St. Andrew's College Cambridge

Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10/05/2016 Page 1 of 12 St Andrew's 13 Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2JB

p.1

The overall experiences and progress of children and young people Good 2

p.1

The quality of care and support Good 2 How well children and young people are protected Good 2 The impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement 3

p.1

Summary of key findings The boarding provision is good because  Young people benefit from the boarding experience. They cite the dedicated staff, comfortable halls and individual support as key factors underpinning their academic achievement and overall enjoyment.

p.1

 Young people maximise their potential and access further education opportunities as a result of attending the college.

p.1

 Young people are safeguarded during their stays. They are supervised and supported well by staff. Safeguarding arrangements at the school are embedded and implemented by all staff.

p.1

 Behaviour and conduct are very good. Young people treat staff and one another with respect and courtesy.

p.1

 Complaints are not managed in line with the school’s own policy; the records do not demonstrate clearly responses to and outcomes of complaints.

p.1

 The school’s policies for medication and searching young people’s rooms require reviewing and developing to ensure clear guidance for staff.

p.1

 Internet access is not consistent across the halls of residence, resulting in periods when young people are frustrated by its slow speed. Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10/05/2016 Page 2 of 12

p.1

Compliance with the national minimum standards for boarding schools

The school does not meet the following national minimum standards for boarding schools:

p.2

Compliance with the national minimum standards for boarding schools

 Ensure that the school follows and maintains the policies and documents described in appendix 1 (National Minimum Standard 13.7).

p.2

Points for improvement

 Monitor the speed and availability of the internet provision in the halls of residence.

p.2

Points for improvement

 Devise and implement a policy to support and guide staff where a room search is deemed necessary.

p.2

Points for improvement

 Ensure that young people are aware of the role of the independent listener. Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 3 of 12

p.2

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out within four hours of telephone notification to the school. The inspection took place over three days. Discussions with young people, staff, host families and agents informed the inspection judgements. Documents, records and surveys were scrutinised. Feedback from the designated safeguarding officer at the local authority was obtained prior to the inspection.

p.3

Inspection team

Deirdra Keating lead social care inspector Rosie Davie social care inspector Trish Palmer social care inspector Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 4 of 12

p.3

Information about this school

St Andrew’s College was founded in 1976 as an independent college and is located on two sites in Cambridge. It is privately owned and provides a range of educational courses for students aged from 15 to 24. Boarding accommodation is provided in five boarding houses and with host families. Currently there are 106 students on roll. The college's aim is to create an academic environment in which students can achieve examination results that will enable them to enrol in higher education. The college prepares overseas students both academically and socially to benefit from higher education in the United Kingdom.

p.4

Information about this school

The college was last inspected on the 23 May 2015. Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 5 of 12

p.4

Good

Young people make good academic progress at the college, providing a gateway to university education. Additionally, their grades improve in core subjects and they acquire fluency in English. Young people talk about their conditional university place offers. This enhances their life experiences and broadens their horizons. Young people are positive and pleased with the boarding and academic provision. Quotes from young people include: ‘It’s perfect’ and ‘Great food, great people, good living.’ Young people benefit from the support of the staff and social interactions with others. Young people report that house managers are always there. One young person said: ‘If I have things that I need help with I will go to the manager.’ Another young person said: ‘She is always available and there when we need her.’ This supports young people adjusting to studying far from their homes. Young people have many opportunities to socialise with others and become orientated

p.5

Good

with the local area. House managers and host families give clear advice about how to keep safe and continually monitor young people’s whereabouts and wellbeing. This supports their individual welfare and safety. Young people’s views are sought using meetings and feedback forms provided by the college. This provides opportunities for young people to contribute to the smooth running of the halls. Feedback is used to make changes and drive improvement, helping young people feel listened to and valued. Improvement in accommodation decor and procedures have been made since the last inspection. A reoccurring complaint of young people is the variation in internet speed. While this may not impact on communications, it can delay access to current resources for studying during times of busy usage.

