Boarding School
Moreton Hall
Weston Rhyn
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY11 3EW
10th January 2005 Commission for Social Care Inspection Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.
The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.
The role of CSCI is to: • Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.
Inspection Methods & Findings SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"
The 4-point scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable.
Moreton Hall Page 1
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Name of School Tel No: Moreton Hall 01691 773671 Address Fax No: Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW 01691 778564 Email Address Name of Governing body, Person or Authority responsible for the school Undefined Owner 01 Name of Head Mr Jonathan Forster CSCI Classification Boarding School Type of school Independent
Date of last boarding welfare inspection 02/03/1999
Date of Inspection Visit 10th January 2005 ID Code
Time of Inspection Visit 09:00 am
Name of CSCI Inspector 1 Vicki Cockcroft 072945
Name of CSCI Inspector 2 Deb Holland RM
Name of CSCI Inspector 3 Lorraine Briggs
Name of CSCI Inspector 4 Name of Boarding Sector Specialist Inspector (if applicable): Lynne Heath Name of Lay Assessor (if applicable) Lay assessors are members of the public independent of the CSCI. They accompany Not applicable inspectors on some inspections and bring a different perspective to the inspection process.
Was this inspection conducted alongside an ISI or OfSTED inspection as part of a Joint Whole School Inspection? NO MR JONATHAN FORSTER, PRINCIPAL, MRS SYLVIA GRACE, DEPUTY HEAD (PASTORAL) AND Name of Establishment Representative at the MISS SARAH HUGHES, SENIOR time of inspection HOUSEMISTRESS
Moreton Hall Page 2
CONTENTS
Introduction to Report and Inspection Inspection visits Brief Description of the school and Boarding Provision
Part A: Summary of Inspection Findings What the school does well in Boarding Welfare What the school should do better in Boarding Welfare Conclusions and overview of findings on Boarding Welfare
Notifications to Local Education Authority or Secretary of State Implementation of Recommended Actions from last inspection Recommended Actions from this inspection Advisory Recommendations from this inspection
Part B: Inspection Methods Used & Findings Inspection Methods Used 1. Welfare Policies and Procedures 2. Organisation and Management 3. Welfare Support to Boarders 4. Staffing 5. Premises
Part C: Lay Assessor’s Summary (where applicable)
Part D: Head’s Response D.1. Comments D.2. Action Plan Status D.3. Agreement
Moreton Hall Page 3
INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION
Boarding schools are subject to inspection by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) to determine whether the welfare of children (ie those aged under 18) is adequately safeguarded and promoted while they are accommodated by the school.
Inspections assess the extent to which the school is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools, published by the Secretary of State under Section 87C of the Children Act 1989, and other relevant requirements of the Children Act 1989 as amended.
Inspections are carried out by the CSCI, and in most cases the inspection team includes a specialist in boarding provision working, or with experience of working, in the boarding sector. Boarding welfare inspections by CSCI may also be carried out in conjunction with a full inspection of the school by the Independent Schools Inspectorate or OfSTED, so that the two inspections together constitute a Joint Whole School Inspection of the school. In such cases, a joint summary of main findings and recommendations from both inspections will also be available.
This document summarises the inspection findings of the CSCI in respect of Moreton Hall.
The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.
The report will show the following:
• Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Recommended Action by the school • Advisory recommendations on boarding welfare • Summary of the findings • Report of the lay assessor (where relevant) • The Head’s response and proposed action plan to address findings
INSPECTION VISITS
Inspections are undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework under the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children Act 1989 as amended, with additional visits as required. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. Moreton Hall is an independent secondary school for girls between the ages of 11-18. The school provides education and accommodation for 237 girls and is not, therefore, a large school. Because of this and because of the philosophy of the Principal, which is shared by the senior staff, there is a close-knit community at Moreton Hall which benefits all boarders.
The school was founded in 1913 and has grown from its early beginnings, into a thriving school with many positive qualities. Moreton Enterprises is an innovative example of the experiences provided by the school, to its boarders.
Situated in its own grounds, a few miles from the market town of Oswestry, Moreton Hall is easily accessible from Chester and from Shrewsbury.
The school has formed close links with Shrewsbury School and there is a developing provision for younger boarders in ‘Moreton First’.
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PART A SUMMARY OF INSPECTION FINDINGS
WHAT THE SCHOOL DOES WELL IN BOARDING WELFARE
Welfare Policies and Procedures
Moreton Hall meets the outcomes for all the standards relating to Welfare Policies and Procedures. The school has produced a clear statement of its boarding principles and practice. Boarders are protected from bullying by staff who are aware of the need to be vigilant in relation to the potential for bullying behaviour. There are clear child protection procedures in place, with clear management responsibility established. Discipline within the school is fair and appropriate.
Representations made by boarders are responded to and acted upon and the promotion of their health exceeds minimum standards.
Organisation and Management
There is clear leadership and management of boarding at Moreton Hall. The Principal is supported by a strong, committed and caring team of senior staff who effectively manage the school’s organisation of boarding. Moreton Hall listens to its boarders and encourages them to contribute their views about the organisation of boarding at the school. It was noted that boarders are recognised and supported as individuals by the Principal, the senior staff and, indeed by all staff with boarding responsibilities.
Welfare Support to Boarders
Boarders at Moreton Hall receive considerable welfare support from all staff. The provision for their health care is excellent and there is an enlightened approach to all issues concerning girls’ welfare. The support provided to boarders at the beginning of their time at Moreton Hall, in Moreton First, clearly lays the foundation for their continued happiness at the school.
In two particular areas, the school exceeds minimum standards. The provision of meals and snacks was observed over the three day period of the inspection and was seen, and reported, to be excellent.
The risk assessments in place in relation to high-risk activities were seen to be excellent also and clearly evidenced.
Staffing Moreton Hall Page 6
Boarders at Moreton Hall are supervised by adequate numbers of committed and caring staff, both on and off site. They are appropriately supervised at night and staff receive induction and ongoing training with regard to their boarding responsibilities. Staff boarder relationships were seen to be excellent and staff were seen to ‘know’ the girls in their care well.
There is a clear systems for selecting and vetting staff but the school needs to improve its records in relation to staff recruitment. There are clear procedures in place to ensure that boarders are protected from unsupervised contact with adults who have not been subject to the school’s complete recruitment procedures.
Premises
Boarders at Moreton Hall benefit from the high standard of boarding accommodation which the school provides. It is known that the school is aiming to continue to improve accommodation provision in the future. It was noted that any matters relating to the premises, which were brought to the attention of the school by boarders, were addressed without delay.
The school’s Health Centre is an excellent facility which is fully integrated and utilised within the boarding system.
The school exceeds minimum standards in relation to the provision of accommodation and also in relation to the excellent risk assessment system and records which are in place.
WHAT THE SCHOOL SHOULD DO BETTER IN BOARDING WELFARE Welfare Policies and Procedures
The school has excellent documentation in place relating to boarding policies and practices. A review of the wealth of documentation which exists would be useful, in order to minimise duplication and maximise cohesion.
As procedures and knowledge relating to child protection matters continue to develop, it is felt that up-to-date training in child protection could be valuable for senior managers and of assistance to those with responsibility for child protection within the school.
Additional up-to-date training in relation to the recognition and handling of bullying behaviour could be usefully provided to all staff.
Organisation and Management
The school is well organised and clearly managed. There would be an advantage in recording the monitoring which is undertaken by the governing body in relation to boarding matters.
Welfare Support to Boarders
The school provides excellent welfare support to boarders. The only areas in which Moreton Hall Page 7 improvements have been suggested as appropriate relate to the provision of private payphones and to ensuring that occasional boarders are provided with facilities which are consistent with those provided to full time boarders. This relates in particular to the provision of sleeping accommodation in one area of the school. It is known that this matter is under review.
Staffing
The school has improved recording of its rigorous system of staff selection and vetting, but the system could be further improved by the addition of checklists at the front of staff personnel files which track the receipt of all documentation required. The files could also be organised into sections which would make the retrieval of information easier. Checklists relating to staff induction training, ongoing training and appraisal would also be beneficial here.
