Myerscough College

Myerscough College Inspection report for further education college

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SC059709 Unique reference number 13 March 2008 Inspection date Stephen Trainor Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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Myerscough College Address Myerscough Hall St. Michaels Road Bilsborrow PRESTON PR3 0RY 01995 642222 Telephone number

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Email

Myerscough College Registered person Ann Turner Head of care Ann Turner Head / Principal 7 February 2005 Date of last inspection .

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Email

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Email

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

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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.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008

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Brief description of the service

Myerscough is a land based college established at its present site in Bilsborrow near Preston since 1969. During recent years the college has expanded considerably. The college senior management team and governors have further plans to further develop Myerscough. The college is set in 600 hectares of open green surroundings offering excellent resources and facilities as well as providing an extensive range of courses. There are state of the art sports facilities, an international equine centre, nine hole golf course, indoor and outdoor putting greens, commercial plant centre and flower pavilion as well as accommodation for over 650 students. The scope of this inspection report is to review services for the 262 students aged 16 - 18 in residence. There is a library and good computer access. There is a dedicated pastoral support centre with school nurse, counsellor, chaplaincy and guidance from a police community support officer.

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Brief description of the service

Connexions advisors and careers guidance also combine support to promote health and well-being. Students can access a good range of resources within the campus allowing active social lives to be established outside their studies. A centrally located bar on the campus forms a focal point for many students. Regular events are planned and supervised. The college has public transport links allowing access to the surrounding community, local towns and villages. Accessing the college via the national network of motorways is also relatively straightforward.

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Summary

This inspection was announced and was undertaken over a three day period. The inspection programme was facilitated by two inspectors. Opportunities to speak to numerous students were presented. Contact was made with parents via a questionnaire survey. Contact was made with departments and agencies who provide services or work in partnership with the college. This report comments on every outcome heading covering all the key Further Education Colleges National Minimum Standards. The response taken by the management team to advisory recommendations made during the last inspection was also evaluated. College welfare inspection frequency is every three years. Issues affecting the college at the time of this inspection were discussed. Significant incidents reported to Ofsted between inspections were also looked at. Ofsted guidance on overall quality ratings was followed. The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The welfare arrangements for students under 18 were inspected for the first time using government National Minimum Standards in February 2005. Welfare arrangements and the management and operation of services was scrutinised by a large team of inspectors. No concerns were highlighted. The quality of services being provided was to a high standard. This has been improved upon between inspections. The inspection report produced following the last visit listed some advisory recommendations. Suitable actions were taken to address these recommendations between inspections. Actions taken included reviewing the child protection policy and appointing an experienced lead representative for safeguarding and student support and welfare. A robust recruitment procedure has also been established ensuring the college is safe. Additional and further improvements to those expected within the Further Education National Minimum Standards have also been achieved. A seamless integration of the government

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Improvements since the last inspection

agenda, 'every child matters' continues to improve life opportunities for all students at the 4 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008 college. Myerscough policy, procedures and the management and operation of residential facilities all reflect desired outcomes. Staff practice is to a consistently high standard allowing students opportunities to fulfil their potential. The college mission statement, 'providing opportunities for all', is clearly being fulfilled. A significant change at the college has led to the creation of a dedicated pastoral support centre incorporating nursing, counselling support and chaplaincy support. An appointment of an experienced head of welfare services links very well with other college departments in delivering high quality student welfare services.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The inspection revealed the promotion of health and wellbeing is taken very seriously. There is an integrated response to health and wellbeing. The response is coordinated on many levels from a dedicated pastoral support centre. Guidance is also provided from a police community support officer who is based on the campus. All services are coordinated by an experienced manager responsible for student welfare and support. Ongoing developments are fully supported by the college senior management team and governors. The college's management team have been successful in providing services to meet needs. Health and wellbeing promotion is integral to student support and welfare. Appropriate health information and literature are available. College websites support students in how to lead safe lives. Students have access to tutorials organised through course work and the college nurse who address a wide range of issues that

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Helping children to be healthy

can affect their health and wellbeing. An interesting and diverse range of subject matters have been covered during the three years between inspections. A health and wellbeing week run by the college in October 2007 linked into a number of agencies in heightening students' awareness and knowledge on how to lead safe lives. Students and staff confirmed that the event was successful. Many parental comments received by Ofsted revealed that they had no concerns relating to underage drinking, drugs and access to pornography whilst their children are resident at the college. Good supervision was noted of their children by wardens. College computers have suitable 'firewall' protection preventing access to unsuitable sites and materials. Most parents felt happy that the correct balance had been achieved between protecting young people who are living away from home and allowing them to take responsibility for their own lives.

