BOARDING SCHOOL
Adcote School For Girls
Little Ness Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 2JY
Lead Inspector Jackie Callaghan Key Announced Inspection 20th November 2006 10:00
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The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:
• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation
Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk
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This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Boarding Schools. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop
Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.
In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.
Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above.
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SCHOOL INFORMATION
Name of school Adcote School For Girls
Address Little Ness Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 2JY
Telephone number 01939 260202
Fax number 01939 261300
Email address [email protected]
Provider Web address
Name of Governing body, Adcote School Educational Trust Limited Person or Authority responsible for the school
Name of Head Deborah Hammond
Name of Head of Care
Age range of boarding 7 - 18 pupils
Date of last welfare 15th November 2004 inspection
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Brief Description of the School: Adcote School for Girls is a well-established, independent, non-selective day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 - 18. There is also a nursery on site for boys and girls from birth. At the time of this inspection 39 pupils were boarding at the school and there were 56-day pupils.
The school is an Educational Trust and has enjoyed charitable status since 1964.The site occupies 27 acres and lies in a very rural setting, but is easily accessible by road and rail. It is set in beautiful countryside, in the village of Little Ness, some 10 miles north west of Shrewsbury. The clearly signposted driveway provides a welcoming approach to the well maintained and attractive grounds and gardens. The school was established in 1907 and moved to its present site in 1927. It is a substantial Grade 1 listed country mansion and all boarding accommodation is provided on the first and second floors of the main house. Younger girls share a room, whilst the older girls have a study/ bedroom of their own.
The Head of Pastoral Care and 3 Matrons provide pastoral care and support to boarders. In addition each pupil has a Personal Tutor who also take responsibility for their care, personal development, welfare and general happiness. The Headmistress is ultimately responsible for pastoral care and monitoring of the boarding provision.
School fees for boarding currently range from weekly boarding at £11,970 per annum to full boarding at £13,605 per annum for Junior boarders with senior boarding costing £14,415 per annum for weekly boarding and £16,230 per annum for full boarding. For any day pupils who wish to occasionally board overnight there is an additional cost to their day fees.
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SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.
Two inspectors went to the School on Monday 20th November the School knew that they were going to visit. The inspectors stayed at the School for two and a half days and were able to spend time talking to the young people that board at Adcote School for Girls.
The inspectors also:
• Spoke to the Headmistress, Deputy Head Pastoral and some staff • Looked at some files • Watched how the young people and staff got along together
To help the inspector to write the report the Headmistress, Ms Hammond sent the inspector information about the School. The inspector also used other information, which she already knew about the School.
What the school does well:
These are some of the good things that the inspectors saw and the young people and staff told them about.
What the young people said
• “We have 2 payphones and can use matrons phone and most of us have mobiles”.
• “The atmosphere is great you are with your friends and you get good privacy which is respected”.
• “It’s a family, but you get your own space”.
• Everyone respects each other and tries to respect private times like when you are on the phone to your mom and dad”.
• This told the inspectors that the young people are supported to maintain contact with their families and that staff respect their privacy.
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• When asked about punishments these are some of things that the children and young people said, “quite often you are given the benefit of doubt and let off with a warning”.
• “staff are very fair with you and its not often that they have to punish you. When they do they make it clear why”.
• These comments showed that staff only used punishments when it was really necessary.
• When asked about support and guidance from staff these were some of the things that the children and young people said, “Matrons are like mothers they care for you, but then they are not like mothers because they do not nag you”.
• “We are like a really close family”.
• “Staff respect us and treat us as responsible individuals”.
• “It’s the same for everyone, even though they recognise that everyone is different”.
• These comments showed that staff were supportive treating children equally but supporting them to be individuals”.
What parents told the inspectors through questionnaires.
• “Standards of behaviour in junior department are very good. I am pleased with the pastoral care. I feel my child is well looked after”.
• There is a strong parent, child, school partnership which is exceptional and rare”.
• “The pastoral care has helped my daughter improve her academic attainment. A happy child learns more readily”.
What the inspectors saw
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• There were locks on all the toilet doors and all the showers either had curtains or a cubicle door.
• Young people were relaxing in their bedrooms on an evening when the inspectors visited their dormitories.
• The bedroom walls were full of posters or interesting articles.
• Young people were freely talking to staff and those that needed help were openly asking for staff to assist them.
• Young people are well looked after and they also learn about looking after themselves, which helps them to prepare for becoming an adult.
What has improved since the last inspection?
• All staff have received training on responding to issues where there is concern for children’s safety.
