Setting

Grateley House School

Church Lane Grateley Andover Hampshire SP11 8JR

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Grateley House School

2nd November 2004 Residential Special School (not registered as a Children’s Home)

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Grateley House School Page 1

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Fax No: Address

Church Lane, Grateley, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8JR Email Address:

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Name of Governing body, Person or Authority responsible for the school

Hesley Asperger Syndrome Services Limited

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Type of school

Date of last boarding welfare inspection: 09.02.04

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Type of school

Date of Inspection Visit 2nd November 2004 ID Code

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Type of school

Name of CSCI Inspector 1 Brian McQuoid 075696

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Name of Establishment Representative at the

time of inspection Mrs Susan King Grateley House School Page 2

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Residential Special Schools are subject to inspection by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) to determine whether the welfare of children (i.e. those aged under 18) is adequately safeguarded and promoted while they are accommodated by the school.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Inspections assess the extent to which the school is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools, published by the Secretary of State under Section 87C of the Children Act 1989, and other relevant requirements of the Children Act 1989 as amended. Residential Special Schools are not registered as children’s homes unless they accommodate, or arrange accommodation for, one or more children for more than 295 days a year.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of Grateley House School The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

• Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Recommended action by the school • Advisory recommendations on boarding welfare • Summary of the findings • Report of the lay assessor (where relevant) • The Head’s response and proposed action plan to address findings

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections are undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework under the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children Act 1989 as amended, with additional visits as required.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Grateley House School Page 4

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL AND RESIDENTIAL PROVISION

Grateley House is an Independent Residential Special School that is part of the ‘ Hesley Group’, a national company that specialises in providing residential care and education. The school provides co-educational termly residential care and education for secondary age students with Asperger Syndrome and associated difficulties within the autistic spectrum. The schools residential provision comprises of six separate house bases that are able to accommodate 34 students. Three of these are located within the main school building which was previously a large country house, one is a small self-contained cottage adjacent to the main building and two are purpose-built units located within the extensive school grounds. At the time of the inspection there were 31 residential students and two day students, two of the house bases were mixed, one was girls only and three were boys only. The school is planning to build a further six-bedded house base within the schools grounds and planning

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL AND RESIDENTIAL PROVISION

permission for this had recently been granted. The school provides a range of therapeutic support services for students.

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WHAT THE SCHOOL DOES WELL IN BOARDING WELFARE

The school provide a suitable environment for students that is homely and welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Staff are extremely well trained and supported and well able to meet the needs of students. Students are routinely consulted about matters affecting them and are well prepared for their transition with good opportunities provided for the acquisition of independent living skills. There are good systems in place to ensure students are protected from harm and their health and welfare is well promoted with a wide range of activities available, a healthy diet provided and good individual support including a range of therapeutic services available. The school works well with parents and placing authorities and there is good collaboration between care and teaching staff. Established operational procedures enable the school to operate efficiently and there is clear leadership and direction provided by the head who is well supported by the schools senior management

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WHAT THE SCHOOL DOES WELL IN BOARDING WELFARE

team. Effective systems are also in place that provide for good monitoring of both students and the schools overall performance. The school continues to develop and improve its provision for its students.

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WHAT THE SCHOOL SHOULD DO BETTER IN BOARDING WELFARE

Grateley House School Page 5 The school need to ensure staff respect students privacy appropriately at all times and suitably record when room searches are carried out. The provision for students to make telephone calls in private without having to seek staff permission needs to be reviewed and parents should be provided with details of the schools complaints procedures including how to complain directly to the commission. It is recommended that the security arrangements for access to house bases be reviewed and personnel files need to contain evidence of all the required recruitment checks having taken place.

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CONCLUSIONS AND OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS ON BOARDING WELFARE

The inspectors concluded that Grateley House School provides a high standard of care for students whose welfare is suitably protected and promoted. The school operates in a flexible and creative manner that enables the needs of individual students to be accommodated and addressed and there was a strong sense of commitment to continual development of the school and the provision for its students. Grateley House School Page 6

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Children Act 1989 arising from this inspection?

