All the buildings in the school are named after apples and our residential houses are no exception and we currently have two residential houses - Gala and Spartan.   

In every house, each resident has their own bedroom which they can personalise as they would at home.  Our sitting room in the house is perfect to relax in after school and gather together in the evenings to watch TV or a movie.   Our kitchen, like in any home, is the hub,  where we prepare our evening meals and breakfasts - often with the help of the students themselves.  It really is a home from home, and we pride ourselves on the comforting feeling of each house.   

We are self-sufficient in our catering needs and therefore have to plan meals and take trips to the supermarket.  We encourage our young people to make healthy dietary choices, source products and then take part in the preparation.  Some relish these choices more than others… but, they have come to realise that action provides sustenance, whatever its culinary artistic presentation!

"The residential houses are very well-equipped, comfortable and homely. 
There is space for all the children to socialise and have quiet time" Ofsted 2023,

Our houses each have a team leader and a team of experienced residential child care officers.  The Care Team work a shift rota to cover a 24-hour period, including waking night cover, which means that there is someone on call at all times in the house. 

Each of our residents each have an allocated Key-Worker who is their first point of call should they have any concerns, worries or general queries.  Weekly  meetings, are organised and this is an opportunity to discuss both home and school topics. The relationship between the resident and their Key Worker is vital to supporting the needs of the young person.    

“Key-worker sessions are used extremely well to help the children understand how to navigate the risks of independence”.  (Ofsted 2023)

All the residents have an opportunity to participate in the full range of after-school activities that are offered and they can also suggest new activities they would to try.  This is done through house meetings and key worker sessions.  

"Children who stay in the residential provision of the school make good progress from their starting points." Ofsted 2023