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Helping children to be healthy

The college clearly explains expectations and rules as well as discouraging illicit activities. Students receive written guidance and thorough explanations on discipline and behaviour codes during induction. Parental expectations on appropriate levels of supervision are considered as part of the induction process. A central feature of the Myerscough campus is the Stumble Inn which is licensed to sell alcohol. All aspects of the management of this Inn were found to be suitable. The Inn is subject to the same licensing laws and inspection as other pubs in the surrounding community. As well as students receiving excellent support in relation to personal health problems, it is also clear that they receive suitable first aid and health care as is necessary. Health arrangements are outlined within clear college policies. Staff are familiar with supporting guidance. There are many staff trained in first aid. Support on minor matters can be provided

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Helping children to be healthy

across the whole of the campus and during the times the college nurse is off duty. Emergency procedures are established if there is a need to visit local hospital accident and emergency units. The inspection confirmed up to date health information is being gained on students as part of their introduction to the college. Students are encouraged to register with a doctors surgery in Garstang where they have access to male and female doctors. Some students decide to stay registered with their own doctors preventing full access to this surgery. The surgery confirmed that they have no concerns with how services are managed at the college. The college has a knowledgeable and approachable nurse who provides support to students who are 5 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008 registered at the surgery. Appointments are facilitated quickly by the nurse. All students are responsible for administering their own medicines. Many comments were received from students

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Helping children to be healthy

on how accessible the nurse is. There is effective ongoing consultation with families and specialist health professionals where necessary. Records are maintained on appointments that are made. There is a confidential electronic link to the doctors surgery. Policy and procedural guidance is established. Students who are ill whilst at college are adequately supervised within their halls of residence or, alternatively, they return home. A dedicated sick bay remains something under consideration for the colleges future development. The nurse and the welfare and pastoral support team have been extremely successful in creating a culture and an environment where students are confident to approach staff. Support for new students away from home for the first time is an identified area where pastoral care is focussed. A new catering manager appointment has been made between inspections providing the impetus for change

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Helping children to be healthy

with how services are organised. A college healthy eating policy has been produced in response to guidance issued by the government and the food agency. There is also a college strategic plan linking catering to other outcomes within the 'every child matters' framework. All are designed to improve life opportunities for students. It is clear that catering plans have been implemented successfully. There is plenty of healthy lifestyle information available around the campus. The subject of food and catering continues to be discussed frequently with students. Appropriate consultation occurs through meeting face to face with the students. As a result, new menus are created. There has also been additional training for catering staff and support from a dietician. A group discussion with students confirmed awareness of healthy eating options. The students clearly recognise the benefits of staying healthy through sensible diets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Students liked the ideas being used by the catering department to introduce different themed menus. Menu design incorporates different cultural foods, celebrations and religious festivals. Students also accepted the reduction of some of the unhealthier food options included in menu designs. There are ongoing efforts to reduce the amount of fried foods that some students select. Ofsted received very few concerns from students about the quality of the catering provision at the college. This is a major change since the last inspection. This is also supported by the results of a recent college customer satisfaction survey and consultation on catering and health matters. Students commented that they were being made aware of changes and are generally happy with what is taking place. A further review of catering services has occurred which is included in a capital development plan agreed by college governors. Securing funding

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Helping children to be healthy

will determine the extent of future changes to be made. Plans were discussed with the principal. Wyre Borough Council's recent environmental health report shows good standards being achieved as well as the ability to respond to recommendations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Arrangements for staff recruitment, complaints, safeguarding children, bullying and harassment and behaviour management are handled very well and ensure that students feel listened to and protected. The college has up to date policy and staff guidance to address any welfare issues that might arise. No concerns were highlighted throughout the course of this inspection. No concerns are highlighted within Ofsted records. There have been no major complaints, no welfare or safeguarding concerns and no significant notifications to Ofsted between inspections. Health and safety and the prevention of accidents and reduction of hazards students face whilst at the college are equally well managed. College safeguarding policy and procedure have been produced in line with local safeguarding boards. These have been reviewed regularly by senior management team, college governors and Lancashire Education Authority. Welfare policies can