p.5

The quality of care and support Good

House managers provide a good induction process. This enables them to get to know each young person’s individual circumstances and needs. Young people new to boarding are supported by those experienced in being away from home who have good knowledge of the college and the locality. Structured induction and sharing of knowledge reduces the likelihood of isolation. Staff treat young people with positive regard and respect. They are responsive and sensitive to their respective culture, beliefs, race and ethnicity, helping them to maintain their own cultural identity while living in the halls. Young people are registered with medical professionals locally. House managers provide guidance about other services such as sexual health matters. There are locked cabinets in each hall where medication can be stored. Approach and administration of Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 6 of 12 purchasable medications remains unclear. The supporting policy lacks clarity and

p.5

The quality of care and support Good

definition. As there are no acute conditions or specific medical needs among young people, there is no impact on their current health needs. The majority of young people own smart phones, tablets or laptops. This helps them maintain contact with home. Communal telephones and computers are available to support young people contacting home. Young people say: ‘It is easy with my phone to keep in touch with my family and friends.’ However, ongoing issues with the speed of the wireless internet service continue and young people report that this is frustrating.

p.6

The quality of care and support Good

The majority of young people have their own rooms, which are comfortable, personalised, and afford ample space for study, general and personal storage. This helps them to feel relaxed and provides study and personal space away from others. House managers monitor students that tend to isolate themselves. This ensures their wellbeing. Catering is provided by house managers and host families. Observation and discussion demonstrate that food is freshly prepared and cooked from raw ingredients. Knowledge of young people’s dietary needs enables house managers and host families to provide balanced, nutritious meals which encompass an international cuisine. A limited range of activities are provided. Activities that young people can access include football and debating. Trips are put on during the summer months and some young people attend the gym or enjoy the cultural aspects of the city. The majority of young

p.6

The quality of care and support Good

people are focused on study time and spending time with peers, reducing demand for structured activities. Monthly house meetings highlight local events and noticeboards in halls provide information about what is going on. This helps to provide social opportunities, thus reducing isolation. House managers report that the staff in the college are responsive if problems begin to emerge and that they are quick to meet with young people and look at support options. Concerns raised by young people are dealt with quickly. Dynamics in relationships are addressed and opportunities given for discussion and resolution. This results in a harmonious atmosphere where young people treat one another with mutual respect. One young person summarised, ‘I think that we are quite unique here because we see each other every day, spend time together and celebrate birthdays.’ Young people experience similar challenges and share academic goals and ambition. This brings a

p.6

How well children and young people are protected Good

The support and care of young people is good. A strong emphasis on safe personal conduct and adhering to the house safety rules supports young people’s safety. Students are required to sign in and out of the halls and the house managers are quick to tackle individuals when they do not follow protocol. House managers take a parental approach to monitoring the whereabouts of young people. One house manager summarised: ‘I look out for the small pieces of information that fit together to help the students to make better choices and to keep themselves safe when out and about.’ This provides Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 7 of 12 reassurance for those living many miles from family and friends. Risks are identified and managed well to support young people’s safety. These include consistently upholding house rules. Young people understand the expectations and rarely exceed their agreed curfew times. Host families and house managers teach young

p.6

How well children and young people are protected Good

people about public transport and cycling proficiently. This enables young people to commute safely maintaining personal autonomy appropriate to their age. Young people who show particular signs of vulnerability are given one-to-one support and are monitored by teaching and welfare staff. Risk assessments determine how individuals are supported. These minimise risk and support young people’s individual wellbeing. The school has a number of designated child protection leads, trained to level 2 in managing child protection concerns. Discussion with the local authority designated officer raises no concerns or referrals about adults. Concerns about young people’s welfare are referred promptly to children’s services. A robust policy defines how to manage allegations. House managers and host families receive safeguarding and Prevent training. This provides knowledge of risks that are pertinent to young people,

p.7

How well children and young people are protected Good

including radicalisation or exploitation. The knowledge of such risks supports a vigilant adult curiosity and referral. This helps protect young people. Young people all confirm that they have an adult they can approach but not all are aware that there is an independent listener appointed by the provision. This role is reappointed to every year by the principal, and young people are advised by letter that the listener is available. However, this is not given enough profile and therefore is not used. Young people’s behaviour is extremely good and incidents are very rare. There are no incidents of young people going missing, no use of restraint and few sanctions imposed. Issues generally centre around housekeeping grumbles. Conflict between young people is addressed using resolution and reflection. The conflict can stem from room sharing and is addressed by house managers and personal tutors. Personal belongings are the responsibility of young people. Secure provision is provided

