Alfriston School

Progress monitoring inspection residential special school report

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Alfriston School Alfriston School, Penn Road, Knotty Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2TS

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Inspection dates 03/03/2021 to 04/03/2021

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Context of the inspection

This monitoring visit took place to assess whether the recommendations made at the last inspection in March 2019 have been addressed and to assess the standard of care and support to the residential pupils who use the boarding provision during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

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The school has made good progress and now meets all the national minimum

standards for residential special schools. Inspection Report Alfriston School, 03/03/2021 Page 2 of 5

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Inspection team

Paul Taylor Mark Newington Social Care Regulatory Inspector Social Care Regulatory Inspector

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Information about this school

The school is situated on the outskirts of Beaconsfield. It received academy status in March 2012, and has had a sports specialism since 2009. Alfriston School is a day and weekly boarding special school for girls with moderate learning difficulties in the age range 11–18 years. The school may also help girls to overcome emotional difficulties and minor mobility and sensory disabilities. There are 157 pupils, of whom 17 are boarders residing for three nights during each week, from Monday to Thursday. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The boarding accommodation is situated on the first floor of the main school building. Older girls can experience semi-independent living in a small flat, accessed from the main boarding accommodation. The extensive school grounds provide sporting and recreational space for boarders to enjoy during the evenings. Inspection Report Alfriston School, 03/03/2021 Page 3 of 5

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School details

Unique reference number 137934 Social care unique reference number SC023097 DfE registration number 825 7003

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School details

This monitoring visit 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

Progress since the last inspection has been good. The recommendation made in relation to shortfalls in the record-keeping of fire checks has been fully addressed. A new member of staff has been appointed and has successfully implemented a system for regular audits of fire equipment to be carried out and recorded. This ensures that no checks are omitted and that fire systems are in safe working order. Additionally, this practice is underpinned by the residential pupils taking part in regular fire drills so that they know what to do in the event of the need to evacuate the building in an emergency.

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School details

A recommendation made at the last inspection that related to the need to improve the quality of supervision sessions between managers and residential staff has also been addressed. Records now reflect the content of what was discussed and ensures that practice and performance issues are recorded and action points agreed.

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School details

A good practice recommendation made at the last inspection in relation to recording the school council’s role in interviewing new staff has not been addressed. This is because the recruitment process has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, residential pupils have not had the opportunity to take part in the recruitment process during this time. This constraint has been outside the school’s management control. Therefore, progress can only be assessed once national guidelines relating to managing the risks associated with COVID-19 have been changed.

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School details

There has been commitment to continue to offer as much support as possible to families and residential pupils during the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a reduced residential provision on offer and, as a result, managers have prioritised a service to families and children who are assessed to be vulnerable. This effort has been highly valued. ‘They’re always there to help. The school has become a major part of our lives,’ is a comment made by a parent. In addition to the residential provision, outreach support has also been given to pupils and families in their own homes. This ensures that they remain supported when they have not been able to attend the school site during lockdown and periods of COVID-19-related isolation.

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School details

Residential pupils thoroughly enjoy their boarding experience. ‘I have laughed so much since I came here,’ said one residential pupil. Despite lower numbers and some restrictions, members of staff have ensured that the residential pupils continue to enjoy enriching activities and that they also have opportunities to relax and maintain friendships. Inspection Report Alfriston School, 03/03/2021 Page 4 of 5 The impact of COVID-19 has also been seen as an opportunity for residential pupils to improve upon and learn more life skills. For example, due to catering staff not being present, they have prepared and cooked meals for each other. They have also learned to understand the need for improved cleanliness and infection control during the pandemic. It is a credit to the staff that they have used a demanding situation as an opportunity for the residential pupils to learn and to increase their confidence and understanding during

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School details

Residential pupils continue to receive well-thought-through support that is designed to meet their individual needs and to mitigate any risks and distress. This support is developed using the knowledge, skills and expertise available across the whole school community. As a result, residential pupils feel safe and cared for and make significant progress in managing their own anxieties and turmoil.

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School details

There have been regular visits from a governor in line with the requirements under standard 20. These have assessed that the boarding area is functioning well and that the reports also make recommendations where needed. In turn, the governor shares the information with other governors who scrutinise the boarding provision. This ensures that the residential pupils have opportunities to share their views with an independent person and that there is external scrutiny of the boarding.

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School details

 Ensure that the records of recruitment interviews reflect the discussions held. In addition, keep a record of the staff interviews carried out by the school council.

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School details

Type of school Residential special school Number of boarders on roll 17 Gender of boarders Girls Age range of boarders 11 to 18 Headteacher Jinna Male Date of previous boarding inspection 12/03/2019 Telephone number 01494 673740 Email address jinna.male@alfristonschool.com

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Recommendations

Inspection Report Alfriston School, 03/03/2021 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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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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Recommendations

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