Reg 44: Keeping Your Home Safe and Sound
At EverKind Services, we know that running a top-notch residential children’s home takes grit and determination. That’s why we offer Independent Monitoring Visits, or Regulation 44 visits, to help you keep your home running safely and smoothly, with the highest standards of care.
What is an Independent Monitoring Visit?
Each month, one of our Independent Visitors comes in to give your Residential Children’s Home a thorough once-over. This visit, following Regulation 44 of The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, ensures your home is not just safe but a welcoming, supportive place where children and young people can truly flourish.
The Visitor’s job is to make sure your home is providing well-being, happiness, and good health. They’ll also check that the young ones in your care are being heard and that their opinions are valued through regular meetings and consultations.
Before, during and after a Visit?
When the Independent Visitor arrives, they’ll have a good chat with both the children and your staff, getting a feel for the atmosphere and operations of your home. They’ll take all this info and craft a detailed report, which is then shared with Ofsted and your senior management team. Their goal is to help you keep everything shipshape, offering honest, constructive feedback.
Before they pop by, the Independent Visitor will get in touch to introduce themselves, giving you a bit of background on their experience and letting you know what to expect. They’ll also make sure they understand the best way to interact with the children, respecting their preferences and any special needs. While they usually give a heads-up before arriving, don’t be surprised if they occasionally turn up unannounced—that’s just part of keeping things real.
On the day, the Independent Visitor will make it clear why they’re there: to ensure your home is safe, the children are well looked after, and their voices are being heard. They’ll chat with the children in a way that’s easy-going and relaxed, allowing them to share their thoughts at their own pace.
They’ll also have a word with your staff, getting to know the ins and outs of your home’s daily life. Their goal is to ensure that your home isn’t just meeting the required standards but exceeding them.
Should you have any questions or require further discussion after the visit, the Independent Visitor is available to provide ongoing support and guidance. Their insights are valuable in helping you continually improve your service, ensuring your home remains a place where children feel safe, supported, and heard.