The Pilgrims' School Inspection report for

Unique reference number SC012022 Inspection date 4 June 2009 Inspector Bridgette Lowe Type of Inspection Key

Address Pilgrims School 3 The Close SO23 9LT Telephone number 01962 854189 Email Registered person The Pilgrims' School Head / Principal Brian A Rees Nominated person Date of last inspection 14 June 2006 Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 3 of 10

About this inspection The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment. The inspection judgements and what they mean Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 4 of 10

Service information Brief description of the service The Pilgrims' School is a long established and historic preparatory school for boys, incorporating the Choristers for Winchester Cathedral and the Quiristers for Winchester Chapel. It is situated in the heart of Winchester close to the Cathedral. The school offers full boarding and weekly boarding arrangements, although all choristers have to be full boarders in orders to fulfil their singing commitments.

The school had 80 boarding pupils at the time of inspection, divided between the two boarding houses, Main school and Q school. The main boarding house accommodates the Cathedral choristers and those boarders who do not belong to the choir. The Quiristers are accommodated in a boarding house close to the school but not inside the school grounds. Children that do not belong to these choirs are also able to board and are known as commoners. Summary The purpose of the inspection was to ensure that the responsible person safeguards and promotes the welfare of children accommodated there and that the school was continuing to meet the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools.

A recommendation made at the school's previous boarding welfare inspection in 2006 has not been fully met.

One inspector and one Boarding School Additional Inspector carried out this announced inspection over two days covering all the Boarding School's key national minimum standards. The majority of boarding pupils completed a questionnaire prior to the inspection and were involved in discussions with inspectors in the course of the inspection. A survey was sent to the parents of boarders with a generally good response received.

Pupils at the school benefit from a high standard of pastoral care, delivered by a caring and committed staff group with whom they have excellent relationships. There is extremely good communication between different departments across the school which contributes effectively to monitoring and addressing the needs of individual pupils. Health care provision at the school is excellent and contributes effectively to the promotion of the physical and emotional wellbeing of boarders.

Boarders enjoy a family style experience at mealtimes, however, some pupils, parents and staff reported dissatisfaction that a choice of main meals is not made available. Staff are well trained in ensuring students are suitably protected from harm. However, at the time of inspection a 'whistle blowing policy' was produced, staff have not been trained on its content and their duty to report any concerns of staff conduct in order to safeguard pupils. Bullying is not a significant problem at the school and boarders overwhelmingly feel safe there. Clear guidelines for staff on affording pupil privacy and dignity at times of changing and showering are not in place. There is good provision for managing risk and ensuring a safe environment is provided for boarders and staff. Clear and effective systems are in place for consulting with boarders, which enable them to express their views both formally and informally to staff.

Staffing levels across the school are extremely good and provide adequately for the supervision of boarders. Staff are well supported by the senior boarding master and are able to undertake Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 5 of 10

training related to student welfare, however, there currently is no provision for staff to have a formal appraisal of their boarding role.

The school has undertaken checks on staff to state their suitability to work with children. However, there are inconsistencies to the recruitment process which could potentially pose a risk to children. The school has introduced a comprehensive system to ensure safer recruitment practice is stringently followed in the future.

Both boarding houses at the school provide a good standard of accommodation with boarders reporting a friendly homely feel.

The school is managed with strong leadership by the headteacher and senior management team including the senior boarding master. Boarding at Pilgrims' School is a busy and active schedule with a nurturing and caring family feel. Boarders report that 'Pilgrims' is a good school', 'I love boarding' and 'it's the best!' The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Improvements since the last inspection Since the last boarding welfare inspection in 2006, the school has demonstrated good development and improvements in many areas including fire safety improvements and health and safety arrangements around the school to promote the welfare of pupils.

At the last inspection in 2006 the school was asked to ensure that staff did not commence employment until satisfactory completion of a criminal record bureau check and two written references are requested as part of the recruitment process. This recommendation has not been fully met. The school has recently introduced a very clear policy on recruitment following safer recruitment guidance. However, this is yet to be fully embedded in practice. On occasion staff have commenced employment prior to satisfactory receipt of criminal record bureau checks and references being received. This recommendation is to be resubmitted within this report. Helping children to be healthy The provision is good. The school makes very good provision for the health care of pupils. There are clear and effective procedures for identifying and recording health related needs of boarding pupils. Effective monitoring is undertaken of all accidents and injuries and medication held within the boarding houses. Boarders' specific health needs are managed effectively and sensitively with all staff being trained annually on a range of issues, such as asthma and Epi-Pen training. Weekly surgeries are held within the school with a visiting local Doctor. The schools team of two registered nurses who provide nursing cover from Monday to Saturday are an excellent support to boarders. Matrons in both boarding houses are trained in first aid and the safe administration of medication, and communicate very effectively with the school nurses in relation to the individual health needs of pupils. Pupils have good access to the 'work room' where all medical needs are seen to and are well looked after in the sick bay should they feel unwell. There are clear policies and procedures in operation within the school for the management and administration of medication, which are implemented effectively and provide suitable safeguards for the welfare of pupils. Pupils report being well looked after in boarding houses when unwell and particularly by the school nurses and matrons. Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 6 of 10

Pupils benefit from good provision for the promotion of their personal, social health and emotional wellbeing, appropriate to their age. The schools personal, social and health education programme is delivered to all pupils and covers a wide range of topics such as substance abuse, anti bullying and keeping safe. Boarders reported that the school actively encourages a healthy lifestyle.

