowed to have
access to – this must be based on individual risk assessment.
An incident must always be reocrded following a period of single seperation
Observations must be recorded on the electronic reocrding system, and must not be documented less than every five minutes during the single seperation.
Staff should assess ending of single seperation. Staff can achieve this by coregulating with the young person, talking to the young person, re‐assessing mood and
responses and planning with the young person the way forward.
If single separation continues past the normal bedtime, observations should continue until such time as staff feel that the young person is calm and able to be left
safely under normal night time supervision inline with the childs care plan
As the main focus must be to end single separation as soon as possible, staff must ensure that any de‐escalation of the young person’s presenting behaviours must
be taken into consideration and as soon as the staff team feel it is safe to do so single separation should be brought to an end – the reasons for doing this should be
clearly documented in the single separation logs.
The record must also include details of subsequent steps i.e. spending time with staff talking through issues or re‐joining group. Staff should provide support for the
young person after the period of single separation.
The Duty Officer must be informed as soon as a young person is removed from Single Separation. If the young person is still on Single Separation following a
continuous one‐hour period the Duty Officer must be informed and authorisation sounght from a Deputy Manager or above. If out of hours the Bronze on call
should be contacted.
The young person should be offered additional support in line with their risk and care plan following any period of single seperation
Relevant professionals including social workers should be informed of any period of single seperation
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 To lead a culture where restrictive policies are used appropriately, and
proportionately.
 To ensure that young people are kept safe within the home and that
restrictive policies such as single separation are used appropriately and
proportionately. Restrictive practices should be for as short a period of time
as is possible
 To ensure that emotional support is offered throughout the use of
restrictive policies and that the young person’s physical and emotional
wellbeing are of primary importance
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Managing Away Policy
Definition of Managing Away
Any managing incident will be decided by the ‘willingness’ of the young person to
comply with staff requests. If a young person is directed or requires physical
intervention to be removed from an unsafe situation to another area where they
are locked in with staff, then this meets the criteria for being managed away
immediately. If a young person fits the criteria for managing away and then
willingly goes with staff to another room/area, as they require privacy and/or
support then this is not managing away as they are choosing to go to that area
and choosing to stay there. If, however, whilst in that area the young person
wishes to leave, but staff feel, based on risk assessment , that the young person is
still a risk to self or others if they leave the area, then managing away procedure
must be implemented.
 If as a result of a young person’s behaviour, she/he needs to be moved
away from their normal timetabled location or away from their immediate
peers, and against the wishes of the young person, then this action will
be described as Managing Away
 Managing away can be used for a period of 1 hour in order for staff to work
with the young person in order to reduce or alleviate the problem
behaviour. On such occasion, staff must have considered any existing
individual behaviour/care/education or health plan. This may only be
extended with authorisation from the Deputy or Registered Manager, with
clear rationale and aim of the intervention outlined.
 Every episode of managing away must be recorded in full, detailing specific
strategies to be used in order that the young person can be returned to
their normal environment, if safe and practical, as soon as possible. The
record will also evidence management oversight of the rationale, the reason
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for continued use and how the period of managing away was brought to an
end.
 The exception to this is when a young person has an Education Health Care
(EHC) plan which clearly sets out that a young person is managed away as
part of their normal routines, and these routines are not part of the secure
home’s normal routines. This must be agreed at a multi-disciplinary meeting
which would include a Social Worker, Clinician who agree this is required to
meet the young person’s specific needs. This type of plan would be the
exception rather than the rule.
 There can be no more than one use of managing away up to 1 hour in any
one 24 hour period (07.30-10.30) unless a Deputy Manager or Registered
Manager confirms approval.
 Managing away must not be confused with Single Separation. Single
Separation involves a young person being removed and not being
accompanied by staff (See guidance on use of Single Separation)
 If a young person is removed from education due to behavioural issues they
will deemed to be excluded and this period (one lesson, half a day or full
day) should be recorded in education and care records to reflect this.
Therefore, an exclusion, even temporary, would not need to be deemed as
managing away. The young person has been excluded and the normal
routine for any young person excluded would be that they go back to the
home and engage in educational activities under staff supervision (as would
be the case with a young person in the community-education work would
be accessed by staff and provided for the young person. Supervision of this
work can be facilitated by either education or care staff). The aim will be to
return the young person back to school as soon as possible.
Approval for use of Managing Away
 No approval is needed for using managing away for up to 1 hour
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 If managing away needs to be extended for more than 1 hour, approval
must be sought by a deputy manager or registered manager. This cannot
be delegated to any other staff members
 If there is a need to continue the practice of using extended periods of
Managing Away (i.e. in excess of 1 hour), then this practice and rationale for
its use must be clearly stated in the young person’s care plan. The home has
a Managing Away document that must be completed, that ensures the
managing away is effective in achieving its aim. The rationale should include
specific strategies which should be used in order to return the young person
to their normal environment as soon as possible and what support will be
in place to promote their wellbeing during the period of managing away.
In some cases, the information received at referral stage may suggest that
periods of managing away may need to be used from admission. However this
must not become standard practice for all new admissions and must only be
used if information is available which necessitates its use-such as information
from CAHMS ,Social Care and previous placements.
 To lead a culture where restrictive policies are used appropriately, and
proportionately.
 To ensure that young people have are kept safe within the home and that
restrictive policies such as managing away are used appropriately and
proportionately. Restrictive practices should be for as short a period of time
as is possible
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 To ensure that emotional support is offered throughout the use of
restrictive policies and that the young person’s physical and emotional
wellbeing are of primary importance
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Supervision of young people in Secure Accommodation
Policy
Supervision is essential to ensure safety and security within the secure home.
However, it should be carried out sensitively with respect for the young people
and should never been seen as aggressive or infringing on dignity. The emphasis
should be on developing good relationships accompanied by high standards of
childcare practice, rather than a regimented approach.
The design of each of the secure homes are such that certain parts of the
communal living area allows maximum freedom of movement around the home
or the same areas may be locked down as deemed necessary for security
purposes or management of the group.
The level of supervision will be determined by risk assessment. This applies to both
group settings and individual young people. Staff must be aware of the
whereabouts of each young person at all times. Young people must never be
allowed together unsupervised.
Members of staff must never leave the young people or area they are supervising
