Ofsted's inspection of Newark’s Hope House School's residential provision found serious failings

Published: 13:47, 26 February 2020

| Updated: 13:48, 26 February 2020

The first Ofsted inspection of the residential provision at Newark’s Hope House School has found serious and widespread failings.

The report, released on Tuesday, raised concerns about fire hazards, child safeguarding, and accusations of bullying, in its findings.

Hope House School is an independent residential special school with 28 pupils. Most have have autistic spectrum disorder and/or learning disabilities.

Hope House School, Barnby Road, 260220TV2-1. (30212785)

The school also caters for children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

The main school was inspected in 2017, and rated good.

The residential accommodation is provided in a detached property in the grounds of the school. It can cater for two students, but only one child is currently resident.

The inspection report is the first since the residential provision was registered with the Department for Education in March, 2019.

The inspection took place at the end of January, and found the provision to be inadequate.

“There are serious and/or widespread failures that mean children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded and/or the care and experiences of children and young people are poor,” it said.

Issues raised included safeguarding and management shortfalls, and staff not having access to an up-to-date education, health and care plan for the resident child.

“Subsequently, staff do not have a good understanding of the child’s needs or risks,” the report said. “This leaves the child vulnerable to criminalisation and exploitation. Risks, however, are lowered because staffing ratios are high for this child.”

The report also said children did not have anyone independent of the school, other than their parents, to talk to about any worries or concerns that they may have.

The report said the resident child attended the on-site school, and helped care for the school’s animals, which had improved his confidence, empathy and ability to manage his emotional responses.

It said he also enjoyed horticulture, was developing some practical skills, and liked playing football and rugby.

But the report said resident children were inadequately protected because vetting procedures, such as references, did not protect children from unsuitable adults.

It said safeguarding concerns were not properly managed, with the designated safeguarding lead not having a good understanding of the role, leaving children vulnerable to abuse and harm.

The report also found fire risks in the residential house, concerning storage of electrical and cleaning materials, out-of-date appliance testing, and fire drill records.

Concerns were also raised about risk assessments, physical intervention training of staff, and poor recording of restraining methods.

Leaders and managers were said to be inadequate in training staff in areas such as safeguarding children, health and safety, fire safety, first aid and food hygiene.

Staff had not had training that enabled them to meet the specific needs of the children accommodated, and staff who were still on their probation period, and therefore not experienced or appropriately trained, were supporting children without any supervision from more experienced staff.

At times during the night, at weekends and in holidays, there were no experienced staff on site.

The report said the residential manager was enthuastic, but lacked experience or an appropriate qualification.

“She currently works longer hours than she is contracted to work, and this is not sustainable,” it said. “She is not well supported.

“Some staff complain that they are not being listened to or consulted. Some also say that they are bullied by the leadership team, particularly the principal.”

The report includes a list of national minimum standards for residential special schools that Hope House School does not meet.

Philip Owen, chairman of Nott- inghamshire County Council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “Hope House School is an independent school.... and the council has no responsibility for the school. The shortcomings identified in the report are entirely a matter for the proprietor and the regulatory body, Ofsted.”