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Wibsey House Support Key Worker in Boxing Match

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It was an amazing experience for everyone at Wibsey House as they got the opportunity to support their staff member, Reece White, who is a passionate boxer.

This weekend, the residents of Wibsey House went to the Midland Hotel in Bradford to watch Reece in one of his matches. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as everyone bonded, creating new friendships and memories.

Reece received immense support from the crowd, with one resident even losing his voice from cheering so loudly for his keyworker!

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R.White Boxing

 

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Oliver’s final peak

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Oliver took on the challenge of hiking the 3 Yorkshire peaks in honour of his mother, and he has successfully conquered the final peak!

With the support of staff and young people from Wibsey House and Grove House, Oliver finished his 3rd and final peak, Whernside, a 7.5-mile trek.

Beginning at the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, this trail leads to the highest point in Yorkshire – Whernside.

On a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of the Howgills, the Lake District, and Morecambe Bay. The climb up Whernside is gradual and offers a beautiful high-level ridge. Despite facing dark clouds, wind, and rain at the summit, the team’s sense of accomplishment remained intact.

The descent is steeper, with a flat section through the fields leading to the finish under the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct. Fortunately, the weather improved as they made their way down.

Congratulations to Oliver for completing the challenge he set for himself. It’s a testament to the fact that anything is possible when you set your mind to it.

A big thank you to the staff and young people who supported Oliver – well done on this achievement!

If you missed Oliver’s other hikes, you can catch up on them here…

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Bridge House rated Good by Ofsted

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Bridge House has consistently been rated Good by Ofsted, and their latest inspection is no exception, which rated the home Good in all areas.

“Children make good progress”

The overall experiences and progress of children was judged to be good and that children make good progress in all areas of their development. Staff were noted for their ability to “build positive relationships” with the children, deliver “personalised care” and “fully embrace each child’s individuality” in meeting their individual needs.

A stable, secure environment

The structure and regular routine around daily life within the home was observed at Bridge House and deemed to be of positive benefit to the children living there.

“This gives children a stable environment which makes them feel secure.”

In addition, that the home is also an emotionally warm environment that helps children when they struggle with their emotional wellbeing.

“Children trust staff and so talk to them about their concerns [… ]Staff…respond effectively to children’s needs [and] create a nurturing environment in the home. They ensure that children have opportunities to play […] playing on the trampoline, playing football and going for walks.”

Educational needs prioritised 

Restorative’s model of care has always included the support of children and young people to engage in learning and education, inline with their individual goals. The inspection recognised this and the commitment of staff who “prioritise the educational needs of the children” and that “all children attend school and their attendance is good”.

Beyond attendance, staff were also noted for their “open lines of communication with the children’s individual schools”, which highlights the multiagency approach Restorative have when it comes to ensuring a child’s progress. Ofsted themselves commented how this approach “helps children to achieve better educational outcomes”.

“Children build and retain their own identities”

As well as children being supported to celebrate differences and develop their self-identity, which includes celebrating individual cultural festivals, such as Christmas, Ramadan and Easter, staff were commented on for supporting “children to have quality time with their families and other important people in their lives” furthering their sense of belonging.

Children are safeguarded effectively

The inspection recorded how staff understand children’s risks and needs to effectively keep children safe and reduce risk of harm. And, that children themselves “complete a range of work to help them understand how to keep safe”, which includes work on healthy relationships and understanding risks.

Effective management

Management visibility, including for the children and being “approachable”, was recognised by inspectors and how the manager knows “the strengths and areas for development of the home […] working towards the home’s development plan […] to review the quality of care provided by the home.”

This is a positive inspection result, yet again for Bridge House. Congratulations to the team and recognition by Ofsted of your hard work.

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Friendly House Ofsted rated Good in all areas

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Friendly House, a Restorative home for young people who may experience social and emotional difficulties, has recently received Ofsted rating Good in all areas.

Positive change at Friendly House

In the overall experiences and progress of the young people, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers, all were rated as Good within the provision. The staff team were said to have “resilience and commitment” and that this was a significant factor in the “positive change” in the home.

Proactively supporting education

Education and the support the staff and manager of Friendly House give to the young people to attend and engage with their learning was particularly noted.

“The manager and staff are proactive in looking for creative ways to meet the educational needs of the children. When needed, staff request additional resources […] and support the children to attend education.”

Family-focused

Working closely with the young people’s families and being child-centred in their approach to transitions and spending time with people close to them were also highlighted as positive features of the care provided at Friendly House.

“Children are encouraged to spend time with people that are important to them […] The manager and staff have good relationships with family members and update them regularly. Staff support the children with their emotional well-being around this, as these relationships can at times be difficult to navigate.” 

