Companions is inspected by OFSTED and receives very good reports in relation to registration as a Children’s Home and Independent school.
Companions is on the Approved Provider Homes List for:
Yorkshire & Humberside & the West Midlands Childcare Consortium.
We are also recognised by the NTA as a specialised provider in their Directory.

We have been awarded by Ofsted ‘Overall Outstanding Judgement’ following an unannounced inspection in November 07.


Commission for Social Care Inspectorate.
Companions gained registration for a Children’s Home from CSCi on October 11th 2004

Registration with OFSTED
'Companions' gained Independent School Status in January 2005
Education Ofsted have written in their inspection report “ its ‘can do’ approach by staff ensures that students have every opportunity to develop their full potential”

Local Authority Quality Assurance and Good Practice Recommendations will be welcomed by Companions via a service evaluation process to which all placing authority representatives will be asked to complete.

Registration with ASDAN
‘Companions’ gained registration in August 06 to deliver the ASDAN program.

Local Authorities
Local Authority Quality Assurance and Good Practice Recommendations are welcomed by Companions via a service evaluation process to which all placing authority representatives will be asked to complete.

Young peoples role in service development
Throughout the placement the young person will be encouraged to participate in a weekly peer-led residents meeting. Through this arena the young people will be able to give accurate feedback on how their placement is progressing. The young people will be asked to comment on how they feel the service meets their needs and what their ideas may be for future development.

At the end of the placement the young people will be asked to complete an evaluation document in order that future young people placed at Companions receive the best possible service.

Monthly in-house quality assurance
Staff opinion and feedback is important to the management of ‘Companions’, this is seen as vital to ensure a happy and productive workforce which delivers optimum care. To assess the honest opinions monthly questionnaires are distributed to all staff. Evaluation and discussion takes place following the findings. This may form part on the monthly team meetings and staff supervision. ‘Companions’ management operate an open door policy for its staff and young people.
Statutory and non statutory checks take place by the manager and Provider. This is documented in the Reg 33 Report and Schedule 6. Reg. 33 reports are forwarded to Ofsted and a copy remains in the office for all staff to read.

Team Meetings
We hold monthly team meetings which all staff are encouraged to attend and voice their views. Minutes are taken, acted upon and filed in the office.

Supervision & Appraisals
Companions operate an open door policy for staff and young people. Staff receive monthly supervision or sooner if requested and regular Appraisals.

Compliments/Complaints
An easy to follow complaints and compliments procedure is accessible for anyone who wishes to make a comment.

Compliments & Complaints Procedure (pdf)

Health and Safety Monitoring
Health and Safety monitoring is an ongoing exercise with risk assessments reviewed and amended regularly.
All staff are fully aware of their role in fire safety, health & safety and risk assessments
Daily and monthly fire safety and health and safety checks are monitored and documented.
There is a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system in place.