• The medication systems have been improved to make sure that medication is taken out of the container when it is given to a pupil and tablets are no longer kept in an envelope.
• All staff including any Gap students are given training when they first come to the school to help them settle in.
• The School does not allow any adult access to the children unless they have undergone important checks before starting to make sure they have no past criminal record.
• Many areas of the School including the bathrooms and toilets have been improved with new furniture and carpets or flooring.
• Windows that are on the upper floors have been fitted with restrictors to help keep children safe.
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What they could do better:
• Not all of the important information was on staff files. There are some things that are useful to know about staff. For example, all of the places they have worked in the past and if there is anything that would mean they should not be supporting young people. These help the people in charge know that they are the right person for the job they are doing.
• A written record needs to be kept as to why any medication is given. This will help staff look after the pupils better and help them understand how they can help you and keep you safe.
• More cleaning staff need to be employed to help the one cleaner who works on boarding to keep everywhere dirt-free and tidy
The inspectors would like to thank all of the children and young people for their help, support and involvement with this inspection. The inspectors were very impressed by all of the children and young people.
Please contact the Head for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from [email protected] or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request.
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DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS
CONTENTS
Being Healthy
Staying Safe
Enjoying and Achieving
Making a Positive Contribution
Achieving Economic Wellbeing
Management
Scoring of Outcomes
Recommended Actions identified during the inspection
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Being Healthy
The intended outcomes for these standards are:
• Boarders’ health is promoted. (NMS 6) • Safeguarding and promoting boarders’ health and welfare are supported by appropriate records. (NMS 7) • Boarders’ receive first aid and health care as necessary.(NMS 15) • Boarders are adequately supervised and looked after when ill.(NMS 16) • Boarders are supported in relation to any health or personal Problems.(NMS 17) • Boarders receive good quality catering provision (NMS 24) • Boarders have access to food and drinking water in addition to main meals.(NMS 25) • Boarders are suitably accommodated when ill. (NMS 48) • Boarders’ clothing and bedding are adequately laundered.(NMS 49)
The Commission considers Standards 6 and 15 the key standards to be inspected.
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is good.
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Boarders’ health is promoted and relevant health and welfare needs of individual pupils are supported with access to medical, dental and optical services. The recording of medication given still requires further development to ensure that all staff consistently document why medication is being given so staff can see if any patterns are developing. Boarders receive meals that are nutritious and good in both quantity and quality
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EVIDENCE:
Guidance on health matters was considered to exceed minimum standards. The School has a proactive approach to the promotion of Boarders’ health. The subject of health support is included in the whole Schools policies handbook. The School has an excellent PSHE curriculum; subject matter is also included in other syllabi where relevant. PSHE subject matter covers all aspects of life from understanding yourself, developing relationships through to contraception and sex. However, this is age related and the pupils are exposed to the wider aspects of life as they move through the school. The School has forged strong links with a local Medical practice, where boarders have access to female doctors. All boarders are registered with the local Medical Practice in Baschurch.
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. These records include any visit to the local GP, vaccinations, referrals to other health professionals, any health problems and any requests from parents regarding health matters. They also identify the person with parental responsibility and contact details. Records are kept in a locked filing cabinet in the ‘surgery’. The boarding staff follows stringent regulations of confidentiality. All documentation is stored appropriately and within the medical ethics and guidelines.
Five staff have completed first aid training, enabling a designated member of staff on at all times to administer first aid. The accident record book was examined and all accidents were recorded appropriately. The bursar so as to identify any patterns or trends that may require action to minimise future risks monitors this book.
Prescribed medication is only given to the relevant boarder and this medication is kept within a locked cabinet within the boarding house. Medication is recorded on individual young people’s medication record chart, which documents medication name, dose, date and time of medication given. A member of staff then signs this. Within the individuals medical file is a sickbay sheet that enables staff to record why the young person is receiving this medication i.e. two paracetamol given for a headache etc. However, this was not being consistently completed. It is important that a written record of administration of medication particularly if not prescribed by a GP is maintained so staff can see at a glance if any patterns are occurring.
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The School is equipped with a dedicated sickbay for the care of pupils who fall sick. Pupils would be accompanied by staff at night should they require to sleep in sickbay. The inspectors suggest to further improve this facility that the school considers equipping sickbay with a buzzer or similar mechanism that sounds directly to a small device that the matrons can wear or carry with them. So if a matron or staff member has to leave the boarding facility the pupil who is residing at sickbay can alert them that she requires assistance.
