The Independent School’s Inspectorate recently carried out an ‘intermediate’ inspection of the boarding welfare provision at Windermere School. The inspection took place in February 2015.
Over the course of two and a half continuous days in the school the inspectors conducted formal interviews with boarders, senior members of staff and members of the governing body; they observed a sample of extra-curricular activities; attended registration sessions; and visited each of the boarding houses and the facilities for sick or injured pupils.
As an ‘intermediate’ inspection, the report itself focuses on the school’s compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The three areas of compliance are:
- Boarding provision and care
- Arrangements for welfare and safeguarding
- Leadership and management of the boarding provision
Within these three areas all aspects of boarding life are scrutinized, including accommodation, leisure facilities, food provision, medical care and welfare.
Every aspect of boarding life at Windermere School was found to be compliant.
The Report highlights the fact that “all of the parents who responded to the questionnaire felt that boarding is well managed organized and managed effectively” and that they would “recommend the school to another parent”. Food is described as “plentiful and nutritious, and includes dishes appropriate to an international community”, while the wide range of activites available to the pupils, whether in the surrounding area or elsewhere in the country, was also given special mention. Inspection evidence showed that “there are many opportunities for participation in sports and outdoor activities, as well as visits to places of cultural and recreational interest.”
Headmaster, Ian Lavender, said; “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection. I would particularly like to thank all parents and students who took the trouble to respond to the questionnaires for their support. I was told by the lead inspector that he had never seen such a positive response from parents and it is praise indeed that one hundred percent of those who responded said that they would recommend the school.”
Jane Scott, Head of Admissions, adds; “We have a total of 150 boarders and for every single one of them we seek to provide a safe and caring family environment. We want our boarders to flourish and we think we have the ideal setting to make this possible. Boarding is a huge part of life at Windermere School and one we are always looking to improve to achieve our vision of being the best small independent school in the United Kingdom.”