BRITISH ACCREDITATION COUNCIL INSPECTION REPORT Short Course Provider (SCP) Candidacy / Stage 2 Inspection PROVIDER: ADDRESS: Bruton Lloyd 43 Berkeley Square London W1J 5AP HEAD OF PROVIDER: Anna Kunitsyna and Ekaterina Ametistova DATE OF INSPECTION: 28-30 April 2014 ACCREDITATION STATUS AT INSPECTION: Unaccredited DECISION ON ACCREDITATION: Accreditation awarded for 6 months. Award of accreditation deferred. Award of accreditation refused. Date: 2 Jun 2014 Page 1 of 10
PART A - INTRODUCTION 1. Background to the provider Bruton Lloyd LLP is a a registered limited liability partnership (. OC323249). The partnership was originally established in October 2006 under the name of Address Anglia LLP and this was changed to Bruton Lloyd LLP in April 2011. The two partners have developed a very successful specialist business which caters for very wealthy clients, predominantly at present from Russia, who are seeking educational progression for their children. The partners have very good links with Russia, work closely with an agent based in Moscow and produce excellent promotional materials in Russian to be used for marketing purposes. Bruton Lloyd is very proud of its emphasis on confidentiality, which is demanded by their clients. 2. Brief description of the current provision Bruton Lloyd works closely with its clients to provide a bespoke service tailored specifically for the needs of the child involved and the educational experience they intend to progress to, whether it is to an independent public school or university. At present, this can include personal tuition within the UK or abroad including Russia as preparation for entrance examinations and interviews. Emphasis is also placed on the cultural assimilation of the child to include an awareness of the British life, traditions, values and etiquette. Accompanying adults can also be provided with a bespoke course to meet their needs. The new summer programmes that are seeking accreditation will provide high quality bespoke home-stay educational experiences using traditional English country house premises to complement the existing consultancy activities of Bruton Lloyd. 3. Inspection process The inspection was carried out by one inspector over three days. The first day was spent at the London head office: meetings were held with the two partners and the senior consultant who is the Project Manager for the summer educational programme overseeing the new development, and with the senior consultant who has responsibility, once a booking is made, for the logistics of the visit and liaising with the tutors and clients and some of the office staff responsible for meeting clients and assessing children and advising on appropriate educational programmes. Appropriate office files and procedures were reviewed. On the second day there was a visit, accompanied by the Project Manager, to the two Oxford locations where meetings were held with the providers and the extensive properties were toured. On the third day a tour was made, accompanied by the Project Manager, of the large rfolk property and a meeting was held with the provider. Page 2 of 10
PART B - JUDGEMENT AND EVIDENCE The following judgements and comments are based upon evidence seen by the inspector(s) during the inspection and from documentation provided by the provider. INSPECTION AREA - MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION 1. 1.1 1.2 The provider is effectively managed The management structure is clearly defined, documented and understood, including the role and extent of authority of any owners, trustees or governing body. The head of the provider and other senior managers are suitably qualified and experienced, understand their specific responsibilities and are effective in carrying them out. 1.3 There are clear channels of communication between the management and staff and those working at the delivery venue/s. Partially t The management structure at the London Office is well planned and effective, with the two partners being actively involved in the organisation. All the staff at the head office are graduates and bilingual with an emphasis on Russian speakers. The home-stay staff are suitably qualified and there are clear and effective lines of communication between the staff in Oxford, rfolk and London. 2. The administration of the provider is effective 2.1 Administrators are suitably qualified or experienced and understand their specific responsibilities and duties. 2.2 The size of the administrative team is sufficient to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the provider. 2.3 The administrative support available to the management is clearly defined, documented and understood. 2.4 Policies, procedures and systems are well documented and effectively disseminated across the provider. 2.5 Data collection and collation systems are effective. 2.6 Administrative offices are adequate in size and resources for the effective administration of the provider. Partially t There is a core of eight full-time staff based at the London office who are all experienced and well integrated into the professional ethos of the organisation. Information is networked around the office so that all can respond to any inquiry. There are also paper backup files for all aspects of the client administration. The two office rooms used in London mean that communication between staff is excellent. Page 3 of 10
