AYAP Purpose & Function

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Contents Page No.

1 SCHEDULE 1, REGULATION 4 ...................................................................... 2
2 OVERVIEW OF ARCH .................................................................................... 3
3 STATEMENT OF VALUES AND PRINCIPLES ............................................... 5
4 ARCH YOUNG ADULTS PROJECT (AYAP) ................................................... 6
5 ACCOMMODATION........................................................................................ 9
Privacy .......................................................................................................... 10
House Agreement ......................................................................................... 10
House Agreement Breach ............................................................................. 11
Fire Procedure............................................................................................... 11
Domestic Arrangements ................................................................................ 11
Medication..................................................................................................... 12
Post............................................................................................................... 12
Telephone ..................................................................................................... 12
6 PHILOSOPHY OF SUPPORT ....................................................................... 13
Aims and Objectives...................................................................................... 13
7 REFERRALS AND ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE.......................................... 15
Exclusions ..................................................................................................... 15
Criteria for Referral........................................................................................ 15
Information visits ........................................................................................... 16
Progressing the Referral................................................................................ 16
Emergency Placements................................................................................. 17
Key Working .................................................................................................. 17
Induction........................................................................................................ 17
Planning and Review..................................................................................... 18
8 RECORDS .................................................................................................... 19
9 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT................................................. 20
Independent Living Skills ............................................................................... 20
Personal and Social Relationships ................................................................ 20
Budgeting and Money Management.............................................................. 20
Diet and Nutrition .......................................................................................... 21
Education, Employment and Training............................................................ 21
Leisure and Recreation ................................................................................. 21
Health ........................................................................................................... 22
Equal Opportunities....................................................................................... 22
Move-on Arrangements................................................................................. 23
Ex-Residents ................................................................................................. 24
10 RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCE ............................................. 25
11 CONTACT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS .................................................... 26
12 CHILD PROTECTION ................................................................................... 27
13 UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE........................................................................ 28
14 COMPLAINTS, COMPIMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS ......................... 29
15 ANTI-HARRASSMENT AND BULLYING....................................................... 31
16 DEALING WITH CHALLENGING SITUATIONS ............................................ 32
17 CONSULTATION .......................................................................................... 33
18 INSPECTIONS .............................................................................................. 34
Appendix I - Staffing ...................................................................................... 35
Appendix II - Training .................................................................................... 36
Appendix III – Team Skills Profile .................................................................. 37
Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

AYAP S of P&F Document.
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Updated December 2007 by Nicola Lowry and Nick Steer
1 SCHEDULE 1, REGULATION 4
Statement to be kept in relation to Arch Young People Project (AYAP) at 9

The Parkway, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
People to whom the statement is to be made available for inspection:
a) The Principal in charge of the children’s home
b) The staff at the children’s home and any other person working there.
c) The children accommodated in the children’s home
d) The parent of any child accommodated in the children’s home
e) Any person who is not a parent of a child accommodated in the children’s

home, but who has parental responsibility for such a child.
f) Any Placing Authority / Local Authority looking after, or having the care of a
child accommodated in the children’s home, where they are not responsible
for the management of the home.
g) Any voluntary organisation providing accommodation for a child

accommodated in the children’s home, where they are not responsible for
the management of the home.
h) Any Placing Authority / Local Authority that has placed a child in the
children’s home or is considering doing so.
i) Any independent person who has been officially appointed to act on behalf
of a child accommodated in the children’s home.
Please note that the term ‘children’ is used to indicate anyone under the age of 18
years and, therefore, not legally considered an person. No intent to demean young
people is implied.

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2 OVERVIEW OF ARCH
Summary of Present Activities
Arch provides a range of accommodation and community support services for

people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness, including single
people, families, and people fleeing domestic violence, young people, ex-offenders
and people with substance misuse problems.
Residential Projects:
Supported Housing works in Stoke and Newcastle, managing 54 bed spaces in

shared houses and single accommodation. The aim of the project is to support
clients through the ILP in the development of life skills to enable them to move on
to appropriate permanent accommodation and independent living in the
community.
Ashwood Supporting Housing provides 29 bed spaces for ex-offenders who

have been referred by the Probation Service. Accommodation has been managed
by Arch since January 2002, having previously been directly managed by
Touchstone Housing Association. The accommodation varies from a 10 bed hostel
to bedsits and shared houses.
The Lock is a unique partnership initiative with Turning Point and Combined
Healthcare NHS Trust, providing 6 bed spaces and intensive support for 16 – 19
year olds who have problems with drug or alcohol use.
Arch Young People Project (AYAP) is a children’s home registered with Ofsted,
providing 4 bed spaces for 15 to under 19 year olds, referred by Placing Authority /
Local Authorities.
Floating Support was launched in December 2005, merging the Tenancy Support,
Resettlement and Refugee Resettlement services. The service is tailored to the
individual aged 16 to 65 years from a wide range of family compositions and
cultures (literature is available in several languages) and is tailored to the individual
to build confidence by allowing choice to empower and instil independence. Up to
170 people / families are supported at any one time with tenancy acquisition,
tenancy rescue and housing crisis. Referrals can be made via Local Authorities
and other housing providers, voluntary sector organisations, probation and social
services; self-referrals can also be made to the service.
Community Support:
Arch Learning Centre works with Arch clients from other services to promote their
long-term prospects of achieving an independent way of life through the
development of new skills and self-confidence. The Learning Centre offers
informal sessions (e.g. cooking, budgeting, basic DIY) alongside more formal
educational courses (e.g. IT, CV writing, preparation for employment). It opened in
April 2004 and has now moved to a newly refurbished learning facility at Arch’s
Head Office.

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Domestic Violence Services:
The Elizabeth Trust merged with Arch in 2000 and provides two women’s refuges;
a 6-bed refuge for single women and a 15-bed refuge for women with children.
This is the only 24 hour staffed refuge in Staffordshire.
The Domestic Violence Helpline opened in 1999 and is staffed entirely by

volunteers who have completed an accredited Open College Network training
programme. The Helpline currently operates 22 hours per week and assists
around 600 women each year.
Arch Domestic Violence Outreach Project began in January 2004 and provides
practical, emotional and advocacy support for women experiencing domestic
violence. The work includes the 12-week Women’s Freedom Programme and
Men’s Freedom Programme, which work with women experiencing domestic abuse
and male perpetrators respectively. Individual counselling is also available to
women in their homes.
Arch Relationships Without Fear (Schools) project is about making teachers
and young people aware of Domestic Violence and ensuring that schools and other
education provisions are ‘safe, non judgmental’ places to talk and access support if
needed. The project not only trains staff but delivers a six week programme to the
young people themselves, so that staff can build rapport and trust with the young
people, providing additional support and guidance if needed. The project aims to
cover all schools in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands with a view to
selling the manual and training to schools nationwide.
For further information on any of our services, please contact:
Arch (North Staffs) Ltd

Canalside
Pelham Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST1 3LL
Telephone Number: 01782 204479

Fax: 01728 208622

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3 STATEMENT OF VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Arch (North Staffs) Limited is a ‘not for profit’ organisation whose mission is to
prevent and resolve homelessness. Our work is founded on core principles and
aims.
Strategic Aim 1 To provide services that meet the needs

of our stakeholders.
Strategic Aim 2 To achieve continuous improvement in

our people in order to meet the
objectives of the organisation.
Strategic Aim 3 To ensure that systems and

administrative standards meet quality,
audit and governance standards.
Strategic Aim 4 To ensure that Arch has sound financial

management that enables it to meet its
charitable objectives.
Strategic Aim 5 To have a positive impact on the

regeneration and community
sustainability of North Staffordshire.

