This wide-ranging improvement plan has been underway since new Headteacher, Steven Henneberry, has been in post. It addresses points raised by Ofsted boarding inspectors who visited in March 2023.
Actions being taken to meet the National Minimum Standards (NMS)
Action point 1
NMS 2.3: There is clear leadership and management of the practice and development of boarding in the school, and effective links are made between academic and residential staff.
Actions completed or underway
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Acting Head of Boarding appointed – 27 February 2023
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New Head of Boarding appointed for start of new academic year (Sept 23) as part of the school’s leadership team
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Leaders and key staff work together for a week w/c 27 March 2023
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Tutors of boarding students made available to teaching staff w/c 08 May 2023
Action point 2
NMS 7.3: Effective arrangements are made to care for boarding pupils who are sick or injured. Boarders are accommodated away from other children where this is necessary to care for the child in question or to protect other boarders (e.g. from contagious conditions). Where boarders need to be cared for away from their usual accommodation, they are provided with good quality accommodation, including toilet and washing facilities. The accommodation is staffed appropriately and provides boarders with appropriate privacy, taking into account sex, age and any special requirements.
Actions completed or underway
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New Medical Officer (resident school nurse) appointed – April 2023
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Wide ranging improvements to boarding clinic to allow for new accommodation for boys and girls, assessment room, waiting room and storage of medications – w/c 27 March 2023
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Staff hours adjusted to ensure adequate cover for medical facilities – w/c 01 May 2023
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To explore, services of GP for biweekly practice to be obtained – by September 2023
Action point 3
NMS 13.1: Boarders are actively encouraged to contribute their views to the operation of boarding provision. There should be clear and easily accessible systems for boarders to provide their views and raise concerns. Boarders’ views are considered in decisions about the running of the school and boarding provision and boarders are provided with feedback about their expressed views. Boarders are not penalised for raising a concern in good faith.
Actions completed or underway
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Boarding Leadership Team (BLT) to focus on more student voice activities – by July 2023
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New student handbook – April 2023
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Students provided with mechanisms to feedback views on operational and day to day running of boarding house – w/c 27 April 2023
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Daily house meeting provided to ensure students are informed about any issues or house activities – w/c 27 April 2023
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Students provided with mechanisms for raising concerns about other students or themselves – w/c 27 April 2023
Actions being taken to address ‘points for improvement’
Action Point 1
NMS 9.5: The school should have procedures to ensure boarders’ safety when off site but under the care of the school. These procedures should be proportionate and focus on managing assessed risks.
Actions completed or underway
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Students given new handbook in April 2023 including offsite guidance
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Students to be briefed about off site safety before each trip or visit. w/c 27 April 2023
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Trips and visits planned according to the school guidance using health and safety consultants – w/c 27 March 2023
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Parents and carers and guardians to be consulted by house staff prior to any individual off site visits – w/c 27 March 2023
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Use of WhatsApp and Microsoft TEAMS to communicate with students whilst off site – By September 2023
Action Point 2
NMS 20.1: Staff should receive regular reviews of their boarding practice, with opportunities for training and continual professional development in boarding.
Actions completed or underway
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Staff inductions, training and performance management to be conducted thoroughly and audited by SLT – w/c 27 March 2023
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Weekly meetings with house parents to identify opportunities for development – w/c 27 March 2023
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Supervision meetings conducted by staff to ensure that opportunities for wellbeing and development of wellbeing activities are not missed – w/c 27 March 2023
Action Point 3
NMS 22.3: Whether an educational guardian is appointed by the school or parent/carer, the school should take appropriate steps to ensure that the guardianship arrangement is promoting the welfare, physical wellbeing and emotional wellbeing of the boarder.
Actions completed or underway
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Staff to make checks with guardians. Teams meetings and face to face where possible – w/c 27 March 2023
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Staff to make check in with students before and after visiting guardians to ensure that they are being supported – w/c 27 March 2023
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Guardian policy to be written to ensure that guardians understand expectations of the role – February 2023
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Students to be briefed on expectations of a guardian by house staff – w/c 27 March 2023
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Safeguarding concerns reported immediately and steps taken to ensure students are not left at risk – w/c 27 March 2023
For further information about the Ofsted Dallam boarding house inspection and action being taken please read our FAQs.