Frequently asked questions

Parents

• How can I keep in touch with my child?

There are many ways in which it’s possible to keep in touch with your child and his/her progress and the little details of day to day life.  The Trust Centre provides a dedicated, free and private phone line that parents and their children are welcome to use outside of school hours.  Skype is available through certain of the Centre’s computers and the students are welcome to use their mobile phones, also outside of school hours.

• Can I visit and if so, when?

Parents are encouraged to visit at any time.  It will however, need to be by prior arrangement with the Head of the Centre, in order to make sure that the visit doesn’t clash with any activities that your child might be planning on participating in.

• Can I come to the initial assessment?

As the parent of the young person, you are a fundamental part of the team working towards their progress and are welcome to attend any reviews and assessments that your child is involved in.

• When can my child visit home?  Can I take him/her out for visits and day trips?

It’s important that the young person maintains as much contact as possible with their family and friends at home so this is also encouraged, again by prior arrangement with the Head of the Centre.

• What’s the student /staff ratio?

During the school day, depending on the number of students on placement with us at any one time, the ratio will vary between 1:4 and 1:2, while in the evenings, owing to the smaller number of resident students, the ratio will never be greater than 1:2.

• Can my son/daughter bring their computer or games console or even bed linen to the Centre?

We want your child to feel as at home as possible during their stay with us so they are welcome to bring almost any personal items from home that will help them feel comfortable.  However, depending on the individual student and the needs of the others, bringing certain items might require the agreement of the Head of the Centre.

• Can I visit the Centre, prior to my child’s assessment?

Of course.  All you need to do is to contact the Head of Centre to agree a mutually convenient date and time.

• Will my son/daughter be allowed to have their own television in their room?

Developing and improving their social skills is an important part of every young person’s progress so we would prefer it television viewing were restricted to the lounge, alongside other residents and staff.  However, as mentioned previously, we want your child to feel as at home as possible so this is negotiable.

• Are there any additional costs?

The fee covers all of your child’s educational, care, therapeutic, living and social expenses, such as visits out and entry fees.  You might want to make a small allowance (which can be administered by the staff) so that they can become used to budgeting and planning and so that they have the opportunity for small items of expenditure such as postcards, small treats and magazines etc.

• Will my son/daughter be allowed out unsupervised?

The social activities of every young person will be agreed on an individual basis and comprehensively risk assessed before any such activity would take place.  As well as involving the relevant staff, as the person who knows your child the best, your opinion and advice would be sought before any such decision was taken.

• How and when will it be decided that my child can come home and start school again?

The initial assessment will have resulted in an individual learning plan for your son/daughter, which will indicate the likely length of the placement. As your child progresses, regular reviews will take place and the plan will be amended as necessary.  You are welcome to attend these reviews and your opinions and advice will be sought and taken fully into account.

• How will my child’s medicines be administered?

There is always a qualified and designated medication officer on site in the Centre to take on this responsibility.

• Is there someone for my child to go to if they are upset or worried?

Yes, every young person will be allocated a Link Worker, whose responsibility it is to be the one named person with particular responsibility for being aware of their circumstances, personality, likes and dislikes and general well being.

Students

• Can I wear my own clothes or is there a uniform?

We don’t have a uniform and you are welcome to wear your own clothes, provided they’re decent, suitable for the weather and the activity you’re participating in and that any T shirts don’t have offensive pictures or slogans.

• Can I meet up with my friends and go out shopping or for an evening out?

All students are different, with different needs and abilities so each activity would be considered on an individual basis.  However, it is important that you keep in contact with your friends and family so we’ll do our best to accommodate any reasonable request.

• Can I bring my pet to live with me at the Centre?

That would depend on the kind of pet and the needs of the other residents in the Centre with regard to hygiene and safety but we would be happy to consider each individual request.

• Can I listen to my own music in my room?

Provided that it isn’t loud enough to disturb other residents you’re welcome to bring along a CD or MP3 player for your room, although the lounge does have its own.

• Can I bring my own books and my own DVDs to watch in the lounge?

It’s important that we make sure that none of the residents has access to anything that isn’t suitable for their age so, although you’re welcome to bring your own DVDs, books etc., we’d have to make sure that they were kept to people old enough to appreciate them.

• Can I put pictures and posters up?

We want your room to be as homely as possible so you are welcome to bring along anything you want from home to make it feel that way.

• How will I know that my laundry is mine?

When you arrive at the Centre you’ll be given a wide range of bed linen and towels to choose from, which will be yours for the duration of your stay.

• Are there set bed times?

Just like at home, you’ll be expected to go to bed at a reasonable time, suitable to your age and whether it’s a weekday or a weekend.

• What are the dining arrangements?

If you’re a residential student your breakfast will be taken in your home kitchen, from a range of options that you will have chosen.  Your weekday lunch will be taken in the Centre’s dining room, where there’s a range of dishes to choose from and your evening meal and weekend meals will be prepared by the staff, the other residents and you in the home kitchen.