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4 ARCH YOUNG ADULTS PROJECT (AYAP)
AYAP has operated since April 2000 and provides 24-hour staffed residential
accommodation for four young people aged 15 to under 19 year olds who are
preparing to leave the care of the Placing Authority / Local Authority. The project is
designed to assist young people to live independently in the community by
providing support that will enable them to develop the skills necessary to lead a
successful and independent way of life. This involves working with the person in a
way that is supportive and empowering. A young person’s length of stay in the
project is determined by their individual needs.
AYAP can also provide support to young people by moving them on into the
general supported housing within Arch or by providing them with resettlement
support in the community.
Statement of Values and Principles
In addition to the values and principles commonly held by Arch and its services,
AYAP believes that all young people have:
a right to a home of their choice

a right to determine their future
a right to be treated with respect and dignity
a right to receive support that is appropriate to their individual needs
AYAP aims to support young people in making the adjustment from Placing
Authority / Local Authority residential accommodation to moving into their own
home within the community. The project recognises that all young people,
regardless of their circumstances, need time, education and support to adjust to an
independent way of life. In order for young people to achieve this, they require an
environment that is supportive and empowering within which to develop the
confidence to assume personal responsibility and positive lifestyle choices. The
project aims to achieve this by:
Providing a safe environment in which young people can learn the skills
required for daily living and where they can begin to take personal
responsibility for meeting their own needs.
Providing the young person with an initial assessment of their support needs
by engaging them in a structured assessment. The assessment can then be
continued dependant on the needs required.
Encouraging and supporting young people to make decisions regarding their

future.
Ensuring that young people have the skills and resources necessary to
achieve the five outcomes of Every Child Matters; Be Healthy, Stay Safe,
Enjoy and Achieve, Make a Positive Contribution and Achieve Economic Well-
Being.

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We recognise that each young person is unique and has needs and ambitions that
are individual and complex. The project aims to support young people to achieve
independence and personhood in a way that is positive and which supports their
right to determine their own identity and future path in life by:
Providing an environment that is enabling, nurturing, supports change and

equips young people with the knowledge and experience to live
independently.
Understanding that the path to independence is a gradual and unique

experience and, therefore, sets no specific time limits on the length of stay
beyond the young person reaching the age of 19.
Ensuring that each young person has a support plan developed in liaison with
them and with statutory documentation, which reflects their personal needs
and wishes and, with their Placing Authority / Local Authority, provides a
comprehensive support package in accordance with the Children Act 1989 /
2004 and where appropriate the Leaving Care Act 2000.
Affirming the rights of young people to determine their own future and
ensuring that they are in control of decisions that affect them.
The Arch Young People Project believes that by working positively and in
partnership with young people, enabling them to explore and understand the
community within which they live and society at large, young people will be better
equipped to develop relationships and the skills to live independently.
The project applies a holistic approach to young people, recognising that self-
esteem and self-awareness develop alongside the skills necessary to approach life
in a positive and effective way. We also recognise that young people need to learn
that the act of seeking support is as essential as the support itself. Young people
often have negative perceptions of people and agencies offering support and may
view support as something that previously has been imposed upon them rather
than a voluntary relationship that is driven by the young person. Arch Young Adults
Project aims to promote support as a positive experience and an enabling and
empowering tool that the young person enters into voluntarily.
The ability to recognise that throughout life we each actively draw on the skills and
experience of others, both formally and informally, to enable us to achieve our
personal goals and ambitions, is a skill integral to a young person’s success.
AYAP forms a stepping-stone for young people to use in pursuit of their personal
goals and acts as a point from which young people can access other services
central to their future well being by:
Providing young people with information on a wide range of services.
Supporting young people to explore the resources necessary to achieve

personal goals and ambitions.
Supporting young people to gain access to resources and services.

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Providing young people with constant affirmation that they are in control of
their lives.
The House Agreement acts as the realistic framework with which the young person
can develop and explore their understanding of personal and social boundaries and
the reason why, as a society and as individuals, we set and operate within them
and the values they reflect. Young people are then better able to define their own
personal boundaries and to make choices and decisions about their future based
on an understanding of the way in which individuals and society connect to one
another. The project aims to support this by:
Supporting young people to explore and understand the purpose of social

boundaries.
Supporting the young person to explore why we each have our own personal
values and the way they underpin our identity and expectations of others.
Supporting young people to explore and develop a personal value system that
has meaning.
Understanding the nature of citizenship.
AYAP recognises that young people using our service have had experiences and
life changes that are often traumatic and involve separation or loss of close
relationships. The project believes that, whilst access to accommodation provides
a young person with stability and security, it is the nature and level of personal
support that is the catalyst to achieving successful and independent lives.
The availability of support plays a crucial role in the ability of all people to lead and
maintain positive and productive lives. Generally, this support comes from family,
friends and work colleagues. However, young people, particularly those within the
care system or leaving care, often lack personal support that is consistent and
dependable. Other common factors include an acute lack of self-confidence and
esteem combined with a sense of isolation. The key to enabling young people to
achieve effective resettlement is the presence of a supporting, consistent and on-
going relationship that they can depend on. AYAP aims to fulfil this role whilst
enabling the young person to develop new social relationships and networks. We
recognise that building dependable and positive relationships takes time,
confidence and skills that are only acquired through experiential and life long
learning. The project supports the young person in this learning process by:
Modelling positive relationship skills (Pro-social modelling).
Providing young people with access to a wide range of environments and

opportunities that will enable them to engage with people from different
backgrounds and lifestyles.
Providing a safe environment where support is accessible as needed.
Enabling young people to take risks that are appropriate to their age and
circumstance.
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5 ACCOMMODATION
AYAP is based at 9 The Parkway, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. The property is a large

three storey Victorian building that is situated close to the town centre of Hanley.
The accommodation is in a predominately residential area across from a large
public park and within walking distance of Stoke-on-Trent College, Staffordshire
University, the Potteries Shopping Centre and a number of leisure and recreation
facilities. The main line railway station and bus station are within 15 minutes walk
and the project is within 5 minutes of a bus route with buses operating every 5-10
minutes.
The property has accommodation for four young people with office space for staff
located on the ground floor.
The property is maintained by Midland Heart Housing Association under a

Leasehold Agreement with Arch. Each young person has their own bedroom and
free access at all times to a number of communal areas in the building including a
resident's lounge on the first floor; a dining room and a large spacious kitchen both
on the ground floor; toilets, shower and bath facilities located throughout the
building.
Each young person has a key to the front door and a key to their bedroom. Young
people are able to personalise their rooms and may decorate them to their own
requirements with staff supervision. The young person’s bedroom is regarded as
their personal and private space. Staff will seek to gain the young persons
permission prior to entering the room unless there are Health and Safety or Child
Protection issues.
The lounge upstairs is equipped with soft furniture, television and DVD player,
books and games, a computer and a desk, and is designed as a space primarily for
the use of the young people who have chosen the furnishings and décor. There is
a dining room on the ground floor next to the kitchen, equipped with dining facilities,
and also a small area for relaxing and various other activities to take place.
The kitchen has gas and electric cookers, refrigerator and freezer, laundry and
drying facilities and a range of general kitchen equipment. Each resident has
his/her own lockable cupboard to store food and an additional locker for storage of
their plates, cups and other items.
The education room provides quiet private space for young people to engage in
educational activities. It is equipped with the necessary furniture, I.T. facilities and
resources required to enable young people to fulfil their educational objectives.
The whole of the Arch Young Adults Project is a no-smoking environment following
the introduction of the No Smoking Legislation, 1st July 2007.
Young people are, wherever possible, involved in all decisions with regard to
decorating, furniture and equipment and any other decisions that affect the material
or visual environment.