Premises
Moreton Hall provides excellent accommodation for its boarders. Three areas in which continuing review would be beneficial. Firstly, the security issues relating to ground floor windows should continue to be considered. Secondly, the excessive water temperature in Gem House should be addressed and monitored and thirdly, the school should agree arrangements regarding the monitoring of boarder access to boarding houses during the day.
CONCLUSIONS AND OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS ON BOARDING WELFARE
This report is the first by the Commission for Social Care Inspection under the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools, and therefore serves as an audit of the school against the new requirements, identifying developments needed to meet the new requirements within a reasonable period of time. Any more urgent issues are identified in the report.
Moreton Hall is an extremely good school which provides a high standard of committed concern in relation to its boarders’ welfare. The school has strong, clear-sighted leadership from the Principal and the senior management team and this is reflected in the commitment of the boarding staff and the positive outcomes for the boarders.
Each boarder is known, individually, within the school and there is a supportive atmosphere where the ‘lightness of touch’ is tangible. Boarders reported positively on all aspects of the school’s provision and positively, also, on the school’s response to any concerns that parents or boarders might put forward.
The school was open to suggestions for development in areas identified by the inspection team as requiring further consideration.
The inspection team would like to thank all boarders, their parents and all staff at Moreton Hall who contributed to this inspection.
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NOTIFICATIONS TO LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY OR SECRETARY OF STATE
Is Notification of any failure to safeguard and promote welfare to be made NO by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to the Local Education Authority or Department for Education and Skills under section 87(4) of the Children Act 1989 arising from this inspection?
Notification to be made to: Local Education Authority NO Secretary of State NO
The grounds for any Notification to be made are:
IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FROM LAST INSPECTION
Were the Recommended Actions from the last Inspection visit fully implemented? YES
If No, the findings of this inspection on any Recommended Actions not implemented are listed below:
No Standard* Recommended Actions Timescale for action
Moreton Hall Page 9
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS IDENTIFIED FROM THIS INSPECTION
Action Plan: The Head is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how Recommended Action are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.
RECOMMENDED ACTION Identified below are the actions recommended on issues addressed in the main body of the report in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of boarders adequately in accordance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The references below are to the relevant Standards. Non-implementation of recommended action can lead to future statutory notification of failure to safeguard and promote welfare. No Standard* Recommended Action Timescale Insert Here for action 1 BS2 The school should consider providing relevant additional, 31/03/06 up-to-date training regarding bullying to all boarding and ancillary staff
2 BS3 The school should confirm to the Commission for Social 30/06/05 Care Inspection that the local Area Child Protection Committee have seen and agreed the school child protection policy and procedures as consistent with their own guidelines
3 BS3BS3 The school should put in place a record of staff training 30/06/05 including training in relation to child protection for all staff, including ancillary and academic staff
4 BS21BS21 The contact person listed in the Code of Conduct for the 30/06/05 Commission for Social Care Inspection should be altered to show the Duty Officer as first point of contact. The reference should also make clear that the Duty Officer will pass any request or referral to the appropriate Regulation Manager or Inspector
5 BS34BS34 The school should introduce a checklist for each staff 31/03/06 personnel file which records induction training, ongoing training and appraisal, for each member of staff. The files should be organised to include sections which hold relevant documentation.
6 BS38BS38 The school should maintain its current good practice in 31/03/06 relation to staff recruitment practice. The school should put in place a checklist to facilitate the tracking of the receipt of necessary documentation and should organise staff record files into separate, easily accessible sections.
Moreton Hall Page 10 7 BS38BS38 The school should ensure that all members of staff have 30/09/05 current, satisfactory CRB checks on file. This should include staff appointed prior to the inception of the Criminal Records Bureau.
8 BS42BS42 The school should review the space available for Moreton 31/12/05 first boarders and plan to meet minimum sleeping space standards
9 BS44BS44 The school should continue to address the issue of 30/06/05 excessive water temperatures in bathroom areas on Gem House To create new table rows press ‘tab’ with cursor in the last row/cell above.
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ADVISORY RECOMMENDATIONS Identified below are advisory recommendations on welfare matters addressed in the main body of the report and based on the National Minimum Standards, made for consideration by the school. No Refer to Recommendation Standard* Insert Here 1 BS1BS1 Reviewing all the documentation relating to boarding policies and practices should be considered in order to consolidate the work which has been undertaken to date
2 BS3BS3 Consideration should be given to child protection training being undertaken by those senior managers of the school whose training has not been recently updated
3 BS3BS3 Consideration should be given to approaching the local authority Social Services Department to establish whether there are any ways in which key staff could gain further knowledge of the child protection system
4 BS4BS4 Consideration should be given to expanding the record of major punishments so that it provides a clear overview of each incident and to recording monitoring by the school’s Governors.
5 BS8BS8 Consideration should be given to putting in place a system of recording the monitoring which is undertaken by the governing body in relation to boarding matters
6 BS19BS19 Consideration should be given to ensuring the privacy of ‘public’ payphones on each house
7 BS20BS20 Consideration should be given to confirming that the systems for checking facilities available to occasional boarders are consistent with those for full boarders
Moreton Hall Page 11 8 BS33BS33 The school should confirm any arrangements it makes regarding the system for identifying boarders who return to boarding houses during the day
9 BS41BS41 The safety of open ground floor windows should be kept under review
10 BS44BS44 Consideration should be given to surveying boarders’ views regarding the privacy of toilet and shower areas and to the adequacy of provision of showers on the ground floor of Pilkington House. Consideration should also be given to providing liquid soap in all bathroom areas. To create new table rows press ‘tab’ with cursor in the last row/cell above. *Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix. E.g. BS10 refers to Standard 10.
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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS
The following Inspection Methods have been used in the production of this report.
Direct Observation YES Pupil guided tour of accommodation YES Pupil guided tour of Recreational Areas YES
Checks with other Organisations and Individuals • Social Services YES • Fire Service YES • Environmental Health YES • DfES YES • School Doctor YES • Independent Person or Counsellor YES • Chair of Governors YES ‘Tracking’ individual welfare arrangements YES Group discussion with boarders YES Group interviews with House staff teams YES Group discussion with ancillary staff YES Group discussion with Gap students YES Individual interviews with key staff YES Boarders' survey YES Meals taken with pupils YES Early morning and late evening visits YES Invitation to parents to comment YES Inspection of policy / practice documents YES Inspection of Records YES Visit to Sanatorium YES Visits to lodgings NO Individual interviews with pupil(s) NO
Date of Inspection 10/01/05 Time of Inspection 09.00 Duration of Inspection (hrs.) 108 Number of Inspector Days spent on site 10
Pre-inspection information and the Head’s evaluative statement, provided by the school, have also been taken into account in preparing this report.
Moreton Hall Page 13 SCHOOL INFORMATION:
AGE RANGE OF BOARDING FRO 9 19 PUPILS M TO
NUMBER OF BOARDERS (FULL TIME + WEEKLY) AT TIME OF INSPECTION:
Boys 0
Girls 237
Total 237
Number of separate Boarding Houses 5
The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI assessment of the extent to which standards have been met. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"
The 4-point scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)
"0" in the "Standard met" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable.
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WELFARE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• A suitable statement of the school's boarding principles and practice should be available to parents, boarders and staff. • Boarders are protected from bullying. • Boarders are protected from abuse. • Use of discipline with boarders is fair and appropriate. • Boarders' complaints are appropriately responded to. • Boarders' health is promoted. • Safeguarding and promoting boarders' health and welfare are supported by appropriate records.
Standard 1 (1.1 – 1.4) A suitable statement of the school’s boarding principles and practice should be available to parents, boarders and staff. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Moreton Hall has a statement of boarding principles and practice which covers all elements required under this standard. It is presented in a style that makes it accessible to parents, boarders and staff. The information on the school’s dress code, for example, contains an entertaining illustration which supports the tone of the policy.
The statement of boarding principle and practice was reviewed in September 2004.
Each house has its own Handbook, where the school policies are included, but where individual differences between the organisation and running of houses are defined.
It was clear that a very considerable amount of work had been undertaken to produce information relating to boarding principles and practice and that the process of putting the documentation in place had allowed for reflection on policies and practices within the school.
