once a teenage rebel who didn't enjoy education I have spent my whole working career in the Caring Profession.
Understanding challenging behaviour, what is being communicated and how best to make sense of it is a life long quest.
Some of my biggest learning was working in a custodial setting, leaning how not to do things and recognising that resources need to be channelled into interventions to prevent custody.
The most noticeable feature of the young people there was both recognised and undiagnosed special educational needs, exclusion and disengagement from any educational setting.
I have a full belief in a non punitive approach to supporting young people, that doesn't mean no consequences, but it does mean no rewards or sanctions.
What I have learnt is that doing with people rather than "too people", working holistically with all significant people in a young students life has the most effective impact.
Having been a senior leader in a team that took a boys SEMH school from RI to Outstanding and maintained the Outstanding status for 16 consecutive years has served me well in understanding how best to support a team and get the best out of a team.
Developing and shaping a vision that everyone signs up to, that is underpinned by a theoretical framework is the foundation for any successful establishment.
Effective staff support, wellbeing and management offer stability, low staff turnover and low staff absence rates all of which in turn reflect on the student body.
My later working years have been spent looking strategically at the landscape of Special Education especially SEMH.
There is no quick fix for working with these young people but good investment now can save the cost of mental health and custodial provision in later years.
No child is too tough to teach.We all need to understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
Responsibilities
An education Trust for students with SEMH and AP
- Supporting Heads to ensure that a non punitive, inclusive culture is maintained.
- Liaise with stakeholders on the strategic development of the Trust ensuring that the landscape of Special Educational Needs is included.
- Constantly review and evaluate the staffing structure to ensure that it meets the needs of the organisation and ever changing profile of the students.
- Staff wellbeing.
- Ensure students with EHCP's needs are met resourced and funded appropriately.
- Ensure the Trust remains financially viable.
Responsibilities
An Education Trust for students with SEMH and AP.
- Deputise for the Head Teacher.
- Develop a welfare department to support teaching and learning.
- Actively encourage parental engagement.
- Develop a transparent banding structure that identifies need, resource and cost.
- Directly case manage most complex student profiles.
- Manage referrals and admissions.
- Maintain Outstanding status.
Responsibilities
A secure Training Centre for young offenders.
- Ensure that the highest standards of care are maintained while the young people are in custody.
- Directly manage 4 unit managers.
- Quality assure and evaluate critical incidents.
- Investigate complaints.
- Ensure compliance with the Youth Justice Board.
Responsibilities
A residential unit.
- Ensure a well maintained environment
- High standards of care for young people.
- Delegate responsibilities to staff.
- Monitor and evaluate care plans
- work with multi-agency teams for the best possible outcomes.
Responsibilities
A family Centre with 6 residential beds.
_ Engage and support residents
- Facilitate supervised contact.
- Support the reengagement in education.
- Ensure high standards of care.
Responsibilities
A residential unit
- Supporting young adults with independent living skills.
- Promote healthy lifestyles.
Responsibilities
Residential unit , emergency placements.
Responsibilities
A Secure Unit for 6 Females
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Responsibilities
Darenth park was a large institution for adults with Learning Difficulties.
- Ensure the dignity of patients.
- Maximise their opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.
- Introduce modern thinking into practice on the wards.
- ensure the safety of all.