Ofsted inspectors say residential care at The Grange School in Knossington requires improvement
A Rutland residential special school is not meeting national minimum standards, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors called at The Grange Therapeutic School at Knossington last month and declared the residential aspect of the school ‘requires improvement to be good’.
The school overall, which has a roll of 70 pupils, received a good rating overall. The residential section cared for 16 of the boys at the time of the inspection, which covers the overall and experiences of children and young people in its care, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
Ofsted said: “The residential special school is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or protects.”
The report said the school has been through a ‘very difficult period’ with key staff leaving at one of its two residential homes and ‘serious incidents’ occurring.
But it said ‘robust action has been taken to ensure children are safe and they leave with ‘a positive result.’
At its other residential home, leadership weakened as staff numbers halved. But staffing levels remain appropriate as senior staff can fill the gaps.
But Ofsted also noted ‘excellent relationships’ between children and staff, and children making ‘very good progress’ in some aspects of their lives.
Parents and social workers all gave positive feedback about the service, with parents feeling children ‘make significant progress’.
Ofsted praised the headteacher for his commitment and a good understanding of the schools strengths and weaknesses.
Headteacher Ollie Sharp said the school was ‘disappointed’ the inspectors downgraded the residential provision, but pleased they recognised parental praise.
He said the residential area dealt with “some of the most challenging children in the country”.
Mr Sharp added: “We have already taken the necessary steps to rectify the concerns the inspectors raised, and confident that the residential house will again be rated as good or outstanding shortly.”
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