p.7

How well children and young people are protected Good

for all young people in their rooms. Occasional incidents of missing items are investigated and action is taken to ensure that young people’s belongings are safe. One serious incident was referred to the police and staff carried out room searches. While this was done with minimal disruption, there is no record of the search or of supporting policy. Overall, the school took swift and decisive action to ensure that young people’s belongings are secure and that future incidents are prevented. Halls are maintained well, and environmental safety checks and appliance servicing are regular and routine. This minimises hazards and ensures that the premises are physically safe. Adults and host families undergo suitability checks prior to working with young people. Plans to renew these at a regular point in time are being introduced. This is a significant undertaking due to the high number of host families. Contracts ensure that changes or

p.7

How well children and young people are protected Good

concerns about any adult must be notified to the school. Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 8 of 12

p.7

improvement

The small management team are accessible and united in their oversight of the boarding provision. The managing director and deputy director oversee the boarding provision while working closely with the principal of education. This provides a sound oversight of students’ progress and welfare. The school is successful in providing further education and access to university education in the United Kingdom for an international cohort of young people. Quotes from young people support this and include, ‘I feel that I have been very well prepared for going forward to university’. The senior management team and house managers are established and stable, providing consistent staffing and a wealth of experience. This gives good support to international students, who are adjusting to studying away from home. House managers provide an adult in each hall of residence to supervise young people and ensure their daily safety

p.8

improvement

and wellbeing. House managers are appraised and supported by the deputy director. Clear targets identify training needs and support their professional development, this in turn supports good care and knowledge of young people’s diverse cultural and individual needs. Monitoring of the provision is adequate. The deputy director visits the halls and records support these visits. Performance management of managers is linked to the quality of the halls and this link has been successful in improving the quality of accommodation. A review of the boarding provision is basic and meets the minimum requirements. Monitoring and checks on homestay arrangements are carried out annually; ensuring that accommodation provided by host families offers a homely environment. Host families provide parental controls to support young people’s safety and ensure that behaviour is conducive to good college attendance and focused study.

p.8

improvement

Significant improvements have been made since the last inspection. The senior management team demonstrates a compliant and willing attitude to meeting requirements. While these are acknowledged, the management team are realistic that there remains work to be done, particularly in regard to policy development and review. This is in regard to the complaints policy not being followed on one occasion, the development of a better medication policy and devising a room search policy. There were a number of shortfalls raised at the last inspection and these have been addressed. However, actions do not exceed the minimum or demonstrate strong practice. There are no widespread failures that impact on young people’s welfare and ongoing work to address the areas identified is evident. Parental feedback is difficult to obtain. In general, parents use an agent in the United Kingdom to make travel and school arrangements and support young people at the

p.8

improvement

provision. Feedback from three agents was positive and cited the school’s consistent success in enabling access to higher education. The small class numbers and individual support are cited as being highly beneficial to young people. Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 9 of 12 Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 10 of 12 What inspection judgements mean The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against ‘Inspections of boarding and residential provision in schools: the inspection framework’.

p.8

improvement

Judgement Description Outstanding A school where the experiences and progress of children and young people consistently exceeds the standard of good and results in sustained progress and achievement. The outcomes achieved by children and young people are outstanding and the impact the boarding/residential provision has had in supporting this progress and achieving these outcomes is clearly evidenced. Good A school providing effective services which exceed minimum requirements. Children and young people are protected and cared for and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. Requires improvement A school where there are no serious or widespread failures that result in children and young people's welfare not being safeguarded or promoted. However, the overall outcomes, experiences and progress of children and young people are not yet good. Inadequate A school where there are serious and/or widespread failures that mean

p.10

improvement

children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded or if their care and experiences are poor and they are not making progress. Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 11 of 12 School details

p.10

improvement

Unique reference number 110932 Social care unique reference number SC015288 DfE registration number 110932 This inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for boarding schools. Type of school Boarding School Number of boarders on roll 155 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 15 to 22 Headteacher Mr Wayne Marshall Date of previous boarding inspection 22/06/2015 to 24/06/2015 Telephone number 01223323718 Email address wayne.marshall@standrewscambridge.co.uk Inspection Report St Andrew's, 10 May 2016 Page 12 of 12 out in the guidance 'raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/ofsted." If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

p.11

improvement

You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.12

improvement

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12

improvement

inspects 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 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. Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied. if you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille,

p.12

improvement

please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you 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'.

p.12