SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.
This was a full inspection by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) under the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and was carried out jointly with the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The Commission for Social Care Inspection team was present at the school from 7th-9th February 2006 and consisted of two inspectors from CSCI and one Boarding Sector Professional Inspector.

The inspection involved touring the boarding houses (with boarders),
discussion groups with boarders and interviewing key staff involved with boarding. The inspectors visited the health centre and toured the school site looking at recreational facilities. The inspectors enjoyed breakfast, lunch and supper with the boarders and observed them at leisure in the boarding houses during the evening and early morning. Various policies, procedures and records were examined.

The boarders completed a questionnaire prior to the inspection and themes of their responses have been included in this report.
The inspectors would like to thank the headmaster, staff and boarders for assisting with this inspection, particularly when there was a viral infection causing many staff and boarders to feel unwell.

What the school does well:
Shiplake College provides a healthy environment where medical needs are met and attention is given to the overall welfare of boarders to produce happy confident pupils. Individual needs are considered and the development of well-rounded students is promoted, in addition to academic support.

There is a good awareness of child protection issues and a low level of bullying. The boarders understand the rewards and sanctions and they consider them to be ‘fair’. Health and safety matters are given a high priority.

Shiplake College provides a caring environment where staff and boarder relationships are very strong and good consultation occurs. There is a good prefect system and a mentoring scheme where Year 13 pupils offer support to the youngest boarders.

There are good recreational facilities and extensive grounds for numerous activities to take place.



Staff are enthusiastic, committed and approachable; they feel supported in doing their jobs and benefit from clear guidance and management support. The college has good policies and procedures in place known to staff.

What has improved since the last inspection?
The college has addressed all the recommended actions and advisory recommendations following the last inspection, apart from the recruitment procedure.

The local authority delivered training in child protection.

Policies and procedures have been revised and amended as recommended.

Written guidance for staff with boarding duties has been improved and job descriptions are in place.

Identified hazards have been eliminated and greater attention has been given to matters of health and safety.

What they could do better:
Involve the nursing staff with the PSE programme and produce written welfare plans for boarders with specific welfare needs.

The provision of snacks in the boarding houses, particularly in the afternoon, could be improved.

All new staff should receive a briefing on child protection procedures within their first week of employment.

Punishments across the boarding houses should be consistent and appropriate.

Recruitment procedures must be consistently applied to all staff.
Please contact the Head for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection.

The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office.