It was recommended that the school could build on this work by reviewing all the documentation which has been produced and ‘pulling it all together’ to form a coherent picture and to ensure that all policies are covered as they are developed and put in place and are available to all staff. There is information which could usefully be included in both the boarding staff and the academic staff Handbooks, for example.
Moreton Hall Page 15 Standard 2 (2.1 – 2.6) The school should have an effective policy on countering bullying, which is known to parents, boarders and staff and which is implemented successfully in practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The school has a clear and detailed policy on recognising and dealing with bullying behaviour. This policy is available to boarders, parents and staff.
In discussion with both boarding and ancillary staff, it was apparent that they were aware of the potential for bullying to occur and were alert to this possibility. Where ‘bullying’ behaviour was reported to them, it was reported to be handled sensitively and openly.
There were some responses to the boarders’ questionnaire which indicated that some of the younger girls felt bullied on occasion. It was clear that the staff responsible for these boarders were aware of the potential for such behaviour amongst newer boarders and that they were experienced in dealing with situations which were reported to them.
Members of the ancillary staff felt that they would notice bullying behaviour, that they would report it to a member of boarding staff but that, apart from what they felt were ‘tiffs’ between girls, there was little bullying in the school.
The provision of additional, up-to-date training for boarding and ancillary staff was discussed and it was agreed that an advisory recommendation would be made.
The small number of pupil questionnaires returned confirmed to inspectors that this standard was met.
PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS REPORTING NEVER OR HARDLY EVER BEING 75 % BULLIED
Moreton Hall Page 16 Standard 3 (3.1 – 3.9) The school should have, and follow, an appropriate policy on child protection and response to allegations or suspicions of abuse, which is consistent with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures, and is known to staff and, as appropriate, to older boarders in positions of responsibility. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4 The school has a clear child protection policy and the senior housemistress, who is currently the individual nominated as responsible for child protection matters within the school, is responsible also for checking that the policy is up-to-date and in line with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. It is understood that the school will be nominating a second individual with responsibility for receiving child protection information, in order to ensure cover during any absence from the school site of the current holder of the position.
The child protection officer also has contact with Investigation and Referral Support Co- Ordinators through the BSA, who are able to provide advice, support and information to the school in relation to any member of staff who may be subject to an allegation of abuse.
The local ACPC has not yet provided the school with confirmation that their policy is consistent with ACPC procedures, although such confirmation has been sought. It was agreed that such confirmation would be requested again.
The school, through the child protection officer, has produced a programme of training in child protection for all staff and there are key individuals within the school to whom relevant information regarding child protection procedures can be transmitted. A governor, with specific responsibility for child protection matters within the school, is to be appointed.
School prefects have received some child protection instruction as part of their induction and ancillary staff were clear about the five main points which had formed the basis of the talk given to them by the child protection officer. Although ancillary staff felt that they had not been ‘trained’ in relation to child protection, they were clear about keeping both the boarders and themselves ‘safe’.
All staff who were spoken to confirmed that they would refer to an outside agency if they felt that any concerns they had regarding child protection were not being addressed by those with responsibility for doing so. The school has a ‘whistleblowing’ policy and, although this policy does not specify child protection as a possible area which might require a member of staff to ‘whistleblow’, the child protection policy does so.
The local authority Initial Assessment Team has confirmed that there have been no child protection enquiries involving the school in the last two years and that they were no outstanding child protection concerns at the time of this inspection.
Although the school, and the child protection officer, have little direct experience of child protection issues, it was felt that any child protection issue would be dealt with through the school’s policies and with reference to those outside professionals who could provide information and advice, or to whom referral should be made.
Although a number of recommendations and advisory recommendations have been made in relation to this standard, it is considered that the structures which have been put in place at the school, together with the evidence of ongoing development, merit a score of 4.
Moreton Hall Page 17 Standard 4 (4.1 - 4.7) The school should have, and follow, a fair and appropriate policy on behaviour, discipline and use of punishments, known to boarders, staff and parents. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Moreton Hall has a fair and appropriate policy on behaviour, discipline and the use of punishments, which is know to boarders, staff and parents. The policy is detailed in the Code of Conduct. In practise, there have been few occasions on which the school has needed to use the ‘serious punishments’ which are described in the policy. There have been no expulsions or suspensions from the school since 2002.
No unacceptable, excessive or idiosyncratic punishments are used by boarders or staff and no inappropriate punishments were identified during the inspection. Boarders acknowledged to the inspection team that the school takes a measured approach to sanctions and discipline and that they are treated both with respect and as individuals. In discussion with staff it was also evident that discussion with boarders was the favoured and effective means used to approach inappropriate behaviours.
The school has a written policy regarding the use of physical restraint, in line with the requirements of the standards, but has never had to use physical restraint.
Major punishments, and serious disciplinary issues, are recorded in a suitable book and the Governors are aware of any such issues, although there is no formal record of this. The records in this book could be expanded to include columns to indicate the ‘actions taken’ and the ‘outcome’, in each instance, together with clear cross-referencing to related records held on file.
Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.7) The school should have, and follow, an appropriate policy on responding to complaints from boarders and parents. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The school has a formal complaints system which is available to parents and boarders. While there was no record of any formal complaint being made to the school, it was apparent that all representations which are made to the school are dealt with by the Principal, with the knowledge of the Governors.
The boarders indicated to members of the inspection team that they can, and do, make verbal representations to members of staff and that these are always ‘listened to’. It was noted, on more than one occasion, that there was evidence that matters which had been raised by boarders had been acted on swiftly by the school.
As with the record of major punishments, it was felt that a log of representations which have been made to the Principal, cross-referenced to the relevant material on file, would facilitate monitoring of the handling of any such representations. Number of complaints, if any, received by CSCI about the school during last 0 12 months:
Moreton Hall Page 18 Standard 6 (6.1 - 6.3) The school should have, and follow, an appropriate policy on countering major risks to health, including substance abuse. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
It was considered that this standard was exceeded.
The school has a proactive approach to the promotion of Boarders’ health. There is an excellent PHSE curriculum and subject matter is also included in other syllabi, where relevant. Topical discussions are held which relate to health matters and these are facilitated by each of the three nurses and also by the two visiting General Practitioners. Two of the nursing Sisters are due to undertake training in family planning and the other Sister has attended the RCN (Royal College of Nursing) conference for Independent School Nurses. A number of health promotion leaflets were seen throughout the School and Boarding Houses, which contained relevant subject matter.
The School has forged strong links with a local Medical practice; nurses working at the school are often invited to medical conferences held at the Maelor hospital in Wrexham.
Standard 7 (7.1 - 7.5) Adequate records should be kept in relation to individual boarders' health and welfare needs and issues. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Confidential Health Records are available for each boarder. These are developed from information given by parents and guardians as part of the admissions procedure to the School.
The health centre staff and house mistresses regularly update these records and updated information is also requested from parents and guardians.
The records include any visits by the local GP, a record of vaccinations, records of referrals to other health professionals, any health problems and any requests from parents or guardians regarding health matters. They also identify the person with parental responsibility and contain contact details for these individuals.
Records are kept in a locked filing cabinet in the Health Centre.
All boarders are registered with the local Medical Practice in Chirk.
There was evidence of close liaison between all staff, designed to ensure that relevant information is given to those who ‘need to know’ it.
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ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• There is clear leadership of boarding in the school. • Crises affecting boarders' welfare are effectively managed. • The school's organisation of boarding contributes to boarders' welfare. • Boarders have access to a range and choice of activities. • Boarders are enabled to contribute to the operation of boarding in the school. • The operation of any prefect system safeguards and promotes boarders' welfare. • Boarders receive personal support from staff.
Standard 8 (8.1 - 8.3) There should be clear management and leadership of the practice and development of boarding in the school. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The arrangements for management and leadership of the practice and development of boarding in the school are clear.
While there is no ‘Head of Boarding’ in the school, the Principal holding ultimate responsibility to the Governors for all boarding matters, there is a clear senior management structure in place. Weekly senior management meetings are held, at which boarding issues are discussed by the Principal, the Bursar, the Deputy Head Pastoral and the Senior Housemistress. In addition, there are weekly meetings between the Principal and the House Mistresses and Masters. Moreton Hall is a comparatively small school which enables each boarder’s welfare and development to be monitored through these meetings.
