Ofsted conducted an urgent inspection of St Anne’s Catholic School on June 5 and 6, 2024, to assess the effectiveness of its safeguarding arrangements following concerns raised with the agency. The inspection was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005, and while no graded judgments were given, the findings indicated that arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
The inspection involved a thorough examination of the school’s single central record and other safeguarding documents. Inspectors met with the acting headteacher, executive headteacher, groups of pupils and staff, the chair of the board of trustees, and a representative from the local authority. Informal discussions with pupils occurred throughout the school day, and various school policies and information available on the school’s website were reviewed. Additionally, inspectors scrutinized minutes from trustee meetings, local authority safeguarding audit findings, attendance records, and records of concerns regarding adults. Feedback from parents through Ofsted Parent View and responses from staff and pupil surveys were also considered.
The inspection revealed that school leaders have taken significant steps to enhance safeguarding practices. Improvements in recordkeeping, staff training, and the organization of safeguarding responsibilities were noted. Staff receive comprehensive training on various safeguarding topics, enabling them to identify signs of abuse and understand reporting procedures. They are vigilant in recognizing when a pupil may need assistance and promptly share concerns with the safeguarding team. Recent changes have mandated that staff formally document any concerns, providing leaders with a comprehensive overview of pupils’ individual circumstances.
The acting headteacher serves as the main designated safeguarding lead, supported by a well-trained team that diligently monitors reports of concern. This team effectively investigates issues and collaborates with external agencies when necessary. They also analyze data on concerns to identify broader patterns and trends, leading to expanded support services for pupils, including easier access to counseling.
The recruitment process for staff adheres to safer recruitment practices, with leaders ensuring that appropriate pre-employment checks are conducted. School leaders are aware of the potential risks pupils face and provide education on these issues, including internet safety. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils learn about healthy relationships and how to access support.
The school environment during break and lunchtime is calm and orderly, with staff providing vigilant supervision. Most pupils feel safe and confident in discussing concerns with adults, although some younger pupils express hesitance in reporting issues. Leaders recognize the need for further work to ensure all pupils feel comfortable sharing their worries.
Leaders emphasize the importance of regular attendance, understanding its link to safeguarding. They monitor attendance closely and take timely action to address absences. For pupils receiving off-site education, thorough checks are conducted to ensure their safety.
Trustees possess the necessary skills to fulfill their roles and ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding duties. They have commissioned reviews of the school’s safeguarding practices, leading to positive changes and a better understanding of the school’s safeguarding effectiveness.
The school has benefited from extensive support from the local authority, including a review of its safeguarding practices. However, there remains a need for improvement in ensuring that all pupils feel confident in raising concerns with staff. The school should take further action to understand the reasons behind some pupils' reluctance to report issues and implement measures to foster a more open environment for communication.
