Vale of Evesham School

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC043049 1 SC043049 Vale of Evesham School, Four Pools Lane, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 1BN Residential provision inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this residential special school

The school is an academy and is responsible to a governing body. The school provides education for pupils who have autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. The school caters for 206 pupils in total, including the Nursery.

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Information about this residential special school

The boarding service, which operates from Monday to Friday, accommodates up to 15 children. There were 10 children registered to board at the time of the inspection, from year groups seven to 13.

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Information about this residential special school

On 5 November 2019, an aligned inspection took place at the same time as an education inspection. The residential special school was judged to be inadequate.

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Information about this residential special school

This monitoring visit took place to review the progress made since the full inspection.

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This monitoring visit

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the boarding provision was closed for a period. However, children and young people were able to continue to access the day services at the school until they could resume their overnight stays.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last full inspection, a new head of care has been appointed. The school senior leadership team, staff and governors are passionate about the residential provision and the role that it plays in enhancing and improving the lives of children and young people. Residency is now viewed as an integral part of the whole school, which ensures that, in the main, children and young people receive seamless care. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC043049 2 Inspectors found that children and young people enjoy their overnight stays and have positive experiences. This contributes to the progress that children and young people make.

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This monitoring visit

The headteacher has employed an independent social worker to assist in developing new procedures and practices. Safeguarding procedures have improved since the last inspection. This ensures that staff have clear guidance on how to keep children safe.

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This monitoring visit

The headteacher works in collaboration with the head of care and the chief operations officer in respect of any safeguarding issues. Furthermore, the designated officers understand their roles and responsibilities in ensuring that children are safe and protected.

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This monitoring visit

All relevant staff are now trained in safer recruitment. During each stage of recruitment, a quality assurance process is implemented. The single central register is completed and updated appropriately. The chief operations officer audits this. This oversight ensures that all persons employed are safe to work with children and young people.

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This monitoring visit

During the pandemic, staff have taken appropriate action to minimise the potential risks posed by the virus to children and young people. Children and young people are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe.

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This monitoring visit

The manager reviews children and young people’s risk assessments to ensure that they are allocated a suitable bedroom to meet their individual needs. This review by the manager ensures that children’s privacy is protected during their overnight stays.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have consulted with external professionals and implemented robust fire monitoring systems to ensure that the environment is protected against the risk of fire.

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This monitoring visit

The arrangements for medication are reflective of the school’s medication policy. Children and young people’s records of medication are up to date. Only trained staff have access to and can administer medication. Staff competency is routinely assessed to ensure that their practice remains safe.

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This monitoring visit

Clear behaviour management plans provide staff with guidance to support behaviour. This reduces the need for physical interventions. When such measures of control are used, the manager ensures that such measures of control are effective. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC043049 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the residential special school since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Residential special school details

Social care unique reference number: SC043049

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Residential special school details

Type of school: Residential special school

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Inspectors

Michelle Spruce, Social Care Inspector Sarah Berry, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC043049 4 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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