Practical information for parents and carers

We know that sending your child to live away from home is a big step. This page covers the practical arrangements we have in place to keep students safe, supported and well looked after throughout their time at the Halls.

Staffing

Our professional care team provides 24-hour cover when students are in residence. The team consists of a Duty Manager, House Parents and Night Care Assistants, supported by catering, domestic, janitorial and clerical staff. All care staff have the professional vocational training required for their roles.

A Duty Manager and House Parent are on duty from early morning. From late afternoon through the evening, three House Parents and a Duty Manager are on site. Overnight, a Night Care Assistant is on a waking shift, with two care staff on sleepover. A Duty Manager is always on call around the clock, with a Service Manager or Head of Service available during office hours.

Medical matters

Our medication procedure follows the Council's Policy on the Administration of Medicine in Schools and Education Establishments. All care staff are fully trained in the administration, recording and storage of medication. Any student with specific medical requirements has these noted in their Personal Plan.

If a student is unwell, staff will notify parents and KGS, look after the student at the Halls for minor illnesses, arrange medical appointments where needed, and accompany students or arrange transport as appropriate. Students who are unwell for more than a few days, or who have a communicable illness, will be supported to travel home.

Ferry disruption procedures

We have clear procedures in place for the three most common ferry disruption scenarios.

Early sailing from the North Isles on a Sunday

If the Ship's Master decides to sail earlier than scheduled, the Orkney Ferries Marine Superintendent will contact the Halls' out-of-hours mobile. Staff will arrange taxis from the pier to the Halls, or to KGS if the Halls cannot open early. KGS is open as a sports facility on Sundays. Students and parents are encouraged to subscribe to Orkney Ferries' disruption messaging service for early alerts.

Ferry leaves Kirkwall on Friday but cannot dock at an island

If the ferry cannot dock, the Master will notify the Marine Superintendent, who will contact the Halls. Students will be informed on board and told they cannot disembark at any island other than their own. Taxis will meet them at Kirkwall pier, a meal will be provided and parents will be contacted.

Friday sailing from Kirkwall cancelled

If cancellation is expected in advance, Orkney Ferries will notify us as early as possible. If cancellation happens without warning, the Halls will remain open on Friday night and parents will be informed. If gales are forecast to continue throughout the weekend, students either need alternative accommodation on the mainland for Saturday night, or will need to return home on an earlier ferry during the week. Please note that the Halls do not routinely open on Saturday nights.

Inspections, standards and complaints

Our care service is registered with the Care Inspectorate and operates in line with the National Care Standards for School Care Accommodation Services.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, you can speak informally with a member of staff or the Duty Manager, use the Council's formal complaints procedure, or contact the Care Inspectorate at any time:

Contact us

We are open Sunday 7pm through to Friday 5pm during school term, subject to seasonal changes in island transport timetables. For emergencies outside these hours, contact Police Scotland on 101.