unless adequate supervision is provided by other staff members. If a member of
staff requires support or needs to leave the area, they must summon assistance
via the pinpoint system, unless a child is on the relevant banding system to be in
an area with unsupervised access.
Each team member must know the whereabouts of home’s colleagues at all times.
Staff must not leave the home until they have liaised with the team in order to
ensure that it is safe to do so. This is also the case when taking young people from
one area of the building to another. Staff must communicate with colleagues on
the home and the Duty Officer when escorting young people around the site. Staff
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must only access the staff office if it is safe to do so. Time spent in the staff office
must be minimal and task focused. Staff must not remain in the office if the young
people are unsettled-the priority must be to ensure safe management of the
young people.
All supervision and observation must be meaningful and thorough. Observations
must be sufficient that staff can confirm signs of life (i.e. that the young person is
breathing), and that they are safe and well (i.e. that they are not hurt or at risk of
harm, for example, have applied a ligature.) Staff must be confident that their
observation has taken into account all risk factors and respond immediately to any
concerns or uncertainty.
Group Settings.
General supervision
 Groups of young people (two young people or more) must never be left
unsupervised, in any part of the building.
 All young people must remain in line of sight of at least one staff member,
unless the young person is using bathing/toilet facilities or in their bedroom (see
below under individual supervision).
 Staff are expected to interact with the young people and place themselves
within the group in order to be able to monitor peer group interaction and develop
good relationships. The above points constitute a general level of supervision.
 Young people are not allowed in other young people’s bedrooms, staff must
be vigilant when bedroom doors have been unlocked, staff must remain situated
on the bedroom corridor.
Increased supervision
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 If any risks have been identified regarding an individual’s behaviour or
vulnerability within the group, increased supervision will be put in place. This will
involve identifying a staff member to take responsibility for monitoring this
particular individual. This may necessitate keeping the young person in line of
sight, or could involve closer observation, such as sitting next to them in any
communal areas. This must be carried out sensitively and in a way that is not
perceived as oppressive.
Individual supervision
General supervision
 Whenever a young person leaves the group, staff must be aware of where
the young person is going, why, and be mindful of the supervision level required
for that individual in the particular circumstance.
 If there are no particular risks identified with the young person and the
activity involved, a general level of supervision should be maintained.
The young person should remain in line of sight, unless the young
person is using bathing/toilet facilities. In such circumstances, staff
should remain vigilant and be aware of excessive time spent away.
Verbal contact should be maintained if staff’s concerns are raised.
 Young people will request time in their bedroom and this should be
facilitated in order to support privacy - this is subject to there being
sufficient staff available to provide supervision of the bedroom corridor,
without compromising the safety of other young people or staff. A staff
member must remain on the bedroom corridor and maintain
observations/verbal contact which is informed by the individual’s
current risk assessment. Supervision will be provided in a sensitive and
non-intrusive manner, allowing privacy as far as practicable. Any cause
for concern arising from the conduct of the young person whilst in their
room must be addressed immediately. (see Access to Bedrooms policy).
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Increased supervision
 A young person may be placed on increased observations to ensure
their safety. Levels of supervision and staffing ratios should be
dynamically assessed by all staff, and be a proportionate balance
between respecting the young person’s right to privacy and dignity, with
our responsibility to provide safe and appropriate care.
In addition to the above, there are particular activities which staff should consider,
may require increased supervision. This will be dependent on individual need, and
what is known and understood about levels of risk. This may include, but is not
limited to:
 Admissions – young people on admission, should have increased
supervision. The length of increased supervision will be dependent on the
rate at which staff are able to build a sufficient understanding of the young
person’s needs and behaviours that allow an informed decision to be made,
and the level of difficulty the young person experiences adjusting to a
secure placement.
 Night time – specific decisions regarding night time level of supervision
should be clear in individual risk plans.
 In response to high levels of risk, level of supervision, and staffing ratio
should be dynamically reviewed.
 Mealtimes- staff must ensure that the Mealtime procedure is adhered to,
especially in relation to access to the kitchen and associated equipment
 Visits- staff must adhere to the Visitors procedure, paying particular
attention to the potential for contraband to be passed.
Guidelines for Constant Observations
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When a young person is on constant observations there is high risk for their safety
involved and their Risk Management will be reviewed at least daily, it involves a
member of staff closely supervising the young person at all times.
Constant Observations require that staff are in close, clear line of sight of the
young person at all times. This would deemed to be ‘arm’s length’ even when using
the bathroom. At the discretion of a Deputy Manager or Registered Manager, this
distance may be increased, if the close proximity is causing the young person
increased distress, and is not considered in their best interest. Constant
observations however, must maintain close, clear line of sight at all times. This
measure is only ever put into place in the event of significant risk, and wherever
possible and safe to do so, with liaison with the multi-disciplinary team.
Procedure
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The Young Persons level of observation will be documented on the electronic recording system and daily
briefing. If staff are unsure if the recorded level is correct they should check with the Duty Officer
When carrying out the observation, the staff member will record the observation in line with the agreed time
scale i.e. 5 Min, 15 Min, 30 Min.
During waking hours staff will knock before opening the observation panel if the young person is awake. This is
to preserve the Young Persons dignity and respect. If the Young Person states they are using the shower, getting
changed, having personal time etc then the voice contact can be used as long as this has previously been agreed
in the care plan. All Young People have the right to privacy so there will be times i.e. when using the toilet, when
voice contact will be used at the observer’s discretion. However if the young person fails to maintain the voice
contact or there voice presentation changes, staff will give a warning to the Young Person that they are required
to use the viewing panel or open the door to carry out the observation.
When using the viewing panel staff should fully record everything they see i.e. if the young person is asleep
their body position and breathing should be documented. At a minimum staff should take between 5‐10
seconds to carry out the observation.
If staff are unable to establish if the Young Person is breathing then a second member of staff should be
requested and an open door observation should take place.
The observation is recording in the electronic recording system
Any dynamic changes to levels of observations should be recorded in the young persons risk and care plan.
Whereever possible, the young person should be involved in the discussion, or as a minimum explanation as to
their level of supervision,
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supervision is carried out with emphasis placed on dignity and respect
 That supervision and changes to supervision of an individual young person
is discussed with them
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Safe Equipment Policy
It is our primary responsibility to ensure that young people within the home feel
safe and are treated with respect. The use of safe equipment including safety suits
and safety bedding can only be considered in discussion with Management and,
