Penn Hall School

Penn Hall School, Vicarage Road, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 5HP

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Inspection dates 14 March to 16 March 2016

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The overall experiences and progress of children and young people Outstanding 1

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The quality of care and support Outstanding 1 How well children and young people are protected Outstanding 1 The impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers Outstanding 1

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Summary of key findings

The residential provision is outstanding because  Children and young people are safe and feel safe. They build strong and trusting relationships with care staff, managers and school staff.

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Summary of key findings

 Safeguarding policies and procedures are integrated and comprehensive. They ensure that children and young people are protected and that any concerns regarding their welfare or safety are immediately referred to external professionals.

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Summary of key findings

 C are staff, leaders, managers, other professionals, parents and carers have exceptionally high aspirations for children and young people. Care staff have an excellent knowledge and understanding of children’s and young people’s individual needs and vulnerabilities.

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Summary of key findings

 Consultation with children and young people is a considerable strength of residency. Care staff work with children and young people, parents, carers and others to capture individual views and wishes. Children and young people are provided with genuine opportunities to make choices.

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Summary of key findings

 Children and young people enjoy their time in residency and look forward to spending quality time with their friends. These relationships consistently support and assist their interpersonal social skills and emotional development.

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Summary of key findings

 Children and young people participate in a varied and stimulating range of educational, social and leisure activities when in residency.

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Summary of key findings

 The school and the residential provision are well integrated. The leadership team is united in its shared desire for continued improvement. It uses social care research and published information to support ongoing improvements to the service.

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Summary of key findings

Compliance with the national minimum standards for residential special schools The school meets the national minimum standards for residential special schools Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 3 of 11

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Information about this inspection

This welfare-only inspection was completed following the appropriate notice period for this type of visit. A tour of the residential accommodation was undertaken. Two afternoons and early evenings were spent in the company of young people and staff. Several young people were spoken to and observed during the inspection. Two evening meals and two breakfasts were also observed. A range of records and documents, relating to the care provided, were examined. Discussions were held with members of the senior leadership team, managers, care staff, parents and carers.

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Inspection team

Jo Stephenson Lead social care inspector Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 4 of 11

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Information about this school

Penn Hall is a Wolverhampton local authority community special school for pupils aged 3 to 19 years, whose special educational needs fall predominantly in the categories of physical disability and complex medical needs. Some pupils will have an associated learning difficulty related to their physical disability. An increasing number of pupils have communication delays and difficulty. The school is located on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. It can accommodate 85 pupils. The residential hostel on the school site can accommodate up to six pupils aged between 3 and 19 for overnight stays. All pupils are given the opportunity to take part in the residential experience. Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 5 of 11

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Inspection judgements

The overall experiences and progress of children and young people Outstanding

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Inspection judgements

Young people make outstanding and sustainable progress in residency, in all aspects of their development. They receive bespoke care and nurture that reflect their individual needs, and take specific account of their abilities and vulnerabilities. Care routines are immensely well organised and focus on a 24-hour curriculum and learning model. This means that young people benefit from seamless, integrated and comprehensive care. Parents, teaching staff and other professionals recognise and praise the irrefutable positive impact that residency has on the development of young people’s social, emotional, practical and educational skills. Young people consistently say that they ‘love’ residency because, for example, ‘staff are great and staying over with friends is great’. One young person said, ‘I really, really wish I could stay more often.’

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Inspection judgements

Staff set young people challenging but achievable personal targets to encourage them to reach their full potential. Partnership working between care staff, parents, carers, medical staff and teaching staff means that young people thrive in residency. A can-do attitude is embedded in the ethos of the service. This helps young people to overcome any obstacles or barriers that they face, and ensures that they celebrate their achievements. One parent said, ‘Nothing is allowed to stand in the way of the children’s progress. There is nothing that they are not encouraged to try, from new food to new activities. Disabilities never prevent achievements.’

