Abbey College Cambridge

School name Abbey College Cambridge DfE registration number 873/6049 Unique reference number (URN) 136083 Inspection number 10006642 Inspection dates 6 October 2015 Lead inspector John Daniell HMI to 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 and 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.

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No. 090080 Advice note for a emergency inspection

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Information about the inspection

 This inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. It was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. 1

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Information about the inspection

 This inspection was conducted without notice.

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Information about the inspection

 The inspector met with senior leaders, members of the teaching staff and students.

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Information about the inspection

 The inspector reviewed the college’s policies relating the pupils’ welfare and health and safety and, in particular, the use of information and communication technology by pupils and members of staff.

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Information about the school

 Abbey College Cambridge is located on six sites in the centre of Cambridge. It is part of the Alpha Plus Group Ltd, which also operates colleges elsewhere in the country.

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Information about the school

 It provides GCSE and A level courses, together with a university foundation course, for students in the age range 14 to 21 years.

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Information about the school

 The college does not use any alternative provision.

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Information about the school

 The college provides boarding accommodation for a number of students. The last report on the boarding provision was published by Ofsted in April 2013.

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Reason of the inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE because of concerns about the welfare, health and safety of pupils at the college. The inspector paid particular attention to the college’s policy on the use of social media sites and the interaction of staff and pupils using them.

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Reason of the inspection

1 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/25/contents. Advice note for a emergency inspection

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 The policies relating to pupils’ welfare, health and safety are implemented well by members of staff in the college. The standards relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils are met.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 The college’s safeguarding policy has been reviewed to reflect current requirements and is readily accessible on the college’s website and on request in paper form.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 The inspector questioned staff and pupils about their use of social media sites. Staff and pupils are clear about the safe use of the internet, and in particular, the use of social media sites. Staff are clearly aware that they are not to make use of any personal social media accounts to communicate with pupils. Equally, pupils are aware that they may only communicate with staff through professional social media accounts or by emailing teachers on their college email accounts.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 New members of staff have received detailed information and training on safeguarding young people and all staff regularly receive updated safeguarding training.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 All pupils are made aware of the safe use of the internet and sign a document when joining the college which states they will adhere to the college’s guidelines.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe when using the internet through assemblies and a comprehensive personal, health, social and educational (PHSE) programme.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 The college makes use of social media sites for teachers and pupils to engage in academic discussions and debates. Guidance for teachers in setting up professional social media sites is clear. The Vice Principal, who is also the designated lead for child protection, insists that she be a member of every discussion forum set up by teachers, and she regularly monitors the content of discussions between teachers and pupils.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 The inspector and the Vice Principal reviewed the content of these discussions between pupils and their teachers. All discussions relate to academic work. The advantages of such activities outweigh any

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

2 www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/3283/contents/made . Advice note for a emergency inspection disadvantages and clearly contribute to students’ outstanding achievement.

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schools

Overall outcome No unmet independent school standards identified

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schools

Report recommendation A report on the findings of the inspection is not recommended to be published on the Ofsted website

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