The Care Inspectorate has praised the care offered to residential pupils at the Harmeny School in Edinburgh after a short-notice inspection of boarding facilities.
The school supports primary and secondary-age children with social, emotional and behavioural needs at its premises in Balerno.
Inspectors judged all aspects of the service to be “excellent” – the highest grade that can be awarded. This is the second inspection in a row where the service scored these grades.
Inspectors found that Harmeny had excellent systems to make sure that children and young people's health and wellbeing needs were met, with effective policies about medication, child protection, anti-bullying, and internet safety.
Inspectors saw examples of children and young people's achievements in developing new skills in outdoor activities, with excellent systems in place to make sure that young people were cared for safely.
Children and young people inspectors spoke with all said they felt safe at Harmeny. They confirmed they would tell staff if they were feeling scared or upset.
A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said:
“This is a specialised service where high standards have been maintained.
“It is important not to be complacent and we will continue to inspect the care and accommodation offered by Harmeny.
“Everyone in Scotland has the right to good quality, compassionate care which meets their needs and respects their rights.
“The vast majority of care services in Scotland perform well, and where we encounter excellent services, it is vital we share good practice so that all care services in Scotland continue to improve and reach the high standards we expect.
“Anyone with a concern about a service can contact our helpline on 0345 600 9527, anonymously if needed, and all information given to us helps us plan our inspections.”
Notes to Editors
The inspection report is here:
http://www.careinspectorate.com/berengCareservices/html/reports/getPdfBlob.php?id=268224
Contact
Care Inspectorate Press Office
Office: 01382 207171
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