The last week of term for many, but no let up for me! Ron Richards asked if I would conduct an Online Safety Mark (OSM) assessment at Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham, Worcestershire (https://www.princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk/) and complete the follow-up report before the end of this academic year. So, today, I set off early, thankfully in slightly lower temperatures than of late, to meet the Headteacher, other members of the Senior Leadership Team, teachers, administrative and technical staff, students, governors and parents/carers, to assess whether the school had reached the benchmark standard in all 21 aspects of the 360 degree safe self-review tool and deserved to be awarded an Online Safety Mark. I had been advised that the dress code had been relaxed given the high temperatures, so I was able to replace the formal suit with a cooler, summery dress and lighter jacket instead.
I had perused the school’s website and relevant documentation prior to the day to gain some insight into the establishment and its achievements to date (including an Ofsted inspection in March 2024 when the school attained ‘outstanding’ in all four areas, plus overall). I received a warm welcome on arrival and was introduced by the Director of ICT, Mr Brant, to the Headteacher, Dr Evans, and members of the Senior Leadership Team, including the Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead, Mr Freeman, and Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Lungley. We had a brief discussion about the online safety structures in place within the school, how their policy and practice has developed as a result of engaging with the 360 degree safe self-review tool, as well as confirming arrangements for the day.
Next, I went through their completed review with the Deputy Headteacher, Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead and Director of ICT. I had previously liaised with the Director of ICT and challenged him about a number of points and asked a few further questions, which had been answered promptly, confidently and comprehensively. It certainly saved time this morning, enabling us to have a productive discussion and then move swiftly on. Online Safety Mark assessments are always very intense; you are attempting to see and hear as much evidence as possible during your visit so that the final report is a detailed and accurate portrayal of what is occurring at the establishment. Any gained time is definitely welcomed!
Afterwards, I was joined by a number of students from different year groups, as well as the Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead. Pupils answered my questions willingly and honestly. I must have put them at ease as I think we could have continued chatting for much longer had I not had to interview other key individuals!
The Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead, alongside a handful of parents/carers and governors, including Mrs Biggs who has oversight of safeguarding within her remit, were next in the ‘hot seat’. Representatives from the Governing Body talked about the school’s progress regarding online safety, whilst parents spoke highly of the guidance it offered and frequent, targeted communication.
To conclude the first half of the morning, the Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead introduced me to a number of the school’s support staff, such as the Network Manager, Mr Pilling, the Lead Counsellor, Mrs Walters, a TA, Mr Futers, and the Pastoral Secretary, Mrs Davey. Their input afforded me with a deeper understanding into the operation of the school at various levels.
After a very short break, I met teachers from different subject areas. We had quite a broad cross-section in the room this morning. Many were also Form Tutors, Heads of Year or involved in the coordination and delivery of PSHE across the school.
Later, I consulted with the school’s technical team to discuss issues, monitoring, reporting and audit logs. The IT Manager and his support staff displayed a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Forty minutes were set aside for me to review the submitted evidence and detailed notes that I had taken throughout the morning. However, I decided to use this as an opportunity to have a more in-depth discussion with both the Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead and Director of ICT and analyse content on the school website and additional supporting evidence together.
The final session of the day involved a meeting with the Headteacher, Safeguarding and Online Safety Lead and Director of ICT to share my findings, including identification of the school’s very many strengths, and propose areas for further development. I referenced examples of best practice that I have encountered recently in other schools to provide insight into how they might achieve such outcomes as well. It was felt that my summary was very fitting and we all agreed with the suggestions for their action plan for the next academic year and beyond.
Many thanks for making the day spent at Prince Henry’s High School so efficient and effective. Great attention to detail and thorough organisation on both sides meant that things ran smoothly and, remarkably, to schedule.
Congratulations to you all; very well-deserved. Now, enjoy the last week of term whilst I spend the next day or so writing up your report!
Thank you Emma. It was a pleasure to meet you today and we really appreciate the care you have taken to support us through this process. Everyone I have spoken to since you left us commented on how approachable you were and how you put them at ease. Thank you for the attached information, I’ll get looking at that right away. (Director of ICT)