Bryanston School Inspection report for boarding school

Unique reference number SC026908 Inspection date 25 September 2008 Inspector Sue Shaw / Veronica Crowley Type of Inspection Key

Address School Incorporated Bryanston DT11 0PX Telephone number 01258 452411 Email [email protected] Registered person Bryanston School Head / Principal Sarah Thomas Nominated person Peter Hardy Date of last inspection 7 November 2005 Inspection Report: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008

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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: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 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: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 4 of 10

Service information Brief description of the service Bryanston School is an independent school catering for pupils aged between 13 and 18 years. Founded in 1928, Christian ideals are fundamental to the Bryanston philosophy, however, the school recognises that some pupils come from homes which follow other faiths or have no strong religious affiliation. Whilst there are some day pupils, the school is essentially and primarily a mixed gender boarding school. The school is situated in the Dorset countryside on the edge of the market town of Blandford and is located on a large campus set in a 400-acre estate. At the time of the inspection there were 664 pupils in the school consisting of 580 boarders and 84 day pupils. Boarders are accommodated in 12 boarding houses, three of which are located in the main house with a further nine houses sited in discrete buildings within the school campus. These consist of two junior boys’ houses, five senior boys’ houses and five girls’ houses incorporating both junior and senior girls. Summary Bryanston School operates to a very good standard with many outstanding areas in its provision to boarders. This inspection was carried out as part of the normal inspection process on an announced basis. The aim of the inspection was to review the 21 key standards for boarding schools. As part of the inspection process questionnaires were sent to parents and pupils who board at the school to gain their views. Responses received were, in the main, complimentary and indicated a high level of satisfaction with the pastoral care provided. The school demonstrates excellent attention to the health care of its pupils through its outstanding health centre provision and catering facilities. Appropriate policies and procedures support and promote good practice across the school in relation to keeping pupils safe and ensuring their welfare is suitably protected. Boarders benefit from exceptional levels of individual support from a wide range of staff, which includes the boarding house teams and the excellent tutorial system. The school clearly demonstrates its commitment to anti-discriminatory practice by valuing and embracing diversity and by raising pupils' awareness of discrimination. The school provides a range of opportunities for pupils to air their views in relation to boarding and school issues with boarders being involved in some of the recruitment process. Boarders benefit from the school's commitment to the continuous improvement of boarding accommodation which provides boarders with high quality facilities. Staff are encouraged and supported to undertake training opportunities and have their performances reviewed on a regular basis. There is excellent leadership in the school which oversees and monitors all aspects of the care provided. Recommendations have been made in relation to; improving communication between the health centre and boarding houses regarding the administration of medication; minor amendments needed to the child protection policy and further strengthening of the school's recruitment practices. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Improvements since the last inspection There were three recommendations made at the last inspection carried out in November 2005. Areas highlighted for improvement related to the school's recruitment procedures. Whilst these were all satisfactorily addressed following the inspection, practice in one area has slipped. This Inspection Report: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 5 of 10