Notification to be made to: Local Education Authority NO Secretary of State NO

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IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FROM LAST INSPECTION

Recommended Actions from the last Inspection visit fully implemented? YES

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implemented are listed below:

No Standard Recommended actions Timescale for action Grateley House School Page 7

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which indicates how recommended actions are to be addressed. This action plan

will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

Identified below are the actions recommended on issues addressed in the main body of the report in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of boarders adequately in accordance with the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools. The references below are to the relevant Standards. Non-implementation of recommended action can lead to future statutory notification of failure to safeguard and promote welfare. No Standard* Recommended Action Timescale for action 1 RS3 That staff follow the relevant procedures when entering students' rooms in order to respect their privacy appropriately. 01.12.04

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

2 RS3 That all searches carried out by staff of student rooms and possessions are recorded in line with Standard 3.11. 01.12.04

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

3 RS3 That the school review the provision of telephones for students that are able to be used without staff permission. 01.02.05

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

4 RS4 That parents are provided with details of how they can make a complaint directly to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 01.02.05

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

5 RS26 That the school ensure that fire doors are not inappropriately kept open at any time. 01.12.04

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

6 RS26 That there are risk-assessments in place for windows where they are deemed to present a risk to students. 01.02.05

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RECOMMENDED ACTION

7 RS27 That recruitment records provide evidence of all the elements detailed under standard 27.2 having been carried out. 01.02.05

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ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS

Identified below are advisory recommendations on welfare matters addressed in the main body of the report and based on the National Minimum Standards, made for consideration by the school. Grateley House School Page 8 No Refer to Standard* Recommendation

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ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS

1 RS14 That the school seek professional advice concerning the storage of controlled drugs within house bases and take action if recommended.

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ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS

2 RS26 That the school review their security arrangements in relation to the access to student living areas.

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ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS

Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix. E.g. RS10 refers to standard 10. Grateley House School Page 9

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS AND FINDINGS

The following inspection methods were used in the production of this report

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS AND FINDINGS

Direct Observation YES Pupil Guided Tour of Accommodation NO Pupil Guided Tour of Recreational Areas NO

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS AND FINDINGS

Checks with other Organisations • Social Services NO • Fire Service NO • Environmental Health NO • DfES NO • School Doctor NO • Independent Person NO • Chair of Governors NO Tracking individual welfare arrangements YES Survey / individual discussions with boarders YES Group discussions with boarders NO Individual interviews with key staff YES Group interviews with House staff teams YES Staff Survey YES Meals taken with pupils YES Early morning and late evening visits YES Visit to Sanatorium / Sick Bay NA Parent Survey YES Placing authority survey YES Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Individual interview with pupil(s) NO Answer-phone line for pupil/staff comments NO

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS AND FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 02.11.04 Time of Inspection 10.00AM Duration Of Inspection (hrs.) 21 Number of Inspector Days spent on site 4

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Pre-inspection information and the Head’s Self Evaluation Form, provided by the

school, have also been taken into account in preparing this report. Grateley House School Page 10

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SCHOOL INFORMATION

Age Range of Boarding Pupils From 11 To 16

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NUMBER OF BOARDERS AT TIME OF INSPECTION:

The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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NUMBER OF BOARDERS AT TIME OF INSPECTION:

The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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NUMBER OF BOARDERS AT TIME OF INSPECTION:

"0" in the "Standard met" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Grateley House School Page 11

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• Children, parents, staff and placing authorities have access to a clear statement of the school's care principles and practice for boarding pupils.

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Approved Arrangements and school prospectus, which are required to include

specific information. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school provides an information pack for parents and placing authorities that contains details of the wider ‘Hesley Group’ as well as information specific to Grateley House. The school prospectus is produced in a suitably accessible format and contains all the information required under this standard. An illustrated guide is provided for students which contains detailed information about the school and it’s day-to-day operation. This guide is suitably adapted according to which house base the student is to live in and includes photographs of house base staff. The school prospectus is reviewed annually and at the time of the inspection was seen to accurately reflect the needs of students being accommodated. Grateley House School Page 12

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Children are encouraged and supported to make decisions about their lives

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and to influence the way that the school is run. No child should be assumed

to be unable to communicate its views. • Children's privacy is respected and information about them is confidentially handled. • Children's complaints are addressed without delay and children are kept informed of progress in their consideration.

