INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

Transcription

1 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE THE KING'S SCHOOL CANTERBURY BOARDING WELFARE INTERMEDIATE INSPECTION

2 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE The King's School Canterbury Full Name of School The King's School Canterbury DfE Number 886/6048 Registered Charity Number Address The King's School Canterbury 25 The Precincts Canterbury Kent CT1 2ES Telephone Number Fax Number Address Head Mr Peter Roberts Chair of Governors The Very Rev'd Robert Willis Age Range 13 to 18 Total Number of Pupils 826 Gender of Pupils Mixed (452 boys; 374 girls;) Numbers by Age 13-16: : 234 Number of Day Pupils Total: 192 Number of Boarders Total (Full): 634 Inspection dates 11 Nov 2014 to 13 Nov 2014

3 PREFACE This inspection report follows the ISI schedule for intermediate inspections, focusing primarily on compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (NMS). The inspection occurs over a period of two and a half continuous days in the school. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Secretary of State for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010, as amended. From September 2011 the inspection of boarding welfare forms part of the inspection process. This inspection focuses on the school s compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. It comments on the progress made by the school in meeting the recommendations set out in the most recent statutory boarding inspection. Boarding inspections were previously carried out by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), Children s Services and Skills. The relevant Ofsted report refers to an inspection in February 2011 and can be found at The inspection of the school is from an educational perspective and provides limited inspection of other aspects, although inspectors comment on any significant hazards or problems they encounter which have an adverse impact on children. The inspection does not include: (i) (ii) an exhaustive health and safety audit an in-depth examination of the structural condition of the school, its services or other physical features (iii) an investigation of the financial viability of the school or its accounting procedures (iv) an in-depth investigation of the school s compliance with employment law. Inspectors may be aware of individual safeguarding concerns, allegations and complaints as part of the inspection process. Such matters will not usually be referred to in the published report but will have been considered by the team in reaching their judgement.

4 INSPECTION EVIDENCE. The inspectors conducted formal interviews with boarders, held discussions with senior members of staff and with the chair of governors, observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities that occurred during the inspection period and attended registration sessions. Inspectors visited each of the boarding houses and the facilities for sick or injured pupils. The responses of parents and boarding pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires were analysed, and the inspectors examined regulatory documentation made available by the school. Inspectors Mrs Gwen Caddock Mr Philip Humphreys Ms Emma Picken Mr William Yates Reporting Inspector Team Inspector for Boarding (Head of Department, HMC school) Team Inspector for Boarding (Head of Boarding, GSA school) Team Inspector for Boarding (Deputy Head, HMC school)

5 CONTENTS Page 1 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SCHOOL 2 2 SUMMARY 3 (i) Compliance with regulatory requirements 3 (ii) Recommendations for further improvement 3 (iii) Progress since the previous inspection 3 3 COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL MINIMUM STANDARDS 4 (a) Boarding provision and care 4 (b) Arrangements for welfare and safeguarding 5 (c) Leadership and management of the boarding provision 5

6 The King s School Canterbury 2 1. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SCHOOL 1.1 The King s School, Canterbury, traces its origins to the foundation of a monastery in Canterbury by St. Augustine in 597, received its first Royal Charter from King Henry VIII in 1541 and subsequent charters have reflected the changing life of the school. The most recent Supplement Royal Charter of 1992 states that the male gender shall be taken to embrace the female encompassing co-education. The school seeks to offer a broad academic curriculum and aims to be lively, creative and caring within a Christian tradition. 1.2 The school aims that pupils will flourish and be happy making the most of their abilities, fulfilling their potential in every area of school life and developing responsibility and concern for the wider world. The school has close links with the Cathedral: the Dean is chairman of the governing body which includes four further Residentiary Canons, members of the Cathedral Chapter, and twelve other governors. The work of the governing body is supported by ten committees which meet on a regular basis. The school is a registered charity, with all members of the governing body serving as trustees. Governance includes Junior King s School, which is located three miles outside the city. 1.3 The school is situated within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine s abbey where it was founded, and has both ancient and modern buildings and gardens. The school s 12 boarding houses are located within the Precincts, or close by in St Augustine s, six accommodating boys and six for girls. There are also three day houses in the Precincts. The houses include buildings ranging from the medieval through to a modem house opened in A programme of redevelopment of boarding facilities is almost complete: the refurbishment of five houses has been fully implemented and work is underway in a further two. New showers and kitchens have been installed in other houses. 1.4 The school currently has 826 pupils aged between the ages of 13 and 18, 452 boys and 374 girls, and of these 634 are full boarders. One hundred pupils speak English as an additional language (EAL) the majority of whom are assessed as fluent users of English, but 20 receive specialist support. 1.5 National Curriculum (NC) nomenclature is used throughout this report to refer to year groups in the school. The year group nomenclature used by the school and its National Curriculum equivalence are shown in the following table. School NC name Shells Year 9 Remove Year 10 Fifth Form Year 11 6b Year 12 6a Year 13