Ancillary staff were observed as having a good relationship with the children. Health documentation is shared with the catering staff enabling them to strictly meet dietary needs particularly of children who had allergies or who were prone to have serious reactions to certain foods. 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 Baschurch medical practice for such involvement to be put in place.
The inspectors felt that the food was of good quality providing a balanced nutritious diet. A vegetarian option was always available and the school are mindful about providing flexible options for overseas young people if they struggle with a British diet. There is a salad bar option for pupils and there is always fruit available. Kitchen staff were aware of young people’s allergies and special diets and these were always taken into account when devising the menu. A food committee has been set up where the young people’s representatives put forward suggestions for forthcoming menu options. At the time of the inspection all pupils spoken to were very satisfied with the food and there were no complaints made to the inspectors about any area of food provision. This is unusual as at most inspections; inspectors often receive complaints about food quality or choice.
Boarders have satisfactory access to drinking water in the ‘hot chocolate’ room, in the common room and in the dining room. Snacks may be prepared in the kitchenettes where kettles, microwaves and toasters are available.
It was considered that the boarders bedding and clothing is regularly and satisfactorily laundered on the premises, in the school laundry that appeared to be adequately equipped.
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Staying Safe
The intended outcomes for these standards are:
• Boarders are protected from bullying.(NMS 2) • Boarders are protected from abuse.(NMS 3) • Use of discipline with boarders is fair and appropriate.(NMS 4) • Boarders’ complaints are appropriately responded to.(NMS 5) • The operation of any prefect system safeguards and promotes boarders’ welfare (NMS 13) • Boarders’ welfare is protected in any appointment of educational guardians by the school.(NMS 22) • Boarders are protected from the risk of fire. (NMS 26) • The welfare of any children other than the school’s pupils is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated by the school.(NMS 28) • Boarders’ safety and welfare are protected during high risk activities.(NMS 29) • Boarders’ personal privacy is respected.(NMS 37) • There is vigorous selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers working with boarders.(NMS 38) • 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.(NMS 39) • Boarders have their own accommodation, secure from public intrusion. (NMS 41) • Boarders are protected from safety hazards.(NMS 47)
The Commission considers Standards 2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 37, 38, 39, 41 and 47 the key standards to be inspected.
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is good.
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The School has made positive advances in their policies, procedures and practice in safeguarding their pupils. The selection and vetting of staff requires further improvement to the level of checks undertaken so as to ensure that those who work with the children are suitable to do so. Pupils’ rights are respected and their privacy is recognised and enabled. School policy and practice recognise the requirements for pupils to live and study in safe and conducive surroundings.
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EVIDENCE:
The School has a clear and detailed policy on recognising and dealing with bullying behaviour. There are strategies in place for boarders to report relevant incidents and forms are available in the Library, communal corridors and in the Boarding House. Discussions with pupils identified that bullying is addressed straight away with pupils informing the inspectors that there is always someone to talk to if they were being bullied or they were generally unhappy. Junior boarders told the inspectors that lower School bullying is very rare, normally it is just girls falling out. One parental questionnaire received clearly identified that their daughter had been bullied but the School had been quick to respond, address and resolve this issue.
The School has a clear child protection policy and the senior member of staff, 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 Safeguarding Children’s Board. The School are aware that they need to update their policy to accommodate the change in name from Area Child Protection Committee to Safeguarding Board and are preparing their policy so they can submit it to this board for agreement.
Notable developments have been introduced to Child Protection procedures and practice; School prefects and ancillary staff have received some child protection instruction/training and both prefects and ancillary staff were clear about the Schools child protection procedures. There is a full policy regarding required action should a boarder go missing. The inspectors suggested to the School that they update their Child Protection policy to include the requirement for a referral to be made within 24 hours (in writing or with written confirmation of a telephoned referral) of a child protection incident been identified.
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Behaviour management continues to exceed minimum standards with the young people presenting as being happy and relaxed, showing a caring attitude and helpful demeanour towards others, thereby upholding the School’s ethos. Adcote School has a fair and appropriate policy on behaviour, discipline and use of punishments, which is well known to boarders, staff and parents. Within the Staff Handbook and in documentation for Boarders, there are full and comprehensive policies and information on the School rules, Code of Behaviour, Sanctions, inadmissible Sanctions, Complaints. Policies and procedures are under review to ensure a consistent approach and an effective and successful system. At the time of this inspection the boarders stated to both inspectors that they considered the punishments to be very fair when rarely used and they were positive and complimentary regarding the treatment and respect they have from their Tutors and Matrons. The Schools approach to behaviour management is wholly proactive, with a strong emphasis placed on reinforcement of positive behaviour. It was considered that there are no unacceptable, excessive or idiosyncratic punishments used and that the Prefects have no disciplinary powers. A record of punishments is kept and Behaviour Referral Forms are completed. These were seen to be satisfactory and the Headmistress cross references these and reviews them at regular intervals. The joint approach, that all staff appeared to have to the boarders individual behaviours and strategies used, continues to be commendable.