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key decisions which are likely to affect their daily life and their future. Feedback is

given following consultations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 This standard was considered to be exceeded by the school. The schools philosophy clearly emphasises the rights of students as being fundamental to the way the school operates and the children’s guide includes a charter of student rights and responsibilities. Students were seen to be able to express themselves freely to staff and to be encouraged and supported in taking ownership of and contributing to their personal records. Keywork sessions, the Student Council and Circle Time provide regular forums for students to be able to make their wishes and feelings known. Staff were seen to provide opportunities for students to make choices about everyday aspects of their life and there was also evidence of independence being promoted. Students' opinions are sought about meals and activities, and they are consulted about plans for their future. A small number of students were enabled to follow

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key decisions which are likely to affect their daily life and their future. Feedback is

their religious persuasion and to attend church at weekends. Feedback from parents and placing authorities was overwhelmingly positive in this respect, reporting that there was good communication with the school and that they were informed and consulted appropriately. Grateley House School Page 13

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The school and staff respect a child's wish for privacy and confidentiality so far as is

consistent with good parenting and the need to protect the child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The school provide clear guidance for staff concerning the issues of privacy and confidentiality and this includes procedures to be followed for the provision of intimate care. With only two students at the school not having single rooms there was good provision for students to have privacy in their rooms and this was seen to be respected by staff. Some students reported that some staff did not knock before entering their rooms while others knocked but did not wait for an answer before entering. A number of students have keys to their rooms and the school informed the inspectors that there are plans to increase this number in the future when suitable locks have been fitted to those doors without them. Staff do conduct searches of students rooms and there are guidelines for doing so. There was

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The school and staff respect a child's wish for privacy and confidentiality so far as is

evidence of some searches having taken place and not having been recorded. A number of students have mobile phones and all house bases have a phone available to students which are sited in communal areas and which are only used with staff permission. The school has one payphone available to students, which they can use without having to seek the permission of staff. The phone however is not suitably located in order to provide reasonable access for all students and there was evidence that it was very seldom used. The inspectors would recommend the school review this provision in order to provide improved access for students.

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living in the school, and feel confident that any complaint is addressed seriously and

without delay. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The complaints procedures for students are displayed within the school and students reported being aware of how to make a complaint. A suitable log of complaints is maintained and this provided evidence of those complaints received being addressed appropriately. Parents are currently encouraged to contact the school with any concerns and advised that the schools complaints procedures are available upon request. The contact details of the Commission are provided for students in respect of the complaints procedures but not for parents.

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months:

Number of above complaints substantiated: 2

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months:

Number of above complaints substantiated: 0 Grateley House School Page 14 Grateley House School Page 15

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The welfare of children is promoted, children are protected from abuse, and an appropriate response is made to any allegation or suspicion of abuse. • Children are protected from bullying by others. • All significant events relating to the protection of children accommodated in

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the school are notified by the Head of the school to the appropriate

authorities. • Children who are absent without authority are protected in accordance with written guidance and responded positively to on return.

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suspicions or allegations of abuse are properly responded to. These are known and

understood by all staff (including junior, ancillary, volunteer and agency staff). Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school have a child protection policy and procedures that accord with the local area child protection committee procedures. All staff including ancillary staff receive child protection training as part of their induction programme and those staff spoken with during the inspection displayed a sound understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of suspicions or allegations of abuse. Refresher training is provided for staff on child protection and the importance of reporting incidents of poor practice ( whistle blowing) is emphasised to staff. In addition written guidance is provided on safe working with students and a pocket size ‘Code of Practice’ has been given to all staff which includes a reminder of procedures to follow should staff suspect students may be being harmed in any way. There was

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suspicions or allegations of abuse are properly responded to. These are known and

evidence of the school taking appropriate action in relation to child protection concerns and of working closely with other agencies in the process. This included informing the Commission appropriately.

