Brockwood Park School

Brockwood Park School, established in 1969, is an international co-educational day and boarding school located in Bramdean, Hampshire. The school accommodates children from the early years up to Year 6 at Inwoods Small School, a separate site close to the senior school. All senior school pupils are boarders, housed in designated wings of the main house for male and female students. Governance is managed by the Krishnamurti Foundation Trust Limited, a charitable company overseen by five trustees. The school currently has 84 pupils enrolled, with 20 day pupils and 64 boarders. Among these, 14 pupils have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, while 34 pupils speak English as an additional language. The school’s previous inspection occurred in February 2023.

The recent unannounced progress monitoring inspection, requested by the Department for Education, aimed to verify the implementation of the action plan submitted after the previous inspection. The focus was on compliance with the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding 2022, and the Early Years Statutory Framework. The inspection primarily concentrated on the senior school.

The inspection findings confirmed that the school meets the standards for safeguarding and the welfare, health, and safety of pupils. The safeguarding policy is appropriate and outlines suitable arrangements to promote the welfare of pupils. Implementation of safeguarding procedures is effective, with staff demonstrating a solid understanding of their responsibilities. They are aware of the specific vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and provide appropriate support. Risk assessments for boarding have been improved to adequately address risks associated with pupils of different genders mixing freely, including those related to older pupils. Staff are knowledgeable about reporting procedures for potential issues, including child-on-child abuse, and the safeguarding policy includes relevant contact details for local agencies.

Pupils feel listened to and receive responses when they raise concerns. The school has established various methods for pupils to voice their concerns, including daily interactions and formal weekly meetings. The designated safeguarding lead and the safeguarding team act promptly on any signs of risk, maintaining good relationships with external agencies. The school has effective arrangements for handling allegations against staff, ensuring that all staff understand the importance of reporting low-level concerns. The trustees have undertaken appropriate training to maintain oversight of safeguarding practices.

In terms of health and safety, the school has a suitable policy that is effectively implemented, ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Comprehensive training in health and safety is provided to staff and pupils, particularly regarding the use and storage of hazardous materials. All materials are securely stored, and ongoing training ensures safe usage. The school has established a database for hazardous materials and conducts individual and collective risk assessments.

The school has an effective whole-school risk assessment policy, with assessments covering school buildings, boarding areas, and various activities. Specific risk assessments are in place for chemicals, their storage, and usage, ensuring that all housekeeping areas are adequately assessed. The school has clear plans to manage risks for vulnerable pupils, overseen by the designated safeguarding lead and the safeguarding team.

The school meets the requirements for providing information related to safeguarding to parents, with details published on the school’s website. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and effectively fulfill their responsibilities. The trustees ensure that leadership and management actively promote the well-being of pupils, including boarders, and have fully implemented the action plan from the previous inspection.

The inspection concluded that the school meets all the requirements of the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2022. No further action is required as a result of this inspection. The inspectors engaged with the principal, senior leaders, and staff, and met with the chair and other trustees. They visited various areas of the school and spoke with groups of pupils, scrutinizing a range of documentation, records, and policies to support their findings.

Overall, Brockwood Park School has made significant progress in addressing the areas identified in the previous inspection. The school has demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to support their health, safety, and well-being. The leadership and management have shown effective oversight and implementation of policies and procedures, contributing to a positive environment for learning and personal development. The school’s focus on the needs of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, reflects its dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive educational experience. The positive feedback from the inspection indicates that the school is on a solid path toward continuous improvement and maintaining high standards in education and care for its pupils.