7 The King s School Canterbury 3 2. SUMMARY (i) Compliance with regulatory requirements 2.1 The school meets all the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (ii) Recommendations for further improvement 2.2 The school is advised to make the following improvements. 1. Ensure that consistent routines are in place across the boarding houses for the final checks on boarders at the end of the day. 2. Fully record the governors annual review and discussion of safeguarding procedures. (iii) Progress since the previous inspection 2.3 The previous boarding welfare inspection was undertaken by Ofsted in February The recommendations included the requirement for a review of the administration procedures for prescribed medication, and regular monitoring of non- NHS and medication records in the boarding houses. The school was asked to ensure that boarders and parents are informed of contacts outside the school should they wish to make a complaint, and to set up management systems to monitor practice and records, including health and safety, in the boarding houses. These recommendations have been fully implemented.

8 The King s School Canterbury 4 3. COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL MINIMUM STANDARDS 3.(a) Boarding provision and care 3.1 The school meets all of the NMS under this section. 3.2 Induction for new boarders includes a visit before joining, house handbooks and in some houses, a buddy to help them settle in. Boarders say they know who to approach for help and guidance. Telephone numbers are published for the independent listener and help lines including the Children s Commissioner. [NMS 2] 3.3 The school has comprehensive policies for the care of boarders who are unwell including first aid, and the use of household remedies, supported by suitable training for staff. The medical centre, operational 24 hours a day, has qualified and experienced staff, and provides separate accommodation for male and female boarders. Boarders have access to local medical and other specialist services. Prescribed medicines are given only to the named boarder and are appropriately stored. Boarders over the age of 16 may self-medicate following assessment by the nurse. There is efficient communication between the medical centre and matrons with regard to medication administered. The confidentiality and rights of boarders are respected. [NMS 3] 3.4 Boarders contact family and friends using their mobile or house telephones and the internet. The school has suitable systems in place for monitoring the use of the internet. [NMS 4] 3.5 Boarding houses are well-furnished and all have computer rooms. Bedrooms have facilities for study, younger boarders share rooms, some boarders in Year 13 have single rooms, some with en-suite facilities. Toilet and washing facilities provide appropriate privacy. Many boarders personalise their space. Boarders have comfortable common rooms in which to relax. Boarders have been consulted about the refurbishment programmes. Boarding accommodation is used only by boarders, and is protected from access by unauthorised persons. Security measures do not invade boarders privacy. [NMS 5] 3.6 Meals are healthy, nutritious, ample and offer a wide range of choice, including special dietary requirements. In the pre-inspection questionnaire, a small minority of boarders said that they were unhappy about the food or the availability of snacks and drinking water; the evidence from the inspection did not support this view. [NMS 8] 3.7 The laundry service is efficient. All boarders have lockable spaces which are well used. House staff look after the pocket money of younger boarders and more valuable items if required. Boarders are able to buy personal items in the school shop or local shops. [NMS 9] 3.8 Boarders enjoy a wide range of activities including music and drama, sport, lectures and talks, Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh s Award scheme. In the pre-inspection questionnaire, a small minority of boarders said that they would like a better balance between activities and free time. Discussions and observations during the inspection show the balance to be appropriate. After their busy week, most boarders appreciate free time on Sunday. There are no onerous demands placed upon boarders. Boarders are able to be alone in the gardens and use the

