Protection of Children Visiting Hayfield Premises

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Visiting Guidelines for the residential department, Conditions of Service Users Stay / Attendance (all service users retain their own copy), policies for Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, Risk Assessment, various Health, Safety and Fire policies and others which make reference to security and well-being.

Visitors such as family members, friends and children are a welcome part of a service user’s placement at Hayfield.  Since the welfare of service users and their guests is of utmost importance to us, we have established the following rules...

• Visitors are expected to be quiet and orderly, and to obey all Hayfield rules for the courtesy and comfort of all concerned.

• Visitors are not permitted in communal areas in use unless there is general agreement with all service users present. 

• Children must not be left unattended at any time and must be fully supervised by parents / guardians and their behaviour should be appropriate at all times.

All persons, including visitors, who enter Hayfield premises must sign the Visitor’s book for Fire regulation purposes and parents / or adult in charge of child must sign for them.

Number and frequency of visits

It is requested that all visits are notified in advance to ensure the service user is available and wishes the visit.  This ensures that there are not too many visitors at the same time. 

Under no circumstances are children (under the age of 16) allowed to visit without an accompanying adult who is responsible for their welfare and behaviour at all times.

On duty staff are all subject to two satisfactory references and an Enhanced Disclosure check, however the safety and well-being of children on the premises is the complete responsibility of the accompanying parent / adult at all times.

Visitor Exceptions

For the health and well-being of a service user or other service users in that location, senior staff may take the decision that on duty staff should limit, restrict, or deny visitation by children or certain individuals. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but reserve the right to make such decisions and believe those involved will appreciate and understand that such a decision may be necessary in certain situations.

Weapons

Weapons (knives, air guns, etc.) are prohibited in Hayfield.  If you have any such weapons or items deemed as dangerous or inappropriate, these must be deposited with on duty staff during your visit.

Property Damage

Children or adults deliberately damaging Hayfield property during a visit will be required to pay for the damage or Hayfield exercise the right to involve the police.

NB: Visitors, including children, are welcome, notwithstanding the above guidelines and staff will be pleased to assist your visit in any appropriate way and facilitate privacy for you to enjoy your visit.