Marathon Science School

Marathon Science School Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

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DfE registration number 209/6409 Unique Reference Number (URN) 135901 URN for social care SC400622 Inspection number 364134 Inspection dates 4 October 2010 Reporting inspector Fatiha Maitland Social care inspector Angela Hunt achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk No. 090137 Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

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Purpose and scope of the inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Section 162A of the Education Act 2002, as amended by schedule 8 of the Education Act 2005, and under the Care Standards Act 2000 having regard to the national minimum standards for boarding schools.

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Purpose and scope of the inspection

The inspection was conducted at the request of the Registration Authority for independent schools in order to monitor the progress the school has made in implementing its action plan following the previous inspection.

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Information about the school

The school is situated in Surrey Quays, Lewisham; it opened in September 2009. The school’s registration allows for 144 pupils and 74 boarders between the ages of 10 and 16 years. There are currently 69 boys on roll and all are in Key Stage 3. The school intends to grow in size towards its capacity by admitting a new Year 7 cohort each year. The school’s admission criteria require that all boys are boarders. The usual pattern is that the boys go home on alternate weekends. Most come from London boroughs, although some come from much further afield. The boarding provision is a 20-minute drive from the school site. There are no pupils with a statement of special educational needs. The proprietors are a body of four trustees comprising the Seven Hills Educational Trust, a registered charitable trust. They established the school in response to the wishes of the Turkish community with the aim of providing a 24-hour curriculum inspired by Islamic values that will lead to high

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Information about the school

academic standards. Almost all pupils are from a Turkish heritage and all are Muslim. Most of the school staff, including the headteacher, work part time.

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Information about the school

The school was first inspected by Ofsted in June 2010. This was an integrated inspection when both the education and boarding inspection took place at the same time.

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Context of the inspection

At the inspection in June 2010, the school failed to comply with a number of regulations and national minimum standards. The school drew up an action plan for improvement in response to the report, which was deemed to be satisfactory subject to satisfactory implementation. This is the report of a progress monitoring visit by an education inspector and a social care inspector in order to check whether the school has taken appropriate steps to address the weaknesses identified in the last inspection report and to assess the amount of progress made in meeting the regulations as well as the national minimum standards. This is the record of the first visit to the school since the June 2010 inspection. Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

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action plan

At its previous inspection in June 2010, the school did not provide a planned programme for careers guidance. The information supplied by the school indicates that the programme for careers education is now in place. The school has recently appointed a careers guidance coordinator, and planned and implemented lessons to provide students with the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life, including work experience. The school has also established a partnership with several businesses, which have held group work discussions to provide support and guidance for all students.

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action plan

The earlier inspection found the designated person for child protection had not undertaken the required advanced training. This situation has been remedied and the school has ensured that the designated officer has received the advanced child protection training. Other members of staff have attended the basic training and know what to do should a concern arise. Two members of staff are also firmly booked to attend the advanced child protection training on 6 October 2010. Previous weaknesses in the staff recruitment process with regards to references and checks on regular visitors to the school have been rectified and the school now meets all the requirements. The school undertakes all the appropriate checks with the Criminal Records Bureau. All members of staff including regular visitors to the school are fully checked for their suitability to work with children before their appointment is confirmed. There are suitably detailed written references for all staff.

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action plan

The school has compiled a single register with details of all the required staff checks including those for the regular visitors to the school.

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action plan

The June 2010 inspection found that the food was not served at the correct temperatures. The school has made appropriate arrangements to ensure that the food transported from the boarding house for lunch remains at a suitable temperature.

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action plan

In relation to the regulations for boarding, the school did not have adequate systems in place to address the health and care of its students at the earlier inspection. The school has now introduced new medication forms, reviewed its practice and now records welfare information for students with long-term illnesses. This has helped to improve the arrangements in place to meet the health and care needs of students.

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action plan

Inconsistencies in practice in recording punishments, complaints, risk assessments and other significant incidents were found at the previous inspection. The school did not undertake regular monitoring of these. This issue has been tackled through establishing standard forms for reporting, setting up regular meetings between staff and leadership, introducing the role of a behaviour mentor and by providing clear guidelines to staff. This has allowed the headteacher to maintain an overview of practice and to make sure that appropriate action is taken where necessary. The improvement to the monitoring systems has resulted in greater consistency in practice to support students’ well-being. Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school has made good progress and now meets all regulatory requirements and national minimum standards for boarding schools. Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

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School details

Number on roll (full-time pupils) Boys: 69 Girls: 0 Total: 69

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School details

Number of boarders Boys: 69 Girls: 0 Total: 69

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School details

Number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs Boys: 0 Girls: 0 Total: 0

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School details

Address of school Marathon House, 1–9 Evelyn Street, Surrey Quays, Lewisham, London, SE8 5RQ

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School details

Proprietor Seven Hills Educational Trust

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