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At the rear of the property is a small outside yard that is in general use, especially
in warm weather, and the young people have painted the wall in this area as a
piece of living art. The use of this part of the Project is being encouraged to
provide an attractive seating area for young people to use in good weather. There
is a security system in place at the front of the property and in the back yard for the
protection of the young people and the property itself.
Office Accommodation
The building is primarily a residential environment with office accommodation on

the ground floor for the staff that are based there. Residents are welcome to sit and
spend time with staff in the front office when appropriate. The back office is a more
private environment where the management team are predominately based.
Privacy
It is the policy of AYAP that all young people have a right to privacy unless their
health and safety is considered to be at risk or there are concerns surrounding
Child Protection.
Confidential information concerning any resident, or ex resident, is maintained

within the staff offices. Young people have the ability to read their files when
arrangements are made with their key workers in conjunction with their placing
social worker. This is to ensure that all material to be read by the young person is
appropriate to them and not detrimental to their welfare. Staff do not discuss other
young people’ support with other residents or anyone other than those involved
with the direct support of the young people. This is in accordance with the Arch
Young Adults Policy and Procedure on Confidentiality.
All bedrooms are checked at on a weekly basis for health and safety reasons, this
provides an opportunity for any health and safety issues to be raised and
supported. As the young person becomes more responsible the frequency of the
health and safety check may lessen to no less frequent than once a month. During
the initial four weeks of stay, the Project staff will work closely with the young
person in maintaining their personal environment in order to identify the type of
support they need.
House Agreement
AYAP operates a House Agreement within the unit to prepare young people
effectively for the responsibility that comes with living independently. The House
Agreement clearly sets out the responsibilities of the House Holder (the young
person) and the Landlord (AYAP). The House Agreement provides similar
boundaries to those that a Housing Association or Local Authority would impose
under a Tenancy Agreement. The project aims to prepare young people for
moving into more independent accommodation by providing them with a better
understanding of the expectations of a housing provider and the personal
responsibility involved in maintaining independent accommodation.

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On the day of admission young people will spend time with their key worker who
will thoroughly explain the House Agreement and Warning Procedure to them.
They are then asked to sign it and can be given their own copy if requested.
House Agreement Breach
Any breach of the House Agreement is dealt with under the House Agreement
Warning Procedure. This helps to provide realistic disciplinary measures for the
young person. Incidents can be resolved in a variety of ways and in most cases
through a process of discussion, education or awareness raising which may take
place over a period of time or involve a group of young people in discussion. More
serious incidents may include sanctions such as a letter of consequence, verbal
warning or written warning. However where there are serious concerns about
behaviour, or there is a clear risk to others the placing authority will be informed
and a discussion had about the continuing appropriateness of the placement.
However, it must be recognised that the support to the young person is of great
importance in identifying and addressing any issues as they occur that may put the
young person’s accommodation at risk.
Under the House Agreement, the young person is required to pay reparation
toward any damage they and/or their visitors have caused to the property.
Following any incidents of damage young people are asked to enter into a written
agreement to contribute a proportion of the costs involved and to repay a fixed
amount on a weekly basis that does not exceed beyond one third of their weekly
income. The cost to the young person takes into account the level of income they
receive and repayment is agreed that is both reasonable and achievable within an
agreed period of time.
Fire Procedure
The fire procedure is an important aspect of communal living and all staff and
residents must adhere to set procedures. Fire procedures are explained to each
young person on admission to the project and appropriate notices are displayed
around the building. Non-adherence to fire safety can be seen as a breach of the
House Agreement under health and safety.
Fire drills take place within seven days of a new resident or staff member joining
the Project or at least three monthly to fall in line with Fire Service Regulations.
These drills are recorded in the Fire Logbook. Each bedroom is fitted with carbon
monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are situated in the hallways and
communal areas. It is against the Law to smoke in the Project as of 1st July 2007.
Domestic Arrangements
Each young person is encouraged to clean their own room and to report any
repairs that require attention. In addition, young people should assume
responsibility for ensuring that communal areas are left clean, tidy and free of any
hazards after use, particularly the kitchen and bathroom areas. Young people are
encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal hygiene, laundry,
shopping, cooking and food preparation and storage. However all young people
are individual and will require differing levels of support.
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On arrival to the Project each young person is given an allowance to purchase

cutlery, crockery and pans, which is done with the support of the allocated key
workers. The aim is to provide ownership and responsibility towards washing up
and maintenance of these items.
Over a period of time staff will assess the young person’s skills and knowledge to
undertake these tasks and, where appropriate, staff will provide the necessary one-
to-one support and training before a young person assumes these responsibilities.
The Assistant Project Officers undertake basic cleaning duties of the communal
areas, with a thorough clean taking place on a rota basis.
Medication
It is the policy of AYAP that young people are encouraged to take responsibility for
the storage and administration of their medication. A risk assessment will be
completed on each individual with regard to this during his / her initial assessment
of stay. If it is assessed that a young person is not confident or does not have the
ability to self-administer, arrangements are in place to store medicines securely on
their behalf and independence in this area can be monitored and slowly introduced.
A detailed log is kept of all medicines stored on behalf of a young person including
information on the time of administration and this is made available for inspection.
Where there are concerns that a young person is not taking medication as directed
this will be reported to the prescribing medical professional and the placing
authority. Please note that staff do not administer medication.
Post
There is a shared, locked letter box within the building and it is the responsibility of
the staff on duty to empty it daily, log the post received and distribute it to the
appropriate person. The recipient of the mail will be asked to sign the post book to
indicate that they have received their post.
Upon request young people have access to writing paper, envelopes and stamps.
Telephone
A pay phone is located in a booth on Level Two of the property and a young person
can use this facility in private at any time. Access to the office phone is available
for young people to make contact calls to relatives or to contact other agencies.

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6 PHILOSOPHY OF SUPPORT
The aim of AYAP is to provide accommodation and support to young people who
are preparing to leave care or who are leaving the care of the Placing Authority /
Local Authority and considered Relevant under the Leaving Care Act 2000 so that
they may resettle into the community and develop and maintain a sustainable way
of life. The Project recognises that young people looked after by the Placing
Authority / Local Authority often experience a wide range of problems and
difficulties that require additional support in order to make the successful transition
to independent living.
Many young people may be or have been excluded from school, or left school with
little or no qualifications, and may lack basic numeracy and literacy skills. This, in
combination with the lack of achievement in education and employment, and poor
personal and social relationships, results in young people who feel alienated from
their community and who have little, or no, sense of their own personal value and
worth. The Project believes that all individuals are unique and aims to support this
by modelling worth, understanding, dignity and mutual respect.
The Project does not recognise failure and regards all situations as opportunities to
learn. Each young person is encouraged to recognise the potential of each
situation.
The project believes that everyone has the right to a home of their choice and a
lifestyle of their choosing.
Aims and Objectives
The overall aim of AYAP is to successfully resettle young people into the
community. Our specific aims and objectives include:
a. To ensure that young people have the opportunity and personal

resources to secure and maintain appropriate accommodation
in the community.
To support young people to maintain their accommodation within AYAP.
To ensure that each young person has an appropriate support plan in place
that will identify and address any barriers to independent living.
To ensure that young people are aware of the housing and support options
available to them and that any choices meet with their personal needs and wishes.
To ensure that young people have access to appropriate accommodation

upon moving on from AYAP.
To ensure that an effective and responsive package of support is agreed

and maintained with the young people at the point of move-on.

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b. To enable young people to make positive choices regarding

lifestyle.
To provide each young person with individual support, assessment and goal
planning.
To provide each young person with access to a variety of recreational

opportunities and pursuits.
To provide young people with experiences that are both challenging and
rewarding.
c. To enable young people to identify and achieve their personal

goals and ambitions in relation to education and employment.
To provide access to appropriate education and employment services.
To enable young people to engage in education or employment

opportunities through the provision of practical and emotional support.
d. To enable young people to live in appropriate accommodation

of their choice.
To support young people to identify their housing and support needs.
To support young people to achieve the criteria necessary for their

preferred housing option.
To ensure that young people have the skills essential for independent living,
particularly those that relate to financial responsibility.
To support young people to access secure and appropriate accommodation

in the community.
To ensure that arrangements for on-going support are in place and

maintained in order that that move-on accommodation is successfully maintained.
e. To raise the self-esteem and self-worth of young people in a

way that is positive
To ensure young people have access to a range of recreational, sport and

vocational opportunities.
To ensure young people have access to a range of challenging and

rewarding activities including drama and video groups, art workshops and a range
of expressive and creative mediums.