Adcote has a satisfactory and appropriate policy on responding to complaints and this is given to all parents and boarders. This policy includes Informal Resolution, Formal Resolution and details of an Independent Panel Hearing. Since the last inspection the School had received two formal complaints from young people and parents. The School on both occasions had followed their procedure and are dealing with both complaints in an appropriate manner.
The Head Girl leads the team of prefects. All are members of the sixth form and as well as general prefects there are a number of key prefects who are appointed by the Head in consultation with the staff. These include Games Captain, Boarding House Prefect, House Captains. Their duties and responsibilities are laid down and all are involved in prep supervision and boarding house duties. All Prefects receive a formal induction, which includes training and guidance on child Protection.
The School does not currently appoint guardians.
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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. Records were seen to indicate that the School has its fire detection and prevention systems maintained and checked by contracted agencies. Fire risk assessments and fire service reports were all held on file and the reports indicated that there were no outstanding requirements. The School have formed very strong links with the local fire station in Baschurch. The fire fighters have undertaken fire practice drills with the School and its pupils. They make regular checks of the building and have made suggestions on how to improve evacuations, which the School have acted upon. The fire fighters when the School closes for summer and it is empty will be carrying out a practice evacuation themselves. They will fill the School with smoke and then undertake a simulation of the process they would need to make in the unlikely event of a fire happening at School. The inspectors considered that this standard was exceeded.
No other children apart from pupils are accommodated at the school therefore; Standard 28 does not apply at Adcote.
Activities identified as High Risk are subject to a detailed risk assessment. 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. Risk assessments seen were satisfactory. 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.
An appropriate balance between privacy and supervision was seen as being exercised at bedtimes and during morning calls. None of the pupils spoken with considered that being a boarder compromised their personal privacy. There was no indication that any staff supervision of boarders was inappropriate, all staff observed were sensitive to the young girls needs.
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An improved Personal File Check List and a Recruitment Procedure has been introduced since the School was last inspected. A selection of staff files was examined and all had evidence of CRB checks, two references, interview notes copies of qualifications, employment history and Curriculum Vitae. However, there is still a need to explore any gaps in employment and for this to be evidenced within the personnel file. There is also a need for the School to actively check referees ensuring that they are the owners and writers of the reference submitted. All staff and ancillary files are being upgraded to include a new CRB check on every member of staff, however this is an enormous task as some personnel have been in post predating regulation. All staff files had a checklist at the front of each file that has made it easier for staff responsible for these records to see at a glance whether all documentation has been received.
The Criminal Bureau checks are undertaken on all adults that have access to the pupils. The School also carries out CRB checks on the person who occasionally cuts the grass. It would appear that any adults who visit the School briefly like the delivery persons etc are adequately supervised.
Boarders sleeping and living areas are for the exclusive use of boarders and other pupils must seek permission from the resident boarders and the matrons to enter. Where feasible, given the nature of the site, suitable and adequate security measures are in place to prevent unauthorised access by the public. These include security lighting in key areas, security patrols late at night, key pads on doors and a set of procedures for staff to lock access to parts of the school at specific times of the day and night. Public use of the facilities does not involve substantial or unsupervised access and people who visit the school report to reception, sign in and are given a badge.
It was felt that indoor and outdoor areas used by, or accessible to, boarders were free from reasonably avoidable safety hazards. A risk assessment approach was used to minimise the risks that any outdoor activities may pose. All radiators were considered to be reasonable temperatures when touched and water temperatures were no longer considered to be excessively hot.
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Enjoying and Achieving
The intended outcomes for these standards are:
• Boarders have access to a range and choice of activities.(NMS 11) • Boarders receive personal support from staff.(NMS 14) • Boarders do not experience inappropriate discrimination.(NMS 18) • Boarders’ welfare is not compromised by unusual or onerous demands.(NMS 27) • Boarders have satisfactory provision to study.(NMS 43) • Boarders have access to a range of safe recreational areas.(NMS 46)
The Commission considers Standards 14 and 18 the key standards to be inspected.