3. The provider employs appropriate managerial and administrative staff 3.1 There are appropriate policies and effective procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of suitably qualified and experienced staff. 3.2 Experience and qualifications claimed are verified before employment. 3.3 There is an effective system for regularly reviewing the performance of staff. Partially t The staff are all well qualified with graduate qualifications and language skills that enable them to deal with clients in London or, for example, in Moscow. The staff files indicate that the process of appointment is rigorously followed, including references being taken up. There is a system of biennial personal staff reviews undertaken by the partners. 4. Publicity material, both printed and electronic, gives a comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate description of the provider and its programmes 4.1 4.2 Text and images provide an accurate depiction of the provider's location, premises, facilities and the range and nature of resources and services offered. Information on the courses available is comprehensive, accurate and up to date. Partially t Bruton Lloyd has existing brochures and website for its current operations and there are new ones planned for the summer programme. The new brochures, seen in draft, will be available for Oxford and rfolk and provide excellent photographs giving a clear indication of what is being offered to clients. There is also to be a new website that will focus on the summer programme. 5. The provider takes reasonable care to recruit and enrol suitable participants for its courses 5.1 5.2 Entry requirements for each course, including those relating to language ability, are set at an appropriate level and clearly stated in the course descriptions seen by prospective participants. A formal application process ensures that participants meet the entry requirements and any claimed qualifications are verified. 5.3 5.4 The provider replies to all application enquiries promptly and appropriately and briefs all stakeholders properly on the nature and requirements of its programmes. Any overseas recruitment agents are properly selected, briefed, monitored and evaluated. Partially t Each course is tailor-made for each child or adult. The application form requires evidence of academic and English language ability but this is to enable planning to take place and not as an 'entry qualification'. The experienced consultants work with the parents and child to ensure that realistic aspirations are met. Page 4 of 10
6. There is an appropriate policy on participant attendance and effective procedures and systems to enforce it 6.1 There is a clear and published policy on participant attendance and punctuality. Partially t The student handbook has specific requirements as to attendance and punctuality. However, as the student is living with the family, there is no problem with either of these objectives. INSPECTION AREA - PARTICIPANT WELFARE 20. 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 Where residential accommodation is offered, it is fit for purpose, well maintained and appropriately supervised Any residential accommodation is clean, safe and of a standard which is adequate to the needs of participants. Any residential accommodation is open to inspection by the appropriate authorities, including Ofsted where participants under 18 are accommodated. Clear rules and fire, health and safety procedures are in place, with appropriate precautions taken for security of participants and their property. A level of supervision is provided appropriate to the needs of participants. 20.5 Separate accommodation blocks are provided for participants under 18. Partially t The emphasis of this provision is that the child, who may be accompanied by a parent, is living with the family and learning within the family setting. The accommodation used by the programme is excellent and fulfills the 'traditional English country house' promised in the literature. As they are predominantly family homes, special measures have been taken to provide additional fire and health and safety precautions and these are explained on the first day induction provided at the home-stay. Bruton Lloyd has specific contracts with each home-stay provider clearing listing the responsibilities they must meet. 20.3 The home-stay providers have suitable first aid equipment but they should ensure that their first-aider qualifications are up-to-date. Page 5 of 10
21. 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 Where home-stay accommodation is organised, the welfare of participants is ensured and the provider's relationship with hosts is properly managed Due care is taken in selecting home-stay accommodation which both provides a safe and comfortable living environment for participants and is appropriately located for travel to the provider and back. Any home-stay accommodation is inspected before participants are placed and is subject to regular re-inspection by a responsible representative or agent of the provider. The provider has appropriate contracts in place with any hosts, clearly setting out the rules, terms and conditions of the provision. Appropriate advice and support is given to both hosts and participants before and during the placement. Clear monitoring procedures are in place with opportunities for participant feedback and prompt action taken in the event of problems. Partially t The three home-stay houses used by the programme are owned by those involved in the programme. They are all experienced individuals who have been involved with similar work for some time. They work closely with the senior consultant at Bruton Lloyd who is the Project Manager for the programme. The staff delivering the home-stay have been DBS checked. 22. 22.1 The provider provides an appropriate social programme for participants and information on leisure activities in the area Participants are provided with appropriate information on opportunities for participation at events and other leisure activities which may be of interest. 22.2 The social programme is responsive to the needs and wishes of participants. 22.3 22.4 Any activities within the social programme have been chosen with consideration for their affordability by the majority of participants. Any activities organised by the provider are supervised by a responsible representative with suitable qualifications and experience. Partially t The social programmes organised at the home-stay are very good and have been designed to meet the social, cultural and sporting interests of the clients. Page 6 of 10
