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 three successive inspections, 2008, 2009 and 2010 have recognised the quality of the boarding provision to be outstanding.
Below are a few extracts from the 2010 welfare inspection: -
“Pupils overall health needs are managed exceptionally well”
“Good safeguarding procedures exist throughout the school”
“The residential establishment is a remarkably well-managed provision which successfully contributes to the positive impact of the education, care and support pupils receive.”
“Staff rewardingly work in partnership with children and their families to ensure that their views, wishes and feelings are taken into account throughout the care planning process. “
“The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding.”
“Children’s privacy and confidentiality are deeply respected by all staff”
“The commitment from all staff at all levels is a resounding strength of the school”
“Children are cared for by a highly motivated, well trained and knowledgeable staff group who know them very well"
‘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’. Children enjoy being at Penn Hall School Hostel and benefit from professional, effective and imaginative management. This, coupled with a staff team who are skilled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic provides all children with stimulating and purposeful care.’