Wessex Lodge, a personalised and flexible respite service for children and young people with autism and associated difficulties age 3 to 19 has recently been awarded a ‘Good’ grade by Ofsted.
Wessex Lodge is part of regional charity Autism Wessex, and is based in the grounds of the charity’s Portfield School in Parley, Christchurch..
The Ofsted report says that “Relationships between young people are nurtured. Staff are good at ensuring young people’s communication method is known and used. This reduces young people’s frustration and episodes of challenging behaviour. Staff prepare young people’s bedrooms in an individualised manner. This makes the environment homely and contributes to young people’s sense of security when they are having a short break.”
It did however recommend that to improve the quality and standards of care further the service should ensure that each child’s placement plan is monitored by a key worker to make sure the plan is implemented in day to day care.
Matt Burton, Manager of Wessex Lodge said: “We are delighted with the feedback we have had from Ofsted. We constantly strive to improve our service and are very pleased to have been awarded a ‘good’ grade. This reinforces all the hard work the staff undertake year after year to meet the needs of the young people who use the service.”
Wessex Lodge is a fully equipped, four bedroom property with its own playroom, separate bath and shower facilities, dining room, lounge and kitchen, As well as exceptional staff at Wessex Lodge, the experienced specialists at Portfield School are also on hand. These include speech and language therapist, behavioural support specialists and the school nurse. Those staying at Wessex Lodge also have access to Portfield School’s therapy and sensory rooms, therapy pool and playgrounds ensuring a fun and valuable experience for every young person the charity supports.