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7 REFERRALS AND ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
The accommodation is available and open to referrals from any Placing Authority /
Local Authority throughout the country between the ages of 15 to under 19 years of
age. Therefore, all young people can access the project through referral from their
case holding social worker.
Part of the process for young people leaving the care or preparing to leave of the
Placing Authority / Local Authority involves an assessment of the move-on
accommodation a young person requires. If the young person, in conjunction with
their Placing Authority / Local Authority worker, feels that the project meets their
needs and wishes then their Placing Authority / Local Authority will submit a referral
on their behalf in companion with a young persons profile.
Exclusions
AYAP is registered as a Children’s Home by Ofsted as a category “ebd home”.

This identifies that AYAP accommodation is unable to provide support to young
people with:
Learning disability.
Sensory impairment.
Physical disability.
Recognised mental health issues.
Drug dependency.
Alcohol dependency.
All referrals made to AYAP will be judged on their individual merit.
In addition to this AYAP do not accept referrals for young people with a ‘risk to
children / other’ status.
Where the health and circumstances of a young person resident within the Project
changes or a formal diagnosis achieved which places them beyond the remit of our
Registration criteria, then a meeting will take place to identify alternative
accommodation more appropriate for the young person. Where the change is such
that the young person may continue to be accommodated by the project but with
additional support provided by those qualified to do so, then this will be discussed
to determine whether suitable arrangements can be put in place that will allow the
placement to continue. However, if at any time during the placement the needs of
a young person cannot be met by the Project, the Social Worker will be contacted
to arrange a Support Plan / Move-on meeting to source more suitable
accommodation.
Criteria for Referral
All referrals to the Project will be considered in light of the current resident group
and any potential risk to either those young people referring to the project or the
existing residents. Where there have been negative issues in the past between
potential and existing residents, work with the young person and their key workers
can take place prior to move-in to resolve this.
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Referrals are made on the basis that AYAP is identified as an appropriate choice of
accommodation for the young person. The referral should be made with the
agreement of the young person and with those who have parental responsibility.
Any funding arrangements must be in place before a referral is agreed.
Information visits
A member of the Placing Authority / Local Authority may arrange an informal visit
for a young person and their chosen supporter. It is suggested that this visit should
take place over a half day so that the young person is given the opportunity to meet
residents and staff and gain some experience of life at the Project. The young
person, and any other people involved with the placement, will be provided with an
Information Pack that includes:
The Statement of Purpose and Function

The Young People Handbook / DVD
The Complaints Procedure
Service Evaluation Questionnaires
The House Agreement
This process is designed to provide the young person with the information needed
to make an informed choice about the Project.
Progressing the Referral
If the placement is to be pursued the project will require a completed referral, and
the young persons profile. A member of the management team will contact their
Placing Authority / Local Authority within 72 hours of receipt of the documentation
and a formal interview may then be arranged. If a decision is made by AYAP at
this stage not to continue with the referral then this decision will be notified to the
case holding social worker detailing reasons in writing.
The formal `Referral Interview` will take place with a member of the management
team and a Project Officer who has provisionally been assigned as key worker to
the young person. The allocation of a keyworker will be determined by caseload
and any relevant information regarding the young person that has been received
thus far.
The interview should be supported by the young people Social Worker and is
designed to expand upon the information received and to give the young person
the opportunity to express their views and opinions and discuss their future
aspirations.
After the interview the allocated AYAP key worker will discuss the information
received with the staff team within the next 72 hours.
Once a decision has been reached the referring agent will be verbally informed of
the outcome within 24 hours. This will then be put in writing to both referring agent
and the young person. If the referral has not been accepted a clear reason for this
decision will be given.

16
Prior to the day of admission a meeting will be organised to clarify and agree
specific support needs (move in meeting) in order to devise a comprehensive
support plan, action plan and risk management strategy for the young person’s stay
at AYAP. This meeting will require the appropriate LAC documentation needed for
New Placements.
These documents are a requirement and without them admission can not
proceed:
• Essentiel Information Part 1

• Essentiel Information Part 2
• Placement Plan Part 1
• Placement Plan Part 2
• Care Plan
• Personal Education Plan (PEP)
• Pathway Plan (16years plus only)
Emergency Placements
AYAP does not accept emergency placements, however, where appropriate, the
admission process can be escalated to a period of no less than 72 hours. In these
cases, Essential Information 2 and Placement Plan 2 can be accepted 72 hours
after move in provided that the other documentation has been received.
Key Working
Each young person is allocated two key workers; usually one male and one female,
unless there is a specific and reasonable request to the contrary made by the
young person. Key workers are responsible for the effective co-ordination of the
support plan and action plan to ensure that they are implemented and that
individual aims and objectives are met. However, this does not preclude other
members of staff from working with a young person. Young people are expected to
engage in a formal one-to-one session with one of their key workers at least once a
week. Opportunities are also given for keyworker sessions to take place outside of
the building and to engage in an agreed activity that relates to the support plan.
Important or relevant occasions, such as birthdays, are acknowledged and acted

upon by the key worker according to the needs and wishes of the young person.
Induction
On the day of their arrival one of the key workers will warmly welcome the new
resident and make every effort to ensure that they feel at home including preparing
their bedroom and ensuring that any requirements for food or equipment are met.
The young person will receive induction to the project that will include health and
safety arrangements, domestic arrangements, the House Agreement, complaints
procedure and introductions to staff and other residents. The young person will
also have the opportunity to ask any questions or discuss any concerns they may
have.

17
Planning and Review
At the point of admission the young person will embark on a structured assessment
programme to evaluate their independent living skills. The next meeting with their
Placing Authority / Local Authority and AYAP staff will be held after this period
where a report on the young person’s progress and any observations will be
presented. This report will be used to update the Pathway Plan (where
appropriate) with the internal support plan. This is designed to provide a
comprehensive support package for the young person whilst staying at the AYAP.
The AYAP support plan is developed with each young person and through the
action plan is subject to a continuous process of planning, goal setting and review.
Action plans reflect the outcomes that have been achieved and set new goals in
place.
Goals are clear, set out the action required, the method to be used and a date for
which progress is to be reviewed.
The AYAP support plan also recognises the importance of the relationship between
the young person and the Placing Authority / Local Authority and, therefore, we
work closely alongside statutory documentation to ensure that young people
receive a service that integrates existing plans and goals.
Key workers are asked to co ordinate regular reviews of a young people plan on a
minimum of a three-month basis. The first one of these reviews will provide a
trigger for the start of the Assessment and Action Record (15+ and 16+). All
following reviews should be incorporated into existing statutory meetings to provide
minimum disruption with maximum support to meet the changing needs of the
young person.

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8 RECORDS
AYAP has an obligation to maintain records on work undertaken with young people
and the day-to-day operation of the project. Clear and accurate records are
essential to achieve effective communication within the project and the young
people, and the following general principles will apply.
A young person’s support plan is a collaborative piece of work between the

key worker, social worker and the young person. Young people will be
supported to participate fully in the development of their support plan, thereby
encouraging ownership and a greater sense of achievement. Young people
will be asked to sign their support plan records to indicate that they are in
agreement.
Young people will have access to their personal files (see Arch’s
‘Confidentiality Policy’), although the confidentiality of other people must be
protected.
Confidential information (particularly case files) is stored in a locked filing

cabinet and no information is given to any young person regarding any other
resident.
AYAP also maintains a series of logbooks and office diaries that record
information specific to the day-to-day operation of the project and to meet
regulations stipulated by Ofsted.
When a young person leaves the Project their records are given to their
Placing Authority / Local Authority to be stored with and become the property
of Social Care.

