Setting

Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 1 BOARDING SCHOOL

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BA10 0DF

Lead Inspector Jon Swift Announced Inspection 5th February 2007 08:30 Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 2 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to:

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• Put the people who use social care first • Improve services and stamp out bad practice • Be an expert voice on social care • Practise what we preach in our own organisation

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Reader Information Document Purpose Inspection Report Author CSCI Audience General Public Further copies from 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Internet address www.csci.org.uk Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 3 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Boarding Schools. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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Every Child Matters, outlined the government’s vision for children’s services and formed the basis of the Children Act 2004. It provides a framework for inspection so that children’s services should be judged on their contribution to the outcomes considered essential to wellbeing in childhood and later life. Those outcomes are: • Being healthy • Staying safe • Enjoying and achieving • Making a contribution; and • Achieving economic wellbeing.

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In response, the Commission for Social Care Inspection has re-ordered the national minimum standards for children’s services under the five outcomes, for reporting purposes. A further section has been created under ‘Management’ to cover those issues that will potentially impact on all the outcomes above.

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Copies of Every Child Matters and The Children Act 2004 are available from The Stationery Office as above. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 4

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Name of school

Address Cole Road Bruton Somerset BA10 0DF

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inspection

10 December 2002 Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 5

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Brief Description of the School:

Sexey’s is a Voluntary Aided Church of England school, having been established in 1891. It is a maintained mixed comprehensive school. In recent years, the pupil roll has significantly increased through the introduction of day pupils to the school on a phased basis.

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Brief Description of the School:

Boarding provision is in four houses, one house for year seven, two houses for years eight to ten, and one house for years eleven, twelve and thirteen. Three of these houses are located within the main school site and the fourth is a short walk away. Each house is divided into a boys and girls section with shared communal areas.

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Brief Description of the School:

The school is located on the outskirts of the small town of Bruton. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 6

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SUMMARY

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

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SUMMARY

Two inspectors from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) undertook this inspection over three consecutive days. Prior to the inspection most of the boarders had completed a Children’s Survey questionnaire. Parents had also been asked for their comments on the boarding arrangements and nine responses were received.

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SUMMARY

During this inspection the inspectors met with a number of boarders in small groups and some others were met informally. A guided tour of the school and boarding facilities were provided by small groups of boarders. Staff involved in the care of boarders were spoken with individually or in small groups and a wide range of records were examined. Inspectors were also able to observe or be involved in the daily routines of boarders.

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SUMMARY

The findings of this inspection were shared verbally with the Headmaster and his Deputy.

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What the school does well:

The school continues to provide boarders with the right balance of discipline, genuine care and support. The outcome of these arrangements are happy, confident and socially competent young people. The senior management team are providing positive leadership to all staff involved in boarding care.

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What the school does well:

Pre inspection responses received from boarders and parents were complimentary about the boarding arrangements.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The school has addressed all of the issues raised at the previous inspection. Improvements have included enhanced privacy arrangements, creation of smaller sleeping areas, toilet and washing facilities have been refurbished which included heating and water supply improvements. These improvements are in addition to the schools planned refurbishment and maintenance programme. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.d oc Version 5.2 Page 7

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What they could do better:

This inspection has highlighted some areas that require some additional work in order to fully comply with the National Minimum Standards. These improvements include the development of Risk Assessments for the boarding provision.

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What they could do better:

Please contact the Head for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8

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CONTENTS

Recommended Actions identified during the inspection Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Boarders’ health is promoted. (NMS 6) • Safeguarding and promoting boarders’ health and welfare are supported by appropriate records. (NMS 7) • Boarders’ receive first aid and health care as necessary.(NMS 15) • Boarders are adequately supervised and looked after when ill.(NMS 16) • Boarders are supported in relation to any health or personal Problems.(NMS 17) • Boarders receive good quality catering provision (NMS 24) • Boarders have access to food and drinking water in addition to main meals.(NMS 25) • Boarders are suitably accommodated when ill. (NMS 48) • Boarders’ clothing and bedding are adequately laundered.(NMS 49)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

6,7,15,16,17,24,25,48 and 49 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Boarders health and well being is being effectively promoted and supported by a comprehensive range of policies and practices. The medical centre staff are valued and appreciated by the boarders.

