Safeguarding at Cloverdale House
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at Cloverdale House. The safety and welfare of every child and young person in our care is our paramount concern, and we are unwavering in our commitment to protecting them from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
We develop individualised safeguarding plans for each young person, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that safeguarding is delivered with sensitivity and understanding, building trusting relationships that empower children to disclose concerns and seek help.
All staff receive mandatory safeguarding training, and everyone at Cloverdale House understands that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We maintain a robust whistleblowing policy and a clearly defined Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role to ensure concerns are always reported and addressed promptly.
Individualised Plans
Tailored safeguarding for each child
Mandatory Training
All staff trained in safeguarding
Whistleblowing Policy
Clear procedures for raising concerns
DSL Role
Designated Safeguarding Lead in place
Local Safeguarding Contacts
We maintain strong links with local safeguarding partners and ensure all staff and young people know how to access help when needed.
Privacy, Supervision & Electronic Monitoring
We maintain a high standard of supervision while respecting the privacy and dignity of every young person. Our approach balances safety with the right to personal space and confidentiality.
High Standard of Supervision
We maintain a high standard of supervision to ensure the safety of all young people. Staff are present and available at all times, with both male and female staff on duty to meet the needs and preferences of each child.
Bedroom Privacy
Children’s bedrooms are their private spaces. We respect each young person’s right to privacy in their bedroom, while maintaining appropriate oversight to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times.
No Internal CCTV
CCTV is not used internally within the home. We believe that internal CCTV would undermine the trust and sense of safety we work hard to build. Our supervision is provided through the presence and engagement of staff.
External Door Alarms
External door alarms are in place to alert staff when doors are opened, ensuring the safety and security of the premises. Bedroom door alarms are only used where there is a specific safeguarding need, and their use is reviewed regularly.
Behavioural Support
Our approach to behavioural support is nurturing and trauma-informed. We understand that behaviour is a form of communication, and we work to understand the reasons behind a young person’s behaviour rather than simply responding to the behaviour itself.
We maintain clear expectations, routines, and boundaries that provide structure and predictability for the young people. These are communicated in an age-appropriate way and are applied consistently by all staff, creating a sense of fairness and security.
Our focus is on positive behaviour, recognising and rewarding good choices and achievements. We adopt a restorative approach when things go wrong, helping young people understand the impact of their actions and supporting them to make amends. Where consequences are necessary, they are always fair, reasonable, and proportionate.
Clear Expectations
Consistent routines and boundaries
Understanding Behaviour
Behaviour as communication
Restorative Approach
Understanding impact, making amends
Fair Consequences
Reasonable and proportionate
Management of Restraint & Physical Intervention
Physical intervention is only ever used as an absolute last resort at Cloverdale House, when there is an immediate risk of harm to the young person or others.
Last Resort Only
Physical restraint and intervention are used only as a last resort, when all other de-escalation strategies have been exhausted and there is an immediate risk of significant harm to the young person or others. It is never used as a form of punishment or to enforce compliance.
CPI Training
All staff are trained in Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) techniques, which emphasise de-escalation, prevention, and the safest possible physical interventions when absolutely necessary. Staff use minimum force and the least restrictive method appropriate.
Fully Recorded & Debriefed
Every incident involving physical intervention is fully recorded, including the circumstances, actions taken, and duration. Debriefs are completed with both the young person and staff involved to review the incident, identify triggers, and prevent future occurrences.
Missing from Care
When a young person goes missing from Cloverdale House, we take immediate action to locate them and ensure their safety. Our Missing from Care Protocol sets out clear procedures for staff to follow, including notifying the police, the placing authority, and parents or carers as appropriate.
We ensure that every young person who returns from being missing receives a warm, non-judgemental welcome. A Return Home Interview is conducted to understand the circumstances of the absence, identify any risks or concerns, and put measures in place to reduce the likelihood of future missing episodes.
We work in close partnership with the police and local safeguarding partners to address the underlying reasons for missing episodes and to develop strategies that reduce the risk of future occurrences. The safety and wellbeing of the young person is always our primary concern.
Immediate Action
Swift response when a child goes missing
Welcoming Return
Non-judgemental, caring response
Return Home Interview
Understanding circumstances and reducing risk
Partnership with Police
Collaborative approach to safety
Anti-Bullying
Cloverdale House operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in all its forms. We are committed to creating a culture of kindness, respect, and mutual support.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
We have a clear Anti-Bullying Policy that sets out our zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, emotional, and online bullying. This policy is communicated to all young people and staff, and is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective.
Culture of Kindness & Respect
We actively promote a culture of kindness, respect, and empathy within the home. Through positive role modelling, group activities, and open discussions, we help young people develop the social skills and emotional intelligence to treat others with consideration and care.
Restorative Approach
Our child-centred restorative approach addresses bullying by helping young people understand the impact of their actions on others, take responsibility, and work towards repairing relationships. This approach builds empathy and reduces the likelihood of repeated incidents.
Thorough Recording
All incidents of bullying are thoroughly recorded and monitored, enabling us to identify patterns, track progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions. Records are shared with relevant professionals as appropriate to ensure a coordinated response.