We have now received our most recent Inspection report from the ISI which I am glad to share with you all. Firstly, I would appreciate it if you could please take the time to read this letter: 

 

Dear Parents, Carers and other Stakeholders,

Phil and I set up Edward Jenner School in 2013 and have had many school inspections over the years. We fully believe in the inspection process, in its ability to ensure CYP’s are kept safe and all standards within the education we provide are high. This report truly reflects what we have worked towards achieving, working alongside the whole skilled staff. To the left are a few of the many highlights from the report.

Part of my role as Head is to ensure that I keep up to date with legislative changes. I am sorry to say that I have missed part of a guidance document which was in fact statutory. This stated that we are now required to keep our register electronically and apply absence codes, choosing from the 33 available codes each day of pupil absence. The inspection team were clear that using a paper register did not at any time put our young people at risk; our system robustly ensures we know where they are at all times of the school day. It is however a requirement. This oversight has meant that three out of the five inspection standards are not met. We have of course already rectified this single problem and are now running our register electronically and in accordance with the requirements. 

As part of my response to the Inspection report I requested that the following wording should be used whenever a standard was not met in the report. This was to highlight that any standards not met were ALWAYS solely due to using a paper register:

‘However, the school’s attendance register is not kept electronically and the attendance codes used are not in line with current statutory guidance consistent with Working together to improve school attendance.’ 

This request was denied and therefore the report uses a range of wording to state that an electronic register must be used. 

Throughout the report the standards for: Safeguarding; Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; Leadership and management, and governance are not met solely due to the absence of an electronic register and associated codes- there are no other shortcomings. Safeguarding and Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing are a particular strength of EJS and for my mistake to affect these standards is particularly difficult to take. But I must. Please rest assured the staff, Phil and I will continue to work tirelessly with your children and young people to ensure they receive the best possible education and the highest possible care.

With this in mind, we proudly invite you to enjoy the School Inspection Report March 2026 which clearly reflects all we hope to achieve each day.

Yours faithfully,

Manda Brookes