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familiar and which is effective in practice. Where possible children in the school

contribute to the development of the policy. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school has a clear anti-bullying policy and suitable information is provided for students and their parents in relation to this. Anti-bullying strategies remain high on the schools agenda and an anti-bullying day scheduled for November 2004 is to include role-play by students in order to gain a better insight into their perspective of being bullied. Not all students are able to recognise bullying behaviour and keyworkers play an important role in working with individual students to resolve issues of conflict resulting from relationships with other students. There was evidence of this on individual student records. The figure below was arrived at from the analysis of 13 questionnaires returned by students and should be viewed in this context. From observations and discussions with students and staff during the inspection the inspectors considered bullying not to be a significant problem

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familiar and which is effective in practice. Where possible children in the school

within the school. The high level of staff supervision of students also contributed to this view.

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All significant events relating to the protection of children in the school are notified by

the Head of the school or designated person to the appropriate authorities. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school’s head is aware of the requirements under this Standard and has acted accordingly in informing the commission and other relevant authorities of significant events.

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NUMBER OF THE FOLLOWING NOTIFIED TO CSCI DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS:

• conduct by member of staff indicating unsuitability to work with children 0 • serious harm to a child 1 • serious illness or accident of a child 0 • serious incident requiring police to be called 0 Grateley House School Page 17

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The school takes steps to ensure that children who are absent from the school

without consent are protected in line with written policy and guidance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school have suitable procedures in place for the event of a student being absent without consent. There have been no recorded incidents since the previous inspection.

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Children have sound relationships with staff based on honesty and mutual respect. • Children are assisted to develop appropriate behaviour through the

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understanding and clear professional and personal boundaries which are effective for

both the individuals and the group. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Observations during the inspection and feedback from students showed there to be positive relationships between staff and students. Staff were seen to display a good understanding of the needs of individual students and to respond accordingly. In addition staff were seen to be professional in their approach to students and in their interactions with each other. Praising students for their achievements is done routinely and there was good evidence of this.

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is regarded as unacceptable by staff, it is responded to by constructive disciplinary

measures which are approved by the Head of Care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school have a clear behaviour policy in place and staff receive training in ‘ Adopting a positive approach’, which underpins the way student behaviour is managed. Students are made aware that there are consequences to certain behaviours and supported in developing self-control and taking responsibility for their actions. There is an emphasis on rewarding positive behaviours and celebrating students' successes. Student records and house bases providing good evidence of this with photographs and certificates of achievement on display. Staff are also SCIP trained which includes the use of physical interventions. Both the records of physical interventions used and sanctions imposed were seen to be appropriately maintained and in accord with the school’s policies. The school has systems in place for the monitoring and analysis of behaviour and draw up individual behaviour management plans

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is regarded as unacceptable by staff, it is responded to by constructive disciplinary

for students when necessary. Further monitoring of sanctions and physical interventions is carried out by the independent visitors who conduct regular visits under Standard 33. The school encourage students to develop an awareness of their rights and responsibilities and provide relevant information for students in relation to this. Grateley House School Page 19

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Children experience planned and sensitively handled admission and leaving processes. • The school's residential provision actively supports children's educational progress at the school. • Children have ample opportunity to engage in purposeful and enjoyable activities both within school and in the local community. • Children live in a healthy environment and the health and intimate care needs of each child are identified and promoted. • Children are provided with healthy, nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs. • Children wear their own clothing outside school time, can secure personal

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appropriate, with parents and carers and placing authorities – as far as possible and

handled with sensitivity and care by those concerned. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school have clear admission procedures that include provision for obtaining all relevant information, visiting the students home and previous school and arrangements for visits to the school by parents and student. A comprehensive assessment takes place in order to establish Grateley is the right place for the student and that the school is able to meet the students needs. The likely effect of any admission upon the existing group of students is also considered. There is good provision for students at the school to prepare them for leaving. Records showed evidence of transition planning taking place involving students and their parents, of the involvement of the Connexions service, of work-experience placements and of good links with F.E. colleges attended by students. The acquisition of independent living skills is an

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appropriate, with parents and carers and placing authorities – as far as possible and

integral part of the education programme for all students at Grateley and since the previous inspection a ‘Moving On’ programme has been introduced for post-16 students. This is an area the school continues to develop. Grateley House School Page 20

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education, ensuring regular attendance, punctuality and a minimum of interruption

during the school day. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Staff described there being good communication and an established working relationship between care and education staff. Individual Education Plans are drawn up jointly and were seen to contain targets linked to students' personal, social and educational development. Care staff attend and contribute to student reviews and there is regular joint working with education staff on independent living skills for all students.

