Sleeping In and Night Security

The design of the home should be such that staff who sleep in the home overnight have appropriate accommodation and facilities to do so.

Each children's home must have a minimum of two staff on duty throughout the night. Two members of staff should respond to any alarms or suspicious noises or concerns either inside or outside of the home. This will include responding to the needs of young people during the night.

It is the responsibility of the night/sleep-in staff to check all windows and doors before retiring for the night, ensuring the building is secure.

Night/sleep-in staff should undertake a sweep/check of the building to ensure all switches are switched off, electric plugs removed from the wall and all appliances are switched off if appropriate.

Night/sleep-in staff should operate a good housekeeping policy before retiring to ensure bins are emptied appropriately, no fire hazards are left unattended and relevant services informed. Staff should not retire to bed if there is a hazard or health and safety concern until it has been professionally and appropriately addressed and made safe.

Security systems should be activated as per homes policy. Staff members, including casual staff, should have knowledge of relevant codes and process of activation and deactivation of security systems.

Any disturbances during the night should be responded to by two staff members. Including responding to young people's needs. A communication system should be agreed to ensure response is quick and effective.

Staff should be cautious when responding to young people returning back to the home during the night, ensuring the safety of other young people living at the home.

Staff should be aware of the fire procedures and evacuation plan. Staff should regularly discuss fire plans/ drills with young people. A register of young people present at the home, including staff on duty, should be completed before retiring.

Staff should be in possession of keys to enable entry and egress to rooms in the home causing minimal disturbance to young people at the home during the night.