Care & Support
At Falkland House School, the safety, security and protection of all pupils are paramount. Pupils’ rights are promoted in all aspects of their care. All policies, procedures and practice reflect current national and European Legislation. HM Inspectors and Care Commission Officers identified as a Key Strength “a strong sense of fairness and appreciation of individual needs.” Links with parents and the local community were also considered a “Key Strength”.
Keyworker
When a pupil enrolls at the school he has a dedicated keyworker allocated to him. The primary role of the keyworker is to ensure that pupils are fully supported in all aspects of their lives. The keyworker advocates on behalf of pupils and ensures that each individual pupil’s right to privacy, security, dignity and choice is fully met.
Keyworkers undertake Assessment and Action Records with individual pupils on an ongoing basis addressing Health, Education/Leisure, Family Relationships, Social Presentation, Behaviour and Emotional Assessments, Self-Care Skills.
The keyworker role in underpinned by the ‘Looked After Children’ legislation. Keyworkers compile reports and fully participate in the Review process.
A vital part of the keyworker role is dedicated to supporting the parents/carers of their key pupils. From the point of enrollment every endeavour is made by the keyworker to establish close links of communication with parents/carers. On an ongoing basis the keyworker provides information on a pupil’s progress at school and offers advice, support and guidance to parents and families as required.
Keyworkers also develop effective working relationships with individuals from other agencies involved in working with their key pupils.
In addition to keyworker support, the Social Work Manager is also available to support pupils, their parents/carers and families. This can take the form of individual work with pupils and their families either at school or at home.
Health
Falkland House School promotes the good health of all pupils. The school's policies and procedures are underpinned by health guidance from the Scottish Executive, The Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Care Commission.
Pupils and their parents have the choice of the pupil remaining with health services in their home area, or registering with the school's general practioner, dentist and optician.
All pupils at the school have access to GP services, dental and eye services, mental health services and health promotion through Fife Primary Health Care Trust.
- Preventative health care – pupils receive information on all aspects of their health and attend for health assessments, regular routine check-ups etc.
- A ‘Drop In Centre’ set up by the school nurse from Fife Primary Health Care is available to all pupils and staff on a regular 4 weekly basis. Pupils and staff are able to discuss any concerns they may have privately, and in confidence, with the nurse who offers advice and guidance on all aspects of healthcare health.
- Nurse specialists from Fife Primary Health Care visit the school to raise pupils' and staff awareness of chronic conditions suffered by pupils e.g. asthma and diabetes.
- A Smoking Cessation Group and Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training also takes place in school.
- Keyworkers routinely undertake Assessment and Action Health Plans with individual pupils.
- The school uses the Boots Monitored Dosage System (MDS) which includes providing supplies of medication for pupils, and documentation for record keeping and stock control.
Healthy Diet
At Falkland House School great emphasis is placed on providing food that promotes a healthy, varied and nutritious diet. Food standards at school are underpinned by Scottish Executive guideline 'Hungry for Success' 2006 and the 'School's (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill' 2007.
The atmosphere in the school's dining room is relaxed and informal. The cooks are familiar with the food preferences of individual pupils; this always includes any special dietary, ethnic, cultural and religious needs. All staff are aware that some pupils, particularly those on the autistic spectrum, may have sensitivity to certain foods, smells and textures. They offer support and encouragement to help pupils expand and develop their food preferences.
Pupils at Falkland House are regularly asked for their opinions about food preferences, either individually or by the use of questionnaires. This information is then used by the cooks in menu planning.
The cooks have also attended the Boys' Council.
Outreach
The Outreach Programme is well established at Falkland House School, offering a socially inclusive programme which is welcomed by individual pupils and their families. Outreach takes place during weekends and school holidays. All pupils have the opportunity to participate in recreational and educational activities of their choice, in the area and community where they live.
HMIe/Care Commission inspectors noted “A very effective and well-established outreach programme promoted very good home-school links. The enthusiastic key workers took very good account of young people’s preferences and choices in organising the outreach activities which often had an educational focus.”
