Ashby School (School House)

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

This monitoring visit was carried out to assess progress in complying with the national minimum standards. This was the second monitoring visit since the full inspection on 6 November 2018 at which the residential provision was judged as inadequate.

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Context of the inspection

The aim of this monitoring visit was to:  determine the impact of any actions on the welfare and outcomes for children and young people  identify whether any additional concerns exist  determine the capacity of the principal and head of boarding to sustain the improvements that have already been made  consider any further action that may need to be taken.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The leadership team has now achieved a number of the objectives that were set out in its action plan to improve the boarding provision. A child said: ‘The directors know what they are doing. They have done a fantastic job.’ Many positive changes have been made, but the team recognises that it has more to do. It is also aware that a minority of staff have not fully accepted the findings of the full inspection and have not supported or embraced the changes that have been made since.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The leadership team has implemented new rules such as the removal of mobile phones from the children in the dormitories during the night and the removal of gaming equipment from dormitories. This has helped to reduce bullying. A child said: ‘Mobiles have been confiscated from the little ones. They are moaning about this, but they are less tired in the mornings and there are less arguments. It’s a better environment. A calmer place.’

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Children are happy and enjoying their boarding experience. A child said: ‘I feel at home.’ Children have access to a range of activities every evening and at weekends. These include swimming, Scouts, mechanics, movie nights and football. They now also have access to a gaming room, a chess room (for board games), a computer room and a Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 17/01/2019 Page 2 of 6 cinema room. The children have thoroughly embraced the new activities and particularly enjoy the gaming room and the cinema room, which is soon to have a popcorn and drinks machine added.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Children confirmed that bullying has reduced significantly. They have been part of discussions about bullying and have produced an anti-bullying poster. This has been displayed throughout the boarding house.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Children are now much happier with their sleeping arrangements. Those who were in beds that were too small for them have moved into more suitable beds. Other children have moved dormitories so that they are with their friends.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Children can now easily contact staff during the night. Phones have been fitted to all bedroom corridors. Appropriate telephone numbers are posted on the wall next to each phone so that children can easily access the staff on duty.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff are spending more time with the children so have more opportunities to listen to children’s views. New systems, including a suggestion box and regular children’s meetings, also ensure that children’s views are heard. Children said that they feel listened to and that their views are quickly acted on.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

A fire officer has visited the boarding house. The recommendations made during this visit have been addressed. The boarding house is now better protected from the risk of fire.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Potential safeguarding concerns are still not being recognised by some staff. As a result, they are not properly reported or investigated. A minority of staff continue to be dismissive of the concerns and worries expressed by children.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Adult supervision of children using the internet on the boarding house computers is sometimes not robust.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Prescribed medication has not been given to some children on some occasions. This could be detrimental to their health.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Records have not been properly monitored to ensure that the leadership team is fully aware of the concerns reported within them.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Behaviour is generally good. Rewards and sanctions have been reviewed and archaic disciplinary measures have been stopped. However, current sanctions continue to be inconsistently applied. For example, according to records, a child who is violent towards another child was given additional jobs to do but a child who forgot to sign back into the boarding house was grounded for one week.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

There continues to be a lack of choice at mealtimes. The leadership team said that it is working hard to improve the food available to children. Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 17/01/2019 Page 3 of 6

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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)  All boarders, including those with special dietary, medical or religious needs, are provided with meals which are adequate in nutrition, quantity, quality, choice and variety. (NMS 8.1)  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

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schools:

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 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) Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 17/01/2019 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

School House, situated within the grounds of Ashby School, provides boarding accommodation for boys attending Ashby School and two other schools. School House currently accommodates 63 boarders aged 10 to 18 years. Inspection Report Ashby School (School House), 17/01/2019 Page 5 of 6

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School details

Unique reference number 1020656 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 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 Male Age range of boarders 10 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), 17/01/2019 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

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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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