where possible, Multi-disciplinary colleagues. Use of a safe suit or bedding must
never be used as a sanction.
Rationale
If staff feel that safe equipment needs to be used this must be discussed with the
Duty Officer first and then, if the Duty Officer also has concerns, with a Deputy
Manager, Registered Manager or on call manager.
Safe equipment are only used when the tying of ligatures has become so serious
that there is a significant concern for the safety and health of a young person. They
are never used as a distraction or sanction.
When considering if safe equipment may be needed the following questions must
be considered carefully:
 What part of the body is being affected?
 How tight are the ligatures?
 Is the young person using clothing torn from what they are wearing (can
items be removed to make the situation/area safer).
 How intent is the young person on causing actual harm to themselves – if
they are upset can they be distracted by staff, activities or anything else?
 Physical Appearance – are they showing physical signs of distress due to
tight ligatures – what are these signs.
 How long has the episode of self-harm using ligatures been going on?
 How many ligatures have been tied?
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 Does the young person have a medical condition that could be seriously
affected by the tying of ligatures?
 Is there a pattern to tying ligatures – think of anything that might be causing
this episode of self-harm.
If levels of supervision can be increased to avoid the need for safe equipment this
must be considered if at all possible.
If the need for use of safe equipment is considered to be the only safe option after
all above considerations, wherever possible the young person should be involved
or at least an explanation offered as to why safe equipment should be used.
Use of Safety Blanket/Pillow
The use of a safety blanket and pillow is significantly different from the use of a
safe suit. A safety blanket and pillow can be used to keep a young person safe if
they are tying ligatures using bedding/clothing they have in their room but do not
use the clothing they are wearing. The use of a safety blanket and pillow allows
the room to be cleared of items that can cause harm but allows the young person
dignity, comfort and warmth in a safe environment.
The use of safety blanket – which means removing all usual bedding and other
items from the room that might be ripped - must be recorded as an incident and
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the criteria for doing so must be clear and with the intention of keeping the young
person safe. The use of a Safety Blanket must never be used as a sanction.
Normal bedding should be reintroduced as soon as safely possible.
Recording
Details of any use of safe suit or safety blanket must be recorded in the electronic
recording system as an incident. The young person must be offered debrief,
details of which must be detailed within this record.
Social Worker, family or EDT must be informed and this must be recorded. The
use of a Safe Suit must be notified under Regulation 40.
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 To ensure that safety equipment within the home is used only as a last
resort and all other options have been exhausted
 To ensure appropriate notification to the regulators when safety equipment
is used
use of safety equipment is only considered when all other options have
been exhausted.
 To ensure the equipment is used for the shortest safe period of time
 That use of safety equipment is carried out with dignity and respect
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Soft chairs (Safety PODS)
For the purpose of this guidance, soft chairs are defined as a ‘bean-bag’
styled device designed to increase the safety and comfort for a person
being physically held in a seated position. The devices are often used
therapeutically in health and social care settings to reduce the use of
ground holds.
Marydale Lodge works with a number of partner organisations who have chosen
to incorporate the use of soft chairs as part of an organisational (or individual)
behaviour support strategy. Their use can be considered as part of both primary
and secondary preventative strategies, as well as a tertiary strategy.
Marydale Lodge recognises the positive impact such equipment can have on
improving the quality of life of service users in circumstances where the use of
restraint is unavoidable. Used correctly, soft chairs can reduce the number of
ground restraints as well as the use of single separation.
However, we also recognise a number of risks associated with the use of soft
chairs; notably the potential for their habitual use in the tertiary level response
space based on the rationale that they make restraint safer. It is essential that
when introducing safety chairs, our practice does not neglect the key skills of
understanding the functions of behaviour and our endeavour to reduce our
reliance on the use of restraint. Furthermore, if such equipment is only used as
part of a tertiary level response it becomes synonymous with being a restraint
device.
We advocate that the use of any such equipment should be on an individual
basis and form part of an individual’s Risk and Care Plan. Formalising their use by
incorporating them in such a plan ensures that primary and secondary level
applications are also explored, and that young people can be consulted. The
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following guidance is aimed at all organisations and individuals who use the
PRICE Training system to ensure that there is a coherent introduction and
implementation of soft chairs into the organisation.
We have addressed the following key areas below;
- What are soft chairs?
- How will they be used?
- What techniques can we safely use? (PRICE Training approved)
- What are the associated risks specific to our setting?
- What maintenance is required for our soft chairs?
- How we will review the effectiveness of their use
What are soft chairs?
Soft chairs (Inc. pillow accessories) are specialist pieces of equipment designed to
reduce the likelihood of injury or accidents in circumstances where there is no
alternative but to restrain young people in our care. They also create a more
dignified body position for young people whilst being held. Soft chairs should not
be mistaken for regular domestic beanbags, as they are not ergonomically
designed to support people in such circumstances.
Purpose made soft chairs enable young people to be held in ways which ensure
physical support to the head and neck, thus improving spinal alignment and
reducing the likelihood of injury.
Practised correctly, young people are maintained in a seating position with an
angle of approximately 135 degrees from the top of the knees to the individual’s
head, providing for adequate chest expansion and lung function.
Soft chairs come in a number of sizes, colours and fabrics. It is essential that the
correct sized chair is used in order to minimise the risk of harm or injury to both
young people and those supporting the individual.
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Soft chairs can also be used therapeutically, enabling individuals to voluntarily
use them as a safe space to self-regulate their behaviour as well as a source of
desirable sensory input. They can also be a platform for other therapeutic
activities to take place.
How will they be used?
It is important for Marydale Lodge to set out how safety chairs will be used
within the home. Young People’s Care & Risk Plans should be amended to
include the use of chairs.
Safety chairs will be strategically placed throughout the home with at least 1 on
each unit, to allow the chairs to be quickly accessed. This will reduce the amount
of distance travelled to a soft chair. In the event there is not a nearby chair, we
recommend (where possible), a soft chair is brought to the person as opposed to
taking the person to the chair.
In order to reduce the potential for an institutional feel to the environment, it is
recommended that soft chairs are introduced to the home as a multi-purpose
piece of soft furnishing. Soft chairs should not be solely identified as a restraint
device but instead, be recognised as a form of seating that can be used by young
people at any time. Limiting their use solely for restraint, can cause unnecessary
anxiety and trauma for young people.
Marydale Lodge uses soft chairs in conjunction with a purpose made pillow to
restrict and reduce the movement of the young person’s legs in order to reduce
the risk of the individual using their legs to either assist in releasing themselves
from the hold or to cause harm by striking those applying the holds. Staff
applying the holds will use either a pillow or PRICE Training taught leg support.
The use of a pillow may be a preferred option to assist in diffusing the situation
as it can remove direct person to person contact.

