Kents Hill Infant Academy

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T 0300 123 4234 www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.1

Mrs Helen King Headteacher Kents Hill Infant Academy Kents Hill Road Benfleet Kent SS7 5PS

p.1

Benfleet

Following my visit to your school on 13 September 2016, I write on behalf of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to confirm the inspection findings.

p.1

Benfleet

This monitoring inspection was conducted under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 and in accordance with Ofsted’s published procedures for inspecting schools with no formal designation. The monitoring inspection was unannounced and was carried out in response to a complaint which raised concerns about the school’s safeguarding arrangements. While it is not the role of the inspection to investigate specific complaints, the complaint did form part of the context of the inspection.

p.1

Evidence

During this inspection I scrutinised the single central record and other safeguarding documents, including staff training records and a recent safeguarding audit. I met with you, as you are the designated safeguarding lead, and the deputy headteacher, who is the assistant designated safeguarding lead. I spoke with pupils, a newly qualified teacher and three governors, including the chair of the governing body and the governor with responsibility for safeguarding. I also spoke on the telephone with the local authority improvement adviser who works with the school. I had lunch with pupils and observed behaviour in the playground. I also considered the views of the 32 parents who had responded to Parent View, Ofsted’s online survey.

p.1

Evidence

Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time the academy’s safeguarding arrangements meet requirements.

p.1

Context

Kents Hill Infant School converted to an academy in September 2011. Its predecessor school was judged to be outstanding in February 2007. You took up the post of headteacher in September 2014.

p.2

Context

The academy is similar in size to the average primary school, with 268 pupils on roll. The proportions of pupils entitled to the pupil premium (additional funding from the government) and those who have special educational needs or disabilities are below average. A small proportion of pupils are from minority ethnic groups or speak English as an additional language.

p.2

Safeguarding

You have ensured that arrangements for safeguarding at Kents Hill Academy are fit for purpose, and that the safety and welfare of pupils are of paramount importance. Along with other school leaders, including governors, you ensure that appropriate checks are made on all adults who work with pupils at the school and that detailed records are kept of all staff appointments.

p.2

Safeguarding

You and the deputy headteacher are the designated child protection leads. You ensure that all members of staff are appropriately trained and are aware of the school’s safeguarding responsibilities. Accidents, behaviour incidents and child protection issues are responded to quickly, and accurate records are kept to record incidents and concerns. These are kept securely, with a good regard to confidentiality. Key policies are up to date and published on the school’s website. Information is also displayed around the school to highlight safeguarding issues.

p.2

Safeguarding

As a result of the good levels of care that staff provide, pupils are happy at Kents Hill and say that they feel safe. Attendance is above the national average and few pupils are persistently absent. Parents agree that the school is a safe place. Almost all of those who responded to Parent View said that their children are well looked after and kept safe while in school.

p.2

Safeguarding

Safeguarding forms part of the induction process for new staff and relevant information is included in staff handbooks. Governors keep a close eye on safeguarding issues and ensure that policies and safeguarding checks are appropriate and up to date. However, unlike with teaching staff, the induction of new governors does not currently include a safeguarding briefing.

p.2

External support

The school follows local authority guidelines and uses local authority expertise for training and advice. Where serious concerns arise, appropriate action is taken, which includes referring matters on to social services.

p.2

Priorities for further improvement

 ensure that all new governors are fully briefed on the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures when they take up their post.

p.3

Priorities for further improvement

I am copying this letter to the chair of the governing body, the regional schools commissioner and the director of children’s services for Essex. This letter will be published on the Ofsted website.

p.3