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is good.
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Pupils’ activity and recreational needs at Adcote are generally well met. There is no evidence of discrimination happening at the School. The young people are practically encouraged to achieve by having access to a choice of quiet spaces and work areas in which to study.
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EVIDENCE:
The extra- curricular programme outlines the range of activities for boarders. A wide variety of other activities, which take place out of school time, are available to boarders and individuals of all ages. All boarders spoken to commented positively on these activities. Weekend activities are also in place and trips or events are organised and offered to boarders, these have included a visit to the NEC, swimming and ice-skating, at the time of the inspection a trip to the clothes show was being organised. Boarders are allowed access to the local market town of Shrewsbury when they are allowed to visit shops, cafes and places of interest; staff always accompany junior boarders. Some ‘themed’ events are held and the School are currently organising a Christmas Ball with Shrewsbury School. Free time for boarders varies according to age group and is clearly set out. Boarders commented that they had sufficient ‘free time’, which they appreciated, they particularly enjoyed Sundays when there no formal activities arranged and the pupils are encouraged to relax and play together. The pupils spoken to all wanted Sundays to remain free from activities and remain as a day that they can as they called it ‘chill’. Access to computers appeared satisfactory with clearly laid down rules and inappropriate material and use of chat rooms blocked.
The students each have a personal tutor, the Head of Pastoral Care and the Matrons to whom they can turn and it was evident that boarders are encouraged and enabled to approach any member of staff at the School. Discussions and observations indicated that the boarders always felt that they could turn to someone and in particular to the Head of Pastoral Care and one of the Matrons. The tutoring system at the School appears to work satisfactorily and records are maintained. It was evident that there are communication channels between academic and pastoral staff when relevant information is shared and matters followed up. The local vicar, who is Chaplain to the School, and his wife, are the persons that the school identifies, outside the boarding and teaching staff that the boarders may contact directly about personal problems or concerns at school. Both the Chaplain and his wife met with the inspectors and shared there background and experiences. It was clear from this discussion that they are both more than suitable and able to undertake this role. It was felt by the inspectors that this standard was exceeded.
The School is committed to securing equality of opportunity through the criteria of an environment in which individuals are treated on the sole basis of their relative merits and abilities. There are clear procedures for dealing with any incidents of discrimination or harassment. The Head ensures that appropriate training is undertaken by all members of teaching and non- teaching staff and governors to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities in respect of equal opportunities, harassment and discrimination on grounds of race, gender or disability.
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Equality and diversity is an area that the School continues to develop particularly with the pupils themselves. The pupil’s involvement in raising money for charity encourages awareness of others. At the time of the inspection one young British girl was learning Cantonese from her roommate. Cultural and spiritual awareness of others was found to be very important to the School by the inspectors and it was considered that this standard was exceeded.
Although the School aspires to high standards and has high expectations of each student, inspectors saw no evidence that demands made were excessive or unduly onerous. This was confirmed during discussions with boarders.
Inspectors observed suitable study facilities and staff supervision available to boarders during prep.
Safe recreational areas have been provided, both indoors and out, for boarders. Students and staff were clear about the practice for supervising boarders’ use of and access to areas within the School buildings and grounds. These areas were safe and provided boarders with a range of activities and places they could go on their own or in a group.
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Making a Positive Contribution
The intended outcomes for these standards are:
• Boarders are enabled to contribute to the operation of boarding in the school.(NMS 12) • Boarders can maintain private contact with their parents and families.(NMS 19) • New boarders are introduced to the school’s procedures and operation, and are enabled to settle in.(NMS 21) • Boarders have appropriate access to information and facilities outside the school.(NMS 30) • There are sound relationships between staff and boarders.(NMS 36)
The Commission considers Standards 12 and 19 the key standards to be inspected.
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is excellent.
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The management and staff team are very strong at enabling both formal and informal opportunities for boarders to express their views with regard to the boarding provision. All views are taken into account in the development and practice of boarding. The children are generally well supported by boarding staff and enabled to retain positive links with their families, whether in England or abroad. Excellent induction and guidance for new boarders ensures they are able to settle in and feel welcomed.