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EVIDENCE:

The PHSE has recently been extended to include citizenship. The modular PHSEC programme is well designed and comprehensive and offers sound basis for adult life preparation. This programme underpins the schools rules and ethos.

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EVIDENCE:

All confidential health care information is held securely at the medical centre by the registered nurses employed at the school. There is effective communication between the health centre and others involved in the care of the young people on a strictly need to know basis. The arrangements for young people to access a GP are clear and understood by the boarders. These Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 arrangements also include the availability of a female GP. The school systematically requests all necessary consents. The school has a rolling programme for the staff to undertake first aid training and an update of this is currently being undertaken.

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EVIDENCE:

The medical centre provides separate area for boarders who are ill. However boarders who continue to be unfit to attend school usually go home or return to guardians.

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EVIDENCE:

Boarders’ questionnaires confirmed a general satisfaction with the schools catering arrangements. Some comments were also made by parents that were considered during this inspection. Menus are displayed in both the school and boarding houses. Inspectors sampled both lunch and tea and considered that a good choice of hot and cold foods were available. The school has now adopted the ‘Healthy Eating Requirements’. Boarders’ opinions are considered through house meetings and a food committee. Since the last inspection access to drinking water has been improved throughout the school and boarding houses. Each boarding house are provide with varied evening and weekend snacks and treats.

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EVIDENCE:

Each boarding house has in house laundry facilities that were commented upon by the boarders as being a good service. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Boarders are protected from bullying.(NMS 2) • Boarders are protected from abuse.(NMS 3) • Use of discipline with boarders is fair and appropriate.(NMS 4) • Boarders’ complaints are appropriately responded to.(NMS 5) • The operation of any prefect system safeguards and promotes boarders’ welfare (NMS 13) • Boarders’ welfare is protected in any appointment of educational guardians by the school.(NMS 22) • Boarders are protected from the risk of fire. (NMS 26) • The welfare of any children other than the school’s pupils is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated by the school.(NMS 28) • Boarders’ safety and welfare are protected during high risk activities.(NMS 29) • Boarders’ personal privacy is respected.(NMS 37) • There is vigorous selection and vetting of all staff and volunteers working with boarders.(NMS 38) • Boarders are protected from unsupervised contact at school with adults who have not been subject to the school’s complete recruitment checking

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

procedures and there is supervision of all unchecked visitors to the boarding premises.(NMS 39) • Boarders have their own accommodation, secure from public intrusion. (NMS 41) • Boarders are protected from safety hazards.(NMS 47)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

2,3,4,5,13,22,26,37,38,39,41 and 47 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The school’s practical arrangements for managing child protection, bullying, complaints and behaviour management continue to be good, and are understood by the boarders. Advice on some minor adjustments to the current arrangements was provided. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12

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EVIDENCE:

A high percentage of boarders confirmed through the pre inspection questionnaires that they were not being bullied (84.6%). Discussions with boarders during this inspection also confirmed that bullying was not a significant issue within this school. Prefects and staff were aware that bullying was likely to occur but were vigilant in their approach to any behaviours or incidents that could be considered to be bullying.

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EVIDENCE:

The school has a clear child protection policy in place that is made available to all staff and recent training for staff has maintained their awareness. Receipt of this training is documented for all staff. The Deputy Head is the liaison person for the school with other agencies.

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EVIDENCE:

It is worthy of note that 93% of the boarders considered that the school always or usually protected them.

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EVIDENCE:

Discipline within the boarding houses is considered by boarders to be fair and reasonable. All major punishments within the school are recorded appropriately and the Headmaster has overall responsibility. Minor punishments given in boarding houses are recorded in house and monitored by the deputy head as part of his monitoring and review of houses. The frequency of this monitoring was discussed.

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EVIDENCE:

Complaints are taken seriously and a clear policy and procedure operates. A written record is maintained and the most recent complaint was discussed as part of this inspection and records of this issue were finalised.

