National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools

1.	Statement of the schools purpose
2.	Children's rights
3.	Child protection
4.	Care and control
5.	Quality of care
6.	Planning for care
7.	Premises
8.	Staff
9.	Management

8. Staff.

The school has careful selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers to prevent children being exposed to potential abusers. There is a process of monitoring visitors to the school.

Numbers of staff. There is an agreed minimum staffing level for the school. The school is staffed at all times, day and night, at or above the minimum level. The staffing levels must be enough to meet the needs of the children. If the children's needs require, the number of staff should be increased.

In all cases where children under 15 are resident a minimum of 2 staff must be on duty between 7am and 11pm.

Staff training. Staff receive training and development opportunities that equip them with the skills required to meet the needs of the children.

Staff support. Children are looked after by staff who are themselves supported and guided in safeguarding and promoting the children's welfare. Records of staff supervision should be kept.