Infocus School

Progress monitoring inspection residential special school report

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WESC Foundation WESC Foundation, Topsham Road, Countess Wear, Exeter EX2 6HA

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Inspection dates 11/12/2019 to 12/12/2019

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Context of the inspection

A full inspection took place between 4 and 6 July 2019. At that inspection, this service was judged to be inadequate across all areas.

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Context of the inspection

This inspection was carried out to review progress made and was aligned with an education inspection.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Not enough action has been taken to address shortfalls identified at the previous inspection. Primarily, these are in respect of the welfare and safety of children. Inspectors identified six cases where safeguarding concerns have not had swift or appropriate responses. This has left children at potential risk of harm.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Policy and process regarding referrals to the designated officer are not fully understood by staff. There have been three referrals since the last inspection. None of these have followed due process.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

New systems to manage safeguarding concerns are not wholly effective. This is compounded further because oversight by leaders and managers is weak.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The arrangements in place for the safekeeping and administration of medication are effective’. Improved systems and regular auditing support the process. Because of this action, errors are identified early and addressed.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff have received some good training since the last inspection. This coupled with improved supervision has had a positive impact on their practice. Staff told the inspector that they feel more confident and able to carry out their duties. Inspection Report WESC Foundation, 11-12/12/2019 Page 2 of 5

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residential special schools:

 6.3 The school ensures that the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy and appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.  11.1 The school ensures that: arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of children at the school; and such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  13.3 The school’s leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role.  13.4 The school’s leadership and management consistently fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the standards are met.  13.6 Staff with management responsibilities have an adequate level of experience or training in the management and practice of boarding to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Inspection Report WESC Foundation, 11-12/12/2019 Page 3 of 5

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Inspection team

Tracey Ledder Lead social care inspector

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Information about this school

WESC Foundation is situated in Exeter, Devon. The charity provides specialist services for children and adults with visual impairment and complex needs. The charity has a 14-acre campus from which all its services are run. WESC Foundation provides a range of services for adults including a residential care home, day services and supported living. WESC Foundation also runs a school for students aged 5-16 and a college for students aged 16-25. The school and college has residential provision.

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Information about this school

The residential accommodation for students in school is predominantly located in two houses on the campus. The houses offer boarding from 1 to 4 nights weekly. Other residential students under 18 who access the post-16 college provision are accommodated in other buildings, creating a student village environment.

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Information about this school

WESC Foundation has a range of specialist health, mobility and therapy services on site supporting students in school and college and adults living in the residential care setting. There is an onsite sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, swimming pool and specialist visual impairment facilities. The campus is adapted to meet the needs of young people using wheelchairs. Inspection Report WESC Foundation, 11-12/12/2019 Page 4 of 5

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School details

Unique reference number 113652 Social care unique reference number SC022223 DfE registration number 878

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School details

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 boarding schools.

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School details

The inspection was conducted at the request of the Registration Authority for independent schools in order to monitor the progress the school has made in implementing its action plan following the previous inspection.

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School details

Type of school Residential special school Number of boarders on roll 9 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 4 to 19 Headteacher Matt Smith Date of previous boarding inspection 02/07/2019 Telephone number 01392 454 200 Email address jbell@wescfoundation.ac.uk Inspection Report WESC Foundation, 11-12/12/2019 Page 5 of 5 guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.co.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

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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.co.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 and 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.

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School details

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.

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School details

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School details

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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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