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

7. Premises.

The school is located, designed and of a size to be able to meet the needs of the children. Stairgates, high handles on doors or any other physical restriction on the normal movement of a child should only be used in agreement with the child's placing authority and only where there use safeguards and promotes the child's welfare.

Children should know the evacuation procedures for the school, including what to do during the night in case of fire. Fire drills are practiced in line with fire regulations.

Accommodation. Is well maintained and decorated. Children, as far as possible, are given the option of a single room. There should be no more than 4 children in a bedroom and no odd numbers of children sharing a room.

Bathrooms. There should be at least 1 toilet for every 4 children. They should be close to the children's sleeping accommodation. There should be enough baths or showers to meet the needs of the children. These should be of a good standard and have an adequate supply of hot water. Doors should be lockable to provided privacy but staff should be able to open them from outside in case of an emergency.