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9 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The aim of AYAP is to ensure that each young person is self confident, personally
aware and has a range of skills and knowledge appropriate to their individual
needs.
Independent Living Skills
Each young person will have their needs assessed according to a range of skills
considered important for living independently and this will form the basis of their
support plan. The purpose of the support plan is to ensure that the needs and
wishes of each young person are specifically addressed.
Given below are a few examples of the range of skills that will form a young
person’s support plan along with their associated objective:
Personal and Social Relationships
Objective
To develop skills for building formal and informal relationships and a positive self-
image.
AYAP recognises that many young people lack a positive self-image and may find
establishing and maintaining personal relationships difficult. It is important that
young people are able to develop the confidence with which to enter into new
relationships, both formal and informal, and to develop the appropriate skills such
as communication and assertiveness. The project supports young people to
achieve this by ensuring that staff model appropriate relationship skills and by
ensuring that young people have access to a wide range of opportunities and
experiences outside of the project that will promote personal and social skill
development.
Group work and internal discussion also take place to support this process.
Budgeting and Money Management
Objective
To ensure that young people have an understanding of their financial
responsibilities and are able to meet them.
For many young people money management is one of the major obstacles to
overcome in maintaining independent accommodation.
The project aims to support the young person in gaining effective money
management skills by giving them personal responsibility to budget for food,
clothes, travel, entertainment, etc. Young people will also be supported in
understanding the importance of completing application forms and given
information on benefits and eligibility criteria.

20
Diet and Nutrition
Objective
To ensure young people understand the importance of a good diet, exercise and
sleep.
All young people will be provided with information and support to ensure that they
know what constitutes a healthy diet and have the skills to shop for and prepare
food including:
General cleanliness and working in a clean and safe environment.

Risks associated with food and food handling, including Food Hygiene
training.
Preparing and cooking the ingredients for a meal.
Using domestic cleaning products and household chemicals.
How to use electrical appliances and change plugs and fuses.
It is important to ensure that young people are eating adequately; therefore,

records of shopping and eating habits are kept. This is done by completing a
dietary sheet during the initial assesment to assess any problems there may be in
maintaining an adequate and healthy diet. Where appropriate, any issues
surrounding diet will be incorporated into the support plan. However, in all
instances, monitoring of diet will continue through daily recordings based on
observation, key working sessions and supervised activities such as meal
preparation and shopping.
Education, Employment and Training
Objective
To support young people to identify and achieve goals and ambitions in relation to
education and employment.
Young people living at AYAP may not have received a consistent education and
may lack a number of skills because of this. The project aims to ensure that young
people have the essential skills for day-to-day living including numeracy and
literacy. Young people are supported and encouraged to support and sustain
compulsory education and have the opportunity to access further education,
employment or training.
Each young person will be supported to identify specific goals and ambitions in
relation to education, employment or training and to develop their support plan
accordingly.
Leisure and Recreation
Objective
To support young people to participate in a range of leisure and recreational
activities that will promote self-esteem and a healthier and more positive lifestyle.
Leisure and recreational activity is an important part of AYAP which often promotes
young people to achieve change. The Project provides a range of leisure, sport,
21
vocational and educational opportunities that are designed to promote self-esteem

and raise the aspirations and ambitions of young people. We also aim to promote
a healthier and more positive lifestyle amongst young people by encouraging them
to participate in experiences that are both positive and challenging. Participation in
these sorts of activities has often been the key to many individual successes. The
positive energy that can be created in this setting has proven to be essential when
advocating self-development and encouraging young people to take a positive step
forward.
Health
Objective
To promote the personal health and well being of young people through a process
of education, information and awareness raising.
Upon admission all young people will be registered with a Doctor and Dentist.
However, if a young person wishes to remain with their existing Doctor and are
within the GP’s practice boundaries this will be maintained. Any health plan or
information held by their Placing Authority / Local Authority or Social Worker will be
passed to the Project at the point of admission. In line with the objectives of the
support plan each young person will receive an assessment on issues specifically
relating to personal health and lifestyle including
Diet, nutrition and the relationship between food and health including the
importance of a good diet, exercise and sleep.
Mental health and issues surrounding anxiety, stress, depression, mood
swings and sleeping pattern.
Health promotion particularly smoking, safe sex, general hygiene and
personal health care.
Health services including information on local services and how to access
them.
Dental or optical problems.
Any other specific health problems or concerns.
Joint working is seen as key to the support of a young person and when particular
issues regarding health have been identified, referral to appropriate agencies and
on going support from these services is essential. With the young people
permission, and where appropriate, health service providers will be invited to
internal reviews to promote communication that will benefit the young person.
Equal Opportunities
Objective
To provide young people with an awareness of equal opportunities and the issues
surrounding them.
AYAP Project operates an Equal Opportunities Policy and all young people will
receive information on this as part of their induction. However, it is important that
young people have a real understanding of inequality and equal opportunities, both
in its relationship to them as individuals but also in relation to the wider community.
Part of the one-to-one work and group work that takes place in the project explores
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personal and social attitudes to equal opportunities and their meaning. In

particular, the use of language and behaviour in respect of gender, race, sexuality,
disability, class and culture.
Move-on Arrangements
Objective
To support young people to achieve and maintain accommodation appropriate to
their needs.
At an appropriate stage move-on is formally discussed with the young person at a

support plan meeting. This allows young people to begin to explore their housing
options and provides reassurance that future housing and support needs will be
addressed when they are ready to consider moving on.
It is important that the young person’s social worker is involved in this planning
stage. The meeting will agree on an approximate time-scale for move-on to take
place and a further meeting arranged or referral arrangements made.
The young person will be given information regarding the housing options available
to them through Arch and through other local agencies. Using this information the
young person can use their key worker sessions to continue to discuss options
including future plans, location, type of property and tenancy wanted and ongoing
support needs.
It is important to note that move-on will only take place when the young person
feels ready. Move-on time scales can be delayed or brought forward.
All young people are invited to take part in regular three monthly presentations and
discussions about ARCH Shared Housing, which the Assistant Project Officer from
the Shared Housing facility organises. This takes place at AYAP and promotes
discussion about move-on in an informal and safe way. If a referral to Shared
Housing wishes to be pursued by the young person, a one-to-one information visit
is arranged to trigger off the formal referral process. All move-on decisions are
completed with the acknowledgement and support of their Social Worker.
Support from the Arch Floating Support Team is also available to young people
moving into their own tenancy from the AYAP or after a period in Shared Housing.
A period of outreach support from AYAP may also be planned to support a resident
who is moving on, in conjunction with their new support workers. It is also
recognised that it may be important to the young person to be able access the 24-
hour staffing that AYAP provides and this, too, can be arranged.
Prior to move-on a meeting will take place to establish roles, responsibilities, level
of support required and any future involvement from AYAP. A detailed outreach
support plan is then drawn up that clarifies the purpose of different roles and what
support the young person will receive.

23
Ex-Residents
Whist supporting young people to maintain the social networks they may have
established during their stay at AYAP it is important to encourage them to develop
positive relationships with other professionals and to develop new relationships.
However, ex-residents are welcome to visit other residents within the usual
guidelines for visitors.
Ex-residents are also welcome to visit staff at the project. However, the primary
responsibility of staff is towards current residents and ex-residents should be
advised to contact the Project in advance of any visit to see a specific member of
staff or if they require particular support.
We do keep records of contact made with ex residents which are communicated to

their Placing Authority / Local Authority.

24
10 RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCE
Young people may experience confusion or conflict surrounding their religious and
cultural beliefs or may wish to develop and explore them further. It is important that
young people are able to access advice, information and support, when forming
their religious and/or cultural identity and are also able to have contact with people
who have similar beliefs or backgrounds. Young people who have had experience
of the care system may have had little or no contact with people from their own
cultural or religious background and may subsequently experience crises of identity
when living in the wider community. Personal identity is underpinned by the sense
of connection that each of us has to the people around us and the way in which we
feel we ’fit’ in. Therefore, it is important that young people are not only free to
follow and practice their own religious beliefs and culture but that support is
available for them to identify what those needs are.
AYAP will provide support to enable young people to access places of worship, to
maintain or develop contact that supports their cultural identity and to ensure that
issues surrounding religious and/or cultural needs and wishes are catered for. This
includes practical attention including support with diet, recognition of religious
and/or cultural events, opportunities and information on local groups and facilities
and individual and group discussion on religious and cultural issues.

