Ofsted visits Kingstone High School after 'malicious complaint'

In a letter, Ofsted said it visited Kingstone High School, near Hereford, to investigate after a tip-off over child safety concerns.

Ofsted said it met with the executive headteacher David Bennett, head of school Lee Butler, chair of governors James Wright and 16 other teachers as it probed the concerns at Kingstone High School, near Hereford.

Ofsted inspector Martin Pye said in a letter to Mr Bennett after the visit that safeguarding was effective, but he was concerned about older pupils vaping at school and it goes unnoticed.

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The letter, published on Ofsted's website on September 21 but dated July 5, said school documents were scrutinised, but safeguarding arrangements were fit for purpose. The visit was not a full inspection, and the school is still rated as good.

Mr Bennett said: "After an unwarranted malicious complaint to Ofsted, Ofsted carried out a full and vigorous inspection of the school and found that our safeguarding procedures were effective.

"We are happy that our school continues to provide a safe environment for our students to attend."

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Inspector Mr Pye also said that while the school was calm and orderly "most of the time", "there is room for improvement" regarding pupils' behaviour.

The school, with 603 pupils on roll, now up to around 640, had "clear, efficient and effective systems for reporting and recording any safeguarding concerns and incidents", adding that staff know what to look out for and how to respond.

Ofsted, visiting after being tipped off about safeguarding concerns, said pupils at the school said they feel safe, and know where to turn if they have problems.

Mr Pye also said that the school's trustees should take advice from Herefordshire Council if they are involved in any safeguarding concerns as they have, in the past, misinterpreted policies.