PFI consultation with parents: 16th October 2007, part II

Questions asked … and answers given, part II 

18. What plans have you made for a smooth transition for current Broom Court users?

There will be a process of consultation, and then as we get near to the time, we will make a clear programme, building on the work that was undertaken when Rowan Gardens moved to Acorn Lodge.

19. How do parents find out about this project and services available?

I will invite you to events, and you can contact me by phone or email with any queries.

20. Can staff always wear badge, and have a noticeboard with their photos and names on it?

Yes. That is a good idea, and we will build it into both present developments and future design.

21. Will you future-proof building (in terms of technology) e.g. WiFi?

That has been built into the planning for the building, as far as is possible.

22. Will staff change?

Staff do change over time, but if they wish to remain, existing staff will have employment rights to do so, even if the care services are provided by an independent provider.

23. Will there be better outdoor facilities and a safe play area?

Yes.

24. Will there be CCTV for safety and security?

If CCTV is appropriate, it can be used for external security.

25. Will there be a  webcam in public areas, so that parents can see their children?

It is not appropriate to have webcams in the children’s home, and we would not receive registration from OFSTED if we were to take up this suggestion (this question generated a lot of debate).

26. Can we have more transparency, working with parents and staff to build better relationships?

Yes. We constantly seek to improve this work.

27. Can we have regular updates, not just reviews, at convenient times?

Yes. This is something you can use the reviews to plan.

28. Can we have more details in a diary of what has happened on the short break, because it sometimes feels inadequate at present?

Yes. Again this is some thing to raise at the review – or directly, if it is a long time until the next review.

29. Can we have a parents’ evening or open day?

Yes. It is a long time since the last one.

30. Can two-way communications be improved so that care plans are always met?

Yes. This is something that needs to be worked at.

31. Can transport offered to and from short break include the luggage?

This is something we are working hard to resolve.

32. If clothes are not returned, or  sent home dirty, or child in wrong trousers, what should a parent do?

The parent should raise it directly at the time, and if not satisfied with the outcome, should make a complaint.

33. Sometimes the  report will say child slept all night, but when parents ask this is not always true. What should we do?

The parent should raise it directly at the time, and if not satisfied with the outcome, should make a complaint.

34. Do you understand that Broom Court very much valued for parents as a break from caring?

Yes. However we all know that we need to work hard to improve services so that they are as good as we can achieve.

35. Do you understand that parents are concerned short breaks should be available when young people are 18?

Yes. That is why it is so important to engage with the transition planning which is available from the Transition Team when young people are 14, so that services can be planned to meet the needs.