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

6 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008 be viewed on the school web sites. College websites ensure safeguarding and welfare issues are at the forefront of guidance students will read. Complaints information is also made clear. Written guidance is contained in student handbooks. There are four named members of staff who have responsibility for responding to child protection allegations or suspicions of abuse. An experienced manager and school governor provide oversight. These staff are known to the students. Students confirmed that they would be comfortable to approach these staff members if they had a concern. There is good access to training for all levels of staff. College wardens who provide a pivotal role in supporting student welfare demonstrated good knowledge of college procedures. Some wallet sized laminated cards provide wardens with additional safeguarding guidance. There is an additional degree of protection built into the college response

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to safeguarding via the Learning Skills Council who have responsibility for monitoring the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Their safety advisor liaises with the college child protection officer. There are effective measures in place to prevent bullying and harassment. No concerns were highlighted by students. The campus is reported to be a safe place. This was reflected in comments provided by 141 students who completed Ofsted questionnaires. College wardens were recognised as being approachable. Students had, 'Full confidence in them sorting matters'. A new bullying and harassment policy and guidance has been produced. This is on the front page of the college intranet. This was vetted before being approved by the equality and diversity committee. There have been seminars on bullying. All warden staff receive training as part of induction. Senior staff have attended external training on child protection and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

bullying. Training is cascaded to welfare support staff as well as course tutors. One parent commented, 'Having experienced some bullying at the start of term we were very impressed with the response and communication'. Another parent commented, 'Staff are easily contacted and will take on board any concerns'. The Myerscough Code and Living in the Halls of Residence provides students with detailed information on student discipline and includes a summary of what to expect if rules are broken or if behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable. Serious disciplinary matters that could lead to a permanent exclusion are included. This information is provided during student induction. There are clear links to expected standards of behaviour and academic expectations. Students confirmed via their questionnaires that rules are fair. One student commented, 'Wardens are ace and courses are fair'. A parent commented, 'It has been

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

made quite clear from the first visit what was expected'. Student indiscretions are recorded and communicated to parents when necessary. Complaints and whistleblowing information is also made available showing the contact details of Ofsted. The response to the health and safety is extremely efficient. This important area requires meticulous management to reduce the risks and hazards posed to student safety. There is a vast amount of equipment needed for land based college courses. An effective system of risk assessment and risk reduction was demonstrated by the health and safety advisor. A random selection of reports was viewed. A recent Health and Safety Executive report commented on the college's arrangements for managing health and safety, particularly how accountability and ownership are established through line management. The report stated, 'It is evident that the management of health and safety is well-embedded and integrated in curriculum areas visited'. Additional health and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety matters creating a safe environment for students includes campus patrols, security staff and wardens who are visible, appropriate use of CCTV, and student halls of residence that require electronic swipe cards to gain entry. Increased lighting between accommodation blocks for night-time safety have been installed. Campus management also places restrictions on drivers of vehicles at certain times with bollards and barriers preventing access to key student areas. Students confirmed that they are safe. A health and safety committee as well as a risk management committee sit. A health and safety advisor has been appointed. Minutes of 7 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008 meetings and reports are produced on all activities undertaken. Students confirmed fire drills take place and that there was effective promotion of health and safety at their induction. A fire risk assessment was produced in conjunction with Lancashire (Garstang) Fire and Rescue.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Updates to the fire system have been made. Areas of the campus are smoke free zones. The effective management and a clear understanding of the systems required to promote safety on a campus this size was demonstrated. Gas safety checks are undertaken. Checks on water systems (Legionella) are undertaken. Emergency lighting, alarm and extinguisher servicing and testing records viewed were all up to date. Contracts have been established to ensure routine servicing and maintenance of equipment and installations. All accidents and incidents including RIDDORS (Reporting of Injuries and Dangerous Occurrences) come through a central funnel with attached risk assessments. These are viewed by the health and safety advisor. Constant appraisal of working practice is evident and revisions are made if necessary. Slips, trips and falls information was also provided. Crisis management plans also viewed. Some flooding that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

affected most of the country in January and the management of the campus during storms was discussed. The safety advisor is competent and capable of mobilising staff in response to any presenting issues. From discussions, it is clear that staff would respect students' wishes for privacy and confidentiality as is consistent with good parenting and the need to protect students. Experienced staff provide appropriate levels of support. Many parents commented that they felt the college had got the right balance between protecting young people who are living away from home and allowing them to take responsibility for their own lives. The college was subject to an assurance visit by the Criminal Records Bureau and achieved a 'satisfactory' outcome. Use of disclosure information, storage, handling, retention and disposal of disclosure information was checked and the college satisfied relevant criteria. Good comments were made