There is satisfactory catering provision for pupils. Healthy eating is encouraged, meals are adequate in quantity and quality with special dietary needs being catered for. A mixed response about the catering provision was received from parents, boarding pupils and staff. A family style service is adopted at mealtimes, although a choice of main meal is not provided. Healthy snacks are available throughout the day and evening with the provision of extra bread in the evening for the older boarders. Staff preparing food are suitably trained in food hygiene and preparation, and there are no outstanding recommendations from the most recent environmental health report. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The provision is satisfactory. Boarding pupils are supported in a safe environment where their welfare is paramount. Staff have a very good understanding of the needs of the boarders and how to safeguard them. The staff team have access to regular child protection training, boarders' safety is promoted and staff are aware of the correct procedures to report any allegations or child protection issues. The deputy headteacher is the schools designated child protection liaison officer, with staff also being able to report concerns to the head of boarding and the headteacher. Boarders confirm that they feel staff give a high priority to keeping them safe. Comprehensive policies underpin good staff practice and awareness of safeguarding children; however, the recent introduction of the 'whistle blowing policy' has not been fully explained to staff.

Boarders and staff are clear what the school's policy on bullying is and act swiftly if incidents of bullying occur. Staff are unquestionably committed to tackling and educating pupils about bullying and the impact it has on others. Pupils are involved in awareness and education of internet safety.

The management of behaviour is based on pupils valuing each other and treating all members of the school community with courtesy and respect. Boarders confirm that standards of acceptable behaviour are clearly known and respond to these guidelines. Staff were observed to be respectful of boarders and responded to them in a positive light. Any incidents are fully recorded on the schools system 'school base' although these are relatively few and far between within the boarding house. Pupils' behaviour was observed to be exemplary on inspection.

The school has a complaints procedure in place which is readily available. Posters are displayed in boarding areas informing boarders of who to go to if they are not happy. The school's complaints policy and procedure highlights Ofsted's details if boarders or parents have a boarding welfare concern. There have been no complaints raised in relation to boarders' welfare.

There is a high awareness among staff and boarders of the fire safety precautions. All boarders and staff are given fire safety instructions. Regular fire safety evacuations take place and fire safety equipment is checked regularly and detailed records kept. Boarders demonstrate a very good understanding of the school's fire evacuation procedure and practise this regularly. Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 7 of 10

Staff demonstrated a good understanding of how they respect the privacy of boarders. However, it is unclear how staff are informed of good practice and expectations of appropriate monitoring of boys at time of changing and showering. Clear written guidance is not in place, detailing how privacy and dignity of pupils is to be afforded, to ensure pupils feel comfortable at these times.

The full expectations of recruitment as stated in the national minimum standards have yet to be fully implemented, particularly with regard to ancillary staff. The absence of a completely robust system for all staff recruitment poses a risk to pupils. The school has recently introduced a very clear policy on recruitment following safer recruitment guidance. However, this is yet to be fully embedded in practice. On occasion staff have commenced employment prior to satisfactory receipt of criminal record bureau checks and two references being received. This practice poses a risk to children.

The school shows good regard to health with effective policies and comprehensive risk assessments in place for all areas. Health and safety issues are prioritised and addressed immediately with regular monitoring of all areas in and around the school. Staff take particular efforts to ensure boarders are free from avoidable hazards and boarding environments were observed to be safe and secure. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is outstanding. The support and pastoral care offered to boarders is excellent. Boarders are very clear which members of staff they can go to for personal support and the school has clear guidance for staff and boarders about how such support is provided and makes sure each boarder is given information about this. Boarders reported that staff 'are caring and supportive', and 'boarding feels very comfortable'. Boarders are all aware of the independent listener who visits to ensure he is well known amongst the pupils. Boarders reported being able to go to year 7 listeners as well as the school prefects for help and support. Dormitory captains are also available to support boarders in the boarding houses and are trained to respond appropriately should a pupil go to them with a concern.

The school has an excellent approach to providing boarders with a wide range of support and opportunities that encourages them to achieve educationally and socially to their fullest potential. The school welcomes and celebrates the diversity of all its boarders. Boarders experiencing homesickness are supported by staff that are quick to respond and comfort them in such a way that helps them settle well into boarding life. Boarders were observed on inspection enjoying a host of activities and reported boarding being great 'because we are with all our friends'. Helping children make a positive contribution The provision is outstanding. The school fosters a whole school community approach which boarders have embraced. There are good systems for listening and obtaining the views of boarders which are integrated into the running of the school. Boarders are able to have a say about developments at the school or enable change to take place in relation to boarding practice. Staff respond to boarders in a very positive and supportive way and boarders are very positive about their relationship with Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 8 of 10

staff. Boarders reported using the boarding house suggestion boxes and change happening as a result of suggestions offered.

