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Every Day is Open Day
at Sacred Heart School
Reception Unit open five days a week.
Contact:
Sacred Heart School,
17, Mangate Street, Swaffham,
Norfolk, PE37 7QW
Telephone: 01760 721330
Headteacher: Sr Francis Ridler
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Inspection Report Summary for Convent of the
Sacred Heart School
Name of the service: Convent of the Sacred Heart School
Date of Inspection: 9th October 2006
Name of Inspector: CSCI, 3rd Floor Cavell house, St.
Crispins Road, Norwich, NR3 1YF
Local office: Norwich - Eastern
This is what the inspector found during the inspection
Introduction
Before the inspection, the inspector gathered a great deal of information
about the school from the Headmistress. The information included a copy
of the school's "Handbook for Parents and Boarders" as well
as documents about how the school deals with lots of different things
such as health and safety, complaints, bullying and employing new staff.
The inspector also asked the Headmistress to send the inspector information
about what the school does well and what could be improved.
A letter was also sent to the parents of each boarder to let them know
that the inspection would be taking place and to invite them to write
to the inspector about boarding at the school.
All boarders, including weekly and flexi-boarders, were given a pupil
survey form to fill in and return to the inspector before the inspection.
During the inspection the inspector also:
- Spoke with boarders
- Spoke with lots of the staff
- Watched how the boarders and staff got along together
- Looked at some files and records
- Looked around the boarding house with some of the boarders.
The inspector was impressed with the behaviour of the children during
the inspection and how they made her feel welcome.
The staff and children spoke to the inspector about some of the changes
that have taken place in the boarding house during the past 12-18 months
as there have been changes of staff during this time. However, things
are now much settled and the new Housemistress and members of House Staff
are working hard to provide a caring environment for boarders.
This is a good school.
What the school does well:
These are some of the good things that the inspector found out about
the school:
- Boarders said they are able to talk to staff especially when they
are worried or feel unwell.
- Boarders are consulted and are able to contribute ideas about how
the boarding house is run. Some changes have been made as a result of
some of the girls' ideas and suggestions.
- Good written information is provided to boarders and their parents.
- A number of teaching and boarding house staff were highly spoken of
by boarders.
- Greater responsibility has been given to year 11 girls which they
said they enjoy.
- The number of staff on duty in the evenings allows the school to offer
a wide choice of activities.
- Senior pupils are given opportunities to prepare and cook an evening
meal each month for boarders.
- The Housemistress and boarding house staff work hard to provide a
caring environment for boarders.
What has improved since the last inspection?
The school is to be commended for the work it has done since the last
full inspection of March 2004.
- Weekly house meetings have been introduced and are proving to be very
positive.
- A new payphone has been installed which will ring mobile telephones.
- The senior girls' bathroom area has been refurbished with new showers
and is very popular with the girls.
- Boarders are given opportunities to comment on their supper menus.
- Some new items of furniture have been bought for the common rooms,
and the dormitories are bright and welcoming.
- Information has been given to parents about how they can contact
CSCI and how the school deals with bullying.
- Staff have received training to help them in their work in the school
and in the boarding house.
- Special information has been prepared for new staff and Gap students
to help them in their work in the boarding house.
What they could do better:
The school is doing many things well and has made very positive progress
since the last full inspection of March 2004. However, there are a few
things the inspector has recommended the school to do:
- The Housemistress should be included in the next group of staff to
receive First Aid refresher training.
- Slight changes need to be made to some written information.
The inspector wishes to thank all the boarders involved in the inspection.
If you want to read the full inspection report, please ask the person
in charge of the place where you are living or staying.
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