Staffing Levels, Rotas and Handover

The registered person should plan staffing levels in home to ensure that they meet the needs of children and can respond flexibly to unexpected events or opportunities. Staffing structures should promote continuity of care from the child’s perspective. If children complain, or give a view on how the staffing structure could be improved to promote the best care for them, appropriate action should be taken.

Contingency plans should be prepared in the event of a shortfall in staffing levels. If it is likely that there might only be one member of staff on duty at any time the manager should make a formal assessment of the implications for children’s care, including any likely risks. This assessment should be recorded and available for inspection by Ofsted and placing authorities.

Staffing levels and rota differ across our services and are managed by the Home managers. These take in to account the needs of the young people placed in the home and ensure that adequate staff are present at all times to manage risk and to promote outcomes. Handover procedures also differ across the homes but include detailed and recorded sharing of relevant information across the shift changeover to ensure safe and positive practice as well as consistency of approach.