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Hertfordshire County Council’s Children Schools and Families Department (CSF) commission Stairways
as a respite unit for children aged 5 – 19 who have a severe learning disability. Stairways provides overnight
respite, day care and tea visits. Stairways also provides emergency care to children already accessing the service
and this, when needed, is limited to a maximum of 30 days.
Stairways accepts referrals from all Hertfordshire Quadrant teams, but the allocation of any places is based on
availability, the needs of an individual child and Stairways’ ability to meet the individual child’s assessed
needs. Other neighbouring authorities such as Luton and Bedfordshire can also commission the service. All placements are
scrutinised by a Panel and reviewed after 3 months.
The children's respite care service has its own Statement of Purpose and a User Guide for the children. These are available
on request from:
Claire Wilson (Registered Manager)
Contact address: 19 Douglas Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2EN
Telephone: (01582) 766524
How to refer a child to Harpenden Mencap
A referral needs to be made to Harpenden Mencap via an individual’s child social worker. .Our Aims and Objectives
- To work in partnership with parents / carers to provide a flexible service of equal benefit both to the child
and to their families.
- To offer a warm environment in which the children can develop social skills and enjoy leisure or recreational activities
appropriate to their needs.
- To recognise the individuality of everyone who uses the service, involving them in decisions as appropriate.
- To work closely with the care manager and other professional agencies ensuring relevant care plans are developed, implemented
and reviewed annually to take account of the changing needs of the child.
- To ensure the service offered complies with any legislation and guidelines as indicated in The Children Act 1989 and 2004,
Hertfordshire County Council Service Specification and The Care Standards Act 2000.
.Registration and Inspections
Harpenden Mencap Society's children's services are registered with OFSTED and are inspected twice yearly.
Transport
Children who attend St Luke’s School or Watling View School are transported during term time by the Stairways
mini-bus. Staff pick up the children after school and make sure the children are returned to school the next day.
Children from any other school need to have suitable transport arrangements in place, as do all children during school
holidays and at weekends.
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