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Children have ample opportunity to engage in purposeful and enjoyable activities

both within the school and in the local community. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 Students are provided with a wide range of activities both within the school site and in the community. All house bases have a weekly programme of activities and students are consulted and able to choose what they would like to do. Examples of on-site activities include Karaoke, Dance Club, Cooking, Hair and Beauty and Computer Club. Off-site activities include trips to local Leisure Centres, Libraries, Bowling, Ice-Skating, Beach and Forest Trips and Shopping expeditions. A number of students also attend a local youth club another attends local martial arts classes and a further student belongs to a local cadet force. In addition students are able to access the local village shop independently subject to risk-assessment and those older students staying at week-ends are able to travel further afield by rail. Risk-assessments were seen to be completed prior to any off-site trip-taking

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Children have ample opportunity to engage in purposeful and enjoyable activities

place. There is good access within house bases to toys, books, board games, TV, videos and music. This standard was considered to be exceeded. Grateley House School Page 21

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The school actively promotes the health care of each child and meets any intimate

care needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school actively promotes the good- health of students with activity programmes, the provision of a healthy diet and via the school’s PSHCE programme. There are appropriate policies in place for the management of medication and for the provision of intimate care and the school employs a qualified nurse who co-ordinates medical matters and the provision of therapeutic services. Health-related questionnaires for students are completed by parents prior to admission and were seen on file. The school nurse holds regular surgeries and the majority of students are registered with the local G.P. practice where they are able to access a male and female doctor. Records of medication were seen to be well maintained and the relevant parental consent forms to be in place. Medication is stored within house bases as well as the surgery and the nurse conducts regular audits of medical cabinets. The

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The school actively promotes the health care of each child and meets any intimate

inspectors would recommend the school seek professional advice concerning the storage of controlled drugs within house bases and take action if recommended. Staff receive first-aid training during their induction and a number are first-aid qualified. Individual protocols are in place for the administration of any invasive treatment and staff have received relevant instruction in relation to this. The school has clear arrangements for securing specialist medical services and there was evidence of appropriate consultation with parents taking place concerning this.

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health, religious persuasion, racial origin or cultural background are met, including

the choice of a vegetarian meal for children who wish it. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Menus showed the school to be providing a varied and balanced diet for students with a suitable choice at main meals. Special dietary needs are catered for and provision made for vegetarians. The dining room is a pleasant environment and meals attended by the inspectors were seen to be sociable occasions with food well presented and of a good standard. The views of students are sought in respect of meals provided and although a small number of students expressed some dissatisfaction with the quality of the food there was no supporting evidence to substantiate this view. Catering staff were trained appropriately and there were no outstanding requirements of the Environmental Health Service. All house bases at the school have either a kitchenette or a full-scale domestic kitchen and as such are able to provide opportunities for students to prepare snacks for

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health, religious persuasion, racial origin or cultural background are met, including

themselves and for the older students to prepare meals. Grateley House School Page 22

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Children are provided for adequately on an individual basis and encouraged to

exercise their own preferences in the choice of clothing and personal requisites.

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their money are provided with the assistance they need, in a way which maximises

their choice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Records of pocket money were seen to be appropriately maintained and students reported being able to choose how they spent their money. Students are able to bring their own clothing and personal requisites into school and choose what they wear outside of school time. Staff provide suitable and sensitive support within these areas for students when necessary. Grateley House School Page 23

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Children have their needs assessed and written plans outline how these needs will be met while at school. • Children's needs, development and progress is recorded to reflect their individuality and their group interactions. • There are adequate records of both the staff and child groups of the school. • In accordance with their wishes, children are able and encouraged to maintain contact with their parents and families while living away from home at school. • Children about to leave care are prepared for the transition into independent living. • Children receive individual support when they need it.

