News

Monday
The 10-hour shift starts at noon. Staff check their mail and memos, and complete previous weekly logs for children. In the team meeting at 1.30pm we talk about a barbecue planned for year 11 pupils who are leaving. As it's been raining for months we discuss alternative arrangements. Then staff supervision and NVQ training details are finalised. At 3.30pm we pick up pupils from school. Their bags are unpacked and checked for age-appropriate videos and computer games. At 4.15pm secondary pupils return to residence. Tea is followed by homework hour and bedtime between 8pm and 9.30pm. It's one of the most stressful parts of the day. My weekly headache begins.

Tuesday
Split shift starts at 6.45am. Breakfast gets pupils ready for school and I make a doctor's appointment for one child. Team debrief at 9am. Staff are tired and some children are excited about the holiday at the end of the week. Off duty at 10am; back on at 3.30pm. Liaise with school and teachers, pick up primary pupils and try to be objective about reports of their behaviour in school. Pupils watch videos and play games. The evening goes fairly quietly. Pupils are getting excited about the barbecue and year 11s are becoming more stressed about exams and leaving. Sleep in again and find it difficult to relax. Still raining, but hot.

Wednesday
Hardly slept last night and was woken early by some children playing. Split shift starts again at 6.45am. After the pupils go to school, tempers fray because of organising the barbecue and trying to cover staff shortage. Weather is still changeable but barbecue gets the go-ahead. Pupils complain they have to do their homework before barbecue - as if they would do it afterwards. It's a great success. Is it due to my cooking? Wonder how many will suffer from food poisoning tonight. Kitchen staff make a huge cake for the year 11 leavers and some decide to throw it at each other. Yet another sleep-in. It's made easier by the announcement that a new staff member will join after half-term.

Thursday
Tiredness really kicks in. Some staff are uncommunicative and others have just had enough. The team debrief gets shorter as they find it difficult to think of things to say. Two pupils have been fighting and have scratches. I contact school staff and their parents, who are more understanding than their teachers. Go home between shifts and vegetate. Evening shift goes well. Sleep in my own bed for the first time this week.

Friday
All pupils pack their bags this morning. It's an emotional day for year 11s and some staff members. By 10am we have worked 42 hours since Monday and been on sleep duty for three nights. At 10am I say my goodbyes and go to my partners for the week. My headache miraculously clears.