Kings Mill School

Inspection report for residential special school - Kings Mill School 1 Kings Mill School Victoria Road, DRIFFIELD, YO25 6UG Residential provision inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this residential special school

King's Mill School is a local authority maintained residential special school. The school provides education for 136 children aged 2 to 19 years. The school teaches and supports children with learning disabilities, autism and sensory needs. The school has a separate residential provision on site which is open 5 nights per week during term time. Currently 33 pupils use the residential provision. Up to 12 children can stay each night.

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Information about this residential special school

Pupils stay at the residence 1, 2 or 3 nights per week, on a regular basis across term time and school holidays. One pupil stays one weekend a month by special arrangement with the Local Authority.

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Information about this residential special school

The inspection was led by the headteacher supported by senior residential staff. Eleven children were seen during the inspection and others also provided feedback.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The residential special school provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of previous inspection: 24 September 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: inadequate Inspection report for residential special school - Kings Mill School 2

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Summary of findings

Leaders and managers have made a strong improvement plan in response to the last full inspection. Actions from it are becoming embedded into practice.

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Summary of findings

Leaders and managers have introduced new systems of working and increased the frequency of visits from the independent visitor.

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Summary of findings

Senior staff have developed in their roles and work cohesively, taking a lead role in the inspection.

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Summary of findings

The established staff team, who know the children well provide good quality care to the children.

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Summary of findings

Children say that they enjoy staying in the home and particularly like the good food and friendships.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children staying at the residence are supported by staff who know them well. The care and support that they receive is individualised to meet their needs. Children can spend time with friends while in the residence and have fun in their local community. Children are also involved in developing their independence skills and staff recognise and celebrate the progress that they make.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders and managers have improved the residence with decoration and new furniture. New noticeboards have been put up which provide information for children and celebrate their achievements. Bedrooms have been decorated to reflect the interests and needs of the children who use them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are caring and skilled at building calm and purposeful routine into the children's time and children seek reassurance from trusted staff. Staff also work closely with families to establish familiar routines. Families value the support that they receive and the opportunities that their children have while staying in the residence. Families say that they have confidence in the staff supporting their children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to shape their day-to-day experience through choices around daily living. Children say that they love the meals which the cook prepares and some discover a liking for new foods and expand the range of foods that they will eat.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work closely with other professionals when children move on from the residence, sharing information to ensure that the children’s needs are understood. Inspection report for residential special school - Kings Mill School 3 Staff continue to work with other providers to ensure that a smooth transition takes place.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children's plans identify the specific risks to individual children and are kept under review. Staff understand children's specific risks and vulnerabilities and are clear about the steps that they need to take to safeguard them in the residence and when out in the community. Families are confident that their children are safe when they stay for overnight breaks.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children do not go missing from the home and staff ratios reflect the children’s needs. Children have appropriate levels of supervision both in the home and when out in the community. Leaders and managers ensure that there are clear plans which provide guidance to staff should children be separated from them and important information about each child is carried by staff when out.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff have a child centred approach to behaviour management and use their relationships with the children to respond to and reassure children if they become upset or show unwanted behaviours. Serious incidents are rare and staff rarely use physical intervention with children but offer reassurance, space, and acceptance. Any restrictions to children’s access are consented to by families.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Leaders and managers share information appropriately with partners and follow safeguarding procedures if concerns are raised by children. Staff are confident of the processes to follow if they have any concerns.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Leaders and managers have safeguards in place to promote children's safety online. Online systems highlight any concerns to senior leaders. The systems are kept under regular review and action is taken to investigate any concerns.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Since the last inspection, leaders and managers have responded effectively to shortfalls identified and have embedded progress during this period. Communication within the school has improved and statutory safeguarding responsibilities have been met. This progress is recognised by staff and professionals working closely with them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers work collaboratively with other professionals around care planning sharing their assessment and knowledge of children with new providers. Decisions about children moving on from the setting are child centred.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel supported by leaders and their feedback is listened to and acted upon. Staff have regular supervisions and value the time to reflect and share ideas. New online systems help them to stay up to date with any changes. Senior staff have taken on new responsibilities and work cohesively to support leaders and managers. Inspection report for residential special school - Kings Mill School 4 Staff receive a broad range of training which helps them understand their role and also the specific needs of children who stay overnight. Most staff hold role specific qualifications and others are working towards these.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and mangers ensure that children can access and be part of their local community and plan activities to ensure that children can take part in and enjoy them. Specialist equipment is provided in the residence to support children to enjoy the facilities and ensure that their needs are met. Inspection report for residential special school - Kings Mill School 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 - Kings Mill School 6

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Residential special school details

Social care unique reference number: SC055984

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Residential special school details

Type of school: Residential Special School

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Residential special school details

Email address: kingsmill.specialschool@eastriding.gov.uk

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Inspectors

Carol Jagger, Social Care Inspector Rachel Webster, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for residential special school - Kings Mill 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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