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It is important that staff continue to assess a young person’s presentation whilst
in physical intervention, as seeking to keep a young person standing would avoid
the use of soft chairs becoming habitual.
Approved PRICE physical techniques (in conjunction with soft chairs)
PRICE training has adapted a number of its techniques to be used in conjunction
with soft chairs and do not support any further adaptations or the introduction
of any alternative techniques to be used in conjunction with soft chairs.
These techniques are currently supported by a Risk Assessment and it is PRICE
Training’s Intention to have the adaptations reviewed by an independent expert
to ensure there are no unforeseen anatomical, biomechanical and psychological
risks.
The PRICE approved soft chair techniques are;
- Phase 2 - Scoop to the soft chair > Phase 1 - Low level chair support
(shoulder embrace)
- Phase 2 - Scoop to the soft chair > Phase 2 - Low level engagement (phase
down option)
- Phase 2 - Cupped hand > Phase 2 - Scoop to the soft chair > Phase 2 - Level
1 straight arm (phase up option)
- Phase 2 - Cupped hand > Phase 2 - Scoop to the soft chair > Phase 1 - Low
level chair support (shoulder embrace)
- Phase 3 – Supporting safe travel to the soft chair
- Phase 3 – Leg support
PRICE Training only approves the application of the (above) techniques that are
included in the Soft Chair training module which is delivered by our Principal
Trainers.
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Associated risks
It is essential that the introduction of soft chairs as part of a behaviour support
strategy does not replace one set of risks with another. Incorrect use of soft
chairs can be both physically and psychologically harmful. It is therefore essential
for all those who intend to use soft chairs as part of their practice, to adhere to
the following;
- Comply with own organisation’s policy for the use of soft chairs
- Complete PRICE Training’s Soft Chair training module
- Be familiar with all risks highlighted in Individual Technique Risk
Assessments
- Comply with the manufacturer’s guide on safe use
Refresh skills on an annual basis Physical techniques that rely upon holding a
person face down, leant forward/flexed forward or the support person/s body
weight being supported by the service user must not be used under any
circumstance.
Where a service user requires head support, it is essential to only use PRICE
Training’s Head Support technique (without adaptation or modification).
Where pillows are used to support an intervention, there are no circumstances
where pillows should be placed on the groin, breast or face areas.
Physical techniques that rely upon holding a person face down, leant
forward/flexed forward or the support person/s body weight being supported by
the service user must not be used under any circumstance.
Maintenance of soft chairs
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Soft chairs require maintenance and cleaning to ensure their safe use and
prolonged life. It is recommended you adhere to the specific manufacturer’s
guidance.
Soft chairs must be prepared for use in advance (referred to as priming). Priming
the chair is essential for its safe use and should be done in accordance with the
manufacturer’s guidance as well as the specific training provided by PRICE.
Soft chairs should be checked frequently, at least after each use and routinely
checked for damage. Any damage should be reported, and a risk assessment
should be undertaken to determine whether the chair should be removed from
service. Any repairs should be undertaken by the manufacturer. As part of
routine maintenance, soft chairs need checking to ensure they have the correct
level of internal fill. Please refer to the manufacturer’s guidance for more detail.
Review of use and effectiveness
As with all restrictive practices, it is essential to review the effectiveness of using
soft chairs in relation to their impact on both service users and those staff who
provide support. The use of safety chairs should be continually reviewed, to
ensure that they remain a positive contribution to safe practice and improve the
quality of life for service users. Young people should be consulted on a regular
basis as to how soft chairs are impacting on them as individuals, as well as a
group. Where a restrictive intervention is used (including in conjunction with soft
chairs), staff should record the incident as per organisational procedures, as well
as conduct a post-incident debrief with both colleagues and the service user.
It is important for organisations to determine whether the use of soft chairs is
reducing the use of restraint and/or reducing the use of more elevated restraint
techniques. The experiences of service users are key to determining the success
of soft chairs, in terms of whether they experience less restrictive/aversive
interventions as well as how they are perceived. It is important to avoid an
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environment and culture that recognises the soft chairs as solely ‘restraint
chairs’.
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Use of Escort Service Policy
It is the responsibility of the home to ensure young people are kept safe during
their stay, and this includes occasions on which young people are required to leave
the home to attend appointments, events or medical attendances. Wherever
possible, home staff should support young people using the home’s vehicle. There
are however, occasions on which the use of Secure Escorts may be more
appropriate. This may include court attendance. In the specific example of court
attendances, this is the responsibility of the commissioning local authority, to
commission and instruct appropriate secure escorts.
On occasion where it is not possible for home staff to support young people, to,
for example medical attendances, authorisation must be sought from a Deputy,
Registered or on call manager to commission secure escorts.
Only escort companies who have been selected via the appropriate Purchasing
and Procurement Policy may be used. Where possible, one member of staff from
Marydale must support, so that the child has with them someone who they know
and feel safe with.
Procedure
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Need for escort is identified
Escorts booked by local authority or home (as appropriate)
On arrival, escorts must provide ID and confirm who they are collecting and for what reason.
The Escort Collection Form must be completed in full by the Escorts before leaving Reception and signed by the staff member in Reception.
There must be no deviation from the proposed journey. If a young person is requesting to make telephone calls or a variation to the plan, this must be reported
