Ardnashee School and College

Overview

The inspection confirms that Ardnashee School and College has effective safeguarding arrangements that reflect Department of Education guidance, with pupils reporting they feel safe and know who to contact with concerns. Despite significant pressures from temporary leadership structures and inadequate accommodation, staff demonstrate high levels of commitment and expertise in meeting the complex needs of pupils.

Strengths

• Staff create a "warm supportive environment conducive to learning" and show "commitment and sensitivity in meeting their often complex individual needs."
• Safeguarding policies are "clear and coherent," with visual displays enhanced to ensure staff are recognisable to all pupils, including those with communication difficulties.
• The school prioritises "purposeful engagement with a wide range of multi-disciplinary agencies" to support pupil health, wellbeing, and education.
• Pupils feel "highly-valued and cared for" through the whole-school nurture programme, "Good-morning Ardnashee."
• Staff demonstrate "considerable innovation and creativity in planning" despite the shortcomings of current accommodation.

Areas to improve

• The Education Authority must address "the temporary nature of the leadership roles" as a matter of urgency.
• Protocols for sharing information regarding serious safeguarding issues with the Department of Education need to be reviewed and agreed.
• Additional governors must be appointed to make up the full quota to enable maximum support for the senior leadership team.

Safeguarding

The report states that arrangements for safeguarding reflect Department of Education guidance and that pupils are aware of what to do if they have concerns about their safety or welfare.