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

relating to the accuracy in which applications forms had been submitted. Some discussion on staff who are eligible for clearance checks took place. The college policy is to check all staff. A sensible rationale was demonstrated where 'grey' areas are evident relating to staff who might not be perceived to have substantial unsupervised access to students. This inspection also revealed that checks occur on adults who live on the same premises as students. All staff who work at the college have to wear badges and distinctly coloured lanyards making them easily recognisable to students. Suitable information was provided on staff recently recruited. Full and satisfactory information was presented including enhanced criminal records bureau checks, references, applications forms and records of the interview. A file viewed for an established catering assistant revealed some missing information. The college policy on staff

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

vetting recruitment and selection was being reviewed at the time of the inspection. One area of confusion was identified. The format in which personnel information is stored is to be improved. Students safety and welfare was not compromised by ongoing work. Suitable vetting of visitors to the college is also evident with identity checks being undertaken.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The college mission statement to provide 'opportunities for all' is clearly being implemented with students gaining many positive experiences at the college. There is good support provided from the point of entry to the college. Student induction is organised extremely well and remembered by students. The network of academic and pastoral support available to students is introduced. There is welfare support being coordinated through a dedicated pastoral support centre. There is an admissions and advisory panel to consider applications and plan resources when disclosure of a learning or physical disability is stated. Student information is excellent. Access to student intranet and college internet materials is easy. Student support through 8 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008 mentoring can also be provided if needed. The following student and parent comments

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

summarise inspection findings on how college placements are being experienced. Some students views, 'It’s a great place to learn and live', and, 'College is a great place to study your chosen subjects'. Another student commented that, 'We have freedom but also boundaries and many great and life changing opportunities'. Positive comments on the management and operation of the college were also reflected in parents' comments. 'My daughter has adapted very well and this has been helped by the staff at the college.' 'My daughter has found college to be enjoyable and she feels happy to be here'. A confident group of students took time out of their busy schedule to discuss 'life at the college' with the inspectors. An extremely productive conversation confirmed that good welfare support is being provided. They also recognise that they are developing life skills and independence skills. Students confirmed good communication

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and consultation is occurring through a number of different committees that sit. A recent college survey highlights student increased success rates and increased student satisfaction with their courses. Results of this survey stated that 93% of students agree or strongly agree that courses are good. 'Myerscough is a great college and it provides great facilities', was a comment received from a student. Students' ideas have been canvassed leading to increased choice, provision and resources on how they can spend their free time. The quality and range of resources and activities on offer is excellent. Students' interests and recreational hobbies can clearly be promoted. The college prospectus and website reveal the full range of resources to capture students' interests. The Stumble Inn public bar, situated on campus, remains a student focal point. A bars and entertainment manager ensures plenty of social functions are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

organised. Interesting fancy dress and themed nights have been pursued. Students value the efforts that are being made. The Inn is efficiently supervised. There is policy and procedure for organising off campus activities. All activities are supervised by college staff. The college has a long established committee to look at equality and diversity issues. Policy statements are evident throughout the college and within the materials on college websites. Responses being taken to gender and race equality and the prevention of bullying and harassment were some of the areas looked at during this inspection. The response being taken is firmly established within staff practice. The college has successfully eliminated unlawful discrimination. In providing 'opportunities for all' another focus of the inspection activity was to look at how the college promotes equality of opportunity for students who have disabilities or special communication

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needs. The college's senior management team believe the campus to be compliant with disability discrimination and special education act requirements, meaning that students are not treated less favourably for any reason related to their disability. Reasonable adjustments have been made introducing specially adapted accommodation and improving the available resources. Communication systems have been introduced alongside initiatives that have seen specialist learning support staff introduced. When needed, detailed care plans are produced. A support advisory panel reviews plans regularly to ensure individual's assessed needs remain met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. One parent commented, 'Our daughter is a young 16 year old - we are very impressed with the care, support and home communication'. It is clear that there are no barriers to prevent private contact being maintained between students and parents. College open days and special events also promote contact between the college, students and parents. Students receive guidance, both on arrival at the college and in preparing to leave the college. There is access to written guidance as well as access to computers, intranet and internet for further electronic guidance. Electronic information is user friendly and designed to be appealing to students. Students 9 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008 support networks also include a 'good start scheme'. This is designed to manage the first few days at the college allowing students to settle quickly. The student pastoral support centre is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

