Holly House School

Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 1 Holly House School Holly House School, Church Street North, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9QR Residential provision inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this residential special school

Holly House School is a maintained residential community special school for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The school provides education for 45 children aged 7 to 14 years.

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Information about this residential special school

The residential provision is in an annex to the main school and provides accommodation for up to eight children. Children can stay each night from Monday to Thursday during term time.

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Information about this residential special school

There is a qualified and experienced head of care in place who leads the residential provision.

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Information about this residential special school

The inspector only inspected the social care provision at this school.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The residential special school provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the school contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.

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outstanding

Date of previous inspection: 5 March 2024

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 2

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outstanding

The staff create a warm, loving and nurturing environment where children are safe and cared for extremely well. Children remain central to everything that the staff do. This ensures the children enjoy positive and enriching experiences that contribute to them achieving outstanding outcomes. One child said: ‘I love it here, I really do.’

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outstanding

Staff have gone above and beyond to form positive relationships with the children. They listen to children and take their views very seriously. The children feel able to share their wishes and feelings. A parent commented that their child is ‘talking more and doesn’t hide himself away and will find someone to talk with him. He has never done that until this last 6 to 8 months, and he would just avoid it and wouldn’t talk at all.’

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outstanding

The staff and leaders see the children as unique, and staff adapt their approach to suit and meet the children’s needs. The children and staff have excellent relationships, and this is the foundation for the excellent care that staff provide children with. Children’s achievements are celebrated, and staff give very positive feedback to the children to help enhance their self-esteem and confidence. This is enabling the children to lead fulfilling lives.

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outstanding

Education is key to children’s daily routines. Staff work closely with education colleagues to improve outcomes for children. For example, children read each night with staff and build on the work they started in school. This means that children are having greater opportunities to continue with their learning that could enhance their overall educational outcomes in the future.

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outstanding

The staff are proactive and provide the children with continuous learning opportunities, seamlessly integrating them into everyday activities. Their child- centred approach ensures that learning feels natural and engaging, so children absorb new skills without even realising it. Whether preparing for a countryside walk, measuring ingredients for baking or planning a residential trip within a fixed budget, these experiences equip children with essential life skills. By practising them now, children can build on this foundation as they grow, applying their knowledge to various aspects of their lives.

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outstanding

Children genuinely enjoy their time at residential. This is reflected in their behaviour while they are here. Children are calm and polite and represent the school and home very positively. The staff set a positive example and are excellent role models for the children.

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outstanding

A real strength of the team lies in their approach to continuously supporting children and families when they are going through difficulties. Staff are proactive and provide support in whatever way is helpful. Staff are attentive and listen to the children’s Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 3 worries. They show empathy and have true understanding of what the children are going through.

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outstanding

Safeguarding remains a key priority in the school and begins when anyone comes onto the school premises. Staff are curious about visitors and there is a thorough process in place to ensure that those visiting the site are known and monitored throughout their stay.

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outstanding

The risk assessments capture the needs of the children and how best to respond to them. When needed, there are also behaviour support plans in place that staff follow should children become upset or dysregulated. At times, consideration needs to be given if a risk assessment needs to be conducted when specific issues arise.

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outstanding

Staff are very proactive and use their skills and experience to respond creatively to risks and de-escalate incidents quickly. Staff have an excellent understanding of children’s emotional needs and have the required skills to manage behaviours that challenge effectively.

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outstanding

The staff have provided consistent support, personalised approaches and a nurturing environment for children. This has enabled the children to learn how to regulate their feelings, communicate their needs and seek help when necessary. As a result, there have been no incidents requiring physical intervention. Children do not go missing, nor are they involved in any form of exploitation. This proactive and child-centred approach has empowered the children, so they have a sense of safety and stability, and improve their own resilience.

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outstanding

The staff have a strong commitment to working with other agencies to keep children safe. Ongoing communication means that any potential risks are identified early, and appropriate interventions are implemented. This joined-up approach not only provides stability and security for children but also ensures they have the right resources and support to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

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outstanding

There is a robust medication process in place. The children know what they need to do when it is time for their medication. Staff seek to involve them in the process, so children are aware of what is being administered. Due to the effective medication process, there have not been any medication errors since the last inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The head of care is very committed to the children. He has been supporting children and staff for several years. The small but very dedicated staff team works hard to improve the outcomes for children and enhance their opportunities for now and later in life. Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 4 The leadership team is forward-thinking. Its members continually seek ways to enhance the children’s residential experience and help them progress. This strengthens the vision that leaders have for the residential provision, with staff fully embracing this vision and striving to develop their care practice. Staff are proactive in determining a project to focus on that will benefit the children. They draw on research to guide their work, maintaining a clear focus and purpose, driven by their commitment to achieving better outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Highly effective leadership promotes a strong ethos and culture of high aspiration and positivity. Staff are extremely committed to their work and speak with immense pride and affection about children’s achievements. Staff work well together and look for new opportunities for children. Staff enjoy working in the residential provision.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff have regular professional supervision, and this is recorded clearly. Staff developmental and performance appraisals are completed and reviewed within supervision, so staff targets remain in focus. The supervision records demonstrate that staff are committed and enjoy working in the residential provision. There is a strong commitment to developing staff coupled with a firmly embedded learning culture; this drives outstanding care for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff collaborate effectively with external professional agencies. The head of care has built strong relationships with partner agencies. The focus is on sharing practice and learning from others and to secure positive outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff appreciate the difficulties faced by parents and carers of children who have additional needs. Staff are highly supportive of parents but will also appropriately challenge them if the needs of the children are compromised in any way. Staff regularly communicate with family members and provide updates about their children. These help to give families the information they need about their children. Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 5

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Point for improvement

◼ School leaders should consider whether a risk assessment is required when specific safeguarding issues arise.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the national minimum standards. Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 6

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Residential special school details

Social care unique reference number: SC056234

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Residential special school details

Headteacher/teacher in charge: Marc Hughes

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Residential special school details

Type of school: Residential special school

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Residential special school details

Email address: info@hollyhouse.derbyshire.sch.uk

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Inspector

Lizette Watts, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for residential special school – Holly House School 7 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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