1.5.3 Holiday Procedure

Contents

1. Before the Holiday
2. Internal Delegation of Approval
3. Whilst on Holiday
4. Contingency Plan

1. Before the Holiday

• The Home Manager should ensure there is a valid reason for the holiday and that it meets the young person’s needs as stated in their care plan
• Holidays for young people of school age must not take place during school term, unless the circumstances are exceptional and the holiday has been specifically agreed by the LA to take place at that time
• An up to date risk assessment must be in place covering all existing known risks to the young person as well as any additional ones posed by the holiday or any activities due to be undertaken. This risk assessment should inform the staffing levels to be implemented  on the holiday and should also research and assess the appropriateness of the holiday venue
• The Home Manager should ensure the Local Authority social worker has given consent to the holiday in writing, with the consent of the relevant senior manager in the LA if that is also deemed to be required by the social worker. This consent should include signing off the risk assessment prepared in relation to the holiday
• The consent of the young person’s parent or other adult with Parental Responsibility should also be obtained if that applies

2. Internal Delegation of Approval

• Holidays and activities in the UK should be approved not lower than regional Operations Manager level
• Holidays abroad should be approved by Angela Glynn, Operations Director

3. Whilst on Holiday

• Staff should be clear that whilst they may be in a holiday location with the young person they are, nevertheless, at work. All normal terms and conditions apply as per the Continuum Group staff handbook. To be absolutely specific neither staff or young people should engage themselves in any alcoholic beverage, at any time, during the holiday
• Staff should at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner in keeping with the expectations set out in the staff handbook
• During the holiday the Home Manager will call the staff who are away daily for an update and report on the progress and wellbeing of the young person. They should also ensure they speak to the young person directly
• The Home Manager and staff should ensure that whilst on holiday the young person has access to a private telephone call each day and a nominated staff member available back at base for them to call if they wish

4. Contingency Plan

• All holiday risk assessments must include a contingency plan for ending the holiday early should that become necessary in the interests of the young person

End