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EVIDENCE:
The students have both formal and informal opportunities to contribute views to the operation of the boarding provision. There is a food committee, and students reported that the representatives did try to represent their views. Evidence that this food committee is working as identified earlier in this report is provided by the fact that the inspectors received no complaints about food from the pupils. A personal tutor system is established, and most students questioned felt comfortable about expressing views to their tutors. All of the staff operate open door policies for boarders; indeed, students reported a high level of confidence that matters taken directly to the Headmistress would be listened to, although sometimes they preferred to use Matrons as intermediaries. Boarders generally felt that their views were considered on most issues. Reasons are always given for rejection of suggestions and boarders stated that they could always raise the issue again. The School operates a School Council which meets regularly and these meetings are minuted. All pupils spoken to felt included in life at the school. The inspectors considered that this standard was exceeded.
Boarders are able to contact their parents and families in private via the following means –fax, mail, E mail, School telephones, mobile phone, verbal messages passed by administrative staff, visits, week-ends at home. 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. The payphones on the boarding provision could be further improved if these phones were either boxed in or provided with some sort of covering to enable more privacy.
Through the availability of written documentation and discussions with new boarders and staff it was considered that this standard continues to be exceeded. All relevant information is given to new boarders and there are helpful documents and a student planner with all necessary information and ‘tips’. In addition a full boarders handbook is available and this was updated in September 2006. There is a brochure that is established to specifically help newcomers. Reports from a number of boarders who were admitted to the school in September 2006 indicated that they had been very pleased at the welcome and help that they had received from all at the school.
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Boarders are able to access information about events in the world outside the school in several ways. The boarding houses have a television in each common room and newspapers are provided. Boarders have access to computers and a number have mobile phones. It was noted that current issues of topical magazines were also available. Boarders can go on shopping trips and access Shrewsbury town centre, the younger ones being accompanied. Boarders attend numerous off-site facilities and activities accompanied by staff. The activities are assessed for age appropriateness and all are authorised by the Matrons.
General observations of interaction between pupils and teaching staff, boarders and boarding staff over the course of this inspection supported the judgement that overall there exists very positive relationships. This was supported by comments from the pupils’ questionnaires and verbal feedback. All spoke highly of the staff involved with boarding. Boarders spoken with generally stated that they felt they were looked after well and treated reasonably. Pupils, who were asked about how they would make a complaint and to whom, were clear that they could talk to a range of staff that would listen. The majority of pupils liked the School and the staff, and indicated that it was a good place to be. The impression of the inspectors was that disagreements were dealt with reasonably between pupils and staff. Discussion with individual children also identified that staff would often give them the benefit of the doubt if they were breaking a School rule on a first occasion. It was our assessment that this standard was exceeded.
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Achieving Economic Wellbeing
The intended outcomes for these standards are:
• Boarders’ possessions and money are protected.(NMS 20) • Boarders are provided with satisfactory accommodation.(NMS 40) • Boarders have satisfactory sleeping accommodation.(NMS 42) • Boarders have adequate private toilet and washing facilities.(NMS 44) • Boarders have satisfactory provision for changing by day.(NMS 45) • Boarders can obtain personal requisites while accommodated at school.(NMS 50) • The welfare of boarders placed in lodgings is safeguarded and promoted.(NMS 51)
The Commission considers Standard 51 the key standard to be inspected.
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is good.
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The ethos of the school is one where trust is developed to an extent that personal possessions are respected and safely left alone. Students do however have secure places for the storage of valuables and money. The school offers a safe, inviting, friendly, colourful and encouraging boarding environment for its pupils who live away from home, with all houses maintained to a high level of cleanliness, however there is a need to increase the numbers of cleaners employed to clean the boarding house so as to maintain this standard long term.
EVIDENCE:
There is a satisfactory system in place for providing and distributing pocket money and for looking after personal possessions and good records were seen to be maintained. Each boarder has a locker to keep personal possessions and valuables.
The boarding houses at Adcote were found to be appropriately lit, heated and ventilated. Many improvements have been made to the boarding facilities since the last inspection, with the replacement of worn carpets and general refurbishment of all areas, which are kept clean and well maintained.
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There was no indication the nature of the buildings or the layout of the accommodation was contributing to a ‘noisy’ atmosphere in the boarding house. The boarding house is designed in such a way that boarders with physical disabilities could not be appropriately provided for without major adaptations being made.
Sleeping accommodation across the boarding house is suitably furnished. All areas were found to be of sufficient size for the number, needs and ages of boarders accommodated. The sleeping areas in the house were found to provide adequate storage space for boarders’ possessions. Some rooms were seen to have been personalised by the students occupying them. The general impression was that the rooms and dorms were a ‘home from home’ and that pupils were allowed and encouraged to create their own space.