25
11 CONTACT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
AYAP recognises that the ability of a young person to achieve a successful and
independent way of life in the community is underpinned by the nature and level of
support they receive.
Developing positive relationships and interpersonal skills are therefore fundamental

to a young person if they are to lead positive and productive lives. At AYAP we
actively support and encourage young people to maintain contact with those people
who play a significant role in their lives and to develop and explore new friendships
and relationships.
Visitors
It is the policy of AYAP to support young people to maintain links with their family
and friends and to develop social networks; therefore, people are welcome to the
project between the hours of 10.00 am and 11.00 pm with the knowledge and
agreement of staff on duty. Overnight visitors are not permitted.
For Health and Safety reasons all visitors are asked to sign in when they arrive at
the project. Identification and prove of age may be requested if the person is not
known to Project staff.
Visits by friends and relatives under the age of 16 to the project must be pre
arranged so that appropriate individual risk assessments can be carried out.
Consideration will be given to age, gender, and history and in some circumstances
restrictions may be imposed. Example, visitors may not be permitted into bedrooms
and may be asked to remain in communal areas. In some circumstances it may be
necessary for a very young visitor to be accompanied by an appropriate adult.
Any contact arrangements or restrictions are discussed with the young person at
the initial support plan meeting in conjunction with their social worker or other
person with parental responsibility.
Under the House Agreement young people are expected to take a degree of
responsibility for their visitors and their behaviour whilst they are in the building,
therefore, young people need to be mindful of the actions of their visitors.

26
12 CHILD PROTECTION
AYAP is committed to promoting the health and welfare of young people and to
ensure that they are protected from all forms of abuse or neglect. With this in mind
we have in place a clear set of policies, procedures and guidance which deal with
child protection issues in line with the Children Act and the Local Safeguarding
Children’s Board (LSCB)
All project staff receive training in awareness and understanding of child protection
issues and the processes for acting upon any concern that relates to Child
Protection. This includes familiarity with:
AYAP procedures
Stoke on Trent Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedure
‘Working Together’, Department of Health Guidance
It is important that all young people resident within the project have an awareness
and understanding of the different forms that abuse and neglect can take. Of equal
importance is that young people are given information on whom, and how, to
contact in the event of any concerns for themselves or others. Information about
services and contact numbers for independent agencies are displayed throughout
the Project where young people have routine access to them and further
information is also contained in the Young People Handbook.
Below are the telephone numbers of the local Social Services Department and their
Emergency Duty Team:
Stoke on Trent Social Services Department: 01782 235100 (Office hours

only)
Emergency Duty Team: 01782 234234, 01782 236572 (Out of hours

service)
Details of the young person’s case holding social worker with office hour contact
numbers will be held within the individual young persons file. If the young person
has been placed by an outside authority then again details of both the placing
authority and appropriate Emergency Duty Team will be held within the individual
young persons file. Child Protection issues must always be addressed using LSCB
procedures.
In line with the Children Act, Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and DOH
guidance, AYAP has a legal responsibility to protect young people. It is
important that their Placing Authority / Local Authority or the Social Worker
makes any information regarding a contact or contact arrangements known
to the Project. Any information that may affect the well-being or health and
safety of a young person, or other residents, must be passed on. Failure to
do so will be considered a breach of contract between Arch and the referring
agent.
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13 UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE
It is the responsibility of the AYAP to ensure the safety and well-being of the young
people’ resident in the project. This means that, within reason, we need to be
aware of a young person’s whereabouts and activities outside of the project and to
reach agreement with them about any overnight stays. In some instances, young
people may require the consent of their social worker or parent but within these
boundaries and others relevant to age and vulnerability, we try to give young
people the same freedoms as others of similar age might expect.
If a young person fails to return to the project within a reasonable period of the time
agreed, staff on duty will contact people who may know their whereabouts such as
family and friends. However, if the young person cannot be located then police
may be notified and, according to circumstance, the relevant Social Services
Department, parent or person with parental responsibility.
Each young person will have a plan of action, agreed at admission, in the event of
absence without authority. This provides an individual approach to unauthorised
absence. A young person will only be classed as a ‘missing person’ after the
action plan has been followed, using the young persons risk assessment and the
guidance and assessment from the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board
procedure.

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14 COMPLAINTS, COMPLIMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS
AYAP operates a complaints and representations procedure which is explained to

each young person when they are admitted to the project. Each young person also
receives their own copy of the Young People Handbook that sets out the purpose
of the procedure and how to use it.
The complaints procedure is designed to be a simple confidential way to complain

or make a representation if a young person is unhappy about any part of living
within the Project.
The purpose of the complaints procedure is:
To give young people, or a person acting on their behalf, a straightforward

mechanism for voicing dissatisfaction and for negotiating a solution.
To provide young people and staff with a way to identify problems and act
upon them.
To help the project develop its services to young people by identifying any
weaknesses or areas for improvement.
All complaints from young people are taken seriously and given proper
consideration. A young person can make a complaint either informally or
formally. Where it is possible and appropriate, complaints can often be
satisfactorily dealt with informally, directly by the Project Manager. However, if the
complaint is serious or cannot be resolved the young person, or a person acting on
their behalf, may make a formal complaint. All formal complaints will be notified to
the Placing Authority / Local Authority and, where appropriate, the Placing Authority
/ Local Authority may implement its own complaints procedure.
A young person or a parent can at any time choose to use the Placing Authority /
Local Authority’s Complaints Procedure regardless of the nature of the complaint.
The Project Manager can also decide to make the complaint formal if they feel that
an independent body is needed to investigate.
It is important that a young person feels supported when they want to comment on
the service that they are receiving. Young people may find the following services
useful:
Ofsted's National Business Unit

Royal Exchange Buildings
St Ann's Square
Manchester
M2 7LA
Telephone number 08456 40 40 45 / 08456 40 40 40

29
VCC
Voice of the Child in Care
Unit 4, Pride Court
80/82 Whitelion Street
London
N1 9PF
Tel: (020) 7833 57 92
Free phone for young people: 0808 800 5792
North Staffordshire Racial Equality Council

75/77 Raymond Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 4DP
Tel: (01782) 407930
Stoke on Trent Citizens Advice Bureaux

Advice House
Cheapside
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1HL
Tel. (01782) 219427
MIND
83 Marsh Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 5HN
Tel: (01782) 262100
ASSIST
Winton House
Stoke Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 2RW
Tel: (01782) 845584
Assist is an independent voluntary group offering advocacy for people, young

people and children who feel unable to express their views or need support when
expressing their complaint.
Further numbers are found at the back of ‘Your Views Your Service’ pamphlet
found in the information pack.

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15 ANTI-HARRASSMENT AND BULLYING
AYAP, under policy guidance from Stoke-on-Trent Social Services Department, is

committed to ensuring that the young people have a positive experience whilst
residing at AYAP. We have a duty to ensure that all young people feel safe and
secure within this placement.
It is recognised that all institutions contain individuals with the potential for bullying
behaviour and as a result of this carers and young people should be provided with
clear guidance on how best to provide protection for themselves and others.
There is a comprehensive Anti-Bullying policy and procedure at the Project, which

all young people explore with their key workers during their initial stay. This
contains information about what bullying is and how it can be identified, how the
Project tries to minimise it and its effects and strategies for dealing with bullying
behaviour.
There is a confidential anti-social comment box at the Project that young people
can use. They may choose to include their name but can, if they wish, do so
anonymously. The issues arising will be dealt with on a one to one basis through
key working or, in case of an anonymous comment, raised in a communal setting.
Strategies are also put in place to minimise potential hotspots for bullying
behaviours.
All key working sessions and residents meetings contain the issue of bullying on
the agenda.

