Inspectors had visited Hillside School in Aberdour in January last year and said they were “seriously concerned” at the “unacceptable use of restraint” which has seen both pupils and staff suffer injuries at the facility.
As previously reported by the Press, the school – which provides 52-week residential care and education for young people aged 8-19 who have complex and/or additional support needs – was ordered to carry out urgent improvements or risk being shut down.
READ MORE: Care Inspectorate reveals ‘serious concerns’ over Hillside School
A fresh inspection took place in November and the resulting report confirmed progress is being made at the facility.
It has ratings of ‘adequate’ for how the school supports children and young people’s rights and wellbeing and for for leaders and staff having the capacity and resources to meet and champion children and young people’s needs and rights while a ‘good’ rating was received for the the area of children and young people being safe, feeling loved and getting the most out of life.
While progress have been made, the school owners have been told that by May 12 this year, they must ensure there is “evaluative scrutiny and oversight” of all aspects of the care provision within the service.
Several areas of improvement were also identified however inspectors said the environment within the service felt “far more homely and relaxed” than their previous visit.
READ MORE: Care Inspectorate orders urgent improvements at Aberdour school
“Young people told us they felt safe both emotionally and physically,” it stated. “It was clear that the service had taken important steps to reduce restrictive practices, with young people telling us they ‘don’t use them now.’
“Young people and staff told us that they felt this improved relationships between staff and young people.
“The service had greatly improved its processes following incidents. These had an increased focus on reflection of practice strategies, both successful and unsuccessful, and were more aligned to the provider’s aim to reduce restrictive practices.
“Staff members and leaders told us that ‘although the changes were hard they needed to happen.'”