Horton Lodge

Inspection report for residential special school - Horton Lodge 1 Horton Lodge Staffordshire County Council, Horton Lodge Special School, Rudyard, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 8RB Residential provision inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this residential special school

Horton Lodge is a local authority maintained residential special school for up to 63 children aged from 2 to 11 years with physical disabilities and/or associated learning difficulties. Some of the children have additional visual, hearing and/or speech and language difficulties and medical needs. The school’s approach is based on conductive education.

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Information about this residential special school

The residential provision operates from Monday to Wednesday, with up to 6 pupils residing at the school on any one night. The residential provision is called ‘Kiplings’ and is in a separate wing of the school. The inspectors 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: 11 February 2025

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding Inspection report for residential special school - Horton Lodge 2

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outstanding

There were 10 children present during the inspection. The inspector saw all children and spent time playing and communicating with them.

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outstanding

Children flourish and make exceptional progress in this residential provision because they are cared for by staff who have high aspirations for what they can achieve. Children have trusting relationships with carers, who consistently demonstrate that they are valued and held in high regard. Interactions between carers and children are warm, nurturing and playful. Children feel safe because support is consistent and carers are genuinely committed to their wellbeing.

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outstanding

When children are new to the service, they are warmly welcomed by residence staff. Children develop a strong sense of belonging and inclusion due to the environment leaders and staff create. The positive, trusting atmosphere helps children build empathy and form meaningful friendships with one another.

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outstanding

Carers promote children’s dignity at all times. Staff skilfully support children during periods of distress and help them to regulate. Leaders have embedded an inclusive environment in which children feel accepted and valued. Each morning, a ‘star of the day’ is chosen, and the head of care shares a positive comment about each child. This promotes a sense of achievement and helps children feel recognised.

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outstanding

Residence, education and parents work collaboratively to agree children’s educational targets. Children benefit from a 24 ‑ hour curriculum that links school, residence and home. Targets are bespoke and focus on building independence, developing friendships and improving communication. This has significantly enhanced children’s life skills and abilities.

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outstanding

Leaders and staff plan enriching and memorable experiences for children. When staff were unable to take children to see Christmas lights, leaders arranged for Santa to visit residence instead. Children enjoy singing, watching TV together and playing freely in the sensory room.

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outstanding

Leaders and staff have exceptional knowledge of children’s individual communication needs. They work extremely well with education leaders, including the communication lead and conductor teacher, to continually develop communication approaches. Practice is underpinned by research, which is shared with the wider staff team. This supports staff confidence and enables seamless communication with children.

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outstanding

The school cook has a detailed understanding of children’s dietary needs. She regularly seeks children’s views, ensuring she understands their likes and dislikes. Inspection report for residential special school - Horton Lodge 3 She also has a clear understanding of allergies to ensure all children have safe and nutritious meals.

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outstanding

Leaders and staff have excellent relationships with children’s families. Daily feedback is provided about each child’s stay, enabling parents and guardians to understand how they can continue supporting their child at home. One parent told the inspector, ‘It is a wonderful, wonderful place. We are very lucky to have this service available to us.’

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outstanding

The environment is well maintained and child focused. Children’s needs and interests are reflected throughout the decor. One member of staff painted a jungle ‑ themed mural across residence. Children’s bedroom areas are individually decorated and personalised. Leaders and staff communicate regularly with families about the environment, ensuring residence feels like a home from home.

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outstanding

Leaders and staff demonstrate an exceptional approach to safeguarding. Residence staff work closely with senior leaders, including the designated safeguarding lead, and have a strong understanding of children’s risks and vulnerabilities. Streamlined processes ensure that children are protected effectively. Residence staff receive regular safeguarding training and attend briefings with education staff, which builds confidence in responding to concerns.

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outstanding

Behaviour management systems are highly effective. Leaders have established a culture where staff prioritise building strong relationships and promoting a positive atmosphere. This contributes to children’s excellent experiences in residence and the very low number of incidents.

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outstanding

The staff team has remained consistent and committed. No new staff have joined residence since the last inspection. Despite this, records of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service checks remain robust and up to date, ensuring staff are safe and suitable to work with children.

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outstanding

Leaders and staff promote anti ‑ bullying effectively. ‘Be Kind’ messaging is displayed throughout residence, encouraging positive relationships. As a result, children treat each other with value and respect, often showing affection towards one another. Promoting positive mental health is a clear focus. Leaders, staff and families benefit from input from a mental health practitioner who provides direct support. This ensures that everyone has opportunities to reflect and feel supported.

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outstanding

Health and safety practices are robust. Leaders work closely with the maintenance team to ensure all required checks are completed promptly. As a result, the environment remains safe for children. Inspection report for residential special school - Horton Lodge 4

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The head of care and senior leadership team are exceptionally committed and passionate about ensuring that children receive the best opportunities in life. They work effectively with residence staff, education staff and families. The head of care has embedded a culture where staff want all children to thrive and make progress, regardless of their starting point. There is strong oversight of residence, ensuring children’s outcomes remain central to practice. Staff in school and residence recognise the value of the residential provision, which provides important opportunities for children to grow.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff feel valued and well supported by the head of care. They receive regular supervision and opportunities to share their views and reflect on their practice. All staff spoken to during the inspection said they consistently feel supported.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff benefit from a wide range of high ‑ quality training. Leaders ensure training is relevant to children’s needs, including exploitation, safeguarding and mental health. School nurses deliver bespoke training on children’s individual health needs, enabling staff to feel confident in managing differing health requirements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Scrutiny is rigorous and drives continual improvement. Leaders and staff work effectively with governors and independent visitors, who complete regular monitoring visits. Reports are clear and detailed in evaluating the safety and quality of experiences children receive. Visitors align with the ethos of residence and aim to build positive relationships with children and staff. The head of care also completes her own audits, including national minimum standard assessments and medication audits, ensuring ongoing high ‑ quality practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders have developed excellent working relationships with the wider professional network. The head of care provides professionals with regular updates about children’s progress. One professional told the inspector, ‘[Name of child] is happy, settled and increasingly interactive during stays, benefiting from positive relationships with familiar staff. Their attendance provides valuable social opportunities.’ Inspection report for residential special school - Horton Lodge 5

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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 - Horton Lodge 6

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Residential special school details

Social care unique reference number: SC038727

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Residential special school details

Headteacher/teacher in charge: Lucy Bloor

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Residential special school details

Type of school: Residential special school

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Residential special school details

Email address: office@hortonlodge.staffs.sch.uk

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Inspector

Chanel Bryant, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for residential special school - Horton Lodge 7 and 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 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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