Members of the Care Team plan and organise activities with individual pupils. Feedback in the form of questionnaires are sought from pupils and parents/carers on an ongoing basis. Without exception, all pupils and parents express very positive views about the value of the Outreach Programme. Outreach supports all pupils and their families but can also offer additional support during periods of stress or crisis.Pupil Support - Boys' Council
The Boys’ Council is a structured forum where pupils' representatives have the opportunity to meet with senior staff and to be involved in the decision making processes concerning many aspects of school life. Various staff disciplines are often asked to join the boy's council to address specific issues raised during the course of the meeting.
Pupils attending the Boys’ Council have been elected by their peers in the units where they are based. Prior to a scheduled Boys’ Council meeting taking place, pupils in each unit meet as a group, with their unit staff, to express their views, opinions and expectations. The pupils chair and minute their unit meetings, encouraged and supported by their Care Staff. The minutes are then raised at the Boys’ Council by the unit representative.
Pupils attending the Boys’ Council visibly develop skills of representation, negotiation and co-operation with other pupils and with staff.
Groupwork Programme
The groupwork programme in school has been developed over several years and is organized and facilitated by the Social Work Manager involving, where necessary, members of the Care Team.
Work undertaken with pupils is identified according to need. Small planned groups take place on a time limited basis e.g. social skills groups including anger management. Groups have taken place under the auspices of a ‘Young Person’s Group’ enabling sensitive issues to be addressed e.g. adoption; bereavement; supporting pupils who have a diagnosis of Tourette's or Asperger’s Syndrome.
Attendance at groups is on a voluntary basis; pupils are invited to participate. Parents/carers are always advised in advance that individual pupils will be involved in groupwork.
Peer Mediation/Support
The peer mediation support scheme is now well established at Falkland House School. It is an integral part of the school’s complaint system for pupils. The aim of using mediation in school is to encourage pupils to develop their social skills by dealing with conflict in a more positive way. Peer mediation provides pupils with an alternative to disruption and helps create an understanding and awareness of others.
Prior to becoming peer mediators, or ‘Supporters’ as they are known in school, pupils undergo an intensive and ongoing training programme facilitated by care staff who are trained as peer supporter coordinators. This enables pupils to develop the necessary knowledge and skills required to assist them in their own lives and in peer mediation.
Peer mediation takes place in a safe and structured environment with a supportive adult present at all times to assist and intervene if required.
Falkland House School advocates the promotion of healthy eating and active living for pupils. The physical and emotional health and well being of pupils underpins successful learning and enables pupils to realise their potential.
Keyworkers and class teachers are widely experienced and professional; they have a combined role in their responsibility for ensuring that individual pupils receive an optimum service. They develop creative and effective ways of working with pupils and promote individual growth, development and independence for pupils. Keyworkers and class teachers are involved with other professional agencies in reviewing and revising care plans to meet changing needs, preferences and circumstances of pupils.
Staff actively promote links with other professional agencies and organisations. Representatives from “Who Cares” and Children’s Rights Officers visit the school on a regular basis.
Peer mediation and support provides pupils with the opportunity to develop skills in mediation, conflict resolution and restorative practices. Peer support offers pupils the opportunity of finding new ways to communicate and empathise. Sharing experiences and learning from others provides a positive school experience.
The Pupils’ Council at Falkland House School consists of pupils, who have been elected by their peers, combined with senior members of staff. Pupils participate in a decision making process that affects them and take responsibility for representing others. Pupils benefit from being listened to and feeling valued; they are supported and encouraged to express their views and opinions. Pupils are provided with the opportunities to participate in school projects and developments. The Council provides the opportunity for very positive pupil-staff communication. Staff benefit from developing a greater understanding of the issues affecting pupils.
Staff participation in a continuous process of CPD enables individuals to develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience which enhances competence and practice.