EDUCATIONAL OVERSIGHT INSPECTION OF PRIVATE FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE COLLEGES MONITORING VISIT HARROW HOUSE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE SWANAGE LTD (1191904)
Full Name Address Company name Telephone Number 01929 475071 Email Address Website Principal Proprietor Age Range 8 + Total number of students Numbers by age and type of) Harrow House International College Swanage Harrow House, Harrow Drive, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1PE Harrow House International College Ltd sabine.booth@harrowhouse.co.uk www.harrowhouse.com Ms Sharon Patterson Mr Robert a'barrow 144 Under 16: 117 16 18 19 18+: 8 EFL only: 144 Inspection date 22 September 2015
PREFACE This inspection report follows the Framework for Educational Oversight s and Extended s of private further education colleges and English language colleges. The focus of the visit is to confirm that the quality standards reported at the last full inspection are being maintained. The ISI is an approved Educational Oversight body authorised by the Home Office to inspect privately funded further education colleges and English language colleges in England and Wales offering courses on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. It is designed to improve the quality of education on offer to international students who attend UK colleges through Tier 4 of the points-based system for student visas. ISI inspections are required to: Report on the extent to which colleges comply with the published Educational Oversight Standards; Assess and report on the quality of educational outcomes and provision; Where applicable, make recommendations outside the scope of the Standards to support continued improvement of quality. Inspection provides objective and reliable reports on the quality of colleges, and by placing reports in the public domain, makes this information available to students, Government and the wider community. Inspection takes account of the context of each individual college, and of how it evaluates its own performance and demonstrates its success. The inspection of the college is from an educational perspective and provides limited inspection of other aspects, though inspectors will comment on any significant hazards or problems they encounter which have an adverse impact on students. The inspection does not include: (i) an exhaustive health and safety audit; (ii) an in-depth examination of the structural condition of the college, its services or other physical features; (iii) an investigation of the financial viability of the college or its accounting procedures; (iv) an in-depth investigation of the college s compliance with employment law. A monitoring visit is for those colleges found at the last inspection to have met or exceeded the Standards for Educational Oversight. Inspectors will make judgements on progress against any action points and recommendations made at that time. The inspection will not examine all other Standards in detail but will sample to confirm that previous Standards have been maintained and that there are no contrary indicators to those quality judgements.
CONTENTS Page 1 CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTEXT 2 2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3 3 THE QUALITY OF THE CURRICULUM, TEACHING AND LEARNERS ACHIEVEMENTS 4 4 STUDENTS WELFARE, INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY 5 5 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 6 6 ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7 INSPECTION EVIDENCE
1. CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTEXT 1.1 Harrow House International College is a private family-run English language college located in Swanage on the south coast of England. It was founded in 1969 by its current owners. Oversight and governance are provided by a board of directors, supported by a management team. The aims of the college are to provide students with the highest standards of learning and personal development in a fun and culturally diverse environment. 1.2 The college offers English language courses that are supplemented with a range of sporting and cultural activities. An international academic programme combines English language with sports and academic subjects, some at GCSE level. Students aged 16 and over follow courses leading to external qualifications in the Cambridge suite of examinations. 1.3 At the time of the inspection there were 144 students enrolled, of whom 27 were attending the academic programme, while the rest were taking intensive English courses. Most students are aged under 18 years. There is roughly an equal gender balance. The vast majority of students live on site in residential accommodation. Students from a wide range of countries study at the college throughout the year. At the time of the inspection most were from Switzerland. Enrolment is on a continual basis with three peak periods annually. 1.4 Students are recruited by the college s internationally-based partners and are checked for suitability for their chosen course in their home country. No students have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities. (SEND). 1.5 At the previous inspection of 17 September 2013 the language school met all Key Standards and the quality of education was judged to exceed expectations. The recommendations from the previous report are: Enhance the continuous professional development programme to further develop teachers awareness and expertise in catering to the needs of younger learners. Provide teachers with further support in implementing the resources designed for younger learners. Review appraisal procedures to ensure all staff receive an appropriate annual appraisal. Provide separate designated washroom facilities for students under the age of 18 in the teaching accommodation. Increase the frequency of formal analysis of quality assurance data to further drive improvement throughout the year. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 2
2. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 2.1 The language college exceeds expectations. At the previous inspection of 17 September 2013 the language college was found to exceed expectations and the quality of education as judged at that time has been maintained. 2.2 The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners achievements is excellent. Students programmes of study are well designed in accordance with the aims of the college. Courses on offer to Tier 4 students meet the definition of an approved qualification, as set out in the Home Office guidance. Teaching is outstanding; teachers have an enthusiastic approach, excellent subject knowledge and use an appropriate range of teaching methods and resources to meet the needs of both younger learners and adults. Consequently, students acquire new knowledge in inspired and enjoyable lessons. Assessment of students work is thorough and provides very good feedback to enable students to make good progress. Levels of attainment are excellent and success rates in external examinations are high. 2.3 Students welfare, including health and safety, is excellent. Buildings and sports facilities are maintained to a very high standard and newly installed washrooms provide separate areas for adults and younger learners. Procedures and policies for managing health and safety and safeguarding are reviewed and implemented consistently, ensuring all staff are kept up to date. Fire safety conforms to legal requirements; however, records are not always consistent in identifying fire evacuation times and areas for improvement. Student registration and admissions records are accurate and systems for monitoring attendance are highly effective, consequently there are very few absences. Reporting procedures meet Home Office requirements. Safeguarding is outstanding; all appropriate measures are in place to ensure a safe environment for young learners. Pastoral care is very good. Induction over two days is highly effective in ensuring that health and safety and college rules are reinforced. An excellent activities and social programme is designed to be both enjoyable and to broaden students cultural and educational experience. 2.4 The effectiveness of governance, leadership and management is excellent. Leadership provides clear educational direction and communication between directors and senior managers, and is highly effective in ensuring that priorities are met. Quality assurance procedures are good and ensure that the views of teachers and students are considered in self-assessment. The frequency of student feedback has increased; feedback is collated and analysed so that student concerns are swiftly identified and addressed. Student progress reporting is less well developed and consequently not used to drive improvements. The teachers observation and appraisal procedure has been formalised and successfully identifies teachers goals for further professional development. All teaching staff have been engaged in a variety of training courses to raise their awareness and expertise in teaching younger learners. They have been very well supported in implementing resources designed for use with younger learners and this has resulted in greater engagement and enjoyment in the classroom, for both teachers and students. All required checks are carried out on staff prior to appointment and are systematically recorded. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 3
3. THE QUALITY OF THE CURRICULUM, TEACHING AND LEARNERS ACHIEVEMENTS 3.1 The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners achievements is excellent. All Key Standards continue to be met. 3.2 Programmes of study, which include an excellent range of sporting and cultural activities, are very well matched to students needs and are in line with the aims and ethos of the college. Placement tests prior to and on entry ensure students are placed on a course at an appropriate level to support and challenge them. Lesson plans and schemes of work are implemented effectively to ensure students make good progress. Courses on offer to Tier 4 students meet the definition of an approved qualification, as set out in the Home Office guidance. 3.3 The extensive range of activities is led by well-qualified and experienced staff, and forms a substantial part of the students course. As a result, students benefit from opportunities to experience and develop skills in a variety of sporting and cultural activities, which enhance their overall learning experience. 3.4 The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and understanding, which together with a lively delivery results in a positive and enjoyable classroom experience. A variety of teaching activities and excellent classroom management ensures students are focussed and engaged. Teaching resources and appropriate activities are designed to take the needs of younger learners into consideration; they help them to acquire new knowledge and make good progress. In meetings students confirmed that they are made aware of their progress through regular tutorials. 3.5 Progress and attainment is excellent. Assessment of student work is thorough; teachers provide detailed oral and written feedback, which enables students to improve their language skills and make very good progress in class. Achievement in external examinations is excellent, and shows significant improvements over a period of three years. Internal progress measured by starting points and the length of the course is excellent. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 4
4. STUDENTS WELFARE, INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 Students welfare, including health and safety, is excellent. All Key Standards continue to be met. 4.2 The recommendation in this area from the previous inspection report is: Provide separate designated washroom facilities for students under the age of 18 in the teaching accommodation. 4.3 The College has made excellent progress in addressing this recommendation. Washrooms in the teaching block are clearly marked as being for the use of either junior students or adults. Junior students confirm that there are sufficient washrooms for their sole use. 4.4 The College is systematic in ensuring that the existing high standards of health and safety are maintained through a regular programme of testing and maintenance. There are appropriate numbers of trained first aiders and fire marshals and a satisfactory level of fire safety which conforms to legal requirements. Fire drills are held bi-annually for each building. Records of these are insufficiently detailed to identify evacuation times and areas for improvement. Risk assessments, which are in place for all sports and off-site activities, are discussed weekly with supervising staff to ensure they remain familiar and up to date with potential risks. The College s premises and facilities, including the residential accommodation, are fit for purpose and well maintained to provide a safe and comfortable environment which supports learning. Students confirm they feel safe. 4.5 Student registration and attendance records are accurate and properly maintained. Procedures for monitoring attendance are highly effective. Daily classroom checks ensure any absences are followed up immediately. This results in exceptionally high levels of attendance. Procedures are in place for the necessary reports to be made to the Home Office when required. 