An inspection of the Boarding House was carried out in May 2009.  The inspection included consultations with our boarders, parents and staff.  You will find a summary of their findings below.  If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the School Office.

Being Healthy

“Pastoral care is strong; the school looks holistically at the needs of each child and monitors their development and welfare in partnership with parents.”

“Staff encourage each child to eat a healthy and balanced main meal each day.  Staff make sure children include a portion of vegetables or salad in their main meal and eat a sufficient quantity on a regular basis.  The school makes an outstanding effort to provide children with wholesome and nutritious meals; where possible, food is locally sourced.  The quality of the produce delivered on a daily basis to the kitchen is excellent and meals taken during the inspection were well presented, tasty and adequate in quantity… The school provides a vegetarian option each day and an excellent salad bar, which includes cold meat and fish… The catering staff are aware of each child’s dietary restrictions and meals provided take account of their health, religious or family considerations; the school is a ‘nut free’ zone… One boarder said, ‘the food is amazing’.”

Enjoying and Achieving

“The provision is outstanding.  A broad and balances curriculum is delivered by a committed and enthusiastic staff team.  The excellent communication systems in place between the teaching and boarding staff ensure that boarders receive outstanding support from staff.”

“Boarders are confident and cheerful, benefiting from the inclusive and individualised support provided to them… One boarder said, ‘I love the boarding house and I love the feel, because I get on with the younger people, other people, boys and teachers. We are one big happy family!’… Children enjoy taking part in activities, for example, archery, bowling, circus skills, golf, swimming, going to the beach, attending pantomimes and local facilities.”

Making a Positive Contribution

“Relationships between boarding staff and the boarders are excellent.  It was evident during the inspection that boarders were willing to listen to each other and participate in constructive problem solving together to resolve minor operational issues.  Older children supported younger children to make their point and each child showed respect for others’ differing perspectives and views.”

“The school encourages boarders to keep in contact with their parents and families.  Boarders can use the cordless phone to make calls in private and contact their families by e-mail.  An improved Skype connection has been set up in the boarding house, enabling boarders with parents who are working overseas to see them on the web-cam.”

Organisation

“Effective leadership and management in the development of boarding at the school ensures that boarders’ welfare is safeguarded and promoted… Staff work collaboratively and cooperatively across the school to help individual boarders develop their abilities, both academically and socially.  Boarding practice is excellent; the house-parents are highly regarded by parents, boarders and the school.  One parents wrote, ‘excellent pastoral care, excellent activities and excellent food’.  Boarders were unanimous in praise of the boarding provision, highlighting the kindness and approachability of the matrons and house-parents and their enjoyment of the meals and activities provided.  One boarder wrote, ‘I am very well cared for and we have fun with our house-parents’.”

“The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding.  Boarding staff are sensitive to children’s individual needs and they make sure that each boarder is looked after in the best way possible to meet their unique needs.  Differences in boarders’ individual abilities, family cultures and opinions are respected; boarding practice and ethos promote an inclusive approach within a communal living situation, where every individual is shown respect and valued.”