National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools

1.	Statement of the schools purpose
2.	Children's rights
3.	Child protection
4.	Care and control
5.	Quality of care
6.	Planning for care
7.	Premises
8.	Staff
9.	Management

5. Quality of care.

Joining and leaving the school. Children should be introduced to the school and told about the schools routines. Admissions should be planned and agreed with the child. Children should be prepared for leaving the school well in advance of the planned date.

Education and Residential. Residential units should have facilities for study and homework. Children should have access to books and aids to continue their study outside school times.

Leisure and activities. The school should provide a range and choice of activities for boarding pupils outside class time, both indoor and outdoor activities and trips. Organised activities are balanced with free time at weekends & evenings.

Health and Intimate Care. Each child should have a health plan with information about the child's physical & mental health and care needs. Records are kept of all medication, treatment and first aid given. Illnesses, accidents and injuries are recorded.

Food. Children should be given adequate quantities of nutritious food. Children should not be routinely excluded from communal meals.

Personal appearance and money. Children are able to bring their own clothes to school and wear these outside class time. Pocket is kept safe and children are encouraged to sign records.