National Minimum Standards for Children's Homes

1.	Planning for care
2.	Quality of care
3.	Complaints and protection
4.	Care and control
5.	The home itself
6.	Staff and visitors
7.	Secure children's homes

2. Quality of care.

Consultation. Children should be encouraged to make decisions about their lives and give their views about the way the home should be run.

Privacy. Children's privacy is respected and information about them is handled confidentially.

Meals. Children should be given healthy nutritious meals and have the chance to plan, shop for and prepare meals.

Pocket money & appearance. Children must be given money for their own expenses. The amount should be linked to their age and understanding. Children should be given help and support to choose their own clothes and personal belongings.

Health & medicines. Children must be registered with a GP have access to nurse, dentist and other health professionals when needed. Children should keep their own medication only if they are responsible enough and are able to lock their medication away somewhere safe.

Education. Education for children is very important and staff must encourage each to achieve at school.

Leisure. Children must be given help and encouragement to take part in leisure interests. Children should be able to make friends outside the home, visiting friends house and having friends visit them.