A homely and nurturing environment
Our boarding accommodation caters for up to 14 young people and is divided between two comfortable and well-appointed houses – Hiram House and Merton House – both of which are located on the main school site and are designed to promote the creation of a safe and nurturing family atmosphere.
Each house has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, laundry, and utility room. There are five lounge and games rooms split across the two houses which are used for indoor recreation, watching television, playing computer games and general relaxation.
Every boarder has their own fully-furnished bedroom. Each bedroom has study facilities along with storage including a lockable space. In keeping with the school’s therapeutic approach and because some children have sensory difficulties and needs, the sensory information in each house (i.e., loud noise, strong lighting, bold colours) is kept to a minimum. This ensures the creation of a ‘low arousal’ environment which reduces stress and promotes a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Each house has a Lead Care Practitioner who is responsible for the smooth running of each home on a day-to-day basis. They are supported by a team of Key Workers, Youth Support Workers, Clinical Therapy Assistants, and domestic staff who work together to ensure that all aspects of each child’s individual care and therapy needs are met.
In addition to supporting each child with their daily care needs, a Key Worker’s main function is to act as a key safety attachment figure for two pupils in their allocated house. They are also trained to support young people through Life Story Work as well as acting as a point of contact with their class teachers to support their academic and social progress at school.
Every effort is made to ensure that every child’s views and wishes are heard and respected where possible and appropriate. Each house holds their own group meetings on a fortnightly basis. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss suggestions and ideas about the home environment, choice of activities and meals.
Although it’s thankfully quite rare for children to feel the need to complain, each child is made aware of their right to make a compliant. If a complaint is made it is looked into promptly and, if we have got something wrong, we make sure that it’s put right as quickly as possible.