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Inspection judgements

Young people are safe in residency because safeguarding procedures are robust, detailed and regularly reviewed. Staff have an excellent knowledge and understanding of this aspect of residential care. They work in partnership with other agencies including local authority safeguarding teams, families and nursing staff to respond effectively to and manage any safety concerns. This robust approach is recognised by parents and carers. One parent said, ‘It’s really hard to leave your child with other people when you know they can’t say if something is wrong, but here I know he’s safe because I can feel it and see it on his face.’ Young people enjoy excellent relationships with staff and each other. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, warm and welcoming. The appropriate levels of physical contact and affection between young people and care staff mean that relationships are transparent and based on trust and respect. This further promotes

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Inspection judgements

Educational and social activities are central to daily routines in residency. Young people consistently say that these are ‘fun’, ‘exciting’ and ‘interesting’. Staff continually encourage young people to try new activities and learn new skills. The varied mix of internal and external activities is a considerable strength of the service. Staff devise activity plans in consultation with young people, and support them to express their likes and dislikes. This empowers young people to engage in activities and develops their interaction skills.

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Inspection judgements

Staff meet young people’s extremely complex and multifaceted health needs. They work in partnership with nursing services, health professionals and other agencies to ensure that medication is safety administered. Bespoke health plans mean that all aspects of Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 6 of 11 young people’s physical and emotional well-being are supported.

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Inspection judgements

School leaders and residential managers effectively monitor the service and highlight and address any identified shortfalls that potentially hinder young people’s development. Monitoring systems review individual progress, and take account of feedback from others. Parents and others continually praise the residential experience for the positive impact that it has on young people’s lives.

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Inspection judgements

The quality of care and support Outstanding

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Inspection judgements

Young people thrive in residency because partnership working between care staff, teaching staff and other agencies is effective. All young people who access the school have the opportunity to access the residential service. This is a considerable strength and unique feature of the setting. It means that all young people can benefit from this provision regardless of their backgrounds, family circumstances or external funding considerations. Parents speak with praise and passion about this opportunity with one parent saying, ‘The school knows the true meaning of equality, and all children have the same chances and opportunities, and we don’t need to fight to access the service. That means a great deal.’

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Inspection judgements

Personalised care plans ensure that young people’s social and emotional needs are considered in line with their educational progress and personal circumstances. Their views, wishes and opinions are central to daily routines. Young people are well matched in residency, and their preferences are taken into account. Their transition into residency is well supported and decided between young people, their families and care staff. This reduces any anxieties that young people may experience.

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Inspection judgements

Young people participate in a wide and varied range of stimulating activities. They embrace these opportunities and say that this is one of the best things about residency. Activities are age appropriate and inclusive; all young people, regardless of their skills and abilities are encouraged to take part. Young people develop their social interaction skills and form appropriate emotional connections and relationships with their peers through these shared experiences. This supports their personal growth and development.

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Inspection judgements

Young people are supported to pursue a healthy lifestyle when in residency. The flexibility of the nursing service helps to ensure that medication administration systems are safe, effective and appropriately monitored.

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Inspection judgements

Mealtimes are very relaxed and sociable occasions. Care staff and support staff act as good role models. Young people are consistently encouraged to display socially acceptable behaviours and, when required, staff help them with practical mealtime skills and tasks. Consideration is given to the nutritional value of meals along with individual dietary needs. Young people can try new food and staff offer ‘taste plates’ to stimulate their senses.

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Inspection judgements

Residential accommodation is suitable. It is clean, tidy and maintained to an acceptable standard. The dining area has been refurbished in consultation with young people, and Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 7 of 11 this provides a bright, colourful and stimulating place. The accommodation is well managed and maintained despite the age and design of the buildings.

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Inspection judgements

How well children and young people are protected Outstanding

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Inspection judgements

Leaders and managers demonstrate a sound understanding of their roles and responsibilities in relation to keeping young people safe. Staff are well trained in safeguarding and child protection, and their knowledge is confirmed through regular training and supervisions sessions. Staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and when necessary refer any concerns to designated officers. Safeguarding referral procedures are easy to follow and effective, and this gives staff confidence in reporting any concern that they note. Partnership working between senior managers, designated officers and external agencies means that any concerns are quickly responded to in young people’s best interests.

