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LOCAL SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL ACHIEVES ‘OUTSTANDING’ OFSTED REPORT

Staff at Fullerton House School in Denaby, Doncaster, are celebrating their achievements after a recent Ofsted inspection rated care of their students as ‘outstanding’.

The school, which is run by the Hesley Group, provides all-year-round residential care and education for 40 students, who are aged between 8 and 19 years, with challenging behaviour linked to autism or severe learning difficulties.

The school is the third project within The Hesley Group to achieve this top rating, following achievements at the group’s Wilsic Hall School in Wadworth and its adult services in Thorne in 2010.

David Whitehead, Head at Fullerton House School, said: “We are extremely proud of this recognition from Ofsted and it is testament to the hard work and professionalism of our staff and their dedication to the young people they support.  However, we are not complacent and will continue to develop our staff and our services to ensure we can continue to provide the very best care and education possible for young people with very challenging needs.”

Ofsted’s report highlighted the fact that the delivery of care and support is an outstanding strength.  It reported that young people at Fullerton House School benefit greatly from the exceptional range of activities on offer, as part of the school providing a personalised support programme which is appropriate to each individual’s needs.

David Whitehead explains: “Our students are expected to take part in normal community and social activities that they may have an interest in, which could include swimming at local leisure centres, playing in football tournaments, doing a regular paper round, undertaking work experience, going to the cinema, attending pop concerts or other social events. Everything is geared around them taking part in activities that are typical of someone of their age. “

He continues: “We feel it is really important that our students can go and play pool in a local club, go on holiday if they wish, wear the latest trends in clothes and have a fashionable haircut.  We treat them as individuals and help them live normal and fulfilled lives. Every student at the school has different needs and this means designing a pathway that is right for them and helps them meet specific objectives.”

Ofsted recognised that the induction training at Fullerton House School was very good and that the young people are cared for by staff who are competent, experienced and qualified to meet their needs.  Fullerton House School invests heavily in staff training, which includes recently introducing a new approach to behaviour management that has helped students enjoy a happier and calmer environment and has been highly praised for its results.

The Ofsted report also commended the school for its proactive approach to encouraging student intervention in decision making.  This included setting up a student council which has a say on any decisions that affect the students and how the school is run.  The students also have control over their own budget for functions and events throughout the year, such as the School Prom and the Christmas Party, as well as having the opportunity to fundraise themselves.

The report identified that the promotion of equality and diversity at the school is ‘outstanding’. As the school has students from many different backgrounds and cultures, so staff bring to life the many religious festivals from around the world through art and music.

Fullerton House was opened in 1990 and over the past 20 years its services have developed to such a level that it provides some of the very highest quality of education and care to the most complex young people in the country.  Working on behalf of local authorities around the country, the school offers an innovative approach to meeting the needs of young people, helping them to become more independent by developing life-critical skills and building their social relationships within a safe environment.

For more information on The Hesley Group please visit www.hesleygroup.co.uk

The Hesley Group

Photograph shows Liam Shaw, aged 12 at Fullerton House School.