Robust, child-centred transitions

Staff were commented upon for their mindfulness around transitions, particularly where an extended transition maybe appropriate for, or benefit a young person, and how this creates a solid “foundation for good relationships to be built with staff” and allows the young person to settle in and “reduce anxieties”.

Working hard to support independence

The structured independence programme all young people working on at Friendly House was seen by inspectors as equipping them “with the practical skills needed for when they are ready to move on” and that “all the children have made progress with their independence skills”.

Other professionals commented positively, as well as staff, on how the home advocates for the young people in their journey to becoming young adults and “are keen to show the children they care about them and want them to succeed”.

A “strong vision”

Inspectors said the manager of Friendly House has a “strong vision for what he wants the home to be able to achieve” when it comes to successful independence for the children and that the staff “work hard” so children can achieve their goals.

A huge well done to the team at Friendly House on a strong Ofsted inspection. We are particularly impressed also by Ofsted’s comment on how you are all working so positively in team meetings on your own “learning and reflection” as well as attending specialist training to develop even further in your roles in providing the considered, child-centred care that’s so important to our success in helping young people at Restorative .

Well done to the team at Friendly!

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New Zonal Manager vacancy in Restorative’s Supported Accommodation service

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Are you a social care professional working with young people, looking for your next move in Calderdale, Bradford or Kirklees with a progressive company?

We have a Zonal Manager vacancy available now for the right person, committed to young person-centred care and support, with the ambition to be a senior leader and inspire others.

“This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced worker in young people’s social care to become a Zonal Manager, supporting Assistant Managers within our Supported Accommodation service,” says Byron Smith, one of the founding directors of Restorative.

Overseeing and leading group living and outreach accommodations

The Zonal Manager will report to the Registered Service Manager for Supported Accommodation and oversee a combination of young people’s group living and outreach accommodations in their zonal area.

Opportunities to progress your career

Even though this is a senior position at Restorative, the company plans to move to a service-led model so there are opportunities for the Zonal Manager to progress further in the future.

“We provide opportunities for all staff to progress in their careers,” says Byron. “At the same time,  building capacity in our organisation to deliver the highest quality care and support to young people, in exceptional-quality accommodation. As we move to a service-led model, there will be Registered Service Manager opportunities and the chance for increased experience in a senior role for the right individual.”

Restorative commitment to staff development and benefits

The successful candidate to the Zonal Manager role will benefit from Restorative’s outstanding commitment to staff development with personalised career development, work/life balance shifts, highly supportive, inclusive culture and inhouse training programmes.

Restorative is also proud to be a Living Wage Employer, offer career roadmaps, study opportunities, and reviewed and improved pay scales.

Call for a chat about the role

Those interested in applying should visit and apply on the Restorative’s Careers page. Prospective applicants are also welcome to get in touch with the office if they would like to ask any questions or have an informal discussion about the role. 

“We are always available for a chat about a vacancy if anyone would like to talk it over, have questions or are considering applying.”

Apply Now

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Special Easter Delivery from Friendly House

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Great job to Friendly House and all the generous donors who contributed to the Easter Egg appeal for Calderdale and Huddersfield Hospital, benefiting children who are hospitalised during Easter.

An impressive total of 80 Easter eggs were gathered.

The staff at Friendly House, along with one of the residents, personally delivered these to the hospital. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the young individuals at Friendly House who used their own money to purchase eggs for this collection.

Well done everyone!

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Ofsted rating Good in all areas for Norland View

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Well done to the Norland View team for achieving Good in all areas in a recent Ofsted inspection.

The overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers were all rated Good, with inspectors particularly noting the sense of belonging children experience at the home.

“The children living at the home have positive relationships with staff. Staff understand the children’s individual needs, Interactions between children and staff are warm, natural and nurturing. This creates a sense of belonging for children.”

Staff promote children’s education

Staff at the home were also commented upon for how “ambitious” they are for the children in their care. Doing all they can to communicate with school and colleges to promote the children’s education and ownership of their goals, as well as giving encouragement.

“Children are supported to attend open days for further education, This gives children control over their lives and shows them they are valued.”

Children at the heart of decision-making

Care and support of children and young people at Restorative is purposely designed to be as child-centred as possible, which was recognised by the inspectors in many of their comments on different aspects of care. Including how “any decisions are taken in the best interests of the children” and how this then leads to promotion of positive change and good outcomes. 

Children’s wishes and feelings, and their consideration, so central to the care we provide at Restorative, were said by inspectors to be“considered thoroughly” and in various ways.

“Children’s wishes and feelings are explored in regular house meetings. They also complete a twice-yearly questionnaire about their experience of living at the home and action is taken in response to their views and opinions.”

Enriching activities

The inspection also recognised how children are given opportunities to explore their free time, appropriate to age, and how staff offer enriching activities like going out for meals, ice-skating and swimming, to “widen the child’s life experiences”.

And that children are empowered to know and understand how and who to contact if they need help, have a complaint, or simply want to make a change to their bedroom.

