Top marks for social care at Fountaindale

Staff and students at Fountaindale School celebrate their Outstanding Ofsted inspection, pictured with the students are Principal RCCO Paula Henderson, specialist teaching assistant independent living Rosie Harrison, specialist teaching assistant communication Jo Hook and Principal Mark Dengel

Fountaindale School was rated as ‘outstanding’ by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED) following a social care inspection last month.

The overall experiences and progress of children, the quality of care, support and protection, and the impact and effectiveness of staff were all judged to be outstanding.

In the report lead social care inspector Jo Vyas said: “The residential provision is outstanding because young people flourish at this school, making significant progress with regards to their personal care, communication and independent living skills.

“They thoroughly enjoy their residential experience, particularly the activities and making new friends.

“The views and experiences of young people are at the heart of all residential practice. This is a school that continually strives to improve the service offered to young people.”

Principal Mark Dengel said: “To get outstanding in every area was down to a lot of hard work from the staff concerned. It is a recognition of the work we are trying to do with the youngsters to develop their independence.

“OSTED inspects the social care every year and it sets strong standards. It is the same kind of report as a children’s home would get.”

Last year the school for physically disabled and sensory impaired boys and girls aged from three to 19 years was rated as ‘good’ and the year before as ‘adequate’.

Residential pupils stay for one night a week for ten weeks to promote independence, communication and social skills.