What is an Independent Monitoring Service?
NYAS’ network of Independent Monitors undertake regular visits to residential settings. Their role is to assess whether the staff team and environment is meeting the needs and wellbeing of children, young people and adults.
We do this by:
- Reviewing the physical environment
- Speaking with or observing those who live in the home
- Speaking with the staff team and Managers
- Speaking to social workers and the wider network of professionals
- Triangulating all evidence with available documentation
NYAS utilises a consistent partnership approach with providers, producing evidence-based reports that showcase the home’s development and progress. They are aspirational in terms of outcomes for children, young people and adults with clear, achievable actions.
Our Independent Monitors come from a variety of professional backgrounds and have excellent communication skills. This allows them to establish and build rapport with children, young people, adults, staff and professionals. They are committed to supporting homes and schools to achieve the highest standards and best outcomes for those in their care.
What Happens During a Visit?
The visit will focus on how the home operates on a day-to-day basis as well as how needs are identified and met in line with relevant legislation.
The visit is followed by a written report which outlines the findings of the visit and any recommended actions.
We also offer detailed information explaining the importance of Reg 44 visits for children and young people.
Where Can Independent Monitoring Visits be Undertaken?
We are able to deliver regular independent monitoring visits to the following settings across England, Wales and Scotland:
- Residential Special Schools
- Children’s homes
- CQC FE Colleges
- Pre-Ofsted
- Family Assessment Centres
- Secure Childrens Homes
- Supported Accommodation
What are the Benefits of Working with NYAS for Independent Monitoring Visits?
As a leading national rights-based charity, NYAS have become one of the largest providers of independent monitoring visits across the country. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing a quality service.
NYAS is committed to continually improving the quality of its provision to benefit our commissioners and the children which they care for.
To this end, we have developed and launched the following initiatives:
- Expanded our Network of Quality Assurance Officers: these professionals check our reports are anonymised, evaluative, contain appropriate recommendations and review previous actions.
- Developed Recommendations Analysis Reports: these reports track recommendations by standards and repetition. NYAS alerts commissioners if recommendations are repeated more than twice.
- Launched Best Practice Webinars: these webinars share information on common themes within Ofsted inspections and share best practice amongst our Independent Visitors and Quality Assurance Officers.
- Guarantee Business Continuity: NYAS’ extended national network of visitors and trained managers provide additional capacity when unplanned absences occur e.g. flu outbreaks.
- Developed a Visitor Code of Conduct: this document outlines professional conduct to our Independent Visitors when visiting homes and includes guidelines on communicating recommendations to senior staff before concluding visits to homes; enabling immediate action.
How Can I Commission This Service?
NYAS delivers an independent monitoring service to children’s homes managed by both the local authority and independent providers We deliver this service through a network of highly skilled and professional independent visitors, service managers, quality assurers and administrators.
Get in touch today and see how we can help you deliver a first-class service to the children and young people in your care.