The school’s staff disciplinary procedure in included in staff contracts of employment and it was made clear that any member of staff who was suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations would be both supported by the school, while being removed from having any contact with boarders.
The Governors of the school meet three times a year. While there is currently no standing item on the agenda regarding boarding matters, it was indicated that Governors are both advised of, and consulted about, any issues relating to boarding as and when they arise.
Although it was evident that the Governors are kept informed of ongoing issues relating to boarding, and are closely involved in monitoring events and supporting the Principal, it is felt that an explicit method of recording such involvement and monitoring would be advantageous.
Moreton Hall Page 20 Standard 9 (9.1 - 9.3) The school should be capable of satisfactorily managing crises affecting boarders' welfare Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The School has a Crisis Management Plan. This is included in the Staff Handbook, in the ‘emergency’ section. The plan details possible crises which may arise and action that would be taken. Staff who were spoken to during the inspection were aware of the plan, which includes a full list of people to be contacted in the event of various crises occurring.
The school has a reciprocal agreement with both Oswestry School and Shrewsbury School, should the need for evacuation arise.
There was evidence that the School has responded effectively and sensitively to incidents requiring crisis management in the past.
Standard 10 (10.1 - 10.5) The organisation of boarding houses or units should operate satisfactorily and provide appropriate protection and separation of boarders by age and gender. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The organisation of boarding houses operates satisfactorily and provides appropriate separation of boarders by age. As a single sex school there is no requirement for separation by gender.
There are no major discrepancies between the provisions across boarding houses. Where there are inequalities, these have been recognised and there is a rolling programme of refurbishment which will include addressing areas of inequality. The new sixth form accommodation has been designed with the needs of older boarders clearly in mind and, although it is of a higher standard than other accommodation, this is not seen as an unfair inequality. The school has provided facilities which are appropriate to boarders whose next step may well be university accommodation.
It is understood that the current, occasional, pressure of space on Norton Roberts house will be addressed by the proposed acquisition of additional accommodation.
Moreton Hall Page 21 Standard 11 (11.1 - 11.6) There should be an appropriate range and choice of activities for boarders outside teaching time. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
Each boarder has a timetable, into which free time is built. Boarders stated that they have free time at the weekends, after school finishes at lunch-time on Saturday. There are opportunities for shopping trips to Chester and Shrewsbury.
Boarders may access activities such as ballet and horse-riding. From discussion it was evident that activities are chosen in collaboration with boarders. There is a large well- equipped sports hall on site and a gymnasium.
Boarders reported that they sometimes choose to stay in school at week-ends, rather than go home, in order to take part in some particularly interesting activity.
It was noted that there were opportunities for those boarders not involved in sports teams to be included in ‘colours’ and this provision is commended.
Boarders are able to keep small pets at school, in the ‘pet hut’, with the proviso that they take full responsibility for looking after them. Again, this provision is commended.
Access to the Internet is safeguarded. A firewall protects students from accessing inappropriate material. Similarly, boarders are only able to rent ‘age appropriate’ DVD’s.
Moreton Hall Page 22 Standard 12 (12.1 - 12.2) Boarders have opportunity to contribute views to the operation of boarding provision. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
All boarders who were spoken to during the inspection indicated that they felt they had adequate opportunity to express their opinions and their views. They felt that they were listened to and, in general, that staff respond to their comments and effect appropriate changes wherever possible.
These reports were confirmed by evidence of actions that had been taken in response to approaches from boarders and boarders reports, that the school listens, was a constant theme throughout the inspection.
The school provides formal opportunities for boarders to put forward their views on different aspects of boarding provision. As well as ‘Vox’, there is a food committee and there are mentor group meetings. ‘Vox’ minutes are displayed in house and members meet with the House Mistress to discuss issues raised. Suggestion boxes are available, as are suggestions sheets on noticeboards.
There was nothing to suggest that boarders’ views and opinions would not be sought, listened to and acted upon and much evidence to suggest that Moreton Hall is very good at considering representations from boarders and at ‘picking up’ general issues of concern to boarders.
Standard 13 (13.1 - 13.7) Any prefect system (or equivalent) should give prefects (or equivalent) appropriate specific duties and responsibilities, with adequate staff supervision and measures to counter possible abuses of the role. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Prefects at Moreton Hall are provided with job descriptions, specific, defined duties and supervision. They are well supported by staff and indicated that they do not feel overburdened by the responsibilities placed upon them. Prefects also have induction training which includes some reference to child protection issues and which will include further training in relation to this in the future.
There is a Prefect Handbook which defines prefect duties and all the boarders who spoke to the inspectors were clear about their duties and responsibilities.
Prefects are selected by staff and girls in years both above and below. There is the opportunity for other sixth formers to take on the role of mentor, helping with prep and in a variety of other ways.
Prefects are not allowed to punish other boarders, apart from giving a sanction if girls are late for assembly three times. Boarders reported that they respected the prefects and found them helpful.
Moreton Hall Page 23 Standard 14 (14.1 - 14.6) Each boarder should have one or more members of staff to whom he or she can turn for personal guidance or with a personal problem. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Boarders reported to the inspection team that they were aware that they could talk to any member of staff should they have any concerns. They noted that there are tutors to whom they could speak, that there is a mentoring system which they found helpful and that the Health Centre staff were very approachable.
There was some indication that some boarders were reluctant to talk to staff, on some occasions, as they were aware that discussions had to be documented and information shared.
Staff indicated that younger boarders often looked up to older ones and used them as ‘big sisters’. It was clear, from discussion in houses, that house staff take a very active interest in the girls in their care and will make opportunities available for boarders to talk to them if they wish. Over the course of the inspection, staff were observed to be not only aware of current issues for some boarders, but to be responding to them in a sensitive and supportive manner.
It is understood that a newly appointed Independent Listener has been visiting the school regularly and has received all information which has been sent to parents of boarders, To date, it is understood that no boarder has approached the Independent Listener with any concerns.
Moreton Hall Page 24
WELFARE SUPPORT TO BOARDERS
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• Boarders receive first aid and health care as necessary. • Boarders are adequately supervised and looked after when ill. • Boarders are supported in relation to any health or personal problems. • Boarders do not experience inappropriate discrimination. • Boarders can maintain private contact with their parents and families. • Boarders' possessions and money are protected. • New boarders are introduced to the school's procedures and operation, and are enabled to settle in. • Boarders' welfare is protected in any appointment of educational guardians by the school. • Risk assessment and school record keeping contribute to boarders' welfare. • Boarders receive good quality catering provision. • Boarders have access to food and drinking water in addition to main meals. • Boarders are protected from the risk of fire. • Boarders' welfare is not compromised by unusual or onerous demands. • The welfare of any children other than the school's pupils is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated by the school. • Boarders' safety and welfare are protected during high-risk activities. • Boarders have appropriate access to information and facilities outside the school.
Standard 15 (15.1 - 15.14) Appropriate first aid and minor illness treatment are available to boarders at all times, with access to medical, dental and optical services as required. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The school has a designated health centre which is staffed by three nurses, one of whom works full-time and two of whom work part-time. The nurses work throughout the seven day week and are on call every night should a boarder become ill or require nursing attention. Records of verification of the registration status of the nurses with the regulating body (The Nursing and Midwifery Council), was available on staff personnel files and copies of verifications of the registration status of each nurse were supplied following the inspection.
All boarders are registered with the local GP practice in Chirk. The Chirk Medical Practice has two female GPs, who visit the school four times a week. Additionally, if there is a need, then the doctors will visit the School. Arrangements for dental and optical attention are individualised according to the needs of each pupil. Access to a counsellor, psychiatrist or any other specialist service is arranged by the visiting Doctor.
It was reported that the older, upper fifth and sixth form, boarders are given the opportunity to have private consultations with the Doctor. Younger boarders wishes to see the Doctor in private are respected.