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that child in accordance with that plan, monitors progress in relation to that plan, and

updates that plan as necessary. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school was seen to be addressing the assessed needs of students within all aspects of their care. All students have statements of special educational need which provide details of areas of need. Individual education plans are drawn up jointly for all students between education and care staff and are reviewed regularly. In addition risk profiles were seen to be in place as well as individual behaviour programmes, risk assessments, and health-related plans where considered necessary. The leisure interests of students were also addressed within a formal written process and there were good systems in place for the monitoring of individual plans for students that were additional to the annual reviews held for all students.

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which can, in compliance with legal requirements for safeguards, be seen by the

child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Student files were seen to contain the necessary information and to be stored securely. Students are encouraged to take ownership of and contribute to individual keywork files and there was clear evidence of this being successful. Files were seen to be personalised by students and to contain photographs and certificates of achievement. In addition these files provided access for students to their individual education plans, reviews, and records of keywork sessions. Grateley House School Page 24

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The school maintains clear and accurate records on the staff and child groups of the

school, and major events affecting the school and children resident there. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school duly maintain the records required under this standard and the inspectors viewed evidence of these during the inspection.

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to maintain contact with their parents and other family members (unless there are

welfare concerns) while living at school. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Students and parents confirmed that the school encourage and facilitate contact between students and their parents and families. Records showed regular weekly contact from a student’s keyworker to parents and in addition home/school link sheets are now used to facilitate regular written communication between parents and the school. Parents confirmed they are able to visit the school and that they are able to see their child in private when doing so.

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is expected to leave care or move to independent living. The school works with any

Personal Advisor for the child. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 At the time of the inspection there were no students who were in local authority care. Grateley House School Page 25

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children identified as having particular support needs, or particular problems, receive

help, guidance and support when needed or requested. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There was good evidence of students receiving individual support in line with their needs and wishes. All students have identified keyworkers who they spend individual time with on a regular basis with the sessions planned in consultation with students to address identified areas of need and to pursue areas of interest. The school have access to a range of specialist services that provide individual support to students when necessary and case records showed evidence of this in practice. Individual behaviours were seen to be addressed within behaviour programmes and the school was seen to operate flexibly in this respect. An example of this was where one student was receiving one-to-one tuition within the house base and being gradually re-integrated into the classroom. Students with health-related needs such as epilepsy were seen to have individual protocols

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children identified as having particular support needs, or particular problems, receive

in place. The school also have two independent visitors that students are able to contact and whose details are displayed prominently within the school. Grateley House School Page 26

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Children live in well designed, pleasant premises, providing sufficient space and facilities to meet their needs. • Children live in accommodation that is appropriately decorated, furnished and maintained to a high standard, providing adequate facilities for their use. • Children are able to carry out their ablutions in privacy and with dignity. • Children live in schools that provide physical safety and security.

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environment most helpful to each child's development, and is sufficient for the

number of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school is located in a rural setting and within eight acres of parkland. The main school building has been suitably adapted to provide living accommodation for students and there are two separate purpose-built living units within the grounds. Planning permission has recently been granted for a further unit to be built and it is anticipated this will be completed before the summer of 2005. A number of recreational facilities are provided on-site but students are also able to access local community facilities and a nearby railway station enables travel further afield. The school is well situated to access a number of further education colleges and students regularly attend these. The inspectors considered the school to provide a suitable environment for students that was in keeping with its Statement of Purpose. Grateley House School Page 27

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The school provides adequate good quality and well-maintained accommodation for

boarding pupils, which is consistent with their needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 This standard was considered to be exceeded by the school. All of the accommodation was viewed during the inspection and was seen to provide an environment for students that is homely, well suited to their needs, decorated and furnished to a high standard and to be extremely well maintained. There are systems in place for reporting any damage or breakages and staff reported any issues to be addressed promptly. There was no visible damage observed in any area during the inspection and the students and staff are to be congratulated for this. At the time of the inspection only two students were sharing a bedroom and they had expressed a desire to do so. There were other double rooms within the school, some of which had had partitions installed since the previous inspection. These rooms were however being maintained as single rooms because sharing was not seen to best suit the needs of

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The school provides adequate good quality and well-maintained accommodation for

individual students. The inspectors would support and commend this stance as an example of the needs of the students being a priority. Students are able to personalise their own rooms and there was good evidence of this taking place. Communal living areas are brightly and attractively decorated and students' work is displayed throughout the school. There were seen to be satisfactory arrangements in place for laundering bedding and clothes with the older students doing their own laundry as part of their preparation for leaving.

