WENTWORTH COLLEGE

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Wentworth College 6–10 Brentmead Place, London, NW11 9LH

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d) and 3(g)

p.1

Main inspection findings

 At the time of the previous inspection in December 2019, physical education (PE) was not a part of the school’s curriculum. There were no schemes of work for the subject. In addition, careers education was not effective. Leaders did not provide pupils with independent careers advice and guidance. Teachers did not use assessment information to inform their planning to meet the needs of all pupils.  This inspection found that PE is now on the school’s curriculum and is taught once a week. It is supported by the aims and principles highlighted in the school’s overarching curriculum policy. Leaders have hired a sports coach to write schemes of work for the PE programme, and to teach the subject. The schemes of work are suitable and show how the knowledge and skills are organised for teaching how to become better at football, basketball and tennis. This is an appropriate start and further work is required to

p.1

Main inspection findings

improve the breadth and depth of the PE curriculum.  The school had a careers education policy at the time of the previous inspection, but its implementation was not effective. The provision of suitable information, advice and guidance is now an embedded feature of the school’s work. The school’s records show that pupils have had one-to-one discussions with an independent careers adviser from Barnet local authority. Pupils have been acquainted with a range of academic and vocational programmes they could pursue, including apprenticeships. Pupils told the inspector that they receive suitable careers guidance, including how to prepare for university and the world of work.  Teachers have updated the curriculum plans for their subjects. Teachers’ planning builds appropriately on pupils’ prior learning, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff have created ‘student passports’ to evidence

p.1

Main inspection findings

pupils’ progress over time. These are checked monthly by leaders to ensure that the implementation is effective. Teachers have had suitable training about changes to the curriculum and assessment procedures, reflected in the creation of subject-specific ‘curriculum maps’. Although short-term strategies have been effective, a longer-term programme for staff professional development is not in place.  These independent school standards are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders did not carry out the required checks to secure pupils’ welfare, health and safety. Leaders did not carry out the necessary checks on fire and electrical safety procedures. In addition, leaders did not carry out some risk assessments, or review and update policies to reduce identified risks.  The safeguarding policy is up to date and reflects current government guidance. The

p.1

Main inspection findings

policy is detailed and includes measures to safeguard pupils during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The policy is available on the school’s website.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 Leaders keep staff informed about any changes and amendments to child protection policies and procedures. This is supported by training on a suitable range of safeguarding topics – for example, child sexual exploitation, the ‘Prevent’ duty, and peer- on-peer abuse. A new safeguarding lead was appointed in September 2020, whose focus has resulted in stronger impact on this aspect of the school’s work.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school’s health and safety policy is suitable and meets the legal requirements. Leaders carry out the necessary checks on fire and electrical safety procedures, for example fire alarms and portable appliance testing. All testing, including fire drills and fire extinguisher health checks, are logged appropriately.  An external contractor has carried out a comprehensive fire risk assessment (December 2020) and identified some potential, minor risks. Leaders have been dealing with the recommendations in a timely manner to ensure that the building is very safe for all pupils and adults. Hence, the school meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The school’s risk assessment policy is appropriate and meets requirements. Leaders have carried out appropriate risk assessments covering key aspects of the school’s work, for example use of specialist facilities. Sensible measures to minimise the risks are in place,

p.2

Main inspection findings

for instance better signage and maintaining good hygiene standards. The guidance around risk assessments for activities outside school is suitable. Although there have been no trips or excursions due to the pandemic, leaders know what to do when such activities are resumed.  These independent school standards are now met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(c), 25, 29(1), 29(1)(a), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 28(1) and 28(1)(c)  At the time of the previous inspection, pupils did not have access to any changing accommodation and showers. It also found that pupils did not have access to suitable outdoor spaces for physical activities. In addition, the medical room did not meet the appropriate requirements for the medical therapy of pupils.  This inspection found that leaders have commissioned further work to ensure that the premises meet the independent school standards. For example, part of a classroom has

