This brochure is written to provide information for parents/carers of children who come to the Unit. We also hope that it answers some of the questions professionals who are considering referring children here may have.
Who are we?
We are a specialist unit, which provides treatment and education for up to 18 primary and early secondary aged children. The Unit is a part of the Child & Family Department of the Tavistock Clinic. It is unique in providing a joined up health and education service within a single setting. Staff include child psychiatrists, teachers, teaching assistants, child psychotherapists, a social worker, and an educational psychologist. The Unit is led by the director, who is a consultant psychiatrist, together with the head teacher, and a small group of senior staff.
Who do we see?
Children who attend the Unit have complex and long standing health and educational needs that cannot be met by their local community services. In addition to difficulties with their education (they may have been out of school for long periods of time, been receiving only part-time education, or have attended a local learning support or pupil referral unit) they may also be carrying other specific vulnerabilities. In many cases local child and adolescent mental health services or social services are also involved.
All children who come to the Day Unit must have funding agreed before starting. Many have a Statement of Special Educational Needs, allowing their Local Education Authority (LEA) to contribute to their funding. In other cases health and social services may share funding.
What happens when your child is referred here?
If your child is referred here, we try and decide together with you whether this is the right place for them. This involves meetings with you, your child and other professionals concerned with your child's care. When we first meet, we show you around the Unit and explain the way in which we work. In addition to this, one of our teachers carries out an assessment in your child’s current educational placement; we also offer a home visit. Finally we also ask you to complete a questionnaire about your child's difficulties.
If we all agree that the Unit can meet your child's needs, and you and your child are happy with our proposed educational and treatment package, we offer your child a place here.
What happens when your child is offered a place at the Unit?
Your child will be offered a start date, as soon as a place is available. We try to think carefully with you beforehand in planning the start of your child’s time here. Most children new to the Unit start slowly and gradually on reduced hours.
When children are admitted we review their placement here regularly. The first review is arranged between 6-10 weeks after admission.
How do we work?
We work together to support and encourage your child's emotional, social, and educational development. We do this by providing a therapeutic environment which involves both paying attention to the everyday detail of a child's time here, and offering opportunities for more focused work.
The weekly programme involves education, behaviour management, work with parents and families, therapy work, and, where appropriate, medication.
Education
The staff at the Unit aim to offer children and their parents/carers a positive experience of education.
Children receive full time education in small class groups with a staffing level of 2:1 (children:adults). All pupils follow the National Curriculum and participate in Maths and Literacy as well as having full access to a broad and balanced curriculum. They have Individual Education plans, based on behaviour and social skills as well as Literacy and Numeracy targets. Teaching staff and the educational psychologist keep a close eye on how the children are progressing, and assess them regularly.
Behaviour management
We believe that children are able to control their behaviour, and can learn from the way attention is given to what they do and from self reflection. The Unit Behaviour Policy is based on positive behaviour management strategies including a clear system of rules, rewards, and consequences.
Work with parents and families
We aim to work closely with parents and carers. Once your child is attending regularly, we will have regular (fortnightly - monthly) meetings with you. We decide with you about whether or not to have your child and or other family members present at these meetings. These meetings offer a chance to talk with you about your child’s difficulties and progress, at home and at the Unit, and how this affects, and is affected by, those close to them. They are a very important part of the work we do in the Unit and help your child feel connected to the place.
There is also regular contact between you and your child's class teacher. We try to encourage parental involvement in all relevant aspects of what goes on here.
Therapy work
We offer a range of psychological therapies at the Unit. We try to be as creative and flexible as possible in matching each child’s needs to our resources.
The Unit has a strong tradition of psychotherapy; children can be seen between once and three times a week, and treatment can sometimes continue even after a child has left the Unit. We also provide opportunities for family therapy, group therapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy, and other creative therapies.
Medication
Some children may require medication (e.g. Ritalin for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). If, after careful consideration, we think medication is necessary we would discuss and agree it with you as parents/carers.
How long do children normally stay at the Day Unit?
We see the Day Unit as a stepping stone from which children can move to a more appropriate and permanent educational placement. Children leave the Unit when they are ready to take the next step, and when it is clear where they are moving on to. Length of stay here can thus vary - it is usually between two terms and two years.
Where to find us?
We are based in Gloucester House, 33 Daleham Gardens. You will be met by a member of our administrative staff who will show you where to go for your meeting. Tea and coffee are available, as are toys for children.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Administrative Staff on 0207 794 3353, Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 5pm.
Gloucester House - The Tavistock Children's Day Unit