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suitable to meet the needs of the children. The school has appropriate changing and

washing facilities for incontinent children where necessary. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school has sufficient facilities in accord with this standard, which were seen to be of a good standard, to afford appropriate privacy and to be adjacent to student sleeping accommodation. Staff at the school use separate facilities. Grateley House School Page 28

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and other hazards, in accordance with Health and Safety and Fire legislation and

guidance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 All staff at the school cover health and safety as part of their induction programme and are made aware of their individual responsibility to ensure the school is a safe place for students and staff. An up-to-date fire risk-assessment was seen to be in place and all fire safety tests and checks were seen to be carried out at the required intervals. This included carrying out fire drills involving evacuating the buildings. The local Fire Authority had visited the school since the previous inspection and were satisfied with the fire-safety arrangements in place. Some fire doors in one house base were seen to be being wedged open in order to enable observation of an area used by students. This was pointed out to staff during the inspection and the wedges were subsequently removed. At the time of the inspection the school was in the process of addressing recommendations

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and other hazards, in accordance with Health and Safety and Fire legislation and

arising from a health and safety report that was provided by an external consultant who carried out an inspection during June 2004. The recommendations included risk- assessments to be drawn up for certain areas and activities undertaken across the school. The inspectors recommend that this process include risk-assessments for windows without restricted opening devices that are accessible to students and deemed to have the potential for risk. The inspectors would also recommend the school carry out a review of security arrangements, specifically in relation to the access to student living-areas where the inspectors felt additional measures would be beneficial. Gas and electrical installations and equipment at the school are regularly tested and the hot water supply is appropriately regulated. Grateley House School Page 29

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• There are careful selection and vetting of all staff, volunteers, and monitoring

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abusers

• Children are looked after by staff who understand their needs and are able to meet them consistently. • Children are looked after by staff who are trained to meet their needs. • Children are looked after by staff who are themselves supported and guided in safeguarding and promoting the children's welfare.

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or Enhanced level as appropriate to their role in the school), with a satisfactory

outcome. There is a satisfactory recruitment process recorded in writing. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The recruitment procedures for all staff at the school include CRB checks being carried out at the Enhanced level and the inspectors viewed evidence of these. Personnel records provided evidence of further recruitment checks such as references and proof of qualifications, but the school need to ensure that records show evidence of all of the elements detailed under Standard 27.2 having been carried out. The school do not employ ‘gap’ students or appoint guardians for any student and insist on evidence of CRB checks having been carried out for any agency staff used.

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specified under standard 28.2. Records of staff actually working in the school

demonstrate achievement of this staffing level. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school was fully staffed at the time of the inspection and rotas indicated staffing levels to be sufficient to meet the needs of students both during the day and at night. No agency staff have been used since the previous inspection and the school’s relatively low turnover of staff provided a satisfactory degree of continuity of staffing. Sickness and absence are covered from within the staff team or by the use of a small number of bank staff available. Staffing levels in individual house bases varied depending upon the needs of individual students and in one instance 1:1 staffing was seen to be provided. A night-waking member of staff is present in all house bases throughout the night and a senior manager who circulates during the night is contactable by radio devices provided to all staff. Night-waking staff rotate house

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specified under standard 28.2. Records of staff actually working in the school

bases during the night and those spoken with were aware of the protocol of calling the senior manager should any student require support. A written record of those students sleeping in each house base is maintained. The staff group is reasonably balanced in terms of gender.