The school has adequate numbers of toilet and washing facilities. Currently all bathrooms and toilets were well maintained. However, there is a need to increase the amount of cleaners on the boarding facility. Currently the one and only cleaner is managing to maintain cleanliness to a good standard. Nevertheless, this is a very large area for one person to clean. So as soon as financially able the school should increase this number. In the meantime a formal plan should be developed to ensure that toilets and bathroom areas are cleaned in the cleaners absence.
The shower temperatures were considered to be adequate, however when the junior pupils shower and bath this can leave the senior’s water lukewarm. The inspectors suggest that the School looks at the timings of these showers to try to ensure that sufficient time as elapsed and the water has warmed to a reasonable temperature for the seniors.
The changing facilities were considered to be adequate and suited to purpose. They are sited in the boarding houses and the sports hall.
The school shop is open at specified times. Postage stamps, envelopes and stationery items can also be purchased from the office. Year 7 and above can visit Shrewsbury most weeks. The junior boarders can also access Shrewsbury but are accompanied by staff.
The School has arranged some lodgings for a few pupils with host families. All accommodation was seen to be checked by the School prior to placement, with adults been subject to checks by the Criminal Records Bureau. The School have developed written agreements with each adult providing lodgings and have provided written guidance to the host families accommodating pupils on behalf of the School. The School continually monitors the operation of these host families to ensure that all pupils residing there are safe and happy.
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Management
The intended outcomes for these standards are:
• A suitable statement of the school’s principles and practice should be available to parents, boarders and staff (NMS 1) • There is clear leadership of boarding in the school.(NMS 8) • Crises affecting boarders’ welfare are effectively managed.(NMS 9) • The school’s organisation of boarding contributes to boarders’ welfare.(NMS 10) • Risk assessment and school record keeping contribute to boarders’ welfare.(NMS 23) • Boarders are adequately supervised by staff.(NMS 31) • Staff exercise appropriate supervision of boarders leaving the school site.(NMS 32) • Boarders are adequately supervised at night.(NMS 33) • Boarders are looked after by staff with specific boarding duties, with adequate induction and continued training.(NMS 34) • Boarders are looked after by staff following clear boarding policies and practice.(NMS 35) • The welfare of boarders is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated away from the school site on short-term visits (NMS 52)
The Commission considers Standards 1, 23, 31 and 34 the key standards to be inspected.
JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):
Quality in this outcome area is good.
This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Adcote School for girls have drafted a clear statement regarding its aims including the principles for boarding. Boarding practice is sound and the school have produced appropriate policies and guidance for boarding staff. There is generally competent supervision and care of boarders with clear lines of management of boarding.
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EVIDENCE:
The School’s statement of boarding practice is updated regularly and meets all the requirements set out in the National Minimum Standards. It is presented in a style that makes it accessible to parents, boarders and staff. The statement is well publicised and elements are included in the new Prospectus, Staff Handbook, Quick Reference Guide and Prep Diary. This information is given to parents when making initial enquiries and on the boarder’s admission to the School. It was considered that the statement reflects the actual current boarding practice.
There is clear leadership and management of boarding at Adcote. The Headmistress leads by example and is supported by a professional, committed and caring team of senior staff that effectively manages the school’s organisation of boarding. Boarding staff report to the Deputy Head Pastoral. The School has good support from the governing body; there are various committees who meet regularly. It was clear from discussions with governors that they are kept informed of ongoing issues relating to boarding and they are enabled by the School’s ever full and ongoing drama, musical and sporting events to have contact with the students. The management team should consider exposing the Matrons to the wider aspects of boarding either by enabling them to access more training courses or explore possible networks with other Schools. The School would also benefit from involving them more with the decision-making processes for boarding. This would alleviate pressure on the Deputy Head Pastoral and give the Matrons more ownership.
The School has a Crisis Management Plan; this is detailed within the ‘policies and practice’. The plan details immediate, short term and medium term action. Staff who were spoken to during the inspection were aware of the plan, which includes a full list of people to contact in various crisis.
Adcote School is for girls only and there is only one boarding house. This is situated on the first and second floors of the main building. Sleeping areas, common rooms, toilet and bathroom provision is satisfactorily separated for boarders of different ages.
Risk Assessments are kept under constant review; the Bursar and the Health and Safety advisor monitors records of risk assessments, accidents and incidents with these records being signed off to indicate that this monitoring has taken place. Punishments are rarely given at Adcote however when there has been a need to Sanction an individual these are well documented and both the Deputy Head Pastoral and the Headmistress monitor these records.