immediately to the home Duty Officer in order to seek further instruction.
It is acknowledged on some long journeys a young person may need refreshments. If the risk of absconding is considered to be high, a packed lunch will be provided
by staff.
Comfort breaks will be facilitated in accordance with Escort protocols. Any issues/concerns raised by home staff must be taken into consideration.
The young person must be seated at the back of the vehicle with no immediate access to rear doors. If levels of supervision (e.g. two escorts‐1 passenger and 1
driver) cannot accommodate this, please ensure that available safety mechanisms are used such as child locks. In such circumstances, the young person must not sit
behind the driver. They must sit behind the passenger seat and the second escort should sit behind the driver.
The young person must have no access to restricted items such as mobile phones, cigarettes, lighters and money.
The home must ensure no additional items are taken by the young person which may increase the risk to abscond, such as additional clothing.
On return to the home a full handover will be provided by escort staff to Marydale. This must include information regarding any periods of unsupervised time or
possible access to contraband
In relation to the last bullet point, Escorts must complete Escort Return Form on their return to the home. It is essential that this information is completed in full‐this
will enable staff to risk assess the level of personal search required for the young person (See Personal Search policy).
Any concerns raised by a young person in relation to their care whilst under the supervision of Escorts must be reported in line with expected Safeguarding
procedures. This also applies to staff who have any concerns whilst they are accompanying young people off site with Escorts. Staff must always remember that the
home remains the primary carer for young people and it is our duty to ensure that young people are managed safely and with dignity.
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 To ensure that any escort organisations used are subject to the
organisations Purchasing Policy and a diligent procurement process is in
place to provide assurance of the fitness of the organisation
 To ensure that appropriate information sharing processes are completed
with escort organisations to ensure the safety of the young person
 To record and respond to any incidents whilst young people are in the care
of secure escorts.
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Mobility Policy
Mobility away from the home, is based on an individual risk assessment for each
young person. As the placement progresses all young people will have a Mobility
Plan included as part of their care plan which will detail all ‘social’ exits from the
secure home – including transition to future placements. The mobility plan will be
subject to risk assessment and details the level of supervision as well as any
specific concerns regarding the young person exiting the secure home.
Mobility programmes are an integral part of the placement planning at the home.
Carefully planned and supervised mobility programmes provide young people
with opportunities to prepare for the transition from secure accommodation.
Mobility is usually considered after the first month in placement, but this must be
assessed on an individual basis.
Mobility programmes require risk assessment, which takes into consideration
individual need, the safety of public and property, the safety of the young person,
time and the progress made already. It will be an indication of the level of coping
skills achieved by the young person and will assist in measuring overall progress.
Each mobility session must be based on careful consideration of the present
situation and the balancing of risks against benefits.
However, above all, mobility should be a pleasant experience for young people. It
is something that they will be looking forward to and it is time for them to have
2:1 or 1:1 time with staff. Consideration must be given to who facilitates the
mobility and careful planning must take place to ensure that the experience is not
seen as ‘rushed’.
The key objectives of the mobility include:
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 Enabling young people to pursue interests/hobbies which cannot be
facilitated in the secure home.
 Enabling young people to progress with Independent Living Skills
outside the secure home
 Assisting in the transitional period from secure accommodation
towards a less restrictive environment.
 Providing clear goals which young people may attain through their
own efforts linked primarily to self-responsibility.
 Promoting a sense of achievement and maintaining positive feelings
of future planning and ambition for young people.
 Providing opportunities for young people to re-establish links with
significant others in their lives.
 Promoting the social, emotional intellectual and physical
development of young people.
 Provides incentives which relate to Marydale’s Reward system such
as visit to cinema/local sporting events
Mobility agreements
Mobility for young people is subject to approval by the local authority. Mobility
programmes are usually formulated jointly by the young person’s Social Worker,
the home, the young person and significant others (if required). All mobility
programmes must be approved by Deputy Manager before being submitted for
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local authority approval. Mobility programmes must be submitted to the placing
Local Authority for written authorisation prior to commencing any stage of
mobility. All arrangements made for supervision and escorting must be strictly
adhered to.
Stages of Mobility
There are 4 stages of mobility:
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Stage One
•The main purpose of Stage 1 mobility is to assess the young person’s ability to function outside the confines
of secure accommodation, and more specifically, the risk of absconding. Stage 1 consists of 4/5 exits from
the home, all of which will be supervised by 2 members of staff and will take place on site and around the
perimeter of the site. The expectation is that Stage 1 will be completed over a 12/15 day period
Stage Two
•The main purpose of Stage 2 mobility is to continue to assess the risk of absconding, observe the young
person’s social interactions and response to potential risk situations. Stage 2 consists of 4/5 exits from the
home, all of which will be supervised by 2 members of staff, and will take place off site, within the immediate
local area. The expectation is that Stage 2 will be completed over a 12/15 day period
Stage Three
•The main purpose of Stage 3 mobility is to continue to assess the risk of absconding, observe the young
