Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of New College Worcester on November 15, 2022, following a previous inspection in April 2022 that identified serious weaknesses. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made by the school since the last evaluation. The findings indicate that while some improvements have been made, the school remains inadequate and still has serious weaknesses that need to be addressed.
The inspection focused particularly on safeguarding and the leadership of safeguarding within the school. Since the last inspection, Rachel Perks has been appointed as the new principal, and there have been changes in the governing body, including the addition of six new governors. The safeguarding team has also expanded, with the appointment of an operational safeguarding lead set to join in January 2023. These changes reflect a commitment to improving the safeguarding framework within the school.
The inspection found that the actions taken by leaders and governors have led to effective safeguarding practices. Pupils are kept safe, and those in need of support receive timely assistance. However, it is acknowledged that many of these changes are recent, and more time is needed to fully embed and sustain these improvements. Leaders have clarified expectations for staff regarding the reporting of safeguarding issues, and there is a system in place for monitoring the quality of referrals. This has resulted in improved records of safeguarding concerns and a more comprehensive understanding of individual pupil needs.
Despite these advancements, the inspection highlighted that leaders do not systematically analyze safeguarding information to identify broader patterns across the school. This lack of analysis may hinder the ability to tailor safeguarding training and the curriculum to address specific issues that may arise. Nonetheless, the principal has prioritized raising staff awareness about safeguarding, emphasizing its importance throughout the school. Staff have reported that recent training has been beneficial in understanding the contextual risks faced by pupils and recognizing signs of potential harm.
The inspection also noted that the safeguarding team has improved its capacity to respond to concerns promptly, which has contributed to keeping pupils safe. Risk assessments for vulnerable pupils with mental health needs have become more detailed, providing clear information on the risks and necessary support. Staff have easy access to this information, ensuring they know how to act if they have concerns.
Governors have enhanced their understanding and oversight of safeguarding, with new members bringing relevant expertise. They are beginning to use a wider range of evidence to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and are starting to hold school leaders accountable for safeguarding practices. The support from external consultants has also been valuable in helping the school identify strengths and weaknesses in its safeguarding arrangements.
In conclusion, while New College Worcester has made progress in addressing the serious weaknesses identified in previous inspections, significant work remains to be done. The school continues to be classified as inadequate, but the steps taken by the new leadership and governing body show promise for future improvements. The focus on effective safeguarding practices is a positive development, and ongoing efforts will be essential to ensure that the school meets the necessary standards for the safety and well-being of its pupils.
