Work to improve Beaulieu School ongoing

A private school in Jersey has recognised it provided "limited guidance for staff" on evaluating quality and learning in the past, a review has found.

Beaulieu School was reviewed in a follow-up monitoring visit by the government in April, after concerns were raised during a review in November 2022.

The first review found teachers were not checking pupils' "prior knowledge and understanding", resulting in them sitting "passively" in class.

In the follow-up visit, the government said the school's senior leaders and trustees were "taking effective action" to tackle the issues identified.

Both reviews were done under the Jersey Schools Review Framework, which "aspires to further enhance the effectiveness of education in Jersey through the evaluation, support and challenge of schools", the government said.

The first review found managers needed to communicate more effectively, and that there had been a drop in morale.

It also found Beaulieu was a caring school with a strong sense of community.

It recommended improvements with communication between management and more teacher training.

Key findings of the 2023 report included:

• Improving communication with parents was being prioritised

• Leaders 'transforming' record keeping systems in relation to checks made on staff, directors, trustees and volunteers to ensure they are safe to work with children

• School policies now available to parents on its website

• New strategic vision designed for the next 18 months

• Primary and secondary school curriculum policies drafted to make sure school is compliant with requirements

Beaulieu's acting head teacher Paul Robinson said its staff had responded to the November report with "dedication, determination and passion".

"All staff remain fully committed to the students under our care, and I look forward to continuing to work with parents, students and staff, so that Beaulieu remains and continues to develop as a wonderful place to both learn and work," he said.

Minister for Children and Education Deputy Inna Gardiner said she was "reassured to read of the progress made".