person’s social interactions and response to potential risk situations. Stage 3 also begins to prepare the
young person for moving on from secure accommodation, e.g. providing opporthomeies to assess the young
person’s response to allocated responsibility. The young person’s mobility plan can also be personalised in
relation to their overall Care Plan and individual hobbies/interests. The number of mobilities within this stage
can vary, depending on the length of the current secure order. All mobilities will be supervised by 1 member
of staff, and will take place off site, initially within the immediate local area.
Stage Four
•The main purpose of Stage 4 mobility, is to continue to prepare the young person for moving on from secure
accomodation, predominantly in the form of transitional visits to the next identified placement. It can also
incorporate any activities associated with the Reward system. The number of mobilities within this stage can
vary, depending on the length of the current secure order. All mobilities will be supervised by 1 member of
staff, and will take place off site, both within and beyond the local area.
Mobility for Medical Treatment
Emergency medical treatment must be sought immediately and should not be
delayed whilst formal mobility approval is obtained. Supervision and escorting
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arrangements must be made in consultation with a Deputy, Registered or on call
manager (See Escort policy).
Non urgent medical attention may be sought following approval from Deputy,
Registered or on call and the placing Local Authority. Again the necessary
supervision and escorting arrangements must be made.
Procedure (Planning)
Following a decision to commence mobility, the
Key worker (or delegated other) will take
responsibility for formulating a mobility
programme. This must be coproduced with the
young person.
When considering a mobility plan, the home diary
must be checked to ensure that the proposed
dates are available. A common sense approach
must be applied in relation to how many
mobilities can be accommodated in one day.
The mobility programme must be checked by a
Deputy Manager.
Plan is forwarded to relevant Social Worker for
their approval.
If approval is given, details should be entered
onto the home Calendar
Young Persons care and risk plan is updated
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Procedure (Mobility)
Mobility is planned in mobility programme
Prior to mobility, home staff must check that there are
appropriate levels of staffing to facilitate. If there are any
concerns, staff must contact a Duty Officer in order to try
and resolve the issue.
Dynamic assessment of young person is carried out by Duty
Officer and proposed escorting staff. This should take into
account any changes in behaviour, recent incidents, or
changes in circumstances for the young person (e.g.
receiving significant news)
If the decision to cancel or postpone is made, then the young
person and the placing Local Authority must be informed of
the rationale. Such a decision will be made on the basis of
risk assessment. If this is related to a young person’s
presentation, the young person must be informed of this.
If mobility is to go ahead, pre mobility form is to be
completed and signed by Duty Officer
All logistics must be in place before the young person is
brought to reception (pocket money if applicable, pre
mobility questionnaire, vehicle ready, duty mobile, grab
sheet etc)
When out on mobility, no deviations from planned activities
should take place
In the event of the young person attempting to abscond,
physical intervention may be required, and the Incident
Management; Missing from Care procedure should be
followed
Procedure (Post Mobility)
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Young person returns from
mobility
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Policy and Search Policy to be
followed
The mobility should be captured
in detailed recordings to ensure
progress or concerns are captured
Any appropriate update to risk
and care plans
 That young people are supported and encourages to access a mobility
programme that is appropriate and individualised to them
 That appropriate risk assessments are in place and adhered to
 That staff supporting young people on mobility respond appropriately and
dynamically to any changes.
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Personal Alarm Policy
In order to promote safety and security at the home, a personal alarm system has
been provided (Pin Point System) which will operate anywhere within the home.
The Pin Point System is a personal alarm system, which consists of a PIT (personal
alarm) to be carried by the wearer as a means of raising support to a serious
incident.
The second part of the system is the pager which will notify the wearer by vibrating
or emitting a warning tone that an alarm has been raised and will give text
information as to where the alarm originates. An indicator panel within the Day
Office and Secure Coms Room will emit a warning tone and show on screen the
precise location of the alarm.
Any member of staff working within the secure home will be required to carry a
PIT(personal alarm) and pager at all times. PIT’s(Personal alarms) and pagers will
also be provided for visiting professionals. The pagers are also required for the
purposes of fire alarm activations and visiting professionals should be made
aware of this.
Pinpoints and pagers must be checked to be functional as per the home
governance systems. All staff are responsible for ensuring their equipment is
functional, and taking action to report and change faulty equipment.
Procedure
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Staff collect pinpoint and pager at the start
and shift and check functionality
Staff use pinpoint appropriately
throughout shift. This includes activation
and response in the event of an emergency
Staff return pinpoint and pager at the end
of each shift
Should the equipment fail it must be put
out of circulation until repaired
Security and Communications operatives
will conduct scheduled equipment checks
in line with governanace schedule
 That there is a sufficient supply and functional equipment
 That they carry (appropriately) a pinpoint and pager at all times
 Use the pinpoint for the intended purpose
 Respond to Emergency or Assistance activation as per the home daily
profile
 Report any non-functioning equipment
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Animal and Pet Policy
Young people can benefit educationally and emotionally, increase their
understanding of responsibility and develop empathy and nurturing skills
through contact with an animal.
The home encourages pet ownership, as well as visits by staff pets. This is
subject to appropriate risk assessment and compliance with the Professional
