Ashby School

Progress monitoring inspection boarding report

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Ashby School (School House) School House, Leicester Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1DH

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Context of the inspection

A full inspection of this boarding house was undertaken on 6, 7 and 8 November 2018. Inspectors found significant safeguarding concerns. The headteacher has provided an action plan to address the identified shortfalls and ensure the safety of children.

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Context of the inspection

This monitoring visit was carried out to assess progress towards achieving the objectives of the action plan, and to ensure that immediate safeguarding concerns have been addressed.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The headteacher and governors have taken steps to address the significant shortfalls identified at the full inspection.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Appointments have been made to cover the day-to-day operation of the boarding provision in the absence of the director of boarding. The post is covered by a newly- appointed assistant director of boarding and a lead year tutor. These appear to be positive appointments.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Some progress has been made towards implementing the action plan. For example:

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

 Children with emotional health needs are starting to get the help that they need.  Alcohol is no longer given by staff on an 18th birthday.  Outdated punishment regimes are no longer used.  Safer medication routines have been established.  Fire exits are no longer blocked.  Appropriate training and support are being sought for staff.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

However, there remain significant concerns that have not yet been resolved in full:

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

 Some children are still reporting bullying. Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 22/11/2018 Page 2 of 6  Children are still not confident that they will receive a sensitive, caring response from all members of staff if they feel ill. Some do not report illness unless the medical supervisor is on duty.  Staff have been slow to arrange a change of room for one child.  Some staff do not demonstrate a caring and sensitive manner towards children.  Some staff are still not recognising or robustly addressing bullying behaviours.  Some children still do not feel confident about reporting their concerns and worries to staff.  Children have had access to many keys, including dormitory keys. A child has said that children are locked in their rooms by other children. School leaders took immediate action during the inspection to restrict children’s access to dormitory keys.

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schools:

 The school has, and implements effectively, appropriate policies for the care of boarders who are unwell, and ensures that the physical and mental health, and emotional wellbeing of boarders is promoted. These include first aid, care of those with chronic conditions and disabilities, dealing with medical emergencies and the use of household remedies. (NMS 3.1)  Suitable sleeping accommodation is provided for boarders. It is well organised and managed with risk assessments undertaken and findings acted upon to reduce risk for all boarders. Where boarders are aged 8 years or over, sleeping accommodation for boys is separate from sleeping accommodation for girls. (NMS 5.1)  The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. (NMS 7.1)  All boarders, including those with special dietary, medical or religious needs, are provided with meals which are adequate in nutrition, quantity, quality, choice and

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schools:

variety. (NMS 8.1)  There is an appropriate range and choice of activities for boarders outside teaching time, including sufficient and suitably timed free time each day. Suitable risk assessments are in place for any activities which may put boarders at risk of harm. (NMS 10.1)  The school ensures that: arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State. (NMS 11.1)  The school has and consistently implements a written policy to promote good behaviour amongst pupils. This policy includes: measures to combat bullying, including cyberbullying, and to promote positive behaviour; school rules; disciplinary Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 22/11/2018 Page 3 of 6 sanctions; when restraint, including reasonable force, is to be used and how this will be recorded and managed; and arrangements for searching pupils and their

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schools:

possessions. (NMS 12.1)  The school’s leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role. (NMS 13.3)  The staff supervising boarders outside teaching time are sufficient in number, training and experience for the age, number and needs of boarders, and the locations and activities involved. (NMS 15.3)  Boarders have a satisfactory means of contacting a member of staff in each house at night. (NMS 15.8)  Boarders are actively encouraged to contribute views about the operation of the boarding provision, are able to raise concerns and make complaints, and their views are given appropriate weight in decisions about the running of the school. Boarders are not penalised for raising a concern or making a complaint in good faith. (NMS 17.1) Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 22/11/2018 Page 4 of 6

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Inspection team

Joanne Vyas Lead social care inspector Davinia Lawton Social care inspector

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Information about this school

Ashby School is an academy boarding school. School House, situated within the grounds of Ashby School, provides boarding accommodation for boys attending Ashby School, Ivanhoe College and Ashby Church of England School. School House currently accommodates 63 boys, aged 10 to 18 years. Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 22/11/2018 Page 5 of 6

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School details

Unique reference number 138833 Social care unique reference number SC001838

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School details

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.

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School details

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.

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School details

Type of school Boarding school Number of boarders on roll 63 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 14 to 18 Headteacher Geoff Staniforth Date of previous boarding inspection 06/11/2018 Telephone number 01530 413 748 Email address admin@ashbyschool.org.uk Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 22/11/2018 Page 6 of 6 guidance ‘Raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.co.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 .

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School details

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School details

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School details

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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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School details

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School details

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School details

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School details

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School details

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