Wilds Lodge School

Progress monitoring inspection residential special school report

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Wilds Lodge School Stamford Road, Empingham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8QQ

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Context of the inspection

This progress monitoring inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to assess the progress the school has made in meeting the failed national minimum standards from the inspection in October 2022. These standards related to safeguarding children, management oversight and the safe administration and disposal of medication.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff and managers have worked hard to address the concerns raised in the last inspection.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Despite having a new senior leadership team, a lot has been achieved. Incidents of children going on the roof have been significantly reduced. Staff have a good understanding of what to do if children go onto the roof. Proactive environmental changes have occurred to make it difficult for children to access the roof. For example, boarding has been used to raise the height of a roof. This has prevented children accessing this roof, and it is attractive. Furthermore, children have new play equipment that is designed for children who like to climb but enables them to do so safely. Younger children have also accessed an external educational provision that is tailor-made to address the risks associated with climbing on the roof. This has become an integral part of the curriculum for Year 6 pupils.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The management of safeguarding incidents has improved. There is better interagency working, management oversight and accountability. Risk assessments provide good information for staff to help them support children to manage their own behaviour.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff have a better understanding of whistle-blowing procedures. The process followed for allegations against staff is much improved.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Bedroom-sharing is carefully managed. Any concerns are quickly resolved or closely monitored. Detailed work is completed about harmful sexual behaviour. There is a harmful sexual behaviour coordinator who works closely with the children and staff. Inspection Report Wilds Lodge School, 16/05/2023 Page 2 of 5 Training and development are enhancing staff skills and knowledge to improve responses to safeguarding concerns and children’s behaviour. Children are safer at this school because of a clear, coordinated response to the safety and well-being of children.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The medication administration and disposal systems have been strengthened. There have been no medication errors since the last inspection. Care staff have received additional training in the safe administration of medicines and have undergone competence assessments prior to administering medication. The receipt and disposal of medication are much safer. This could be further strengthened by the administration staff, who now handle medication, having training in medication handling. This would give them an understanding of the importance of safe medication handling.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Importantly, children, generally, say they like staying in the residential provision and get on well with staff. Staff know the children well and use good strategies to support children when they are upset or anxious. Children enjoy the large, landscaped grounds and the wealth of activities they have access to.

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The school has made good progress and now meets all the national minimum

standards for residential special schools.

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Point for improvement

 The registered person should consider providing medication training for administration staff who handle medication in the school. (Residential special schools: national minimum standards 12.8) Inspection Report Wilds Lodge School, 16/05/2023 Page 3 of 5

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Inspection team

Joanne Vyas Lead Social Care Inspector Cathey Moriarty Social Care Inspector

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Information about this school

Wilds Lodge School is an independent residential and day school for boys aged between seven and 18 years with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. It currently provides boarding for approximately 52 children. The school is surrounded on all sides by farmland. The main site accommodation is divided into two house groups within the main house and an additional residential site a short distance away. The children are divided into groups according to their age and vulnerability. Inspection Report Wilds Lodge School, 16/05/2023 Page 4 of 5

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Unique reference number

Social care unique reference number SC069231

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DfE registration number

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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DfE registration number

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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DfE registration number

Type of school Residential Special School Number of boarders on roll 70 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 5 to 18 Headteacher Toby Oakley Date of previous boarding inspection 10/10/2022 Telephone number 01780767254 Email address office@wildslodgeschool.co.uk Inspection Report Wilds Lodge School, 16/05/2023 Page 5 of 5 inspects 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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DfE registration number

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DfE registration number

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DfE registration number

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