Boundaries Policy in the People, Learning and Development Policy. Risk
assessment must provide adequate detail regarding safeguards and
protection and promotion of welfare for both young people, staff and the
animal.
Procedure
Identified opportunity
for pet or visiting animal
Risk assessment
completed
All control measures in
place
Visit or pet purchase
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 That no animal is brought into the home without appropriate risk
assessment
 That risk assessments are completed by a member of staff who is trained
to do so
 That any pets that are brought into the home for a visit, do so in line with
the risk assessment which safeguards the welfare of staff, visitors, young
people and the animal
 That reasonable steps are taken to ensure that no damage to property of
caused by animals
 That young people are supported to access the benefits of interacting with
animals, should they wish to do so
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Exercise Equipment Policy
The home recognises the positive effect exercise can have on our young people
and staff physical and mental health. The home has a provision of exercise
equipment for the use of young people and supporting staff.
The equipment must be serviced in line with Assets and Facilities Policy, which
includes inspection and certification by an appropriately qualified individual or
organisation.
No young people must access the equipment without appropriate supervision.
Supervising staff should familiarise themselves with all equipment and functions,
and should not supervise young people unless they feel confident in doing so.
Any young people accessing equipment, should have a care and risk plan in place
in relation to this, and where appropriate views should from the multi-disciplinary
team.
Procedure (Pre Use)
Only staff who are familiar and confident with the
equipment should support young people to access.
Staff must carry out a visual check of the machines
prior to a planned session if any faults are
discovered the machine should not be used the
fault should be reported via the Repairs Fault Log.
Staff must unlock the 5 securing chains from the
machines
Staff must collect the removable equipment from
the HUB, they should use the check sheet to
ensure all equipment is present
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Procedure (During Use)
Staff must ensure that the young person
is using the machines correctly i.e. and
removable equipment is correctly
situated before use.
Staff must ensure the young person is
not unduly exerting themselves (for
example lifting weights that appear
beyond their capabilities).
Staff and young people must ensure
that the machines are cleaned following
any use wipes will be provided with the
removable equipment.
Young person should be encourages to
take on board appropriate hydration
during exercise
Procedure (After usage)
Staff must ensure all removable
equipment is taken off the machines and is
accounted for against the check list.
Staff must re lock the machines using the
removable locks (young person must not
carry out this action).
Staff must return the removable
equipment.
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 To ensure that the equipment is appropriately checked and serviced
 To ensure young people are encouraged and supported appropriately to
access equipment
 To ensure that moveable equipment is returned and stored appropriately
 To ensure that any damage or faulty equipment is put out of service
immediately and reported appropriately
 That young people do not exercise in a way that may cause harm
 To request further information or training if they are not comfortable with
how the equipment should be used
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Medication Policy
Marydale adheres to Nugent’s medication policy, location in the Operational Policy
stack. The additions to this specific to Marydale are below.
Admissions process
Prior to a child arriving at Marydale Lodge, Marydale must receive the consent for
medication form, signed by the child’s Social worker.
Any medication that is brought to Marydale Lodge is to be signed in on the
Communication Area Diary by two people completing a stock count.
The items are then to be taken to unit which the child will be living on and stored
in the correct place for the type of medication.
Administration of Medications
All staff are to complete Medication Training and are not able to dispense any
medication until they have had their Medication Competency Assessment.
Any concerns identified when administering medication, are to be raised to the
Duty Officer and Duty Manager immediately and a medication audit is to take
place.
Should a child refuse to take their medication and keep this on their person, to
prevent the child passing medication to any other child, the child is to be managed
away until the medication has been handed to staff to dispose or until the child
has taken the medication.
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Discarding of Medications
If a child refuses to take their medication, the medication is to be put into a
medication disposal bag with the name of the medication, amount of tablets and
date of disposal clearly written on the disposal bag. This is then to be placed in the
Medication Disposal Box on the unit.
The refusal is to be documented on the MAR sheet, to ensure the count is correct.
The medication in the disposal box is to be taken to Taylors Chemist to be correctly
disposed of once per month.
Medication Audit
Medication Audits for Prescribed and Household medications are to be complete
on a weekly basis, by a staff member who is trained and has completed their
Competency assessment. Any concerns identified in the Audit are to be raised to
the management team immediately.
Should issues be identified during the medication audit, the frequency of
medication audits will increase until the Registered Manager is satisfied that
Medication Audits can revert to weekly.
Medication Audits for any Controlled Medication is to be completed daily and by
two people, in line with regulatory requirements. Any issues identified with
Controlled Medication is to be raised to the Duty Officer and Duty Manager
immediately.
Medication Errors
The response to staff members who have made medication errors will depend on
the error made, if a child comes to any harm, the staff members training and the
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staff member’s history in administering medication. The response is at the
Registered Managers discretion.
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Document Change Log
The Document Change Log acts as a register of all authorised changes made to
this document.
Changes will not be made unless authorised by the document owner.