INSPECTION AREA - PREMISES AND FACILITIES 23. The provider has secure possession of and access to its premises 23.1 The provider has secure tenure on its premises. 23.2 Where required, the provider has access to suitable external premises for training purposes of a temporary or occasional nature. Partially t Bruton Lloyd has a three-year lease on the offices from 31 March 2014. The home-stay properties are owner-occupied. 24. The premises provide a safe, secure and clean environment for participants and staff 24.1 Access to the premises is appropriately restricted and secured. 24.2 The premises are maintained in an adequate state of repair, decoration and cleanliness. 24.3 24.4 There are specific safety rules in areas of particular hazard (e.g. science laboratories), made readily available to participants, staff and visitors. General guidance on health and safety is made available to participants, staff and visitors. 24.5 24.6 24.7 There is adequate signage inside and outside of the premises and notice boards for the display of general information. There is adequate circulation space for the number of participants and staff accommodated, and a suitable area in which to receive visitors. There are toilet facilities of an appropriate number and level of cleanliness. 24.8 There is adequate heating and ventilation in all rooms. Partially t The London office has a controlled entry point at street level and has its own health and safety policy and procedures. The home-stay properties have extensive grounds and provide a safe and secluded environment for participants on the programme. The staff and participants' handbooks have information about health and safety. All the properties are well maintained. Where a swimming pool is available at Oxford, it is fenced and special rules apply for its use. Page 7 of 10
25. Training rooms and other learning areas are appropriate for the courses offered 25.1 Training rooms and other learning areas provide adequate accommodation in size and number for the classes allocated to them. 25.2 Training rooms and any specialised learning areas (e.g. laboratories, workshops, studios) are equipped to a level which allows for the effective delivery of each course. 25.3 There are facilities suitable for conducting the assessments required on each course. Partially t The rooms at the home-stay are large and provide ample comfortable space for the social and educational aspects of the programme. 26. There are appropriate additional facilities for participants and staff 26.1 Participants have access to sufficient space and suitable facilities for private study, including library and IT resources. 26.2 Trainers have access to sufficient personal space for preparing lessons, marking work and relaxation. 26.3 26.4 Participants and staff have access to space and facilities suitable for relaxation and the consumption of food and drink where appropriate. Participants and staff have access to storage for personal possessions where appropriate. 26.5 There are individual offices or rooms in which trainers and senior management can hold private meetings and a room of sufficient size to hold staff meetings. Partially t All the premises used for the programme have internet access through Wifi, including the bedrooms. All the home-stay premises have comfortable rooms that are available for use on the programme by participants and 'trainers'. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Declaration of compliance has been signed and dated. Page 8 of 10
PART C - SUMMARY OF STRENGTHS AND ACTION POINTS Numbering of action points aligns with that of the minimum standards MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION Provider's strengths Bruton Lloyd has developed a well managed and administered programme based on its experience over a number of years of dealing with clients who have specific educational and social requests. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low PARTICIPANT WELFARE Provider's strengths The enthusiasm of the home-stay staff in meeting the needs of the clients is excellent and the programmes they design are specific to those needs and aspirations. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low PREMISES AND FACILITIES Provider's strengths The premises used for the home-stays are key to the delivery of the experience that the client is seeking and these 'homes' are excellent for this purpose. Actions required 20.3 The home-stay providers have suitable first aid equipment but they should ensure that their first-aider qualifications are up-to-date. Priority H/M/L High Medium Low Page 9 of 10
RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT The handbooks should be reviewed to make sure that they are suitable for the age of the participants. Although they are to be translated into Russian, the age of the reader may encourage more graphical methods of communication. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS The statutory requirements were observed to be met at all the locations for the programme. Page 10 of 10