The school demonstrates a positive attitude to boarders' family and parental contact. Many parents regularly see their boarding children at the school during the week. Parents reported the open door policy working extremely well in enabling families to remain in touch with their children. Parents reported the pastoral care and communication with parents as being 'excellent'. Responses received from parents stated that the school provides boarders with a homely environment that encourages children to be independent and organised.

Boarders reported excellent support systems to ensure they are welcomed to the school. An induction week within the summer term introduces new boarders to the environment, staff and boarding routines. Boarding House Captains play an important role in supporting new boarders. One pupil reported 'School teachers are kind and not strict and some funny they help us when needed, all the boys are friendly and it is easy to make friends'. Achieving economic wellbeing The provision is good. The school provides a good standard of accommodation for its boarders. The accommodation provided is comfortable, well lit and heated with a warm and homely feel. There is a good standard of maintenance and cleanliness. Boarding staff are proactive in responding to maintenance issues and ensuring they are satisfactorily resolved in order to provide a comfortable boarding environment for the pupils. Boarders from both main school boarding house and 'Q' boarding house reported being very happy with their dormitories and boarding facilities.

Dormitories were observed to be bright and colourful, and personalised by boarding pupils in a manner that made them feel at home. Organisation The organisation is satisfactory. The school provides excellent up to date information for prospective parents and pupils. This includes a detailed prospectus, a comprehensive information pack for new parents and individual boarding house information. The information clearly states the underlying ethos of the school, its aims for pupils, how the boarding provision operates and the pastoral care arrangements for pupils. The information provided accurately reflects the current practice within the school to ensure pupils live happy and purposeful lives within a homely relaxed and secure environment.

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. The school is proficient at providing boarding pupils with individualised care and support to ensure they reach their full potential. Overseas pupils are encouraged to fully integrate into the school community, with increased awareness and support for any boarder that may find boarding life difficult.

The school has an effective and coordinated management system. The staff team responsible for pastoral care are valued and unquestionably committed to boarders' welfare. The style of management ensures that staff are clear about their tasks and responsibilities with support from the senior boarding master. The senior boarding master will be leaving at the end of this academic year and the previous boarding master has agreed to return to support the school in the interim period. Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 9 of 10

Generally the monitoring of school records is effective with exception of the recruitment records. The introduction of the new recruitment policy and procedure and the schools bursar being responsible for the monitoring and implementation of the policy, should ensure future recruitment checks are stringently applied in order to appropriately safeguard pupils. Monitoring of the meal provision must be undertaken to ensure boarders are given appropriate choices at meal times.

There are clear lines of communication and accountability within the management of the boarding provision and staff meet regularly to discuss boarding issues. The school does not currently have a formal appraisal system for staff with boarding welfare responsibilities. The schools introduction of 'school base' computer system, enables consistent record keeping and monitoring of individual pupil needs.

The organisation of the boarding houses enables boarders to happily fulfil their choir duties. Boarders reported having enough free time to enjoy boarding life and expressed pride in their duties as a Chorister and Quirister.

The staff handbook, which is regularly updated on the schools computer system, gives guidance on boarding policies and practices, although does not specifically give guidance on promoting the privacy and dignity of pupils. Staff are encouraged to attend additional training to equip them with the skills to promote the welfare of boarders and have undertaken training in such areas as fire safety, first aid and child protection.

The school has a system of risk assessment of which staff are aware and is based on concern for the welfare of boarders. Risk assessments are routinely monitored by the health and safety officer. Boarders are well aware of areas that are out of bounds and respect the safety advice given by staff.

The number of staff available for the supervision of boarders is good for the number of boarders. Boarders report that they have no difficulty finding a member of staff when they need to. It was clear on inspection that the good staff ratios enable boarders to have access to, and choose from a great range of evening activities.

Evidence obtained during the inspection indicated that the boarding provision was being managed in a very good manner to ensure that physical, social and educational needs of the pupils are well met. The school prides itself in providing boys with a 'sense of independence, self-discipline and self-worth so they can learn to live happily in a community, showing respect and care towards others and valuing their worth.' What must be done to secure future improvement? Statutory requirements This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

Standard Action Due date Inspection Report: The Pilgrims' School,4 June 2009 10 of 10

Recommendations To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure staff are trained and awareness is raised in relation to the schools recently produced whistle blowing policy, promoting staff duty to report any concerns relating to staff conduct (NMS 3) • produce clear guidance for staff on ensuring pupils are afforded appropriate privacy and dignity especially at times of changing and showering (NMS 37) • ensure that pupils have a suitable choice of food offered at meal times (NMS 24) • ensure that the schools recruitment procedures are stringently applied as appropriate to all staff, and are effectively monitored (NMS 38) • ensure staff with boarding welfare responsibilities have opportunity for formal appraisal of their role and to include continuous professional development and training (NMS 34)