Description of Change Change Change Authorised Date

requested made by by document
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106 | P a g e

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Document Title: Marydale Lodge Policy Stack

Document Owner and position: Andrea Marshall, Registered Manager

Document Owner Signature:

Document Authorised by and position:

Document Authorised Signature:

Date document published: 26.08.2022

Date of last revision: 26.08.2022

Date of next review: 26.08.2024

Authorised document change log is recorded at the back of this document.

This document will be reviewed at least every two years.

Policy for prohibited and restricted items; Page 4

Person property; Page 9

Visitors’ policy; Page 12

Jewellery policy; Page 15

Access to lockers policy; Page 17

Closed Circuit Television policy; Page 18

Safety and cleanliness checks policy; Page 24

Key policy; Page 27

Personal searches policy; Page 32

Home and bedroom search policy; Page 43

Admission policy; Page 48

Abscond from the Secure Home by breach of security policy; Page 52

Behaviour Management policy; Page 54

Single separation policy; Page 60

Managing away policy; Page 63

Supervision of Young People in Secure Accommodation policy; Page 68

Safe equipment policy; Page 75

Soft chairs policy; Page 79

Use of Escorts policy; Page 86

Mobility policy; Page 89

Personal alarm policy; Page 96

Animal and pet policy; Page 98

Exercise Equipment policy; Page 100

Medication Policy; Page 103

this, specific to Secure Accommodation, are below.

It is essential to maintain a safe and secure environment at within the home. In so

withheld to which they are entitled, without clear reason.

To ensure that security is maintained, a number of items have been identified as

prohibited and as such, must never be allowed onto the home.

 Glue/solvents - not water based.

 Chewing gum (can be used to restrict locking mechanisms)

 Mobile phones/electronic devices

Paper cutting tools

Cosmetic items (e.g. nail polish)

Kitchen equipment e.g. tin opener, grater, pastry cutters.

Jewellery-see Jewellery policy

Hair straighter / dryers

Young people must not have unsupervised access to such items.

stored/discarded in line with the personal property policy.

resources. This may include, but not limited to:

Ligature removal cutters

Mobile technology (ipads, tablets etc)

contractors will need to bring equipment on to the home which could be

potentially harmful if accessed by a young person. There is an expectation staff

Personal searches, admissions searches, visitors policy and bedroom inventories

managed within the home.

Items brought in to the home from friends, families or professionals.

restricted items procedure.

It is acknowledged that visitors, especially family members, will want to bring

Information is sent to parents/carers and Social Workers following admission

advises against bringing large amounts of snacks in recognition and support of

and documented appropriately.