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EVIDENCE:

Prefects apply to the Headmaster in writing, and the selection process includes house staff views on their suitability. A trial period is used whereby incoming prefects receive training and support from staff and their outgoing peers.

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EVIDENCE:

The school are not involved in arranging guardians for boarders.

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EVIDENCE:

Fire risk assessments had been completed for each boarding house and the County Council will be progressing the required works identified. Regular fire drills are undertaken and recorded. However there was no consistent approach to the maintenance of these records. The school have agreed to address this. The wedging of fire doors was discussed and the deputy head will monitor these shared concerns.

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EVIDENCE:

The system for testing fire call points has recently changed and maintenance staff now undertakes this. The school recognised that the practice and recording needed to be standardised. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 External contractors undertake fire equipment tests.

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EVIDENCE:

Privacy arrangement and practices observed were generally good and boarders confirmed this. The school acknowledge that there were two areas requiring some minor adjustments to further enhance the privacy arrangements.

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EVIDENCE:

The school has a clear understanding of the standards to be followed with regarding to the safe recruitment of staff. Sampling of individual staff records found that the school had systems in place to apply all o the checks required in National Minimum Standard 38.2. The sampled records were generally well maintained, and advice was given on some minor adjustment to the current arrangements.

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EVIDENCE:

All boarding houses have a good security door lock system that is operated by a key fob issued to each boarder. Additional security measures include signing in and out systems and CCTV surveillance.

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EVIDENCE:

Following this inspection the school are aware that they need to implement a systematic approach to environmental risk assessments. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Boarders have access to a range and choice of activities.(NMS 11) • Boarders receive personal support from staff.(NMS 14) • Boarders do not experience inappropriate discrimination.(NMS 18) • Boarders’ welfare is not compromised by unusual or onerous demands.(NMS 27) • Boarders have satisfactory provision to study.(NMS 43) • Boarders have access to a range of safe recreational areas.(NMS 46)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

14 and 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

A range of appropriate people is available for boarders to consult. This inspection did not reveal any issues of inappropriate discrimination.

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EVIDENCE:

Discussions with boarders and comments made in the pre inspection questionnaires demonstrated a wide range of people they felt able to approach. There are comprehensive useful contacts lists displayed prominently throughout the school and boarding houses. The school employs a counsellor who is usually accessed through the medical centre staff. Although some posters were displayed about this service the school acknowledged that this service should be mentioned in other key documents.

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EVIDENCE:

Equal opportunities at this school are actively promoted through their practices and policies. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Boarders are enabled to contribute to the operation of boarding in the school.(NMS 12) • Boarders can maintain private contact with their parents and families.(NMS 19) • New boarders are introduced to the school’s procedures and operation, and are enabled to settle in.(NMS 21) • Boarders have appropriate access to information and facilities outside the school.(NMS 30) • There are sound relationships between staff and boarders.(NMS 36)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

12,19 and 36 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Boarders enjoy sound relationships with staff that include being consulted and listened to with regard to the operation of boarding within the school.

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EVIDENCE:

House council and school council meetings take place and notes are circulated. Periodic surveys of boarders’ views are carried out in conjunction with the Deputy Head’s planned individual boarding house reviews. Boarders are of the opinion that their views are listened to and either acted upon or a reason given for no action.

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EVIDENCE:

The majority of boarders have mobile phones. Payphones are available in all boarding houses with a good range of contact numbers displayed by the phones. All boarders have email accounts through the school system. Parental comments received expressed general satisfaction with these arrangements. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 There are very good relationships between staff and boarders. The inspectors observed boarders to be at ease in the presence of staff and a positive rapport pervaded in all areas of the school. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• Boarders’ possessions and money are protected.(NMS 20) • Boarders are provided with satisfactory accommodation.(NMS 40) • Boarders have satisfactory sleeping accommodation.(NMS 42) • Boarders have adequate private toilet and washing facilities.(NMS 44) • Boarders have satisfactory provision for changing by day.(NMS 45) • Boarders can obtain personal requisites while accommodated at school.(NMS 50) • The welfare of boarders placed in lodgings is safeguarded and promoted.(NMS 51)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The school have continued to invest in the boarding provision and have a development plan for further works.