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Inspection judgements

Young people’s cognitive abilities and complex disabilities mean that care staff are acutely aware of their individual risks and vulnerabilities. Interventions to manage risks are focused on safety but also promote opportunities to take age-appropriate risks, which are a part of their move towards greater independence. When young people require full personal care, this is planned and delivered with care and sensitivity. Staff are committed to promoting and respecting young people’s dignity.

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Inspection judgements

Staff have an excellent knowledge and understanding of young people’s complexities, including any behavioural or communication needs. This understanding means that staff promote positive behaviours through verbal and signed praise. This replaces the need for sanctions or physical restraint. Young people’s achievements, however large or small, are celebrated, and this promotes their self-esteem and confidence.

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Inspection judgements

Recruitment procedures are effective. The selection and vetting of staff is robust, and monitoring systems detail employee references and any gaps in employment and verify relevant qualifications. All staff are subject to disclosure and barring service checks. This promotes children’s safety and means that they work with suitably vetted adults.

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Inspection judgements

Health and safety concerns and risk assessments are exceptionally well managed. Robust systems ensure that all specialist equipment and fire safety equipment are regularly tested and their safety monitored. This ensures that children remain safe in residency. Detailed risk assessments are completed to minimise risks to children, both on and off site.

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Inspection judgements

The impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers Outstanding

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Inspection judgements

The head of care is highly competent and experienced. She is supported in her role by an immensely skilled and knowledgeable senior leadership team and a dedicated, stable and committed team of care staff. This stability enhances young people’s experience in residency and promotes the family atmosphere within the setting.

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Inspection judgements

Information relating to the residential provision defines the aims and objectives of the service. These are linked to young people’s educational, emotional and social Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 8 of 11 development. Parents, carers, external professionals and other agencies understand the scope and remit of the residential provision. Teamwork across the service between care staff, school staff, senior leaders and specialist nursing staff is a considerable strength of the service. These professional relationships ensure that young people receive integrated and comprehensive care.

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Inspection judgements

Residency has an immensely positive effect on young people’s development. The impact of the service is regularly monitored and reviewed by the senior leadership team, head of care and governing body. This ensures that the service continues to meet young people’s needs and continues to evolve in line with the wider school development plan.

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Inspection judgements

Managers and care staff at all levels have high aspirations for young people. They receive regular and reflective supervision and say that they feel able to approach managers and leaders with any concerns or issues that they have. Regular team meetings and daily staff briefings mean that communication is fluid and effective and ensures that staff practice remains consistent. This promotes young people’s safety and well-being. Care staff access a varied range of training and development opportunities that are also linked to the school’s overall development and improvement agenda. Training and development needs are identified through an agreed programme of continuous professional development. Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 9 of 11

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What inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against ‘Inspections of boarding and residential provision in schools: the inspection framework’.

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What inspection judgements mean

Judgement Description Outstanding A school where the experiences and progress of children and young people consistently exceed the standard of good and result in sustained progress and achievement. The outcomes achieved by children and young people are outstanding, and the impact that the boarding/residential provision has had in supporting this progress and achieving these outcomes is clearly evidenced. Good A school providing effective services, which exceed minimum requirements. Children and young people are protected and cared for and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. Requires improvement A school where there are no serious or widespread failures that result in children and young people's welfare not being safeguarded or promoted. However, the overall outcomes, experiences and progress of children and young people are not yet good. Inadequate A school where there are serious and/or widespread failures that mean

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What inspection judgements mean

that children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded, or their care and experiences are poor and they are not making progress. Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 10 of 11

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School details

Unique reference number 104417 Social care unique reference number SC043187 DfE registration number 336/7012 This inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for residential special schools. Type of school Residential special school Number of boarders on roll 82 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 3 to19 Headteacher Mr David Parry Date of previous boarding inspection 18 March 2015 Telephone number 01902 558355 Email address admin@pennhall.co.uk Inspection Report Penn Hall School, 14 March 2016 Page 11 of 11 guidance 'raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/ofsted." If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

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School details

You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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School details

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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School details

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied. if you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please

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School details

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School details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.co.uk/ofsted

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