Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd)

Progress monitoring inspection boarding school report

p.1

Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Limited) 29 Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2NB

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Context of the inspection

This visit was carried out following complaints made to Ofsted and concerns raised in the student survey. The leadership and management team’s response to the national minimum standards raised at the previous inspection was also reviewed.

p.1

Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

There has been an improvement in recruitment processes and recording since the last inspection. A competent and meticulous staff member has undertaken this role, which has resulted in improved systems. All personnel involved with recruitment processes are trained and adhere to safer recruitment principles. The national minimum standard relating to recruitment has now been met.

p.1

Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Fire safety and health and safety responsibilities benefit from a dedicated compliance manager. Improvements in this area are continuing under the compliance manager’s oversight. This manager has a good understanding of the complex nature of the large site. All actions are taken in a timely manner. Previous concerns about out-of-date risk assessments in the boarding houses have been addressed. The national minimum standard relating to health and safety responsibilities has now been met.

p.1

Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Leaders and managers have a variety of mechanisms in place to obtain students’ views, including the school council, suggestion boxes and feedback being sought directly by house managers and staff. Overall, students spoken to are positive about their boarding experience. Areas of improvement raised by students are already known to the management team and are being addressed. Leaders and managers ensure that important information is discussed in assemblies. However, not all students understand the messages given or the reasons why issues are not being responded to. Inspection Report Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd), 27/09/2022 Page 2 of 5 Leadership and management roles and responsibilities have been reviewed, which has had a positive impact on the oversight of the boarding houses. The areas covered by the complaint and survey results have been addressed by the senior manager and investigations have taken place when appropriate. There are no ongoing concerns in

p.1

Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

relation to these. The national minimum standard relating to leadership and management has now been met.

p.2

Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The governor responsible for safeguarding has an important role in listening to the students’ views and acting on these. He has a quality assurance and compliance role, which includes supervising the headteacher. School policies do not state actions to take if an allegation or complaint is made against the safeguarding governor. This does not give leaders and managers the necessary guidance should this occur.

p.2

Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The location risk assessment addresses all the key information about the local area. It also includes safety tips and clear guidance for students about keeping safe in the community. It says that pupils should keep staff informed and aware of their whereabouts when leaving the site. This recommendation has been met. Inspection Report Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd), 27/09/2022 Page 3 of 5

p.2

Inspection team

Suzy Lemmy Lead Social Care Inspector Peter Jackson Social Care Inspector

p.3

Information about this school

Earlscliffe is an independent school in Folkestone that offers university preparation for students aged from 15 to 19 from all over the world. There are 130 students on the school roll. At the time of the inspection, 119 students were boarding. The head of boarding has been in post for one month and has a relevant qualification as required by the national minimum standards. Inspection Report Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd), 27/09/2022 Page 4 of 5

p.3

School details

Unique reference number 138405 Social care unique reference number SC469113 DfE registration number 886/6138

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

School details

Type of school Boarding school Number of boarders on roll 130 Gender of boarders Mixed Age range of boarders 15 to 19 Headteacher Joss Williams Date of previous boarding inspection 5 October 2021 Telephone number 01303253951 Email address tim.fish@dukeseducation.com Inspection Report Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd), 27/09/2022 Page 5 of 5 inspects to 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.4

School details

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.5

School details

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

p.5

School details

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 6188524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.5