Town children’s home plan granted approval
Plans to convert a residential property in Bilston into a children’s care home have been approved by city council planning bosses.
The bungalow, in Warwick Street, will be turned into a home for two young people. Applicant Mrs Temi Adetogun said the changes would not involve any external alterations to the property.
A report sent alongside the plans said there would be minor changes to the internal layout, and that all the rooms would remain the same regarding the existing function and size.
“The property will include a kitchen/pantry, living room/dining room, bathroom, hall/porch, and two bedrooms. The two bedrooms will be used by two children and another room will be used as a staff room, ” it said.
“Private amenity space will also be provided in the form of a rear garden which is generous in size and is primarily comprised of a grass lawn and concrete floor as well as having a storage shed.
“There will be two members of staff staying on site for 12 hours a day between both 10am-10pm and 10pm-10am, alongside a manager that will be on a 9pm-5pm working day, as well as an out of hours manager on call if needed. The two members of staff required for 12 hours a day will be rotated through shift work. There are not likely to be any visitors to the home apart from a social worker at an interval of every 6-12 weeks.
“The facility will be operated by Caremax Support Services, with children in the first instance being sourced via the neighbouring local authorities within the Black Country, such as Sandwell and Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
“Prior to placement, individual risk assessments will be completed and measures put in place to avoid behaviour triggers. An ongoing review of risks and behaviour will be carried out by staff in the home who are also trained to manage challenging behaviour and diffuse situations quickly and effectively,” added the report.
“Staff members will be qualified to level 3 in health and social care or equivalent. The manager possesses a level 5 with a minimum of three years’ experience in working with children. Staff will be on probation for six months and if we feel they are not able to live up to our mission statement, or if there are any concerns within the way they practice, management will ensure an immediate review and steps will be taken to ensure staff are well managed.
“Warwick Street has the potential to provide a warm and nurturing community environment for children and young people in need. There are also nearby local primary, junior and secondary schools and colleges to support further education.”
