Residential Care
Residential placements are weekly boarding only. Children return on a Monday morning and stay until the close of the school week ie 2.20 pm on the following Friday. Each Residential Area has a Team Leader with their own team of care workers led by the Head of Care and Deputy Head of Care. The Care Team work towards supporting the students whilst keeping parents, families and LEAs involved and fully informed about the student's welfare and progress.
There are four Residential Areas. Gerard’s is for the youngest male students. Anthony’s, and then the Senior Unit are for the remaining male students. These groups are formulated taking into consideration age and level of independence. Our female students are all within the same Residential Area in the main house. See also Sixth Form.
All the Residential Areas have homely bedrooms, including some single rooms, bath and shower facilities, comfortable lounges, and dining areas. Anthony's and Seniors have designated areas in which students can continue to study. All Areas have fully equipped kitchens where the care team prepare breakfasts and evening meals, as well as occasional party teas etc. Students are encouraged to become involved in preparing meals, thereby acquiring new skills and improving their independence.
After school, each group of students has a meeting to discuss their day and run through the programme for the evening. For the younger students this often takes place during a Circle Time session. These encourage various basic skills such as turn taking, listening to others without interrupting, eye contact, and social skills, as a fun way to build confidence and self esteem. St Dominic's had another successful Ofsted Care Inspection in October 2008.
All students have a placement plan which identifies their needs and how they can be addressed, which is monitored and updated as appropriate. There are strong links with both education and therapy input throughout the 24-hour curriculum.
Life skills programmes are agreed with each student, tailored to their individual needs and age appropriate. There is an emphasis on travel skills, money matters, communication, personal organisation and increasing independence. Extensive participation with their work experience and career planning all play a large role in helping our students with their transition to life beyond St Dominic's.
After school activities vary from term to term but currently include drama, cookery, swimming, archery, football, walking, cinema and shopping trips, eating out, scouts, air cadets, St John Ambulance cadets, guides and various art and craft groups. Students also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at Bronze and silver levels.
