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 safe 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. The rota is collated in advance taking in to consideration staff on annual leave, training to be undertaken and appointments for the young people. This ensures that the home remains adequately staffed to maintain the safety and the needs of the young people. Although the rota is issued in advance, there may be times that staff are asked to change their rota to meet the needs of the Home, or asked to work in another Home.

The home conducts daily hand overs after every shift, this is to ensure consistency and the smooth operation of the home, Handovers after every shift are recorded on the hand over sheets.