A total of 37 members of staff have completed first aid training and lists of those holding the relevant certificate were seen to be posted throughout the School and the Boarding areas. Moreton Hall Page 25
Accidents are recorded appropriately. Prescribed medication is only given to the boarder for whom it has been prescribed and this medication is kept in locked cabinets within each house office, in boarding houses, or in the medical centre. It was considered that a more professional approach could be taken to the recording of prescribed and non-prescribed medication and that individual Medicine Administration Record (MAR) Charts should be completed for any administration of any medication. Copies of relevant guidelines were forwarded to the School following this inspection.
The School should also develop a more formal written protocol and guidelines relating to the administration of Non-Prescribed Medicines, or ‘Homely Remedies’.
Standard 16 (16.1 - 16.3) Boarders who are ill should be regularly checked and adequately looked after by a member of staff, and be able to summon staff assistance readily and rapidly when necessary. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The School has a designated health centre with the capacity to look after seven girls. The health centre had a very warm, homely atmosphere. In addition to the bedrooms there is a seating area, with beanbags and comfortable seating where poorly boarding and day girls may rest and be attended to. The health centre has its own bathroom and toilet facilities. As mentioned in the previous standard, the School has a team of three nurses who cover the health centre throughout the morning, day and evening on site and who remain on call to cover the night time.
If a boarder remains in the health centre overnight, there is a member of staff whose accommodation is adjacent to the health centre. There is a bell in the health centre, which any sick boarder can use to summon assistance from this member of staff during the night. Arrangements exist to provide respite for this member of staff if she is awake for any length of time at night.
Boarding staff were aware of the procedures in place for either calling the sister on call, in the event of a boarder becoming ill in house during the night, or for calling for immediate medical assistance in an emergency and notifying the sister subsequently.
Moreton Hall Page 26 Standard 17 (17.1 - 17.8) Significant health and personal problems of individual boarders should be identified and managed appropriately. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
There was much evidence to indicate that communication between the house staff and ancillary staff was professional and positive and that, if a boarder had a problem, or if concerns were identified, all staff would observe and liaise.
Boarders with medical difficulties appeared to be treated and supported in a satisfactory manner and there was much evidence received to indicate that fellow boarders and staff are fully supportive at times of personal stress and homesickness.
Where there may be a need for health, or other professional involvement, in relation to a boarder’s welfare, links exist through the Chirk medical practice for such involvement to be put in place.
Standard 18 (18.1 - 18.6) Within the school, there is no inappropriate discrimination on grounds of gender, disability, race, religion, cultural background, linguistic background, sexual orientation, or academic or sporting ability. These factors are taken into account in the care of boarders, so that care is sensitive to different needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Overseas pupils are well supported at Moreton Hall, as are pupils with special needs. In discussion with both boarders and staff, it was apparent that the school provides appropriate support to boarders whose first language is not English. It was also apparent that boarders felt supported by both staff and by other girls at the school.
Efforts were also seen to be made to assist overseas pupils to integrate into the school and of monitoring of the success of these efforts.
Documentation refers to the school’s commitment to equal opportunities and to the recognition of boarders’ different faiths.
There was also evidence that overseas boarders were included in activities outside school, for instance, by being invited to other, local boarders homes during exeats.
The school showed sensitivity in all discussions of pupils with special needs, behavioural and emotional problems and a willingness to support all pupils at all times.
Moreton Hall Page 27 Standard 19 (19.1 - 19.6) Boarders are enabled to contact their parents and families in private. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Boarders are able to contact their parents and families in private by using fax, mail, email, mobile phones, verbal messages passed by administrative staff, during visits made to the school by parents and guardians and during week-ends at home. Mobile phone ‘top ups’ can be purchased on shopping trips at the week-ends, from the local petrol station and from the School shop.
Boarders do not need permission to contact their parents at any time. However, during the school day, prep and activity time, non-essential calls are not allowed.
It was evident from discussion with staff that any significant welfare concerns regarding boarders would be passed to their parents/guardians.
Payphones are available in each of the boarding houses, but responses from some boarders, and some parents, indicated that these payphones were not considered to afford privacy. Although most boarders have access to mobile phones, and use of these is not restricted outside lessons and after bedtime, it was felt that some boarders still use payphones and should be able to do so in privacy.
Some boarders reported that they would seek private space in which to use their mobile phones, for example in the toilet areas. This would seem to support the view that those boarders who need to use payphones should be enabled to do so in privacy.
Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.3) Reasonable protection is provided for boarders' personal possessions and for any boarders' money or valuables looked after by the school. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
There is a satisfactory system in place for providing and distributing pocket money and for looking after personal possessions. Each of the boarding houses has a ‘house bank’ and, additionally, there is a Barclays branch on the school site.
Each boarder has a lockable drawer and a facility to secure a padlock to wardrobes in order to keep personal possessions and valuables safe.
One lock was found to be missing on a drawer used by occasional boarders. It was not clear that this matter had been brought to the attention of house staff. It is included in this report in order that the school can check that its systems for monitoring facilities for occasional boarders are as thorough as those for full boarders.
Moreton Hall Page 28 Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.3) There is an appropriate process of induction and guidance for new boarders. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
The systems in place for ensuring the happy and effective induction of girls into the school is excellent. There is a parents’ lunch before girls start at the school at which parents are able to discuss matters relating to boarding welfare with boarding staff. Prospective boarders are provided with activities during this time, to introduce them to the school.
A great deal of information is provided to parents before their child enters Moreton Hall and there is a Code of Conduct which includes reference to people outside the school who may be contacted by parents or pupils if they have any concerns which they do not wish to discuss with the school. The Commission for Social Care Inspection is included in the list of ‘outside contacts’, although the current contact needs to be amended.
Boarders reported that they are well supported when they start at the school. They are allocated a ‘big sister’, an older boarder, to whom they can talk and to whom they can go for advice and information.
There is an outward bound course for new boarders, which is seen as a positive ‘bonding’ experience by both girls and staff.
Each house has a Handbook, which the girls are aware of, and use.
The school has a newly appointed Independent Listener, who visits the school regularly, and who is becoming known to the pupils.
Standard 22 (22.1 - 22.4) Any guardians appointed by the school should be subject to the same recruitment checks as staff, and their care of pupils should be monitored. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9
The school does not currently appoint guardians. It is understood that there may be developments in relation to the provision of guardians in the future. Such developments would appear to be of a very positive nature.
Standard 23 (23.1 - 23.4) The Head, or a senior member of the school's staff, regularly monitors the school's records of risk assessments, punishments, complaints and accidents, to identify any issues requiring action. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Records of risk assessments, accidents and incidents are monitored by the Bursar and the records are signed off to indicate that this monitoring has taken place.
Punishments are rarely given at Moreton Hall. The Principal monitors the general situation in relation to punishments.
Moreton Hall Page 29 Standard 24 (24.1 - 24.8) Meals should be provided to boarders, which are adequate in quantity, quality and choice, and provision is made for special dietary, medical or religious needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
It was considered that the standard of catering provision at the School exceeds minimum standards. Boarders are provided with an excellent quality of food, which is of adequate quantity and which is varied and interesting.
Menus were seen on display with a choice of hot meals and a vegetarian option. Meals were sampled throughout the three day inspection visit, at breakfast, lunch and supper. Without exception all of the meals were of an excellent standard. Choices of hot and cold meals were attractively presented and of a very high quality. In addition, each of the houses was seen to be supplied with ‘snack’ foods in the form of bread, spreads, biscuits and fresh fruit. This is replenished daily.
There is a designated team of catering staff at the School, which is led by a Catering Manager. All of the catering staff have basic food hygiene training, at least, and the Head Chef and Assistant Chef have intermediate food hygiene qualifications. The Catering Manager holds the Advanced Food Hygiene certificate.
Crockery and cutlery seen during the inspection was satisfactory in quantity and was clean.
The Environmental Health Officer last visited the School on 19 November 2004. The response to the pre-inspection request for information indicated that the Environmental Health Officer was entirely satisfied with standards at the School.
Standard 25 (25.1 - 25.5) Boarders have access to drinking water in both boarding and teaching areas, and to food or the means of preparing food at reasonable times in addition to main meals. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Boarders have access to water fountains in all houses (and in all teaching blocks) and there are kitchens in all houses where boarders can make drinks and have snacks at reasonable times.