p.2

Main inspection findings

been converted into a suitable shower room with changing facilities. The outdoor space just outside the sixth-form common room is used as a breakout area and for carrying out fitness activities. Although the surface is uneven, it has been appropriately risk assessed and credible plans are in place to resurface the whole area. In the meantime, pupils access the facilities provided in a local park, which is also used for some of their PE lessons.  The proprietor arranged for the female toilet adjacent to the medical room to be converted into a unisex toilet. This allows all pupils to have access to running water in the event of required medical treatment.  These independent school standards are now met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(c), 32(3), 32(3)(b) and 32(3)(e)  At the previous inspection, the school’s safeguarding policy was not on the school’s website. In addition, information about how the school met the needs of pupils with

p.3

Main inspection findings

education, health and care (EHC) plans and those who speak English as an additional language was not available.  The school’s safeguarding policy is now available on its website. The admissions policy provides suitable information about how the school meets the needs of pupils with EHC plans and those who speak English as an additional language. These policies are also available to parents upon request. Leaders have also ensured that the results from public examinations in 2020, based on centre-assessed grades, are accessible on the website.  These independent school standards are now met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders did not ensure that all independent school standards are met consistently.  Leaders have a clear understanding of the independent school standards. They have

p.3

Main inspection findings

prioritised pupils’ welfare by ensuring that health and safety policies are implemented effectively. Leaders pay due attention to the assessment of risk and implement measures to minimise it. Leaders’ greater attention to detail has meant that standards not met at the previous inspection are now being met.  The proprietor has reviewed leadership roles and responsibilities in the light of challenges the school has faced. These include a reduction in the number of pupils on roll compared to what it was at the time of the previous inspection. The school’s recent track record has shown it has the capacity to improve further, including in the quality of education provided.  These independent school standards are now met.

p.3

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.4

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are – 2(2)(a) full time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up to date careers guidance that

p.4

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options and – 2(2)(e)(i)(ii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential – 2(2)(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time;

p.4

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils ◼ 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy. ◼ 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12]. ◼ 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy;

p.4

Part 1. Quality of education provided

and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

p.5

Part 1. Quality of education provided

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools ◼ 23(1) Subject to sub paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education. ◼ 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils. ◼ 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured. ◼ 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that

p.5

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such ◼ 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum.

p.5

Part 1. Quality of education provided

Part 6. Provision of information ◼ 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request ◼ 32(3) The information specified in this sub paragraph is – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; and – 32(3)(e) particulars of the school’s academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools ◼ 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities

p.5

Part 1. Quality of education provided

at the school – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

p.6

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.7

School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

p.7

School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 36

p.7

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £15,950 to £16,950

p.7

School details

Email address enquiries@wentworthcollege.co.uk

p.7

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 10–12 December 2019

p.7

Information about this school

 Wentworth College is an independent secondary day school for girls and boys between the ages of 14 and 19. There are no pupils in Years 7 to 9. Currently, there are no Year 10 pupils on roll.  The school does not use any alternative provision. ◼ The school opened in 1989 and occupies three adjoining private houses on the North Circular Road in Hendon, North West London. ◼ The school’s most recent inspection was a full standard inspection in December 2019. It was judged to be inadequate, with many unmet standards.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The inspection was carried out without notice.  This is the school’s first monitoring inspection since it was judged to be inadequate in December 2019. The inspector was asked to focus on whether the school complied with particular requirements within Parts 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 of the independent school standards.  Following the standard inspection in December 2019, the Department for Education (DfE) required the school to prepare an action plan to outline how leaders plan to meet the unmet standards. The action plan was evaluated by Ofsted in October 2020 and was judged to be not acceptable.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 The inspector held meetings with the principal, the proprietor and two other members of the senior team, including the designated lead for safeguarding. The inspector also met with a mixed group of six students.  The inspector toured the school site and reviewed a range of documentation, including that pertaining to health and safety, safeguarding and subject-based curriculum plans.

p.9

Inspection team

Nasim Butt, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-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 .

p.9

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.10

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.10

Inspection team

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, further education and skills, 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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.10