National Specialist Family Service, England

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Support for children:

• Children attend the on-site OFSTED registered nursery (rated ‘Outstanding’) whilst parents attend therapeutic groups for up to four hours daily.
• Registration at schools and nurseries in the local area for children of relevant age.
• Children are allocated a key worker on arrival to support and promote meeting the child’s needs throughout their placement.
• Monthly parents' evening to discuss children’s development and next steps to encourage parents to promote children to reach their next milestones.
• Registered Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to promote children’s development and meet additional needs in the childcare setting.
• All childcare staff members receive training in foetal alcohol syndrome, drug awareness in children, trauma-informed practice and working with special educational needs.
• Weekly observations via ‘Tapestry’ are completed on children in the childcare setting to monitor development against the Early Years Foundation Stage.  Activities are linked to themes of the week which include ‘feelings and emotions’, ‘all about me’, ‘space’ and many more.

Parenting support:

• 5-week Triple P parenting programme focusing on managing children’s misbehaviour, implementing boundaries and promoting positive parenting. 
• Weekly parent and child activities facilitated by qualified childcare staff. These include external play groups, diverse creative activities, baby massage, messy play and bonding sessions.
• Fortnightly parenting groups facilitated by the qualified childcare team covering topics such as child development, children’s mental health, basic first aid and the recognising the impact of substance misuse on the child and parenting. 
• Parents complete regular ‘Family Stars’ using the outcome stars tool to monitor progress and change in their parenting. This explores children’s health, safety, emotional needs, family routine and more.
• Weekly visits from an on-site health visitor to promote health and well-being alongside regular routine check-ups. 

Facilities:

• Accommodation for up to 12 families.
• Access to TV, streaming devices, games consoles, books and board games to enjoy in free time.
• Off-site adult-only activities include trips to the cinema, exercise and local attractions.
• Off-site child-focused activities include trips to the seaside, museums, nature parks and swimming.
• Private and communal areas for family time.
• On-site children’s nursery and play area.

In the last 2 years, 100% of pregnant women have left successfully caring for their children