Fruit, biscuits, bread, butter, jam and drinks were also seen to be available in all houses.
All kitchens were seen to be clean, well organised and to have suitable storage for food stuffs, including fridges.
The school has a tuck shop, run by ‘Moreton Enterprises’ and there is a vending machine for snacks.
Moreton Hall Page 30 Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5) Boarders and boarding staff should be aware of emergency evacuation procedures from boarding accommodation. The school should comply with recommendations of the Fire Service, and should regularly carry out and record risk assessments in relation to fire, together with fire drills and any routine tests recommended by the Fire Service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Full emergency evacuation procedures are available and have been tested from sleeping and living areas. Discussion with students and house staff confirmed that this takes place. Fire drills are regularly carried out and always take place twice each term. Emergency lighting, fire alarms and fire fighting equipment are regularly tested and records are maintained in each of the boarding houses. The records indicated that fire detection system points are randomly tested. Records were seen to indicate that the school has its fire detection and prevention systems maintained and checked by contracted agencies.
The school’s fire prevention, detection and fire fighting equipment have recently been reviewed by a specialist company and a report of its findings has been submitted to the school. The school was found to have acted on the recommendations from this report.
Staff have received training and have recently undertaken training in the use of fire fighting equipment. These training records are maintained by the Bursar.
At the time of the most recent Fire Officer’s Inspection, in March 2004, matters were reported to be generally satisfactory and recommendations made from this report have been addressed.
The possible provision of a ‘sock box’, to be made available at night fire drills or other necessary evacuations, was discussed, as was the provision of other useful items of clothing which would avoid boarders getting cold during such events.
Standard 27 (27.1 - 27.3) Schools where there are unusual or especially onerous demands on boarders ensure that these are appropriate to the boarders concerned and do not unacceptably affect boarders' welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Onerous demands on boarders at the school, including sport, outward bound activities, appearances in school plays, concerts and public speaking events, lengthy travel or examination pressures are identified and Housemistresses, Tutors and Nurses monitor the boarders and will draw attention to those who need special consideration at certain times, in briefings and meetings. .
Moreton Hall Page 31 Standard 28 (28.1 - 28.2) The welfare of any children accommodated at the school, other than pupils, is protected. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Moreton Hall provides accommodation, on occasions, for pupils on exchange visits from Germany and Spain.
These visitors are provided with the same level of care and accommodation as boarders at the school.
Standard 29 (29.1 - 29.6) Identifiably high-risk activities provided for boarders should be competently supervised and accompanied by adequate and appropriate safety measures. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
It was considered that this standard was exceeded.
Risk assessments seen during the inspection were extremely thorough. The school operates a three level system of risk assessment. Activities that are identified as High Risk are subject to a detailed risk assessment. This often involves discussion with outside organisers of the activity, key staff involved and possibly parents of the boarders involved. It is then the responsibility of staff involved to ensure that high risk activities are competently supervised and accompanied by adequate and appropriate safety measures. Staff ensure that any organisation that is used is thoroughly vetted. The school ensures that high risk activities are supervised by adults holding the relevant qualification and that centres are registered under the Adventure Activities Licence Regulations where necessary.
It was considered that adequate and appropriate safety measures were in place and it was reported that parental permission is obtained, in advance, at all times.
Moreton Hall Page 32 Standard 30 (30.1 - 30.5) Boarders have access to information about events in the world outside the school, and access to local facilities, which is appropriate to their age. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Boarders have plenty of access to information about events in the world outside the school. They are provided with newspapers, television access and supervised outings.
Older boarders are able to go to Shrewsbury or Chester, without supervision, but with permission from the school. Arrangements for travel by train or taxi are made, and are not ‘ad hoc’.
Boarders who spoke to the inspection team indicated that they were very clear about the supervision arrangements in place and that they were aware of their responsibility to make arrangements with staff before leaving the school.
Moreton Hall Page 33
STAFFING
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• Boarders are adequately supervised by staff. • Staff exercise appropriate supervision of boarders leaving the school site. • Boarders are adequately supervised at night. • Boarders are looked after by staff with specific boarding duties, with adequate induction and continued training. • Boarders are looked after by staff following clear boarding policies and practice. • There are sound relationships between staff and boarders. • Boarders' personal privacy is respected. • There is vigorous selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers working with boarders. • Boarders are protected from unsupervised contact at school with adults who have not been subject to the school's complete recruitment checking procedures and there is supervision of all unchecked visitors to the boarding premises.
Standard 31 (31.1 - 31.7) The staff supervising boarders outside teaching time should be sufficient in number and deployment for the age, number and needs of boarders, and the locations and activities involved. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Staff supervising boarders outside teaching time are present in sufficient numbers and are deployed appropriately in relation to the age, number and needs of boarders. The school has a ‘floating’ member of staff who covers for staff sickness and who was working at the time of the inspection, to cover for the maternity leave of one member of house staff. The school showed an awareness of the demands on boarding staff; the Principal indicated that he encourages staff to take their ‘time off’. It is not clear that the Principal extends this stricture to himself. More than one report was received that he ‘never’ takes time off during term-time.
Each house has a housemistress, a resident assistant housemistress and may have other resident staff also, including spouses of house staff.
Satisfactory arrangements were found to be in place for the supervision of boarders at week- ends and for those remaining at the school during ‘exeats’.
Staff of both genders are in day to day contact with boarders and the school has clear procedures regarding contact between male staff and boarders. Those male staff who spoke with the inspectors were clear about their contact with boarders and about their access to sleeping accommodation on houses.
Those boarders who spoke with the inspection team indicated that they always knew where they could find a member of staff.
Moreton Hall Page 34 Standard 32 (32.1 - 32.5) Boarders temporarily away from the school site remain under the overall responsibility of a duty member of staff, and are able to contact a member of staff in an emergency. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The arrangements for boarders who are temporarily away from the school site are maintained in line with DfES guidance on staffing ratios. Boarders confirmed to the inspection team that they felt they were adequately and appropriately supervised on trips.
Gap students are not left alone in charge of boarders and are supervised at all times.
There are well-maintained systems for boarders to provide details of their week-end plans and boards on individual bedroom doors to indicate a boarder’s whereabouts, when not in their rooms during quiet time.
The school has and follows a satisfactory policy for the safety and supervision of boarders during journeys and satisfactory CRB checks were held on file for taxi drivers.
Standard 33 (33.1 - 33.5) Staff should be present, and accessible to boarders as necessary, in each boarding house at night. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Each house has a resident House Parent, who sleeps in the house at night. In addition, all houses have at least one other adult ‘sleeping in’. In most cases, there are other staff sleeping in each house and boarders are aware of the resident staff members.
Boarders know that they can contact staff at night. They can either ‘bang on the door’ of a resident member of staff or, in the case of the Health Centre, they can ring the bell to the resident staff member’s flat.
There is a clear system in each house for establishing which boarders are present at night.
It has been acknowledged that there needs to be a similar system in place during the day, since boarders can access their boarding houses when not in lessons. It is understood that the school is considering putting in place a ‘slide board’ system on houses, for use during the daytime.
Moreton Hall Page 35 Standard 34 (34.1 - 34.7) All staff with boarding duties have job descriptions reflecting those duties, receive induction training in boarding when newly appointed, and receive regular review of their boarding practice, with opportunities for continuing training in boarding. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Job descriptions are in place for all staff, and the roles of spouses and partners of staff within boarding houses is made clear. Supervision of ancillary and contact staff takes place and the school is aware of its responsibilities in this area. For example, the window cleaner who was working on site during the inspection had been interviewed for the post and a satisfactory CRB check was held on file.
Staff confirmed that they receive induction training, appraisal and ongoing training. Child protection training, provided by Shropshire County Council, has recently been undertaken by some staff.
The majority of staff have received first aid training and this is recorded in lists included in house handbooks. Staff have also received some equal opportunities training, fire training, diver training and good hygiene training. It was reported that staff are supported to go on training courses which they feel would be beneficial to their boarding responsibilities.
The current gap students have put together useful information for incoming gap students and all gap students receive induction training.
Recording of individual staff induction, training and appraisal is not currently logged in a way which makes this information readily accessible.
