Earlier this year Malvern College, as with other boarding schools, received a Commission for Social Care Inspection. Whilst the overall findings were positive we are in dispute with Social Services over inaccuracies contained in the body of the report so publication of the full report has been delayed. For the benefit of parents and prospective parents we are publishing the summary of the report, highlighting any inaccuracies.

CSCI Draft Report

WHAT THE SCHOOL DOES WELL IN BOARDING WELFARE

Malvern College promoted boarders' welfare in a number of respects

* The College had a clear and comprehensive ethos and set of priciples which was outlined in the college's handbooks and reflected in the provision of boarding in the school

* The college had a well developed policy for countering bullying and the incident rate of bullying reported by pupils was low

* The procedures and practice relating to behaviour control were considered fair, clear and non-punitive

* The college had a good induction programme and on-going support for new pupils

* The house system engendered a strong and supportive identity which was valued by both parents and pupils

* The prefects provided a valuable role in the college and were suitably trained and supervised

* There was a wide range of recreational facilities

* Trips in this country and abroad were well planned and supervised

* The two boarding houses that had been upgraded were furnished to a high standard

* Students impressed as confident, well mannered and open in their relationships with others. Students and staff generally had warm and mutually respectful relationships


WHAT THE SCHOOL SHOULD DO BETTER IN BOARDING WELFARE

The College needed to consider developments in these areas

* The college had a comprehensive Child Protection policy and training in child protection was arranged for teachers but needed to be provided for all ancillary and boarding staff

WE HAD STARTED THIS BEFORE THE INSPECTION AND SUCH A PROGRAMME IS NOW WELL ADVANCED

* The management of the boarding teams lacks clarity. There was ambiguity around the management of Assistants in the boarding houses. They were isolated from the development of pastoral care by their situation within the ancillary staff structure

* The recruitment procedures for new staff did not outline all of the steps outlined within the standards

* The medical centre team should oversee the medication systems in all the boarding houses to ensure good practice and consistency

* A review of the boarding houses, that have been identified for upgrading in the future, should be undertaken and an interim refurbishment programme considered

ALL THESE POINTS ARE BEING ADDRESSED BY THE COLLEGE


CONCLUSIONS AND OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS ON BOARDING WELFARE

Malvern College demonstrated that it had an established, successful boarding provision for both boys and girls in a variety of boarding houses. The college had integrated well pupils from abroad in the boarding houses.

A small number of parents (47) responded to letters sent out by the CSCI and all commented positively about the pastoral care and boarding house system. The main concern from parents was the college's proposal to change to central dining when they (and pupils) considered dining in houses a key feature of boarding at Malvern College

THE COLLEGE IS NOT MOVING TO CENTRAL DINING

On the whole the boarders themselves were positive about their boarding arrangements.

The college was considered generally to be meeting its statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the boarding pupils

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