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Observation of the evening arrangements, on one day of the inspection, demonstrated that the Matrons supervised all the pupils. Several staff live on the premises and make themselves available to the pupils throughout the day and, when dictated by circumstances, at night. The evenings are usually taken up with recreational activities that the pupils create. Weekend cover comprises of the Matrons and Deputy Head Pastoral, but the School recognises that there always has to be a degree of flexibility to meet the needs and numbers of boarders involved. There is a duty rota, duty systems are outlined in the Staff Handbook and details of duty cover are on the notice board in the boarding house.
Visits off site, all school trips and trips abroad are covered by separate full and concise policies that have been given to all relevant staff and boarders. Policies and procedures appear to fully comply with DfES guidance. The School has two mini buses, which are subject to regular checks. GAP students are not left alone in charge of boarders without adequate supervision.
In the boarding house two members of staff are on duty throughout the night, one on each floor and boarders reported that they were easily contactable. In addition the Head of Pastoral Care lives within the main building and is on call. Pupils that were spoken to indicated that they felt that they were well looked- after at night.
Job descriptions are in place for all staff. Supervision of ancillary and cleaning staff takes place and the School is aware of its responsibilities in this area. There is an induction policy and guidance in place for staff with induction training being provided to staff and this training is evidenced in their personnel file.
There is a full staff handbook available to all staff, which contains all the required elements. This handbook is reviewed regularly to ensure that all entries are up to date and that all staff have read and understood the guidance.
When boarders require off site accommodation it is checked by staff and may, at times, involve the use of a third party. It was considered that every check possible and risk assessments are undertaken. When boarders are staying in such accommodation it was reported that School staff accompanies them at all reasonable times. The School have detailed contact information held on file for each young person’s parents/guardians should the need arise to make contact when away from School.
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SCORING OF OUTCOMES
This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools have been met and uses the following scale.
4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)
“X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable
BEING HEALTHY ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING Standard No Score Standard No Score 6 4 11 3 7 3 14 4 15 2 18 4 16 3 27 3 17 3 43 3 24 3 46 3 25 3 48 3 MAKING A POSITIVE 49 3 CONTRIBUTION Standard No Score STAYING SAFE 12 4 Standard No Score 19 3 2 3 21 4 3 3 30 3 4 4 36 4 5 3 13 3 ACHIEVING ECONOMIC 22 3 WELLBEING 26 4 Standard No Score 28 N/A 20 3 29 3 40 3 37 3 42 3 38 2 44 2 39 3 45 3 41 3 50 3 47 3 51 3
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SCORING OF OUTCOMES Continued MANAGEMENT Standard No Score 1 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 23 3 31 3 32 3 33 3 34 3 35 3 52 3
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Are there any outstanding recommendations from the last YES inspection?
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the proprietor meets the Children Act 1989, Inspection of Schools and Colleges Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards.
No. Standard Recommendation Timescale for action (Serious welfare concerns only) 1 BS15 A written school record needs to be kept of all 30/12/06 medication, treatment and first aid administered to boarders that includes consistent documentation of the reason for administration of medication.
2 BS38 The system for recruitment and selection of staff 30/12/06 needs to ensure that any gaps in employment history are explored and evidenced within personal files. Also direct contact is made by the school with each referee to verify the reference. Outstanding recommendation for School to ensure that all checks are carried out from last inspection. 3 BS44 As soon as financially able the school should 30/01/07 increase the number of cleaners on boarding. In the meantime a formal plan should be developed to ensure that toilets and bathroom areas are cleaned in the cleaners absence.
5 BS16 Good Practice Recommendations are listed below. School should consider equipping sickbay with a buzzer or similar device that sounds directly to a small receiver that the matrons can wear or carry with them.
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6 BS19 Consideration should be given to making both the payphones on boarding more private. 7 BS3 The child protection policy should be updated to include the requirement for a referral to be made within 24 hours (in writing or with written confirmation of a telephoned referral) of a child protection incident been identified.
8 BS44 The timings of the showers for both junior and seniors should be looked at to try to ensure the water has warmed back to a reasonable temperature for the seniors.
9 BS8 School should consider exposing the matrons to the wider aspects of boarding either by enabling them to access more training courses or explore possible networks with other schools. You should also consider involving them more with the decision-making processes for boarding.
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Commission for Social Care Inspection Shrewsbury Local Office 1st Floor, Chapter House South Abbey Lawn Abbey Foregate SHREWSBURY SY2 5DE
National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: [email protected] Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI
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