has been reported on and a recommendation made. The school has strengthened its recruitment practices to ensure there is vigorous vetting of all staff working with boarders. Helping children to be healthy The provision is outstanding. Boarders enjoy a well rounded Personal Social and Religious Education (PSRE) programme. They are educated about a range of health issues including sex education, keeping safe and substance and alcohol misuse. The newly appointed Chaplain is currently expanding the World Religion curriculum and external agencies are invited to the school to deliver education on specialist subjects, examples of which include drugs awareness and staying safe. Relevant policies underpin practice throughout the school to ensure boarders' safety and health is maintained. Boarders benefit from an extremely inviting and well run health centre. This provision is very well resourced and equipped to a high standard. Boarders comment that they feel well cared for and are always listened to and welcomed when visiting the health centre. It is staffed 24 hours a day by five qualified nurses, all of whom are trained in specialist areas, for example diabetes and sports injury. The nursing staff are ably supported by the school's doctors on a daily basis. Boarders enjoy the benefit of a purpose built provision for nurses on sports duty. This is located near the sports field and is used as a triage for any injury that occurs throughout sports activities, ensuring that boarders obtain immediate attention. Boarders' health is protected and promoted by the safe storage and administration of medication. Excellent records and procedures are in place for this purpose. However, there are currently no formal communication procedures in place between the health centre and the boarding houses to report when medication has been administered at these sites. Medical consents from parents and staff, suitably trained in first aid, in the boarding houses ensure that emergency treatment can be provided. Any specific health needs are managed effectively, with an extensive range of relevant health professionals being consulted where necessary. Boarders’ health is enhanced by the provision of nutritious and varied meals. Food is prepared by suitably trained staff. Boarders commented most favourably on the extensive choices available at each meal. These include excellent vegetarian options, imaginative salad bars and various dishes from around the world. Special diets, such as gluten and dairy free, are well catered for and fruit and drinking water is always readily available. Boarders benefit from a very effective 'food committee' which meets regularly with the Catering Manager to ensure boarders' likes and dislikes are catered for. The school achieved 'Healthy Schools Status' in 2006 and have fully embraced the healthy eating concept. They are also forerunners in efforts towards sustainability initiatives which boarders are proud to support and contribute towards. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The provision is good. Boarders are protected through the school's positive approach to dealing with bullying. A comprehensive policy is followed in practice and boarders and staff are very clear about what they should do if concerned about bullying. Prefects receive information regarding bullying and what to look out for during their induction to ensure that any incidents can be quickly identified and addressed. Boarders reported very low levels of bullying incidents throughout the school and confirmed that incidents are dealt with effectively and sensitively. Parents commented, via the questionnaire, on the excellent anti-bullying policy and the school's zero tolerance approach to bullying. Boarders live in an environment where their welfare is paramount. There are robust child protection procedures in place, which are generally consistent with the Inspection Report: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 6 of 10

Local Safeguarding Children procedures. However, whilst all staff spoken to have an excellent understanding of the needs of boarders and how best to safeguard them, the school's procedures do not currently refer to the Local Safeguarding Children Board, or include the requirement for any referral to be made within 24 hours. Prefects and deputy prefects are also provided with a briefing on child protection during their induction to ensure they are aware of the appropriate action to take should they be concerned about a boarder. All staff have access to appropriate child protection training to ensure boarders are kept safe at all times. Boarders confirm that they feel properly protected from harm by staff at the school. Boarders develop positively through the culture adopted at the school to celebrate achievement. Reward incentives include informal praise and encouragement and more formal rewards such as merits and commendations. The school has clear policies and practice on behaviour, discipline and the use of punishments. Appropriate records are maintained of the administration of punishments which provide an excellent overview of any specific patterns of behaviour. Very few punishments are given in the boarding houses. Boarders are aware of the punishment system and generally feel it is both fair and appropriate. Boarders benefit from the positive, nurturing relationships that exist throughout the school. Boarders' welfare is protected through an appropriate complaints procedure which is readily available to boarders and their parents. There is an understanding within the school that any concern or complaint will be taken seriously and resolved, either formally or informally. Boarders confirm they know how to raise a concern and that they would be listened to and the issue dealt with appropriately and promptly. Documentation includes the contact details for Ofsted. There have been no recent formal complaints. Boarders benefit from an excellent prefect system which supports them throughout their time at the school and provides the opportunity to learn and take on leadership and roles of responsibility. Prefects are provided with a comprehensive induction and are well supported in their role. They meet regularly with the Head teacher and the Second Master to discuss general issues and ensure the best interests of the school are always adhered to. Boarders were very complimentary about the prefects and considered them to be very fair. Boarders are protected from fire by rigorous fire safety precautions and well trained staff. Regular fire safety evacuations take place and all fire safety equipment is checked as required with detailed records kept. The school has established good links with the Fire and Rescue Service, who use the school to carry out practices which involve boarders in practice evacuations. Boarders demonstrate a very good understanding of the school's fire evacuation procedure. Boarders' privacy is respected by staff who are sensitive when entering bathrooms or bedrooms. All bathrooms, toilets and showers have appropriate locks and are private. All boarders have a lockable place in which they can store personal possessions. Boarders have their own mobile telephones should they need to make or receive a private call. They also have access to landline telephones in the boarding houses. Boarders' welfare is protected by a robust staff recruitment process. The school follows a very clear policy on recruitment in line with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) guidance. A record of the selection process undertaken ensures checks are in place prior to new staff commencing work. However, whilst the majority of references seen were on headed paper or had an official stamp there was no evidence that they had been verified by the school. In addition not all recruitment files contained a record of interview. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks at enhanced level are undertaken on all staff employed at the school, who have unsupervised contact with the boarders, prior to appointment. Boarders are further protected as staff of external transport firms and regular maintenance contractors used by the school are also rigorously checked through the Criminal Records Bureau process. Boarders' welfare is protected and safeguarded through appropriate security measures. A security team works on site and regularly patrols the grounds. Boarding Inspection Report: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 7 of 10

