Log Book and Diary Recording

The Daily Log is a series of electronic records, kept in a consecutive and continuous way.

An account is made in the Daily Log by staff of the significant events, actions and visits that occur on each day relating to both children/ young people and staff.

The Daily Log should reflect both positive and inappropriate aspects of each day.

Each day's account should start with the date and be signed at the end.

Contributions and accounts of significant events should represent the opinions and views of both children/ young people and adults.

The Daily Log should cross-reference where appropriate with the Serious Incidents and Physical Intervention Reports and Children's Case Files/Daily Records/ Daily Notes, and any additional Incident Reports that are written.

All completed Daily Logs should be securely saved and filed for future reference.

Information should be cross referenced with other documentation.

Guidelines for the appropriate recording in the Daily Log should appear on the front of each volume and should include:

• Be kept in an orderly manner;
• Be explanatory and helpful;
• Be clear, concise, legible;
• Be signed and dated;
• Be kept up to date;
• Use clear non-stigmatising, non-colloquial language free of clichés and jargon;
• Be balanced and distinguish between fact and opinion;
• Record the actions of the staff as well as the children in the events described;
• The Director/Registered manager should read the Daily log at least weekly.

The central diary is located in the Staff Room/Office, and is a source of information and reference for all appointments, visits, transport, meetings, birthdays and anniversaries relevant to the children/ young people and the smooth running of the day.

The Team/Shift Leaders are responsible for sanctioning all diary entries, and the allocation of staff and vehicles to facilitate them, and should liaise with other senior staff as necessary.

The diary information for each week should be collated and reviewed in the weekly staff business meeting.

Any amendments necessary to the final draft should be sanctioned by the Team/Day/Shift Leader(s).

The  diary should be:

• Helpful in informing those involved in making plans;
• Kept in an orderly manner;
• Be clear, concise, legible;
• Be kept up to date.