also supported by Connexions advisors. The Connexions philosophy is about helping students to realise individual potential, overcoming any barriers to learning and helping students into or staying in education. A supporting role is also provided by a police community support officer based at the college under initiative with Lancashire Constabulary. Different tutorials, advice and guidance is provided. A key aspect of the inspection findings was a noticeable absence of complaints, concerns or negative comments about wardens or relationships between staff and young people. Communication has been very effective resulting in the role that wardens provide being respected by students. Students generally provide their full cooperation with warden requests. Consequences of poor behaviour are known. Students confirmed that problems are handled fairly. Students also confirmed that formal meetings take place that allow them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

opportunities to state their opinions and views. A student council sits regularly along with a separate catering council. Students felt that staff listen to them. The inspection confirmed that there is a genuine commitment to consult with students.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is outstanding. The college organisation of residential provision safeguards students' welfare. There is a suitable number of staff available throughout the 24 hour period to support students. Staff are known and visible. At the time of this inspection, the college was providing residential accommodation for 262 students under the age of 18. This included 72 female students and 190 male students. Appropriate separation of students by ages and gender is evident. The residential accommodation was found to be well maintained being suitable for the needs and numbers of students using them. There is no major discrepancy in the quality of accommodation. There are some differences in standards due to new builds and older established accommodation. Standards are at least good in all areas. The accommodation was observed to be clean and tidy. There are two launderettes on campus to ensure students clothing and bedding can be adequately laundered.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Most choose to take their laundry home. Students can personalise their bedrooms and common room areas with suitable materials. Efforts to keep student notice boards up to date are made. There is a college capital expenditure plan to look at further developing student accommodation. Accommodation blocks are suitably resourced, equipped and maintained. There is suitable security to deter unauthorised access as well as sensible window safety and restrictions. Students' personal possessions and money are protected. Rules relating to visiting the different residential blocks are made clear to students. Students commented that they would prefer single rooms. The college does not provide single rooms for under 18 students. This is made known within college prospectus and student residential guidance. There is a campus shop and free usage of a cash machine within a central area of the campus. Observations were made on purpose

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Achieving economic wellbeing

built accommodation for students with a disability. The arrangements for one student were seen to be working very well in conjunction with a team of carers. The college senior management team have established a valuable suitably adapted resource. Students have private toilet and washing facilities. Bathroom locks were observed to be fully operational. Students confirmed that the accommodation is warm enough and there is an ample supply of hot water for showering. A new water main fitted in October 2007 caused some disruption to hot water supplies. Maintenance reporting sheets observed to be working ensuring prompt reporting and the ability to prioritise repairs. Students debated whether things were completed promptly before agreeing that, 'things do get done'. 10 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The management and operation of residential services is excellent. There is clear policy and support services for residential students. The structure of the welfare team is clear. Staff are accountable and capable of providing effective supervision, support and monitoring in an unobtrusive manner. The full time wardens are respected by boarding students. All staff provide a consistent response capable of supporting students welfare needs and course demands. Parents commented, 'facilities are excellent and the warden control superb'. 'Wardens seem efficient and friendly'. 'We have been impressed by the standards set and the level of supervision.' A third inspection by Investors in People UK has recently been undertaken. The inspector from Investors in People commented that he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Myerscough college fully meets the requirements of the Investors in People standard. Key

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Organisation

strengths identified included staff across the whole organisation able to demonstrate extremely high levels of commitment, motivation, morale and enthusiasm. Based on the inspection findings from this first Ofsted inspection it is clearly evident that the welfare of students is being managed well by competent staff. There is investment in staff and warden induction, training and personal development creating a skilled workforce. A policy for staff continuing professional development provides impetus for planning future training opportunities. More detailed recordings on the induction process are to be made. The promotion of 'every child matters', a government agenda for improving services for children and young people, is high on the college agenda. The college's supportive environment allows students to thrive. Myerscough college is providing safe residential provision for students in accommodation and is clearly fulfilling

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Organisation

its statutory obligations. The senior management team is capable of managing crisis affecting student welfare. A committee is set up to coordinate plans to a range of foreseeable crisis. Written guidance and a clear strategy reduces the impact when barriers are encountered. Two good illustrations of this were highlighted in the coordination of a response to regional flooding affecting parts of the campus and the management of student safety when the campus was buffeted by extremely high winds. An emergency manual is established. The college has a written prospectus, handbook and supporting policies and guidance that accurately describe what the college sets out to do for students and the manner in which services are to be provided. User friendly information given to students is also constantly being updated. Documents have been reviewed in line with new government objectives being closely linked to achieving positive

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Organisation

outcomes. Practice has been extremely well coordinated to exceed National Minimum Standards. A strength of the college is to constantly monitor information, recordings and data within established quality assurance systems. The senior management team are constantly reviewing and developing practice. There are many measurable key performance indicators to show where students are gaining positive experiences. The culture and atmosphere around the campus was seen to be safe, buoyant and according to one student, 'Myerscough is good at caring for you and letting you enjoy college life'.

