Beechen Cliff School

Boarding progress monitoring inspection report

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Beechen Cliff School Alexandra Park, Bath, Somerset BA2 4RE

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Context of the inspection

The last social care inspection of the boarding provision took place in May 2018. Since then, the school has closed and re-opened as a new school within the Midsummer Norton Schools Partnership multi-academy trust. This inspection took place to monitor the progress made in meeting welfare requirements for boarding schools.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Leaders and managers take effective steps to develop and progress the boarding provision. Their development plan is helping them to make steady and incremental improvements. The headteacher and the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) spoke with confidence and determination about the work that they have undertaken and the additional improvements that they are planning.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The appointment of a new DSL has brought about much-needed improvement. Several safeguarding systems, including a weekly meeting of the safeguarding team, have now been established to underpin practice. These improvements have paved the way by allowing leaders to have oversight and scrutiny of concerns. Nevertheless, these systems are in their infancy and are not yet fully embedded in practice.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The DSL has safeguarding experience and, is bringing an increased level of rigour to the management of safeguarding concerns. Nonetheless, there are a small number of practice issues that had not been identified by the safeguarding team or the senior leaders. The DSL requires sufficient time and support to ensure that his oversight is always good.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

A safeguarding culture is evident through various aspects of school and boarding life. Children say that they feel safe at school. They talk about an increased focus on equality, tolerance and respect and on keeping each other safe. This has made them consider their own behaviour and the effect it could have on others.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Not all staff receive formal regular supervision. For example, the head of boarding receives peer support from an external partner. This is a missed opportunity to ensure sufficient challenge and accountability. Neither is the DSL provided with important Inspection Report Beechen Cliff School, 25/06/2019 Page 2 of 5 information about his team’s performance. Boarding staff are receiving regular supervision. The quality of this supervision requires improvement as, currently, there is a lack of focus on meeting children’s needs and discussing safeguarding matters. These weaknesses limit appropriate oversight, monitoring and challenge.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Inspectors will review the national minimum standards in full at the next full inspection of the boarding provision.

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schools:

 Ensure that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of the pupils; and such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the secretary of state. (NMS 11.1)  The school’s governing body and/or proprietor monitors the effectiveness of the leadership, management and delivery of the boarding and welfare provision in the school, and takes appropriate action where necessary. (NMS 13.1)  There is clear leadership and management of the practice and development of boarding in the school, and effective links are made between academic and residential staff. (NMS 13.2)  The school’s leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role. (NMS 13.3)  The senior boarding staff have an adequate level of experience and training. (NMS 13.6)

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schools:

 Inspection Report Beechen Cliff School, 25/06/2019 Page 3 of 5

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Inspection team

Tracey Ledder Lead Social Care Inspector Paula Lahey Regulatory Inspection Manager

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Information about this school

Beechen Cliff School is part of a multi-academy trust. The academy of 1,320 pupils provides education for boys only from 11 to 16 and has a mixed-gender sixth form of 350. The school has a small boarding facility, housing up to 32 pupils. The school is located close to the centre of Bath and caters for pupils of all abilities. Inspection Report Beechen Cliff School, 25/06/2019 Page 4 of 5

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School details

Unique reference number 146972 Social care unique reference number SC475345 DfE registration number 800/5400

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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

Type of school Boarding school Number of boarders on roll 1,172 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 11 to 18 Headteacher Andrew Davies Date of previous boarding inspection 23/05/2018 Telephone number 0122 548 0466 Email address Headmaster@beechencliff.org.uk Inspection Report Beechen Cliff School, 25/06/2019 Page 5 of 5 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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