Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

• Staff and Leadership

  OIC recognises the importance of strong leadership, management and staff teams to ensure the success of the College. We have:

  Robust Leadership:

  • Enhanced the school leadership team and governing body.
  • Introduced two experienced external experts to the governing body for added oversight and challenge.
  • Implemented extensive training and greater personal and professional development for staff.

  
  Governing Body Accountability:

  • Completely replaced the governing body with a focus on ensuring a rigorous oversight of the College practices.

  
  Boarding Provision Development:

  • Appointed a new Director of Boarding to lead an expanded boarding team.
  • Implemented a boarding improvement plan.
  • Made changes to ensure the care of our students is always a priority.
  • Improved boarding facilities and overall experience for our students.

  
  Staff Support and Development:

  • Enhanced staff induction with a comprehensive training program.
  • Provided ongoing mentoring and support of experienced leaders.
  • Allocated time for professional reflection.

  
  In-Person, Quality Training:

  • Prioritised face-to-face training with boarding provision experts from the British Boarding Association and local authority safeguarding teams.
  • Integrated training programme into the staff timetable.

  
  Support for Student Mental Health:

  • Appointed a Wellbeing Lead.
  • Collaborating with the Anna Freud Centre to develop a bespoke wellbeing strategy.
  • Conducted ASSIST suicide prevention training for key staff.
  • Establishing a group of Mental Health First Aiders

  
  Safeguarding Clarity and Action:

  • Appointed a highly experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead working closely with local authorities and supported by three experienced deputies.
  • Revised and communicated clear safeguarding responsibilities and policies to all staff.
  • Updated the whistleblowing policy and emphasised an open, transparent culture.
  • Enhanced the connections between boarding and academic staff.
  • Developed new roles such as boarding mentors to support student wellbeing.

  
  Access to Support Services:

  • Recruited additional qualified nursing staff. Expanded in-house counselling services.
• Safeguarding

  Robust safeguarding is essential so that we can ensure students are learning in a safe and supportive environment. Effective safeguarding measures help identify and address risks.  Following Ofsted recommendations, we have taken the following steps:

  Overall Actions:

  • Appointed a new Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • Appointed a new highly experienced Safeguarding Governor and two independent governors with extensive experience in UK boarding schools.
  • Strengthened links with local safeguarding agencies and improved staff training.
  • Improved our reporting process to local authorities and enhanced student support information.

  
  Access to External Services:

  • Appointed two ‘Independent Persons’ who students can contact with any concerns.
  • Worked collaboratively with external bodies to improve policies and processes.

  
  Safeguarding Systems and Responsibilities:

  • Improved staff and student reporting systems.
  • Improved systems for hearing and responding to student concerns.

  
  Informing Students and Families:

  • Developing better communication to keep students and families informed.

  
  Reporting Safeguarding Concerns:

  • Consulted with external agencies to review our Safeguarding policies and reporting obligations
  • Established relationships with external agencies to ensure compliance with our reporting requirements.

  
  Healthcare and Medication Management:

  • Appointed an additional nursing staff, increased medical facilities, and revised medication policies and processes.

  
  Education on Sexual Health and Safety:

  • Improved our provision of relationships and sex education.
  • Strengthen systems to identify at-risk students and revised practices.

  
  CCTV Management:

  • Reviewed security arrangements and ensured compliance with data access protocols.

  
  Recruitment Practices:

  • Reviewed recruitment practices, collaborated with local authorities for an audit, and implemented recommendations.
• Wellbeing

  Student wellbeing is crucial because it directly impacts their ability to learn, grow, and succeed. When students feel supported and valued, they are more likely to engage actively in their education, develop meaningful relationships, and build resilience in facing challenges. The College has actioned the following items identified by Ofsted.

  Importance of Physical Activity, Recreation, and Rest for Student Wellbeing:

  • Revised the student timetable and academic year to enhance access to rest and recreation.

  
  Student Feedbac:k

  • Develop greater opportunities to hear the student voice within the school. Creating a boarding council with representatives from different houses.
  • Introduce a regular student survey process to inform plans.

  
  Variety and Quality of Food:

  • Replaced the catering provider and introduced variety and quality in the menu.
  • Made significant investments in new catering facilities.

  
  Wellbeing of Students and Staff:

  • Introducing a wellbeing strategy to prioritise the wellbeing of students and staff.
• Education Provision

  The Ofsted report noted that academic standards are high at OIC, but identified several areas that the College has actioned, to prepare students more effectively for life in Britain and to ensure they are safe.

  • Introduced a comprehensive PSHE and RSE curriculum within our Life Skills programme.
  • Included in our education provision a focused-on core British values.