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Staff receive training and development opportunities that equip them with the skills

required to meet the needs of the children and the purpose of the school. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The Hesley Group have their own training department and the school have their own Staff Learning and Development co-ordinator post. Newly appointed staff in all departments undertake a structured induction programme that meets the national induction and foundation standards and which includes having to complete an induction manual. The induction programme includes appropriate instruction on child protection for all staff. Those staff not working directly with young people at the school receive information relevant to the needs of those students accommodated. Personal development plans were seen to be in place for all staff. A ‘Foundation Programme’ of training is completed by staff within their first six months at the school and subsequently, further training opportunities needs are identified

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Staff receive training and development opportunities that equip them with the skills

through the supervision process. All those staff spoken with during the inspection were extremely positive about the training opportunities provided for them and felt they equipped them well in order to be able to meet the needs of students at the school. The Hesley Group have achieved the ‘Investors in People Award’ and the inspectors considered this standard to be exceeded. Grateley House School Page 31

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All staff, including domestic staff and the Head of the school, are properly

accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 All staff at the school are provided with job descriptions and the lines of accountability are clearly stated. Records being maintained showed staff receive formal supervision at the required intervals and have their performance appraised on an annual basis. Supervision and appraisal training is provided for all staff in supervisory positions. Suitable access to the school’s policies and procedures is provided for all staff and there are regular staff and management meetings held, the minutes of which were viewed during the inspection. Grateley House School Page 32

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• Children receive the care and services they need from competent staff. • Children enjoy the stability of efficiently run schools. • The governing body, trustees, local authority, proprietor or other responsible body monitors the welfare of the children in the school.

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The school is organised, managed and staffed in a manner that delivers the best

possible childcare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The school’s staffing structure and corresponding lines of accountability are clear and the school was seen to be well organised and to operate efficiently. The senior management team are suitably qualified with extensive experience relevant to their roles and the head of the school provides clear and effective leadership. The school is committed to ensuring all care staff achieve NVQ Level 3 in ‘Caring for Children and Young People’ and is working towards this aim. Staff have allocated time for supervision, team meetings, handovers and administrative tasks, and are able to spend time working with individual students without compromising the overall care of other students. The school have recently introduced a new post of care manager within the care staff team. The primary role of the post is to observe and evaluate care practices within all of the house bases with a view to introducing change

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The school is organised, managed and staffed in a manner that delivers the best

where felt it could be beneficial. The introduction of the post was seen as a good example of the school’s commitment to improving the overall quality of care and the work being undertaken with individual students.

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must make sure that the operation of the school meets the requirements of these

standards in relation to the day to day running of the school. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9 This standard is not applicable.

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receive a written report on the conduct of the school from a person visiting the school

on their behalf every half term. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The frequency of monitoring visits carried out at Grateley exceed the standard. Monthly visits to the school are carried out by the school’s independent visitors and in addition unannounced visits are carried out at night-time by members of the senior management team on a half-termly basis. Reports of all visits are provided to the school and these were viewed during the inspection. Grateley House School Page 34

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D.1 Head’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 2 November 2004 and any factual inaccuracies:

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D.1 Head’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible The inspection at Grateley House School took place on 2/3 November. It is a very positive and fair report with many references to commendable standards which are directly applicable to the students.

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D.1 Head’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the

We are pleased that overall the scores have increased since the last inspection on 9 February 2004.

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D.1 Head’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the

All the recommendations have been actioned. Grateley House School Page 36

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to Head’s comments:

Comments were received from the provider

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to Head’s comments:

Head’s comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report

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Action taken by the CSCI in response to Head’s comments:

Head’s comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

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Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Head both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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recommendations are to be addressed and stating a clear timescale for

completion. This will be kept on file and made available on request.

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Status of the Head’s Action Plan at time of publication of the final inspection report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication

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Status of the Head’s Action Plan at time of publication of the final inspection report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion

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Status of the Head’s Action Plan at time of publication of the final inspection report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion

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Status of the Head’s Action Plan at time of publication of the final inspection report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Status of the Head’s Action Plan at time of publication of the final inspection report:

Other: <enter details here> Grateley House School Page 37

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Date

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Head both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

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Grateley House School / 2nd November 2004

Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF

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Grateley House School / 2nd November 2004

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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Grateley House School / 2nd November 2004

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk

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Grateley House School / 2nd November 2004

S0000012450.V184419.R01 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection

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Grateley House School / 2nd November 2004

The paper used in this document is supplied from a sustainable source

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