Foxgloves is a large Victorian house located on the north side of Bedford within easy reach of local community facilities, the town centre and bus / train station. Foxgloves also has its own mini bus to support activities in the wider community.
Inside the house:
We have lots of in house activities such as: TV/DVDs, large interactive computer, Nintendo Wii, books, arts and crafts and a computer suite. The building is set within a large mature garden which has swings, climbing frame, race track and trampoline.
Ofsted inspects Foxgloves twice a year. This is to ensure that Foxgloves meets the National Minimum Standards and the needs of the children and young people who use this service.
Our Ofsted reference number is: SC409506. Read our latest Ofsted inspection report.
Admission to the unit is via the social work team. A social worker will assess the young person and family's needs to consider what is an appropriate placement and make a recommendation at panel to approve the placement.
Initially families are invited to look around prior to making a decision about whether to use the service. If you decide to continue, we will begin with short visits – usually over a mealtime, so we can begin to get to know your child and they can get to know us.
A slow introduction is then planned, with your agreement, until a formal placement meeting takes place with your social worker for regular visits to be organized.
The social work team can be contacted on 01234 363222.
Stays for young people who receive short breaks usually vary from 1 to up to 8 nights per month. The number of nights per month is decided at the Bedford Allocation Panel (BAP) which considers the social workers assessment and resources available.
A guide for families when staying at Foxgloves
At Foxgloves the children participate in a wide range of outings and activities. The children are actively involved in the decision making for where we go and what we do. We have our own mini bus. Staff that dive the mini bus have had specific training regarding their driving ability.
We also host regular theme nights where we celebrate certain events, cultures, religions and topics.
Some examples of outings we have taken children on in the past:
Within the Foxgloves facility we have:
If your child is on any medication then you will need to send this into Foxgloves with your son/daughter. We will store this safely for you, and administer it when needed. All our staff have received training regarding the administration of medication. Medication needs to have a clear (prescription) label detailing the child’s name, the name of the medication and when and how the medication should be given. Before every visit you will need to complete a Bedford Borough Council ‘Parental Medication Form’ for both prescription and non-prescription medications.
Please ensure that you send in enough clothes and toiletries for your child’s stay. Please put toiletries in a bag with your child's name on and If your child needs pads then please send in enough for their stay. It helps to label your child’s clothes; this should prevent anything getting lost. At Foxgloves we will wash and dry your child’s clothes daily but if you’d prefer that we didn’t wash them then please let us know.
Many parents choose to send pocket money for their child to enable them to purchase any treats and items that they may wish to buy. Pocket money is booked in and kept in a safe place. Unspent pocket money is booked out and will be sent home.
Every child and their family is allocated a key worker. The key worker will work with you and your child to ensure that the introduction and stays at Sunflower House run smoothly. The key worker will be the main person that you will liaise with when your child is first referred. They may come to visit you at home, and see your child at school. This will help them get a good overview of your child prior to them attending foxgloves. They will liaise with the family, school, social workers and any other relevant professionals. The key worker is responsible for writing your child’s care plan. Every child at foxgloves has a detailed care plan that tells all staff how best to look after your child, any likes / dislikes, dietary needs leisure needs or personal care needs etc.
To enable us to be consistent when managing your child’s care, some children have a Home – foxgloves book. You should use this book to communicate any relevant information to us, and we will communicate information to you so you know how your child has been.
At Foxgloves your child can choose their own bedroom. You can bring in some personal things to make the room feel more comfortable for your child. Each room has a wardrobe, single bed, desk and chest of drawers. Your child can go into their bedroom at any time; it is their own private space. If your child would like to socialise with other young people they may do this in the lounge or communal areas.
All staff have completed a food hygiene course. We have a cook but sometimes the staff will provide the meals. Anybody that has special dietary needs will be catered for.
During school days staff will always try and arrange an agreed suitable bedtime and discussion with the child’s parent / carer and the child. At weekends or school holidays children have more flexibility in choosing the time they go to bed.
All staff are aware of the fire procedure at foxgloves and are updated regularly. Fire checks are carried out once a week. Fire drills are carried out at least four times a year.
Please send completed consent forms to alex.milligan@bedford.gov.uk
Your child will have regular meetings to ensure that they are receiving the correct care package that meets your needs. Meetings are held every 3 to 6 months (plus an initial review 3 months after your child has started) Parents, carers, social workers, a member of staff from foxgloves, the child themselves if they wish to attend and possibly a reviewing officer will all attend the meeting. You will receive written notification about your child’s meeting.
91 Bromham Road
Bedford
MK40 4BS
Email: alex.milligan@bedford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01234 718108
Social Work Team contact telephone number: 01234 363222