Standard 35 (35.1 - 35.4) All staff with boarding duties are provided with up to date written guidance on the school's boarding policies and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Recently produced House Handbooks include detailed descriptions of the way in which each house operates and policy handbooks are also available to all members of staff.
The guidance included in these policies includes all matters detailed under this standard and there is a staff disciplinary procedure included in each member of staff’s contract.
It was clear from discussions with the Chair of Governors, the Principal and other members of staff that any disciplinary matters would be handled with appropriate legal advice, with the welfare of boarders as paramount but also with the welfare of individual staff members in mind.
Moreton Hall Page 36 Standard 36 (36.1 - 36.4) There are sound staff/boarder relationships. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Sound relationships between boarders and staff were reported and were seen to exist.
Boarders consistently reported that the size of the school enabled good relationships to exist, not least because there was the opportunity for everyone to get to know everyone else. Boarders reported that staff were approachable, supportive and caring. They indicated that there was a ‘light touch’ approach taken by staff and that each boarder was seen as an individual.
Observations and discussions throughout the inspection supported these reports and staff consistently exhibited a concerned, caring and professional approach to their boarding responsibilities. There were individual instances of a depth of knowledge of particular boarders and their circumstances which reinforced the assessment that staff/boarder relationships are good and are good because staff work to make them so.
Standard 37 (37.1 - 37.2) Staff supervision of boarders should avoid intruding unnecessarily on boarders' privacy. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Staff were seen to be sensitive to boarders’ needs for privacy. Male members of staff were very clear that they would not enter areas of boarding accommodation where their presence could be deemed inappropriate and they were fully aware of the need to be accompanied by a female member of boarding staff when necessary.
There was no indication that any staff supervision of boarders was inappropriate, nor that there was any patrolling which could be construed as insensitive or embarrassing.
Moreton Hall Page 37 Standard 38 (38.1 - 38.10) Recruitment of all staff (including ancillary staff and those on a contractual/sessional basis) and volunteers who work with boarders (as defined in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000) includes checks through the Criminal Records Bureau checking system (enhanced as appropriate), with a satisfactory outcome. There is a satisfactory recruitment process recorded in writing. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2
A random selection of 11 staff files were inspected.
The files were not well organised and all the information was placed loosely in a single folder.
CRB checks had not yet been completed on staff who had worked at the school prior to the creation of the agency.
In a number of files, there was no evidence of two satisfactory references, or records of interviews. It was noted on the files of staff who had been more recently appointed, that there was a letter offering appointment which referred to an interview.
There are three nurses working at the school, there was no evidence on file to substantiate their qualifications.
It is felt that staff files should be organised to show that all relevant checks, as detailed in this standard, have been completed. There should also be a method of indicating that all necessary documentation has been received, that two satisfactory references have been obtained, that a record of interview is retained and that proof of identity for each person is held on file.
It was noted that the school has improved practice in relation to the recording held on staff files. This was evidenced from the files held for those staff who had been recently appointed. This improvement is acknowledged.
A checklist at the front of each file would make it easier for staff responsible for these records to see, at a glance, whether all the necessary documentation has been received, or to track progress. Organising files into separate sections would also be beneficial.
Moreton Hall Page 38 Standard 39 (39.1 - 39.4) The school does not allow any member of staff (including ancillary staff, sessional/contract staff and volunteers) to work unsupervised with boarders unless that member of staff has been satisfactorily checked with the Criminal Records Bureau. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
There appears to be a good system of vetting visitors to the school. Students consulted indicated that they would check out strangers on site. There are keypad access codes to the boarding houses and there is CCTV monitoring of outside areas and the IT suite.
There is a Security Officer on site and K9 contractors.
One group of students consulted stated that they had raised concerns regarding security of the school site and that they knew that the school was addressing their concerns.
In discussions, it was apparent that the school are aware of the concerns of boarders and their parents, are constantly reviewing security measures and have taken and are continuing to take, measures which will provide the maximum security for boarders.
Moreton Hall Page 39
PREMISES
The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:
• Boarders are provided with satisfactory accommodation. • Boarders have their own accommodation, secure from public intrusion. • Boarders have satisfactory sleeping accommodation. • Boarders have satisfactory provision to study. • Boarders have adequate private toilet and washing facilities. • Boarders have satisfactory provision for changing by day. • Boarders have access to a range of safe recreational areas. • Boarders are protected from safety hazards. • Boarders are suitably accommodated when ill. • Boarders' clothing and bedding are adequately laundered. • Boarders can obtain personal requisites while accommodated at school. • The welfare of boarders placed in lodgings is safeguarded and promoted. • The welfare of boarders is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated away from the school site on short-term visits.
Standard 40 (40.1 - 40.8) Boarding Houses (including dormitories and living areas) and other accommodation provided for boarders should be appropriately lit, heated and ventilated, suitably furnished, accessible to any boarders with disabilities, and adequately maintained. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
The boarding houses at Moreton Hall were found to be appropriately lit, heated and ventilated. They were suitably furnished, accessible to boarders with disabilities in certain areas and adequately maintained.
There has been recent refurbishment of all houses, including rewiring, replumbing and new fire alarms.
The new, sixth form block provides accommodation and resources of a very high standard and the teething troubles, inevitable with a ‘new build’, have now been overcome.
The standard of decoration, across all boarding houses, was seen to be well-maintained and appropriate. There was little evidence of any damage or unattended to breakages. All houses were seen to be maintained to a high level of cleanliness.
Boarders did not complain to the inspection team that any houses were noisy and unacceptable levels of noise were not noted during the inspection.
In view of the consistently high standard of provision, this standard is felt to have been exceeded.
Moreton Hall Page 40 Standard 41 (41.1 - 41.8) Boarding accommodation is reserved for the use of those boarders designated to use it, and protected by access by the public. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Boarding accommodation is protected by means of door codes. Parents are always required to ask permission before they go to boarders’ accommodation. Visitors are required to sign in when they arrive at the school and a new badge system is understood to be being put in place.
The site is protected by both CCTV and by the employment of an appropriately experienced security officer. There are plans for the CCTV provision to be extended and for the public footpath, which runs through the school grounds, to be rerouted when permission to do so has been granted.
The golf course which adjoins the school is used by members of the public, but they do not enter the school grounds and would be visible were they to do so.
Access to the school premises and to boarders by people from outside the school is restricted both by policies and by practises in place. There are also plans to create a new reception area in the main building of the school.
The ground floor windows on some of the boarding houses were seen to be open during both the day and during the evenings of the inspection. While there may be conflicting recommendations regarding the use of window restrictors, it is felt that this is an area which should be kept under review.
Moreton Hall Page 41 Standard 42 (42.1 - 42.14) Sleeping accommodation is suitably furnished and of sufficient size for the number, needs and ages of boarders accommodated, with appropriate separation between genders, age groups and from accommodation for adults. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Sleeping accommodation across all boarding houses is suitably furnished. All areas were found to be of sufficient size for the number, needs and ages of boarders accommodated, with the exception of one dormitory on Norton Roberts. This dormitory accommodates four full time boarders, but can accommodate up to seven girls when occasional boarders are staying overnight. There is a bunk bed in this dormitory which is used periodically.
It is understood that there are plans to expand the provision of accommodation for Moreton First boarders in the future and that such plans would resolve the above situation.
The sleeping areas in all houses were found to be well-maintained, well-furnished and to provide adequate storage space for boarders’ possessions. All rooms were seen to have been personalised by the girls occupying them and to be full to bursting with personal possessions and decorations. The general impression was that the rooms and dorms were a ‘home from home’ and that girls were allowed and encouraged to create their own space.
Staff sleeping accommodation was suitably separated from boarders’ accommodation in each house.
As in other areas of boarding life, girls can express their preferences about which room or dorm they sleep in. Staff accommodate their preferences, wherever possible.
Moreton Hall Page 42 Standard 43 (43.1 - 43.2) Suitable facilities for both organised and private study are available to boarders. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
All boarders have been provided with desks in their rooms and, in Norton Roberts, there is a study area where boarders can work.
Boarders in the Upper Fifth and above are able to do prep in their own rooms, while supervised prep for younger boarders is undertaken in classrooms.
