Residential Facilities
The hostel facility consists of a number of bathrooms and dormitory areas
together with a TV room, games room and dining area. Three members of childcare
staff
oversee the work involved in the residential hostel and they are supported
further by school staff including the Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher.
Attention is given to the promotion of self help skills with a continuation of the school day's programme. The hostel is good preparation for children wishing to make extended visits either home or abroad.
At least two staff perform overnight duties and the maximum number of children
staying overnight is six. Children have the opportunity to stay with their friends in a relaxed
family atmosphere with the option of taking part in a variety of activities.
The residential hostel, is subject to an annual welfare inspection currently undertaken by OFSTED. The last four successive inspections, 2008, 2009 and Jan 2010 and Nov 2010 have recognised the quality of the boarding provision to be outstanding.
Below are a few extracts from the November 2010 welfare inspection: -
“Pupils reside in a healthy environment where their good health is comprehensively promoted”
“The safety and welfare of students has a very high priority in the school and they say they feel safe during their stay”
“The hostel is organised and managed in a manner that delivers and maintains an outstanding level of care”
“The quality of relationships between staff and children is outstanding and reinforces the very caring atmosphere that can be witnessed throughout the school.
“The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding.”
”Students reside in a fully inclusive environment which truly inspires them to respect and value their own needs and the differing needs of others.
“The hostel provides a very safe and happy environment.
"Children’s enjoyment of sleep overs is high because it is relevant to their needs and interests.
‘The resource is unique in that it provides a very flexible approach to residential provision and parents and young people make their own choices when it comes to deciding if they want to stay at the hostel. Decisions are also made on which young people share the week together and these decisions are very much taken in consultation with the young people. This service provision is viewed by the young people as ‘sleepovers’
This is a school with exceptional strengths that meets all and exceeds the vast majority of the national minimum standards. Students receive excellent support to meet their individual needs from a range of staff who collaboratively work together in the best interests of the students.