CHARLTON HOUSE SCHOOL LIMITED

St Mary's College Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

DfE registration number 852/6003 Unique Reference Number (URN) 116567 Inspection number 385634 Inspection dates 21 October 2011 Reporting inspector Fatiha Maitland 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 . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you

p.1

give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann’s Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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.

p.3

Information about the school

St Mary’s College is a co-educational Roman Catholic independent school for pupils aged from three to 16 years. It is located in Bitterne in Southampton. There are separate senior and preparatory school buildings as well as independent-standing classrooms in the grounds. The school was founded in 1922 as a boys’ school. In 1992, the school started admitting girls. There are 282 pupils on roll of whom 33 are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. There are 19 children in the Nursery and 14 in the Reception. All the nursery children receive state funding. There is currently one pupil with a statement of special educational needs. St Mary’s is a Christian school whose mission statement is embodied in the lives and works of the De la Mennais Brothers whose aim is to make Jesus better known and loved.

p.3

Context of the inspection

The school had its last full inspection in September 2009. There were a number of regulations that the school did not meet. An action plan was submitted in December 2009. The school's action plan was evaluated in January 2010 and accepted. A follow-up visit was carried out in February 2010 which found that the school had met all of the regulations.

p.3

Context of the inspection

The school received an unannounced emergency inspection in January 2011. The inspection indicated non-compliance with the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The school submitted an action plan, which was evaluated in July 2011. This was judged to be inadequate and required improvement.

p.3

Context of the inspection

This is the report of the first progress monitoring visit undertaken in order to check the progress the school has made in implementing its July 2011 action plan.

p.3

action plan

The previous visit of January 2011 found that the welfare, health and safety of the pupils were not secured by suitable policies and procedures. The safeguarding policy did not meet the current requirements. Independent school progress monitoring inspection report In response, the school planned to review its policies and procedures in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school. As a result of implementing the plan, the school has reviewed its safeguarding policy and procedures, which have regard to current guidance. For example, the safeguarding policy is now in line with locally agreed inter-agency procedures agreed through the local children safeguarding board. The policy confirms that it operates safer recruitment procedures including criminal record bureau (CRB) checks on all persons who come in contact with pupils and acknowledges the requirement to report to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) immediately. It makes clear reference to

p.3

action plan

policies such as whistle blowing, behaviour and anti-bullying to promote pupils’ health and safety at the school. The policy now includes clear aims, responsibilities and a summary of what constitutes abuse. The school also sets out clearly arrangements for dealing with allegations of abuse against members of staff including the headteacher and other residents on the site. There is a detailed flow chart and timescale for referrals, ensuring that evidence is carefully documented. The policy now specifies the need for training and retraining for the designated persons and all other staff and the levels of training required. It also states explicitly that the designated persons must report annually to the trustees on the operation of the policy and procedures and that any deficiencies noted will be remedied immediately.

p.4

action plan

The safeguarding policy names four designated child protection officers including a safeguarding trustee. These individuals have undertaken the required advanced child protection training. Other members of staff have received the relevant training in child protection and know what to do should a concern arise. The school now ensures that the safeguarding policy is accessible on the website and a hard copy is also available to parents and carers on request.

p.4

action plan

The last visit found that the security of the building was not assured. As set out in the school’s action plan, these shortfalls have been remedied. The school has since taken appropriate steps to ensure that pupils and adults are safe and secure on the school site.

p.4

action plan

Discussion with the senior management of the school and scrutiny of documentation indicate that the school is now aware of all the safeguarding requirements.

p.4

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school has made good progress and now meets all regulatory requirements. Independent school progress monitoring inspection report

p.4

School details

Type of school Roman Catholic co-educational

p.5

School details

Number on roll (full-time pupils) Boys: 175 Girls: 107 Total: 282

p.5

School details

Number on roll (part-time pupils) Boys: 13 Girls: 6 Total: 19

p.5

School details

Number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs Boys: 0 Girls: 1 Total: 1

p.5

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £8,400 (secondary) £6,450 (primary)

p.5

School details

Address of school 57 Midanbury Lane, Bitterne Park, Southampton, Hampshire SO18 4DJ Telephone number 02380 671267

p.5

School details

Headteacher Mrs Dee Owen (primary)/Mr Craig Lickley(secondary)

p.5

School details

Proprietor Brothers of Christian Instruction

p.5