accommodation is reserved solely for the use of those boarders designated to it. All boarding areas are suitably protected by the use of window restrictors, door key pads and external doors linked into the intruder alarm. All visitors to the school have to sign in and wear badges in order to identify themselves. Boarders are safeguarded by comprehensive health and safety procedures, effective risk assessments and well trained staff. The school employs a maintenance team who ensure that any health and safety issues are prioritised and boarders are protected from hazards. Boarders are protected by effective checking of electrical appliances and gas installations, water checking and safe storage of all substances hazardous to health. Record keeping is meticulous. Boarders' welfare is protected through a raft of risk assessments relating to the boarding houses, activities, the school grounds and any other known risks. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is outstanding. Boarders receive excellent support and encouragement from all pastoral and academic staff and have a dedicated personal tutor as their advocate in all aspects of school life. The weekly individual tutorial offers a quiet time, in a purposeful but relaxed environment, to note success, record rewards and reflect on aspects of their work or play where there is room for improvement. This enables the boarders to realise their potential in the full spectrum of school life. The triangular communication flow of information among boarder, tutor, housemaster or housemistress means any issues, which arise, are addressed immediately. Frequent contact with parents prevents concerns becoming problems. Parents commented positively, via the questionnaire, of the extremely effective tutoring system. There are many external networks of support available but boarders comment that they rely for encouragement mainly on the school staff including the nurses and the matrons. Boarders also enjoy having young resident staff and gap students, whom, they see, as a bridge between them and senior staff. In the boarding houses, posters and leaflets from the school counsellor and independent listener are displayed and the boarders have access to the confidential advice centre, Treads, in the town. The school is a very inclusive community which is committed to equal opportunities. It is welcoming of boarders from other religions and countries, who are superbly catered for in school and in the boarding houses. There is an Equal Opportunities Statement, which is fully implemented. This is further enhanced by the school’s commitment to raise awareness of discrimination, by supporting charities giving aid to children suffering as a result of war, poverty, disease and abandonment in Asia and Africa. There is also a Disability Policy clearly stating that all boarders will be included in the full life of the school. Boarders are keenly aware of disabilities and eagerly assist children with disabilities in local schools and in the Sports Centre. Helping children make a positive contribution The provision is outstanding. The opportunities for boarders to contribute to the operation of the school are impressive. For example, boarders are consulted on key matters through a wide range of committees such as the food committee and the green committee. Strategies for engaging boarders in future initiatives are highly innovative. This includes proposals for establishing a boarding group to work with the newly appointed weekend coordinator. Boarders are well supported by competent peers such as Prefects and Heads of Houses. These roles are highly valued for their dedication and commitment towards the care and welfare of fellow boarders. Boarders' involvement in key decision making processes is excellent. For example, boarders have been involved in the selection process when a matron or school counsellor is appointed. Effective procedures are in Inspection Report: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 8 of 10