4.6 Safeguarding has a very high profile. Appropriate policies are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented. Safeguarding training is outstanding. Two senior members of staff are designated safeguarding officers and are trained to the appropriate level. All staff and all host family members aged over 18 have undergone Data and Barring Service (DBS) checks and understand their obligations and responsibilities very well. 4.7 The College provides very good pastoral and personal support to students of all ages to ensure that students receive appropriate care. The short first-day induction covers health and safety and basic rules; the second day induction reinforces essential information and includes course information which prepares students well for their studies. An excellent activities and social programme, devised with the age group of students in mind, enhances their learning experience and aims to broaden their cultural perspective. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 5
5. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 5.1 The effectiveness of governance, leadership and management is excellent. All Key Standards continue to be met. 5.2 The recommendations in this area from the previous inspection report are: Enhance the continuous professional development programme to further develop teachers awareness and expertise in catering to the needs of younger learners. Provide teachers with further support in implementing the resources designed for younger learners. Review appraisal procedures to ensure all staff receive an appropriate annual appraisal. Increase the frequency of formal analysis of quality assurance data to further drive improvement throughout the year. 5.3 The college has made excellent progress in meeting the first recommendation. Teachers awareness and expertise in catering to the needs of younger learners has been enhanced through workshops and online courses. Most teaching staff have completed training on motivating teenagers. Several teachers have developed their expertise in meeting the needs of younger learners and qualified primary teachers have shared their expertise in workshops. As a result, the confidence of staff in teaching younger learners has increased and this is demonstrated well in lessons. 5.4 Progress against the second recommendation has been excellent. The focus on researching and developing up-to-date and appropriate resources for younger learners is ongoing and evident in the lessons observed by inspectors. Teachers say that they have been very well supported in using the resources for younger learners through professional development and peer support. 5.5 Progress against the third recommendation is good. Appraisal procedures have been reviewed effectively. As a result teachers have formal annual appraisals which are linked to lesson observations and individual development plans. 5.6 The college has made good progress in increasing the frequency of the formal analysis of quality assurance data. Questionnaires from students are collected at all times of the year, and the data is collated and analysed formally at 3 peak periods in the year. First week questionnaires are scrutinised and responded to immediately. All questionnaires are analysed on a regular basis to inform improvement. Consequently, any collective concerns are identified and appropriate actions are recorded and resolved in a timely manner. Students achievements in external examinations are recorded over a three year period and show very good improvement over time. The tracking of internal achievements and progress reporting is less well-developed and achievement data is not generally analysed to drive improvements in teaching and learning. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 6
5.7 Directors and managers provide excellent oversight and clear educational direction. Strong leadership is evident in strategic planning and in self-assessment, where priorities are appropriately identified. The relationship between the directors and senior managers is highly effective and their roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. As a result of good levels of communication and support, the college benefits from the retention of highly motivated and well-qualified staff. 5.8 Quality assurance procedures are well-developed and self-evaluation is thorough and effective in securing improvements in the quality of education. Highly effective arrangements are in place to gather feedback from staff and students, which is used to inform the college s self-evaluation; good mechanisms are in place to respond to any concerns raised. 5.9 Managers provide adequate opportunities for teaching observations and appraisals, which are linked to teachers individual development plans. As a result teachers and managers have opportunities to discuss and record achievements and goals to enhance teaching and learning. 5.10 Arrangements for the safe recruitment of staff and maintenance of associated records are in accordance with current guidance. Systematic checks carried out on all staff prior to appointment are exemplary. Checks on the suitability of staff to work with students under 18, including DBS checks, are fully recorded in the central register of employment. 5.11 The college participates in a fee protection scheme. 5.12 All Information provided by the college for the purpose of the inspection was of a high quality and well organised. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 7
6. ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The college has maintained the excellent quality found at the last inspection. Recommendations for further improvement In order to further improve the excellent quality provided, the college should: Collate and analyse student progress information in order to improve overall performance. Ensure that records of fire drills consistently contain sufficient detail to identify evacuation times and areas for improvement. Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 8
INSPECTION EVIDENCE The inspectors observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with students and examined samples of students work. They held discussions with senior members of staff and directors, and attended registration sessions. Inspectors visited residential accommodation. The responses of staff and students to confidential pre-inspection questionnaires were analysed, and the inspectors examined regulatory documentation made available by the college. Inspectors Ms Christine Powell Lead Inspector Mr Mike Coulson Team Inspector Ms Janet Simms Team Inspector Independent Colleges Inspectorate 2015 9