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EVIDENCE:

The general standard in all boarding houses is good. Boarders spoken with made comments about individual arrangements but were generally satisfied with the provision. The inspectors shared their views on their observations made during the inspection on the need to monitor and review arrangements in order to meet all individuals needs.

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EVIDENCE:

The school have an ongoing programme of refurbishment that includes mattress and furniture replacement.

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EVIDENCE:

The showering and toilet provision that has been refurbished since the last inspection provides a good range of facilities. The school were advised to consider the locks on doors in one boarding house when it is refurbished. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The school does not provide any lodging arrangements. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19

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The intended outcomes for these standards are:

• A suitable statement of the school’s principles and practice should be available to parents, boarders and staff (NMS 1) • There is clear leadership of boarding in the school.(NMS 8) • Crises affecting boarders’ welfare are effectively managed.(NMS 9) • The school’s organisation of boarding contributes to boarders’ welfare.(NMS 10) • Risk assessment and school record keeping contribute to boarders’ welfare.(NMS 23) • Boarders are adequately supervised by staff.(NMS 31) • Staff exercise appropriate supervision of boarders leaving the school site.(NMS 32) • Boarders are adequately supervised at night.(NMS 33) • Boarders are looked after by staff with specific boarding duties, with adequate induction and continued training.(NMS 34) • Boarders are looked after by staff following clear boarding policies and practice.(NMS 35) • The welfare of boarders is safeguarded and promoted while accommodated away from the school site on short-term visits (NMS 52)

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.

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JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s):

The school benefits from clear leadership that is a partnership between senior management and the governors. There are sufficient staff deployed to the boarding arrangements of the school who are supported by clear policies and procedures.

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EVIDENCE:

Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The school prospectus provides clear statements on the principles and practices of boarding at the school. This information is made available to parents and boarders.

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EVIDENCE:

The Head has made arrangements for all of the required records to be monitored on a regular basis. Discussion regarding the frequency of this monitoring took place.

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EVIDENCE:

There are clear staff rotas in place to support the young people in the boarding houses.

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EVIDENCE:

All staff involved in boarding have job descriptions. New boarding staff undertake a formalised induction programme and satisfactory completion is documented. There are similar arrangements for GAP students that also includes their attendance at BSA courses. The school agreed that arrangements for other assistants involved in boarding should follow the same process and all induction should be confirmed in writing. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools have been met and uses the following scale.

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

4 Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

“X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable

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SCORING OF OUTCOMES

BEING HEALTHY ENJOYING AND ACHIEVING Standard No Score Standard No Score 6 3 11 x 7 3 14 3 15 3 18 3 16 3 27 x 17 3 43 x 24 3 46 x 25 3 48 3 MAKING A POSITIVE 49 3 CONTRIBUTION Standard No Score STAYING SAFE 12 3 Standard No Score 19 3 2 3 21 x 3 3 30 x 4 3 36 3 5 3 13 3 ACHIEVING ECONOMIC 22 3 WELLBEING 26 3 Standard No Score 28 x 20 x 29 x 40 3 37 3 42 3 38 3 44 3 39 3 45 x 41 3 50 x 47 2 51 N/A Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22

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Continued

MANAGEMENT Standard No Score 1 3 8 x 9 x 10 x 23 3 31 3 32 x 33 x 34 3 35 x 52 x Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Are there any outstanding recommendations from the last inspection?

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the proprietor meets the Children Act 1989, Inspection of Schools and Colleges Regulations 2002 and the National Minimum Standards.

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RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

No. Standard Recommendation Timescale for action (Serious welfare concerns only) 1 BS47 The school should implement an effective system for risk assessments with written records. Sexeys School DS0000039847.V322464.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Somerset Records Management Unit Ground Floor Riverside Chambers Castle Street Taunton TA1 4AL

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI

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