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16 DEALING WITH CHALLENGING SITUATIONS
The Project aims to promote an environment that empowers young people and
promotes positive behaviour. The House Agreement is seen as an acceptable
method of imposing sanctions on young people whilst residing at AYAP.
It is however recognised by the project that the environment can at times pose
challenging situations for young people and the staff charged with maintaining
control and protections to the young people living there.
In order to protect and minimise risks and prevent volatile situations developing the
staff group are trained in methods of management of actual and potential
aggression techniques to enable them to manage such situations with practical
skills.
The application of care and control advocates the use of minimal force to restrain a
young person and only in certain circumstances that are identified through training
and within the MAPA policy and Procedure (Management of Actual and Potential
Aggression). These circumstances are:
In self defence
In protection of the child involved.
In the protection of other children and/or people.
All staff are trained in MAPA techniques as part of their core training needs. Where
these interventions are necessary they are recorded in the ‘Holding or Restraint
Record’ book which is kept in the front office.

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17 CONSULTATION
An important aspect of reviewing the service and its ongoing development is the
consultation with others that access it. This is done by maintaining direct links with
the young people through key working sessions, direct access to a manager, 24
hours a day staffing and through a weekly residents meeting. Young people can
bring up issues that are both negative and positive with regard to the Project which
can be addressed in one to one work, in a group forum or referred to the staff
meeting for discussion and action as needed.
Other ways that the young people can make comments is through the ‘social
comments box’. These comments can be about the service as well as aspects of
communal living. This can be done in an anonymous way. The Complaints and
Positive Comments procedure is a more formal method of making thoughts known.
Evaluation questionnaires for the young people have also been introduced at the
Project. These are given to young people at the point of induction, then at three
monthly intervals and on leaving the project.
Relatives are involved as appropriate in meetings involving the young people

support and there are also evaluation forms for this group, especially parents.
Relationships with professionals and agencies involved with the young person’s
support are also important to us. Evaluation questionnaires are completed by
social workers and others involved in a young person’s support at the end of the
placement.
Comments made by inspection visits are also developed into action plans to
develop and improve the service provided.

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18 INSPECTIONS
Ofsted inspects AYAP twice a year. Copies of inspection reports are available to
any young person resident at the project, to parents and to the Placing Authority /
Local Authority, and are obtainable directly from the Project Manager or from
Ofsted.
Our Current Inspector from Ofsted is Robert Hewston.
Their address is:
Ofsted's National Business Unit

Royal Exchange Buildings
St Ann's Square
Manchester
M2 7LA
Telephone number 08456 40 40 45 / 08456 40 40 40
In addition, a senior member of Arch staff or a member of the Arch Board of

Management must make monthly-unannounced visits in accordance with
Regulation 33 of the National Minimum Standards. During these visits any young
person, visitor or staff member in the Project shall be provided with the opportunity
to meet the person inspecting and speak in private to them if they wish. Copies of
these reports are supplied to the Inspectorate and to the Arch Board of
Management. All inspection reports are available in the back office and, as a
public document, can be read by anyone with an interest in the Project.

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Appendix I - Staffing
STAFFING
AYAP has operated since April 2000 and provides 24 hour on site staffing with a
minimum of two staff on duty at any one time. The staff team consists of:
Project Manager
Two Project Deputy Managers
Nine Project Officers
Two Assistant Project Officers (working predominately on night duty)
At times, we also employ experienced casual and agency staff to cover during
times of training or unplanned leave, such as sickness. Wherever possible we try
to ensure that relief staff are drawn from the same pool of people so that they and
the young people are familiar with one another. All relief staff receive an induction
into the work of AYAP which includes Child Protection Policy and Procedures and
have been subject to enhanced CRB checks. They receive supervision for every 8
shifts completed at the Project which is conducted by a member of the
management team.
We also operate an out of hours support service that allows Project staff to contact
a senior member of Arch for urgent advice or information.

35
Appendix II - Training
TRAINING
The Project Manager and/or the Human Resources Manager will update the
training plan once a year. The training plan will be produced by needs identified
through staff supervisions and yearly appraisals and within the requirements of
Ofsted. This plan is reviewed annual.
Arch (North Staffs) are committed to ensuring that all employees at AYAP obtain
core training in order for them to effectively support young people.
Upon completion of their six month probation period at AYAP all individuals
employed as Project Workers have to be committed to enrolling and working
towards NVQ Level Three in Caring for Children and Young People. It is aimed for
this to happen within their first three months.
For all management staff there is a commitment for them to be working towards
level four in Management and Care or the Social Work degree.
The Project uses ‘SBC Training’ as the facilitators for all the Projects NVQ
requirements.
Supervision takes place every four weeks to each individual employed at the
Project. Appraisals occur on a yearly basis and each member of staff will help to
formulate their own Personal Development Plan, which will then be reviewed on a
quarterly basis
.
All posts are subject to a six months probationary period and confirmation of post
takes place after this period.
The Project Manager and/or the Training Officer will update the training plan once a
year. The training plan will be produced by findings and needs identified by staff
supervisions and yearly appraisals.
Core Training Needs
AYAP staff members receive a two week induction with the team, which addresses
key training needs. This includes Health and Safety; Level One Child Protection;
the Statement of Purpose and Function; and operational policies and procedures.
The two week induction also includes an overview of the Arch services and our
connection with them. Staff are also expected to complete a six week Induction
Standards Programme together with a six month Foundation Standards Program.
All staff are required to complete core training needs in line with National Minimum
Standards during their first year in post. A member of the management team takes
responsibility for ensuring that training needs are met. Each staff member will
receive at least 6 days paid training per year.
A central training record is maintained within the Project.

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Appendix III – Team Skills Profile
TEAM SKILLS PROFILE
This includes a brief description of:
An introduction to individual members of the current staff team including, specific

interests, knowledge and experience. All staff complete the following core training
requirements:
Organisational Induction
Induction Standards
Foundation Standards
Child Protection Level 1
Child Protection Level 2 / Formal Child Protection Training
Fire Safety Training
Health and Safety Training
First Aid Training
Management of Actual and Potential Aggression
Food Hygiene Training
Cultural Awareness
NVQ Level 3, Caring for Children and Young People
In addition to this the Management Team are expected to have achieved NVQ
Level 4, Care or Social Work qualification and the Registered Managers Award.
Managers will have also completed relevant training in order to carry out an
effective role, for example, supervision, recruitment and selection, etc.
As a team, staff hold a range of other relevant qualifications which include;

Childcare, Substance Misuse, Self Harm Awareness, HIV and Aids Basic
Awareness, Attachment Disorders, Court Skills, CAF Training, Sexual Health,
Every Child Matters, Safeguarding Children in Prostitution, Community and Youth
Work, Youth Offending, A1 NVQ Assessing, Data Protection, Higher National
Diplomas and Degree Qualifications.
Registered Care Manager

Andrea Elsby
Andrea came to the project in July 2006. She has previously gained experience in
various care settings. Andrea has been a Registered Care Manager in residential
Children’s homes caring for children and young people for Staffordshire Care Ltd,
and before then The ‘Millers Homes for Children’ Ltd. Andrea also has experience
of working with people and children with autism and learning difficulties.
Interests:
Youth Offending
Substance Misuse
Self-harm
Sexual Health

37
Deputy Manager
John Majkrzak
John came to the project in July 2002. He had previously worked for Midland
Foster Carers where he was employed in working directly with young people of
varying needs. He has completed Level 3 training in Children and Young People in
Care. He also has experience of working with offenders. John has a particular skill
in working with individuals which may need more patience and perseverance.
Interests:
Supervision
Operational Management
Deputy Manager
Nicola Lowry
Nicola started at the project in January 2004 and has worked with disadvantaged
groups and individuals for just over three and a half years. She began her career in
social care in June 2000. As part of her University course she worked as a care
assistant in a residential home for older people. In January 2001 she joined Allied
Healthcare (Nursing and Care Service Agency) where she worked firstly as a
support worker working with young people and people with learning difficulties and
mental health issues and then as a care co-ordinator before graduating with a
Higher National Diploma in Social Care. She then took on the role of Deputy Area
Superintendent.
Interests:
Challenging Behaviour
Youth offending
Social Exclusion
Project Officers
It is important that young people have access to a variety of skills and backgrounds
of the Project staff so that they can find someone at the Project with the expertise
or empathy that they can relate to and gain security from. This is achieved through
recruitment procedure and training at the Project, identifying core training needs
and establishing interests that relates to the young people’ identified and naturally
forming needs.
Jane Beardmore
Jane came to the project on 2nd July 2001 as a full time Project Worker. Jane’s
previous experience related to working in a local accommodation project supporting
people with learning disabilities and mental health needs, supporting them to be
independent within the community. Jane has a specific interest with vulnerable
young women and has actively pursued this during her employment with AYAP.
Interests:
Cognitive aspects of mental health
Working with vulnerable females

