The Otterhayes Trust was formed as a not-for-profit company with charitable status in 1984 on the site where the original Donkey Sanctuary started. It was set up by husband and wife team, Jim and Carolyn Allen who remain as the homes main management. Both Jim and Carolyn have many years experience in working with Learning Disabilities. Jim is qualified in special education and art, and spent many years teaching in a special school, and Carolyn is a qualified nurse for learning disabilities, and has had three years assessing NVQ 4 in Care Management.


                                 



Jim and Carolyn are supported by two managers, Lisa McCann and Fiona Vaughan  who look after the day to day running of the home.They are both qualified in NVQ Level 4 in Care Management.

                                                                                               Lisa                                             Fiona                              
         

To compliment this, there are two Deputy Managers (one for residential care and one for supported living), two Senior Social Support/Care Workers and eleven Social Support/Care Workers.

The Trust ensures the presence of 4 or more staff throughout each working day, at least one being a senior member of staff.Two staff will always be available on a 24-hour basis.  At night there are two sleep in staff in the main house, and all other units are linked by phone and staff are readily available for those residents who may need assistance. Many of the management and staff live within the grounds, so there is always someone to call upon.

Ongoing training is important in keeping staff up to date with new knowledge, and so far a further five other staff have qualifications ranging from NVQ level 3 in independent / supportive living, and a psychology degree. The majority of staff have also attended courses on the following:

First Aid                                                                       Fire Safety

Food Hygiene                                                              Health & Safety

Epilepsy                                                                      Management / Appraisals

Autism                                                                         Supervision

Gentle Teaching                                                          Induction & Foundation

Abuse                                                                          Moving & Handling

De-escalation

Annual Conference of Modern Approaches in Learning Difficulties