9 The King s School Canterbury 5 chapels or the Cathedral. Boarders follow national and world events using the internet, the television and newspapers. [NMS 10] 3.(b) Arrangements for welfare and safeguarding 3.9 The school meets all of the NMS under this section Appropriate health and safety policies and procedures are effectively implemented. A comprehensive range of risk assessments and high standards of maintenance ensure boarders health, safety and welfare. [NMS 6] 3.11 Comprehensive policies and procedures, which meet requirements, are in place to minimise the risk from fire. Regular training, risk assessments and maintenance are fully recorded. Fire drills take place at least once a term, including evacuations during boarding time, and are fully recorded. [NMS 7] 3.12 The safeguarding policy and procedures are thorough, fully implemented and comply with official guidance. All staff and governors have received child protection training, appropriate arrangements are in place for the training of staff joining the school throughout the year and all staff have received Part 1 of the Keeping Children Safe In Education document. The school works closely with local agencies to ensure the welfare of boarders. The designated child protection officer works with the governor with particular interest in safeguarding to prepare the annual review of safeguarding, which is discussed by the full governing body. The minutes record the adoption of the safeguarding policy but do not record separately the annual review. [NMS 11] 3.13 Policies to promote good behaviour, set out sanctions and to counter bullying are clear and well implemented. In the pupils questionnaire boarders indicated that they were treated fairly by boarding staff and the great majority thought bullying was dealt with appropriately. In interviews boarders said that little bullying took place and that sanctions are fairly used. Boarders stated they feel safe and well-looked after in their houses, which they find friendly and welcoming. Parents stated that they felt their children were well looked after by the school. [NMS 12] 3.14 Staff recruitment procedures and requirements for checks are meticulously followed and recorded on the single central register of appointments. Members of boarding house staff families who are resident in the houses are checked and have signed clear written agreements. Visitors and contractors are appropriately supervised. The school does not appoint guardians for boarders. [NMS 14] 3.(c) Leadership and management of the boarding provision 3.15 The school meets all of the NMS under this section The school s statement of boarding aims and principles is published to parents, staff and pupils. It underpins all that the school does and clearly works in practice. [NMS 1] 3.17 There is a well-defined structure for the management and leadership of boarding. Close links between pastoral and academic staff work to ensure that boarders make academic progress and are well-looked after. All records required are maintained. [NMS 13] 3.18 Senior boarding staff are well-qualified and undertake professional development. Induction and support are provided for new boarding staff. Clear job descriptions and detailed rotas ensure appropriate supervision although some inconsistency

10 The King s School Canterbury 6 remains in the end of the day routines across the boarding houses. Boarders know who is on duty and how to make contact. At least one member of the adult staff sleeps in each boarding house. Staff know the whereabouts of boarders and the strategy to find a missing boarder, although this is rarely needed. The roles of members of families of boarding staff are made clear. Staff accommodation is suitably separated from boarders areas and there is no unsupervised, or inappropriate, contact between staff and boarders. [NMS 15] 3.19 There is no discrimination within the boarding environment, sensitive care and equal opportunities ensure that boarders feel secure and valued. [NMS 16] 3.20 Boarders are confident that they may make suggestions and raise issues and concerns. They say that their opinions are listened to. Consultative groups such as the food committee ensure that the views of boarders are taken into account. Boarders know that they will not be penalised for raising a complaint in good faith. [NMS 17] 3.21 The complaints policy meets requirements and concerns are dealt with in line with published procedures, with appropriate records being maintained. [NMS 18] 3.22 Older boarders in the boarding house who undertake specific duties are supervised and supported in their roles. [NMS 19] 3.23 The school does not arrange long-stay lodgings for boarders. [NMS 20, not applicable]