TASIS the American School in England
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TASIS The American School in England Welfare inspection report for a boarding school DfE registration number 936/6532 Unique reference number for social care SC013945 Unique reference number for education 125423 Inspection dates 26/11/2012 to 28/11/2012 Inspector Liz Driver / Muhammed Harunur Rashid School address T A S I S the American School in England, Coldharbour Lane, EGHAM, Surrey, TW20 8TE Telephone number 01932 565252 Email [email protected] Headteacher Mr M McBrien The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email [email protected]. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected]. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’. Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: [email protected] W: www.ofsted.gov.uk © Crown copyright 2012 Purpose and scope of the inspection This inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for boarding schools, in order to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided.1,2 Information about the school TASIS The American School in England is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 3 to 18 years. The school is registered for 800 pupils; both day and boarding students. At the time of inspection there were 180 boarders between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. There are 15 boarding houses all located on the school site. The last inspection of the boarding provision took place in November 2008. 1 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents. 2 www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/a00192112/boarding-schools. Inspection Report: TASIS The American School in England, 26/11/2012 3 of 11 Inspection judgements Overall effectiveness good Outcomes for boarders outstanding Quality of boarding provision and care good Boarders’ safety good Leadership and management of boarding good Overall effectiveness The key findings of the boarding inspection are as follows. The overall effectiveness of the boarding provision is good. There are many significant strengths in the care provided and staff have very high expectations and aspirations for students. This has a positive impact on their progress and outcomes. The boarding houses are well-organised and managed, with many having undergone upgrading and others due to be upgraded in 2013/2014. The ethos of the boarding provision is based on openness, trust and respect that celebrates diversity, individuality and achievement. There is on-going reflection of practice and an ambition to improve the quality of the provision. Members of staff at all levels embrace change and look to improve how they operate. An experienced senior management team is a key driver in the search for excellence and the capacity to reflect and improve. There is a clear ethos of mutual respect between students and staff which permeates throughout the routines and practice delivered. Boarders know that their views are taken seriously and they have a strong sense of belonging. Robust safeguarding procedures and systems actively promote boarders' safety and welfare. However this is not supported by the current school safeguarding policy which is out of date and in need of review. Boarders feel exceptionally safe and secure and have adults and peers to whom they can turn to. Effective communication between staff groups and excellent health care facilities ensure boarders health needs are recognised and met to a very high standard. The catering provision has significantly improved since the last inspection and Inspection Report: TASIS The American School in England, 26/11/2012 4 of 11 now offers a high standard of food; enhanced by a newly opened student centre café which is enjoyed by both staff and students. All the national minimum standards have been met. Four areas for further improvement have been identified. These relate to updating polices and procedures and in particular, policies relating to child protection and safeguarding and health and safety. Also that the all policies on the school's website are up to date. The school should provide a good laundry provision for boarders and finally have in place an organised system to review the practice of boarding staff. Outcomes for boarders Outcomes for boarders at the school are outstanding. A real strength of the school is the extremely positive relationships boarders develop with their peers and with staff. Boarders benefit from sharing the boarding experience with students from many different countries. The school promotes integration through numerous avenues such as the international lunch time club. Students experience increased self-confidence and make exceptional social and academic progress during their time there. The boarders overwhelmingly enjoy their experience of boarding and take full advantage of what is on offer. They spoke of being proud of the school and enjoying the sense of camaraderie and community. They are able to gain knowledge and acceptance of different cultures and religions due to the numerous nationalities of the young people at the school. They take part in an excellent range of activities and interests and this further develops and broadens their confidence and life experience. The school's `safe hands’ programme is an ever evolving curriculum designed to meet the needs of teenagers in today’s diverse world; students embrace this programme and as a result move successfully forward in the world. Areas covered include drug awareness, sexual health and safe internet use. Boarders' comments include, `the balance of freedom and restrictions is very good and fair’ and `this is an excellent school’. Boarders thrive in an environment where tolerance and understanding of each other is embedded in the culture. This leads to a school community where support is forthcoming from both adults and peers at times of stress or a need for extra support. The nurturing environment enables pupils to develop their life and social skills as well as responsibilities, to a significant degree. Boarders’ views and opinions are highly valued and encouraged. There are a variety of opportunities for boarders to voice their views and opinions. Regular forums and meetings ensure that their views are heard by all significant individuals involved in the running of the school. The approach ensures that they are able to influence decisions regarding issues such as menus, activities and decor. Inspection Report: TASIS The American School in England, 26/11/2012 5 of 11 Healthy living is embraced and promoted to a very high level. Boarders have excellent medical care and benefit from excellent health care facility on site, which is new since the last inspection. Individual health needs are identified on admission and written up onto individual protocols so the staff know how to respond to the individual care needs. They benefit from receiving care from an experienced team of suitably qualified nursing staff. Their health care needs are therefore promoted to an excellent standard. Boarders benefit from high quality menus and meal provision and have any individual dietary needs addressed effectively. The opening of the student centre café provision in 2012 has been extremely welcomed by the students and provides snacks outside of the dining room opening hours. This is particularly enjoyed by the boarders who are able to access it in the evenings and weekends. Boarders benefit from regular exercise; fitness facilities include the provision of an extremely well-resourced and managed on-site gym. Quality of boarding provision and care The quality of the boarding provision is good however with some outstanding areas acknowledged. Pastoral support offered to boarders is supportive and nurturing and encourages boarders' growth and independence. Close liaison between boarding and academic staff ensures that boarders needing extra support have this attended to swiftly and effectively. The school counsellor provides a high standard service that is easily accessible. In addition there is a wealth of senior staff readily available to provide support and encouragement and do so with commitment and sensitivity. The learning support centre makes provision for boarders with any assessed learning needs the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom, this often relates to English not being their first language. Boarders are clear about which members of staff they can go to for personal support and said they felt comfortable in seeking support. The staff team and curriculum in the school ensure that boarders have an excellent and varied range of activities available to them. The school is continually looking at ways to develop and increase the activities on offer. Numerous clubs and sports are readily available and the wide range offers something for everyone.