Good lighting was available in all rooms and working areas and desk lamps were also seen to be available for boarders’ use.
Computers were seen to be available in boarding houses, in areas which can be, and are, supervised by staff.
The provision on Charlesworth House is of a particularly high standard. The ‘Link’, the space used mainly by the Upper Sixth girls, but which can be also be used by Lower Sixth girls, is an area which links the two houses accommodating sixth formers. This area is also used for tutor meetings and these are usually held during the day in order not to impinge on the use as a study area.
Standard 44 (44.1 - 44.10) Adequate toilet and washing facilities are readily accessible to boarders, with appropriate privacy. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Adequate toilet and washing facilities are readily accessible to boarders, with appropriate privacy. Some comments were received regarding the privacy of some bathrooms and it is felt that the school could survey boarders’ views on this matter as the inspection team were unable to confirm that there were any areas which lacked privacy, during the inspection.
It is understood that boarding houses have been replumbed, but that there is a continuing problem with excessive water temperatures on Gem House, at times.
All bathrooms and showers which were inspected were found to be clean and sufficient in number, although it was reported to the inspection team that boarders felt there were insufficient shower facilities on the ground floor of Pilkington House.
Moreton Hall Page 43 Standard 45 (45.1 - 45.3) Suitable changing provision is provided for use by day. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Suitable changing provision exists for all boarders. Girls either change in their rooms or in the sports’ hall /gym changing room. Most boarders reported that they prefer to change in their own rooms. This applied more commonly to older boarders, particularly those sixth formers living on Charlesworth House.
Boarders using their rooms to change in have access to their usual toilet and shower facilities.
Toilet and shower facilities are available adjacent to the changing room in the sports hall. One door lock was seen to be broken on a toilet door and the facilities did not appear to offer a great deal of privacy, but the boarders who spoke with inspectors indicated that they did not feel that this was an issue which concerned boarders.
Standard 46 (46.1 - 46.6) Boarders have access to a range and choice of safe recreational areas, both indoors and outdoors. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Safe recreational areas have been provided, both indoors and out, for boarders.
Each house has a recreation area and, while these vary in size and quality, they were found to be appropriate to their purpose. In Gem House, attempts had been made to free up more space by using an additional dormitory, but boarders had decided not to proceed with this plan as they did not wish to change their current sleeping arrangements.
In Norton Roberts, the younger boarders are able to use the ‘kitchen’ area to feel at home and to talk to staff on duty, as well as their recreation area.
Sixth form boarders have kitchen/diners with comfortable seating, where they can socialise. They are also able to make use of the facilities in the Link, which include Sky television, a projection system for films, with surround sound and a CD player.
The behaviour of both dogs living in Charlesworth House was impeccable. The real dog, which lives in the House Mistresses/Bursar’s accommodation, was found to be less startling than the large model dog, which lives in the Link. Boarders reported that they appreciated its presence, however.
Outside recreation areas were found to be safe. The netball court surface, which boarders reported was damaged, is due to be resurfaced in the near future.
Moreton Hall Page 44 Standard 47 (47.1 - 47.9) Indoor and outdoor areas used by, or accessible to, boarders should be free from reasonably avoidable safety hazards. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
It is considered that this standard was exceeded.
No safety hazards were identified during the inspection, in either indoor or outdoor areas accessed by boarders.
Risk assessments relating to each of the five boarding houses were maintained and these were seeing during the course of the inspection. They were found to be entirely satisfactory.
There is a good system of maintenance in place at the school. Boarders commented that any reports they made, regarding safety matters, were promptly dealt with.
Boarders were very clear about areas which were out of bounds to them.
There is a health and safety policy, of which staff are aware.
Standard 48 (48.1 - 48.4) Suitable accommodation should be available for the separate care of boarders who are ill. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
The school has a designated health centre which is staffed by three nurses. One of these nurses works full-time. The other two nurses work part-time. The three members of staff work throughout the seven day week and are on call every night should a boarder be ill.
Boarders do not stay in boarding houses if they are ill during the day, but report to the Health Centre, where they are cared for by the nursing staff. Boarding staff reported that they are alerted quickly during the night if any girl is taken ill and that they were aware of the appropriate responses to be made, depending on the nature of the illness.
Staff indicated that they would not hesitate to ring the emergency services if they felt the need, but that the usual procedure would be to contact the duty nurse who, if off site, would either advise or return on site to attend to the boarder concerned. There is a member of staff who, while not a qualified nurse, is adequately trained and suitably supported to provide cover for any boarder staying overnight in the Health Centre.
Moreton Hall Page 45 Standard 49 (49.1 - 49.3) Adequate laundry provision is made for boarders' clothing and bedding. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
Boarders bedding is laundered fortnightly, on Tuesdays and there is an efficient laundry provision for clothing.
No reports were received that there were any problems with the laundry service.
Older boarders are encouraged to do their own personal laundry and facilities have been made available on Charlesworth and Lloyd Williams houses for this purpose. There is a member of staff to whom boarders can turn if there are any laundry ‘disasters’.
Standard 50 (50.1 - 50.2) Boarders are able to obtain minor necessary personal and stationery items while accommodated at school. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 4
Boarders are able to obtain all minor necessary personal and stationery items through ‘Moreton Enterprises’ outlets, ‘Paperclip’ and ‘Bookworks’ and ‘Revive’.
‘Moreton Enterprises’ are run by sixth form girls, although younger boarders can act as ‘shop assistants. The school supports these enterprises which give boarders experience of different aspects of business management, as well as ensuring that boarders can access items that they need.
Week-end trips to Chester and Shrewsbury also allow boarders to purchase items which they cannot get through school.
Standard 51 (51.1 - 51.11) Any lodgings arranged by the school to accommodate pupils provide satisfactory accommodation and supervision, are checked by the school before use, and are monitored by the school during use. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 9
Lodgings are currently not arranged by the school, although a property has been located close to the school which, it is intended, will provide safe and suitable accommodation for some overseas students.
Moreton Hall Page 46 Standard 52 (52.1 - 52.8) Any off-site short-stay accommodation arranged by the school for any of its boarders provides satisfactory accommodation and supervision, is checked by the school before use (although this may not be feasible when accommodation is in private households), and is monitored by the school during use. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3
It was reported that the school takes a proactive approach to checking off-site short-stay accommodation which is arranged. The Bursar indicated that everything that can be done to ensure the safety of these arrangements is done.
The school responded positively to discussions about the ways in which boarders can be empowered to provide their views on any such arrangements, in private households or otherwise.
Moreton Hall Page 47
PART C LAY ASSESSOR’S SUMMARY (where applicable)
Lay Assessor Signature
Date
Moreton Hall Page 48
PART D HEAD’S RESPONSE
D.1 Head’s comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for the above inspection.
We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 10th and 11th January 2005 and any factual inaccuracies:
Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible
We are working on the best way to include Provider responses in the published report. In the meantime responses received are available on request.
Moreton Hall Page 49
Action taken by the CSCI in response to Head’s comments:
Amendments to the report were necessary YES
Comments were received from the Head YES
Head’s comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final YES inspection report
Head’s comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been
incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate
Note: In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Head both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.
Status of the Head’s Action Plan at time of publication of the final inspection report:
Action plan was required YES
Action plan was received at the point of publication YES
Action plan covers all the recommended actions in a timely fashion YES
Action plan did not cover all the recommended actions and required further
discussion
Head has declined to provide an action plan
Other:
Moreton Hall Page 50
D.3 HEAD’S AGREEMENT
Head’s statement of agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.
D.3.1 I of Moreton Hall School confirm that the contents of this report are a fair and accurate representation of the facts relating to the inspection conducted on the above date(s) and that I agree with the recommended actions made and will seek to comply with these.
Print Name
Signature
Designation
Date
Or
D.3.2 I of Moreton Hall School am unable to confirm that the contents of this report are a fair and accurate representation of the facts relating to the inspection conducted on the above date(s) for the following reasons:
Print Name
Signature
Designation
Date
Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Head both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.
Moreton Hall Page 51
Moreton Hall / 10th January 2005
Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF
Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111
National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk
S0000020774.V187752.R01
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