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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.

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Due date Action Standard

11 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • review and finalise the policy on staff recruitment and selection (FE 34 & 35) • establish full and satisfactory information on all levels of staff employed at the college (FE 34) • review the format personnel information is stored (FE 34) • establish detailed records of the staff induction process (FE 30) • continue to consult with students regarding catering arrangements (FE 22). 12 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• under-age drinking, substance abuse and possession of obscene material by students are appropriately countered (NMS 6) • students receive first aid and health care as necessary (NMS 14) • students are adequately supervised when ill (NMS 15) • students are supported in relation to any health or personal problems (NMS 16) • students receive good quality catering provision (NMS 22) • students have access to food and drinking water in addition to main meals (NMS 23) • students are suitably accommodated when ill (NMS 43) Ofsted considers 14 and 16 the key standards to be inspected.

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• students are protected from bullying and harassment (NMS 2) • students are protected from abuse (NMS 3) • use of discipline with students is fair and appropriate (NMS 4) • students’ complaints are adequately responded to (NMS 5) • students are protected from the risk of fire (NMS 24) • the welfare of any young people accommodated by the college other than its own students is safeguarded and promoted (NMS 26) • students’ safety and welfare are protected during high risk activities (NMS 27) • students’ personal privacy is respected (NMS 33) • there is careful selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers working with residential students (NMS 34) • students are protected from unsupervised contact with adults who have not been, subject to the college’s complete recruitment checking procedures (NMS 35) • students have their own living accommodation, secure from public intrusion (NMS 37) • any security or surveillance measures provide security to protect students without

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

compromising their privacy (NMS 38) • students are given reasonable protection from safety hazards (NMS 42) Ofsted considers 2, 3, 4, 5, 24, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 42 the key standards to be inspected.

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• students have access to a range and choice of activities (NMS 11) • students receive personal support from staff (NMS 13) • students do not experience inappropriate discrimination (NMS 17) • student welfare is not compromised by unusual or onerous demands (NMS 25) • students have access to a range of recreational areas (NMS 41) 13 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008

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Annex A

Ofsted considers 13 and 17 the key standards to be inspected.

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• students are enabled to contribute to the operation of residential provision in the college (NMS 12) • students can maintain private contact with their parents and families (NMS 18) • students receive guidance, both on arrival at the college and in preparing to leave the college (NMS 20) • there are sound relationships between staff and students (NMS 32) Ofsted considers 12 and 18 the key standards to be inspected.

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• the college’s organisation of residential provision safeguards students’ welfare (NMS 10) • students’ personal possessions and money are protected (NMS 19) • students are provided with satisfactory living accommodation (NMS 36) • students have satisfactory sleeping accommodation (NMS 39) • students have adequate and adequately private toilet and washing facilities (NMS 40) • there are arrangements to ensure that students’ clothing and bedding are adequately laundered (NMS 44) • students can buy food and personal requisites while accommodated at college (NMS 45) • the welfare of students placed in lodgings by the college is safeguarded and promoted (NMS 46) • the welfare of students is safeguarded and promoted when accommodated away from the college site on a short-stay basis (NMS 47) Ofsted considers 46 and 47 the key standards to be inspected.

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• a clear statement of the principles of residential provision and student support at the college is available to those needing this information (NMS 1) • the safeguarding and promotion of students’ health and welfare are supported by appropriate records (NMS 7) • there is clear leadership of residential provision in the college (NMS 8) • crises affecting students’ welfare are managed effectively (NMS 9) • risk assessment and college record keeping contribute to students’ welfare (NMS 21) • students are appropriately supervised during free time (NMS 28) • students are adequately supervised by staff (NMS 29) • staff responsible for residential students have specific residential and welfare duties, with adequate induction and continued training (NMS 30) • students are looked after by staff following clear residential and welfare policies and practice (NMS 31) Ofsted considers 1, 21, 29 and 30 the key standards to be inspected.

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

14 of 14 Inspection Report: Myerscough College, 13 March 2008

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