"As a Reg. 44 visitor, I work alongside registered children's homes and act as a champion for the young people, to ensure that they are being supported to enjoy and achieve their potential whilst being kept safe.
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My recommendations directly shape the outcomes for the young people. Doing this is, is as important to me as it is to them, ensuring that the home is supporting them in every aspect of their lives."
Independent Regulation 44 Visits
Key responsibilities of the Independent Visitor include:
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1 - Assessing the Home's Standards: The independent Visitor assesses whether the home is meeting the Quality Standards set out in the regulations. These standards cover aspects such as the quality of care, protection of children, health and wellbeing, positive relationships, leadership and management.
2 - Reporting: After each visit, the Independent Visitor must produce a report detailing their findings and any recommendations for improvement. This report should be provided to Ofsted, the local authority (if the home is maintained by a local authority), and the person carrying on or managing the home.
3 - Advocacy: The Independent Visitor acts as an advocate for the children in the home, ensuring their views and experiences are taken into account. They should speak with the children during their visits to understand their experiences and any concerns they may have.
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As an Independent Visitor Georgina pro-actively challenges practice, critically appraises and makes recommendations for improvement and adopts a partnership attitude as a critical friend.
After the visit, the Independent Person must produce a report that sets out their opinions as to whether the young people are effectively safeguarded and if the conduct of the home promotes the children's wellbeing. The report can also recommend actions that the registered person can take in relation to the home and timescales within which they must decide to take these actions
Independent Regulation 44 Visits
Regulation 44 visitors are intended to be both inspiring and supportive. Georgina's Regulation 44 reports cover all of the quality standards and individual case records are examined in conjunction with the home's wider documentation. Georgina triangulates information before arriving at an opinion and aims to be the home's critical friend.
Drawing on her extensive experience as a Regulation 44 visitor and her previous experience as a Responsible Individual for two children's homes, Georgina has skills and experience in:
- Enabling children to express their wishes and feelings
- Engaging with children
- Consulting with stakeholders
- Scrutinising internal reporting
- Robustly assessing against the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, using triangulation to evidence findings
- Providing clear reports and recommendations
4 - Monitoring: The Independent Visitor monitors the home's management and conduct. They should ensure that the home is being run in a way that respects the children's dignity and independence, promoting their emotional and physical wellbeing.
5 - Advising: The Independent Visitor advises the home on best practices and any changes that may be needed to improve the quality of care. They should use their expertise and knowledge to guide the home's management and staff.
Testimonials
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"Your help and support has been a significant part of our success and we really value your input and the work you do."
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"We are grateful for your guidance."
"I am so pleased to hear that staff are supporting the YP's and have continued to develop their knowledge and skills. I am sure that the team immensely benefit from your feedback."
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"As always your feedback is very valuable ... Once again, thankyou for your insight and honest feedback."