One child said Norland View was “a good place to live” and another that they “like living at the home and feel safe”.

Staff and managers are supported

It was extremely positive to have the support managers and staff receive in their daily work and in their development noted. That “staff feel supported” and that the manager of Norland View is “keen to upskill staff to enhance their practice, promote change and move the service forward” putting additional training and development opportunities in place.

Well done Norland View team! And thank you to the children and young people for their help in talking to inspectors about the care they receive at the home.

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Up to £32k salary, including nighttime allowance, for Restorative support workers, and up to £34k for senior support workers

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Restorative SCS, since becoming an accredited Living Wage employer, has always paid its level 4 qualified staff more than the National Living Wage’s minimum hourly rate. But now, qualified support workers can earn up to £32k per year, including nighttime allowance, from the 1st of April.

Staff vacancies

Those interested in working in children’s social care are urged to look at the staff vacancies currently on the Restorative site, as well as keep an eye out for those coming up, but keep in mind the requirement to work sleeping hours.

“Working sleeping hours has always been part of the job of children’s round-the-clock care. But we plan rotas fairly, with lots of time off, and pay our staff well above the National Living Wage to reflect the dedicated work they do,” says Byron Smith, Director at Restorative

Restorative pays more than the National Living (minimum) Wage

Restorative is an accredited Living Wage employer, which means we pay an hourly rate to qualified workers well above the government’s national (or minimum) living wage. But we choose to pay even more to level 4 qualified staff because we want to pay a fair amount for a job well done.

Apprentices with us, who are not yet level 4 qualified staff, also receive a rate that’s above the government’s national living wage.

Restorative’s above national guideline pay rates

At Restorative, from the 1st of April, we will pay an hourly rate to our level 4 qualified support workers of up to £12.49 per hour. And a rate of up to £11.75 per hour to our non-level 4 qualified staff.

These rates are above that of national living (minimum) wage set at £11.44 per hour.

Salary inclusive of the nighttime support allowance

The £32,000 a year salary for level 4 qualified workers includes the nighttime support allowance, which means support workers must be available to stay overnight at the children’s home or supported accommodation service when they are on duty.

Support workers do a ‘nightshift’ where they sleep in the children’s care home but are very much on duty at all times during the night if they are needed by the children or young people.

Sleep hours just part of the rewarding support worker role

The nighttime support allowance makes up part of the support worker’s salary as nightshift hours are very integral to the role within children’s social care.

In acknowledgement of the unsociable working hours of nightshifts, rotas are planned so support workers get plenty of time off in return. And it’s usually the case, support workers work one shift, including a nighttime support allowance, once every third day. So support workers work one day and have two days off in a continuous pattern.

In the words of Restorative employee and children’s lead worker, Megan Queen, “The pride you feel when you leave your shift is a feeling that will stay with you [and] working with a great management team and support… The working shift pattern ensures you get a good amount of time off so you can enjoy the finer things in life!”

Read more from Restorative staff about what it’s like to be a support worker at Restorative.

Restorative is a Living Wage Employer

Restorative will continue to be a Living Wage Employer

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Restorative SCS will, once again, following assessment by the Living Wage Foundation, be a Living Wage Employer for another year running.

You can find us on the Living Wage database here.

The ‘real’ Living Wage

The Living Wage, sometimes called the ‘real’ Living Wage, is the only hourly rate of pay calculated to cover what people need, based on current costs of living, and assessed annually by the Living Wage Foundation.

The calculation takes into account the cost of living in the UK (and in London as a separate rate) and provides a benchmark for employers who voluntarily choose to enter the scheme, to pay their staff an hourly rate, or higher, that meets everyday costs and needs.

We’ll pay above the Living Wage rate

Restorative actually pays an hourly rate above that of the 2024 rate set by the Living Wage foundation and plans to continue to do so from 1st April 2024.

We believe in a fair day’s pay 

We’ve always believed people should receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. Our status as a Living Wage employer reflects our commitment to this, which is why, from the 1st of April, all qualified members of staff received an increase in their hourly rate that is not only in line with the Living Wage hourly rate, but slightly above it.

Apprentices and trainees will qualify for the increase in hourly rate when they complete their Level 3/4 qualification. All unqualified full time staff are enrolled on the Level 3/4 qualification following completion of their induction.

Eid-Mubarak

Eid Mubarak!

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Eid al-Fitr, a significant holiday for Muslims, marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe daily fasting from dawn until sunset.

This joyous occasion is celebrated with a communal prayer service in the morning, followed by shared meals and meaningful conversations with loved ones.

Prior to the prayer, a compulsory charity known as Zakat al-Fitr is collected and distributed to those less fortunate, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities.

While Eid al-Fitr is commonly referred to by its Arabic name, it is known by various other names in different languages.

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