Activities

As part of the DoLS application process, we will keep parents/guardians informed throughout the application process and you will be contacted by the Independent Assessor to ensure your input is considered as part of the process. If appropriate, an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) may also be allocated to help gain the views of the student.

Restrictions that may affect all students

Due to the varying needs of the students we support, it is necessary to have certain restrictions in place that will affect all students; wherever possible we will explore ways to minimise their impact on individuals. These restrictions include: • Electronic Fob doors – Throughout the College we have an electronic fob system to ensure the safety of all our residents. Where appropriate, we will individually risk-assess students to have their own limited access fobs to help increase independence. • Locks on communal storage areas, such as kitchen cupboards and bathroom storage areas • Restricted internet access

These types of restrictions will also be included within a student’s DOLs application and will be reviewed at each MDT.

Physical Restrictive Interventions

As part of each student’s individually designed PBS plan, it may be necessary to include the risk-assessed use of physical restrictive interventions for use as a last resort. This type of restriction won’t be necessary for all students here at the College, but will be considered and evaluated as part of the assessment process. If the use of physical interventions are deemed appropriate, the use of these will be reviewed through incident form analysis and discussed at every multi-disciplinary meeting.

Physical restrictive interventions will only ever be carried out as a last resort, when all other non-restrictive interventions have failed, and these will only be used for the shortest time period possible.

Electoral Roll

The College is in dialogue with a representative from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, our Local Authority, regarding the importance of being included on the Electoral Roll for this area. Aside from being able to vote, registration offers other benefits that could be of help once students are ready for more independent living.

The Council has a duty to provide every individual, who is resident within the Vale of Glamorgan, with the opportunity to register to be on the Electoral Register despite any illness or disability they may have. This includes students aged eighteen or over at Beechwood College.

For our students, being on the Vale of Glamorgan Electoral Register also has the following benefits: • Proof of address and length of residence within the Vale of Glamorgan • Proof of identity • Proof of residence at an educational establishment • Building a credit record to use in future independent living.

Students with capacity are encouraged to register to be on the Electoral Roll themselves, and the College will fill out the registration for all other students.

Information we need from you at the Admission

When your son or daughter is admitted to the College, we will need you to complete the following documents which are attached to this Welcome Guide: • Medical questionnaire • Contraindications checklist

Could you please return these at your earliest convenience.