38
Nick Steer
Nick became a full time Project Worker in January 2001. Nick has a background in
retail and engineering. Nick has gained experience in working with offenders in the
bail hostels of Staffordshire. He wants to continue to develop this interest and work
to deter young people from crime. Nick has had involved in supporting under 16’s
in recreational activities.
Interests Include:
Substance Misuse
Young Offenders
Pro social modelling
Pete Young
Pete became a full time Project Worker in January 2001. Pete has worked with ex-
offenders and in hostels for the homeless in the South-East. Pete has had
experience of working with young people through gaining his Postgraduate
Certificate in Community and Youth Work.
Interests Include:
Drug and alcohol misuse
History and travel
Avril Timmis
Avril became a full time Project Worker at the Project in July 2001. She was
previously working for Gingerbread, a residential project working with homeless
single parents and potential single parents who are fleeing domestic violence
and/or experiencing problems with substance misuse. This involved working with
their children who were all under the age of fourteen years and included giving
emotional support and counselling.
Interests:
Criminology
Mental Health
Substance Misuse
Sexual Health
Young Offenders
Barbara Eardley Small

Barbara came to the Project as a full time Project Worker in March 2001. Her
previous experience includes working with vulnerable women. Barbara is a keen
advocate for the young people and has gained experience with outreach work.
Barbara has experience of working with young people from the age of two to
eighteen years and has had involved in supporting under 16’s in recreational
activities. She is active in working with promoting an awareness of the effects of
domestic violence by delivering a programme in schools to children aged five to 16.
Interests:
The effects of Domestic Violence
Vulnerable Women
39
Women’s Health Issues

Substance Misuse
Sports and Activities
Chris Pointon
Chris came to the project as a full time project worker in August 2004. He has
previous experience as a youth worker with various projects, and as a qualified
advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau. Chris has worked with the CAB as a
young people’s advocate and advisor with a dedicated young people’s advice
project. Chris has also worked with churches in establishing provision for young
people. Chris has an interest in young peoples’ mental health issues, especially
self-harming, as well as sexual health and child protection issues. Chris has
worked with young people aged eleven to eighteen in their communities as a
Detached Youth Worker dealing with various issues including discrimination,
substance misuse and education.
Interests:
Self-harm
Sexual-health
Child Protection
Trevor Spencer
Trevor left the project in April 2003 as Deputy Manager to work in other services
within Arch. This included Managing the Day Centre and as a Resettlement Officer.
He came back to the project at the end of November 2005. Prior to his time at Arch,
Trevor has worked at probation and bail hostels within the City. He has also worked
as a detached youth worker on the ‘Streetwise Project’ engaging with young people
aged eleven to eighteen, as well as carrying out sessional work in the community
with the offender service.
Interests:
Youth offending and offending behaviour
Drug and alcohol misuse
John Barnett.
John started at the project in May 2006 as a full time project worker. John has
experience working in a residential setting caring for traumatized young children.
Previous to this John worked for the Staffordshire youth service as a Youth Worker
doing project and outreach work with young people in the community aged ten to
sixteen.
Interests:
Fishing
Child Psychology
Neil Reeves
Neil joined the Project in September 2003. He has had previous experience
working as a volunteer at the Arch Day Centre with homeless and vulnerable
individuals with complex needs. He also has residential experience within a 24-
40
hour direct access hostel within the City of Stoke-on-Trent. Neil has also worked in
children’s homes throughout the City in both the private and public sector with
children aged twelve upwards dealing with learning difficulties, and behavioural
problems. Neil has first hand experience of working with young people who suffer
with aspergers syndrome.
Interests include
Working with Young People with Substance Misuse and Offending behaviour
Sport And outdoor activities
Assistant Project Workers

This post aims to assist the Project Workers as they support young people over a
24-hour period. It is a post, which is provided to support young people with healthy
life styles, working predominately during the night. Currently the Project has one
vacant Assistant Project Worker post.
Karen Baylis
Karen worked at the Project for some time as a Casual Worker before taking up her
current position in August 2006. Karen has as previously worked with younger
children aged seven to eleven in various settings.
Interests include
Development in Adolescence
Promoting Life Skills and Independence
Sexual Health
Countryside and Wildlife
Michelle Leigh
Michelle joined the project in November 2007. Michelle has a history of working
with vulnerable adults in a care environment, most recently Michelle has worked as
a Prison Custody Officer within a therapeutic unit. Michelle has particular skills in
working with adults in developing their social and educational skills. Has
experience of dealing with resettlement within the community.
Interests include
Substance Misuse
Young Offenders

41

AYAP Purpose &amp; Function

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AArrcchh YYoouunngg AAdduullttss PPrroojjeecctt

Contents Page No.

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

Statement to be kept in relation to Arch Young People Project (AYAP) at 9

People to whom the statement is to be made available for inspection:

a) The Principal in charge of the children’s home

c) The children accommodated in the children’s home

d) The parent of any child accommodated in the children’s home

e) Any person who is not a parent of a child accommodated in the children’s

g) Any voluntary organisation providing accommodation for a child

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

Summary of Present Activities

Arch provides a range of accommodation and community support services for

Supported Housing works in Stoke and Newcastle, managing 54 bed spaces in

Ashwood Supporting Housing provides 29 bed spaces for ex-offenders who

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

Domestic Violence Services:

The Domestic Violence Helpline opened in 1999 and is staffed entirely by

For further information on any of our services, please contact:

Arch (North Staffs) Ltd

Telephone Number: 01782 204479

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

3 STATEMENT OF VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

Strategic Aim 1 To provide services that meet the needs

Strategic Aim 2 To achieve continuous improvement in

Strategic Aim 3 To ensure that systems and

Strategic Aim 4 To ensure that Arch has sound financial

Strategic Aim 5 To have a positive impact on the

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

4 ARCH YOUNG ADULTS PROJECT (AYAP)

Statement of Values and Principles

a right to a home of their choice

Encouraging and supporting young people to make decisions regarding their

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

Providing an environment that is enabling, nurturing, supports change and

Understanding that the path to independence is a gradual and unique

Providing young people with information on a wide range of services.

Supporting young people to explore the resources necessary to achieve

Supporting young people to gain access to resources and services.

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

Supporting young people to explore and understand the purpose of social

Understanding the nature of citizenship.

Modelling positive relationship skills (Pro-social modelling).

Providing young people with access to a wide range of environments and

Providing a safe environment where support is accessible as needed.

AYAP is based at 9 The Parkway, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. The property is a large

The property is maintained by Midland Heart Housing Association under a

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

The building is primarily a residential environment with office accommodation on

Confidential information concerning any resident, or ex resident, is maintained

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

House Agreement Breach

On arrival to the Project each young person is given an allowance to purchase

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

Aims and Objectives

a. To ensure that young people have the opportunity and personal

To support young people to maintain their accommodation within AYAP.

To ensure that young people have access to appropriate accommodation

To ensure that an effective and responsive package of support is agreed

Revised September 2003 by Rosie Greaves and Jenny Hughes

b. To enable young people to make positive choices regarding

To provide each young person with access to a variety of recreational

c. To enable young people to identify and achieve their personal

AYAP Purpose & Function

AYAP Purpose & Function