The Grange Therapeutic School

Assurance visit report: The Grange Therapeutic School 1 The Grange Therapeutic School

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15–17 Somerby Road, Knossington, Oakham, Leicestershire LE15 8LY

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Information about this residential special school

The school is an independent residential special school for 14 residential children aged eight to 18 years. Twelve children currently reside at the school during the week, term-time only. The residential accommodation is provided in two houses, one of which is located on the school site. The second house is located in the village of Knossington, a short walk from the main school building. The school is situated in a rural location close to the town of Oakham in Leicestershire. The school caters for students who have social, emotional and mental health needs, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders and mild learning difficulties.

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Information about this residential special school

Previous inspection date: 12 November 2019

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Information about this residential special school

Previous inspection judgement: Requires improvement to be good

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: The Grange Therapeutic School 2

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Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

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The care of children

The school has sensitively managed through a challenging time, putting the well- being of children at the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. A social worker said: ‘Communication with family throughout this time was fluid, offering food vouchers, a computer and so on to lessen the negative and stressful impact of COVID-19.’

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The care of children

Children who have joined the residential provision during this period, and their parents or carers, have been very well supported with their transition. A carer said: ‘It was a very difficult time, that was managed very well by the staff. The staff were very welcoming.’

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The care of children

Children benefit from positive relationships with staff, as well as clear boundaries and routines. This enables them to confidently take steps towards independence. Staff are child-centred and flexible in their support of children’s individual needs and plans. This helps children to settle quickly, promoting their health and well-being.

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The care of children

Children enjoy being at the school. One child reported that he was ‘really excited’ about moving from one of the homes to the upper school residential provision. When asked if he had any worries, he replied: ‘Not in a million years. I give the home 10 out of 10.’

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The care of children

Children’s needs are well understood. There are examples of children who make exceptionally good progress emotionally and socially.

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The safety of children

A holistic safeguarding approach means that children are kept central to practice. Staff understand children in the context of the school, residential care and their family or care arrangements. Positive working-together arrangements with parents and carers maintain children at the centre of what the school does.

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The safety of children

There has been a drive for improvement on the reporting and recording of safeguarding concerns. Staff understand the importance of clear reporting procedures and appropriate referral to other agencies when required. Staff have received up-to-date safeguarding training and a suite of sessions on safeguarding matters. In addition, team leaders have attended designated safeguarding lead training.

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The safety of children

Safeguarding incidents and concerns are responded to appropriately. Staff know and understand the whistle-blowing procedures and are confident in reporting concerns. Assurance visit report: The Grange Therapeutic School 3 Incident reports are reviewed by managers but do not always reflect management oversight or analysis.

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The safety of children

Physical intervention is rarely used in the residential provision. The positive relationships staff forge, and their in-depth understanding of children’s needs, contribute to children feeling better equipped to regulate their own behaviour.

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The safety of children

Overall, risk assessments reflect current risks, they are implemented well and are regularly reviewed. Following significant incidents, leaders review and amend risk assessments accordingly. However, although there were no concerns about practice, one young person’s risk assessment did not reflect his current risks. This risk assessment was reviewed and amended immediately.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers promote a strong child-centred ethos and a clear vision. The new experienced and qualified head of care provides excellent leadership and support for staff. She is child-centred and demonstrates a good understanding of the children’s individual needs. She is ably supported by the management team in each of the residential homes.

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Leaders and managers

Children have experienced several changes to the staff team and some vacancies remain. Staffing of vacant posts is provided by a small consistent team of staff who usually work in the school. This means that children receive better continuity of care, enabling them to form strong and positive relationships with staff.

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Leaders and managers

Staff have continued to receive a good range of training, although most training has been online because of the pandemic.

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Leaders and managers

When concerns are raised, leaders and managers are quick to respond and resolve any issues raised.

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Leaders and managers

Parents and other professionals are unanimously positive about the school and the impact that it has had on children. A parent said: ‘[The child] absolutely loves coming to school. During the summer holidays, they were literally on countdown until they could go back. [The child] feels really well understood by all the staff and the way they constantly go above and beyond to help them makes us grateful every day.’ Assurance visit report: The Grange Therapeutic School 4

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Recommendations

 Demonstrate robust oversight of incidents by ensuring that a management evaluation and subsequent action are recorded on incident forms. (linked to NMS 13.8)

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Inspectors

Joanne Vyas, Social Care Inspector Bev Allison, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: The Grange Therapeutic School 5 to 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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