place for ensuring that boarders maintain contact with parents, families and significant others. Boarders are satisfied with these arrangements and confirm that in addition to the telephones available in houses they have their own mobile phones and an email account. There are robust procedures in place for inducting new boarders to the school. Boarders describe the induction process as being well planned and helpful. This process includes a familiarisation day, a guided tour of the school and a range of information packs. New boarders benefit from the excellent work undertaken by individual boarding houses to support their induction into the school. This includes guidance and support from Prefects and the Head Boy and Girl. This is evident as boarders progress through the school. Achieving economic wellbeing The provision is outstanding. Sound systems are in place for ensuring the safe management of boarders' pocket money. This includes the delegation of named people responsible for managing pocket monies in the boarding houses. Records are maintained of all transactions. Effective systems are in place for encouraging boarders to manage their finances independently. Boarders benefit from the on-going improvements made to the boarding accommodation. This includes improvements to bathrooms, toilets and common rooms. Recent improvements have resulted in additional living space. Bedroom facilities are constantly improving. This includes replacement beds and storage facilities. The school's commitment to continuous improvement ensures that boarders are provided with high quality accommodation. This includes the implementation of a new ten year improvement plan. Regular health and safety checks are in place for ensuring boarders' safety. The overall standard of cleanliness is exceptionally high. Individual houses are creative in using living space effectively. All boarding houses provide sufficient space which does not compromise boarders' privacy. The low numbers of boarders occupying a dormitory at any one time is highly valued. This also ensures that a suitable environment is maintained and well supervised for key tasks such as 'prep'. Where possible boarders are encouraged to contribute to the homeliness of each boarding house. This includes personalising bedrooms and dormitories. A significant number of bathing, shower and toilet facilities are suitably located in all boarding houses. Some boarders also enjoy the benefits of en suite facilities. Organisation The organisation is outstanding. The statement of boarding principles and practice is readily available to parents, boarders and staff and can be found in the school prospectus and accompanying literature. This is reviewed regularly and updated as applicable. In addition a DVD is available which features the students providing information about the facilities available at the school. Boarders benefit from well organised boarding provision. There are clear lines of communication and accountability within the management of the boarding provision which is overseen by the Second Master. Boarding house staff meet regularly to discuss boarding issues and to ensure there are no major discrepancies in practice between the boarding houses. Boarders commented on their loyalties to their boarding houses, however, there was a strong sense of feeling part of the whole school. One boarder commented that "it would be wrong to say that the school is perfect, but it is close". Boarders benefit from a very well run school. There are highly effective systems in place for the monitoring of records related to risk assessments, sanctions, complaints, and accidents. Reasonable action is taken to reduce any hazards identified by risk assessments or where trends or patterns may emerge. Communication is a strength of the school and a range of weekly Inspection Report: Bryanston School, 25 September 2008 9 of 10

meetings take place between personnel on the Senior Management Team to ensure consistency across all disciplines. Detailed reports are submitted to the Board of Governors three times a year in addition to regular subcommittees. Boarders' welfare is protected and promoted by adequate staffing levels, day and night, with relevant experience to meet their needs. Boarders confirm they always know who is on duty at any time and how to summon assistance should the need arise. There are good arrangements for managing and supervising staff throughout the 24 hour day. Parents commented positively, via the questionnaire, of the high quality pastoral care provided by the school. Boarders are well cared for by dedicated and suitably trained staff. Staff meet regularly through a range of forums to ensure consistency for boarders. Staff receive a comprehensive induction into the boarding role and are encouraged and supported to access further professional development opportunities. Each member of staff receives a regular appraisal. Parents commented very favourably on the "fantastic staff" at the school and "how well the school looks after its boarders". Boarders' welfare is promoted by staff who follow clear written guidance on the school's policies and procedures in relation to boarding practice. The staff handbook provides all staff at the school with information about the structure and organisation of the school and includes key policies in relation to safeguarding the boarders' welfare. In addition specific information is provided to all staff who have boarding duties. 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 Recommendations To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a formal communication system between the health centre and the boarding houses to ensure that relevant staff are aware of any medication that has been administered. (NMS15) • amend the child protection policy to refer to the Local Safeguarding Children Board and include the requirement for any referral to be made within 24 hours. (NMS3) • ensure that staff recruitment procedures include all of the elements in Standard 38.2, specifically, direct contact with each referee to verify the reference and a written record of the outcome of the interview. (NMS 38.2)