The Davenport School

School material change inspection report

p.1

Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication The Davenport School The Lodge, Foxborough Hill, Eastry, Sandwich CT13 0NY

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32, 32(1), 32(1)(a)  Leaders have not ensured that all aspects related to the welfare or health and safety of pupils are fully in place. Fire safety procedures are not yet fully compliant. There are no risk assessments for most areas of the school. There are missing employment checks on staff; for example, leaders have not ensured that prohibition checks and disqualification by association checks have been completed.  When the inspector arrived on site, the school’s safeguarding policy was missing information related to guidance on the legal responsibilities of staff when reporting female genital mutilation. While the policy included the word ‘prevent’, it gave no further information regarding preventing radicalisation and extremism. During the inspection leaders addressed these issues. They also uploaded a compliant safeguarding policy onto the school’s website.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 11  The school has a written health and safety policy in place. However, the policy is not effectively implemented as leaders have not yet ensured that the premises are safe. Paragraph 12  The school does not meet all the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Some certificates regarding fire safety are missing. At the start of the inspection the school did not have certificates for the fire extinguishers or the fire alarm. There was no certificate for the emergency lighting. No electrical installation certificate had been obtained. During the inspection the school called in an electrician and obtained both emergency lighting and fire alarm certificates. However, certificates for the fire extinguishers were not obtained, and currently fire extinguishers are not secured to the walls. The electrical installation certificate which confirms that all the electrical work in the school has been correctly installed and tested has not yet been done.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 Fire documentation is not in line with the fire safety order. The policy does not clearly identify the responsible person. The school has a fire drill logbook which is ready to be completed to record evacuation times and comments.  The fire risk-assessment report is not sufficiently explicit about the potential fire hazards because it is a generic document. For example, the report states, ‘in more complex premises where there is more than 1 floor’ and ‘if you or your organisation employs five or more people’. There is too little consideration of the specific risks associated with this school building. Paragraph 14  There are detailed arrangements to ensure that pupils will be well supervised at all times. Leaders have planned for staff-to-pupil ratios to be high. They are well aware that some pupils may be at risk of absconding and have made appropriate plans to address this possibility. Paragraph 16, 16(a)−16(b)

p.1

Main inspection findings

 There is a risk assessment policy that sets out a range of strategies to reduce risks, including those associated with the premises. However, the implementation of the policy is not effective. This is because there are currently no risk assessments for any part of the school. For example, the outdoor playground or areas where pupils will do physical education have not been risk assessed.  School leaders have not ensured that standards are likely to be met in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a)−18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a)−19(2)(e), 19(3), 20(1), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i)−20(6)(b)(iii) and 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i)−21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a)– 21(7)(b)  Leaders have not conducted prohibition checks on all staff. They have not conducted

p.2

Main inspection findings

any disqualification by association checks.  The school has created a single central register which, apart from the missing checks listed above, does record other pre-employment checks on staff.  School leaders have not ensured that all the standards regarding the suitability of staff are likely to be met in this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1)−23(1)(c)  The school consists of two older buildings which have been joined together by a new building to form one large premises. The building is finished to a high standard. It can adequately accommodate 20 pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities. There are several classrooms which will provide specialist teaching areas for subjects such as technology, art and science. At the time of the inspection some aspects were still being finalised, for example overhead projectors were being installed. There was a limited quantity of furniture.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 There are suitable toilet, washing and changing facilities for the sole use of pupils. Entry to the proposed new premises is secure. The school intends that most physical activities will take place at a nearby leisure centre or an adjacent football field. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b) and 24(1)(c)  The school has a medical room, which pupils can access if they should they feel ill or are injured. It is well equipped with a bed and a washbasin. It is also close to a toilet. Paragraph 25  There has been an extensive amount of work to refurbish and build a suitable building. The standard of decor is high and the rooms are clean and functional. However, there remain issues related to the health and safety of pupils, including a lack of risk assessments, non-compliance with the fire safety order, non-compliance regarding electrical installations and lack of the final sign-off from building regulations.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 26  The acoustics in the proposed classrooms are appropriate. Paragraph 27, 27(a) and 27(b)  The building is well lit for the activities that will take place within them. External lighting is appropriate. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a)−28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) and 28(2)(b)  Drinking water is available and clearly labelled. The toilets and washbasins have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. Hot water poses no risk of scalding to pupils. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The school has a suitable hard play area. There is enough outside space for primary- age pupils to play outside and to exercise.  School leaders have ensured that most, but not all, of the standards are likely to be met in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)–34(1)(c)  Leaders have worked hard to address the many organisational issues associated with

p.3

Main inspection findings

a new build and setting up the new premises to be a functional school. They advise that this has taken up a considerable amount of time and energy. They recognise that there remain some areas that need attention.  School leaders have not ensured that all the standards are likely to be met in this part.

p.3

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that are relevant to the material change, as set out in the annex of this report.

p.4

The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

 The proprietor must ensure that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school and the arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State (paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)).  The proprietor must ensure that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy (paragraph 11).  The proprietor must ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (paragraph 12).  The proprietor must ensure that the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified (paragraph 16, 16(a)−16(b)).  The proprietor must ensure that no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition

p.4

The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification (paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(b), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(ii), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(b)).  The proprietor must ensure that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured (paragraph 25).  The proprietor must ensure that the standard about the quality of leadership and management is met to: – demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently – fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently – actively promote the well-being of pupils (paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)).

p.4

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

p.5

School details

School status Independent special school

p.5

School details

Proprietor Ethelbert Specialist Homes Ltd

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 31 January–2 February 2017

p.5

recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 12 5 to 12 5 to 12

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 16 20 20

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 12 20

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 12 20

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 11 20

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 12 20

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 8 10

p.6

Information about this school

 Davenport School is a special day school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. It opened in 2000 and is one of two schools within Ethelbert Children’s Services. The other school is a secondary school.  There are 12 pupils on roll. The school is currently registered to take up to 16 pupils.  At the last standard inspection in January 2017 the school was judged to require improvement.  The school’s main aim is ‘to provide a consistent and caring learning environment in which pupils can develop their full personal, academic and social potential’.  Almost all of the pupils on roll have a statement of SEN or an education, health and care plan. Approximately nine local authorities use the school to place pupils.  Almost all pupils have had negative past experiences of education. Many have been excluded or have had significant disruption to their education.

p.6

Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection visit was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), the registration authority for independent schools, to advise on the school’s application to move from Manston Grange to a permanent purpose-built school at The Lodge. Additionally, there was a request to increase the number of pupils on roll from 16 to 20.  At the previous standard inspection in January 2017 the school submitted an application to the DfE to lower the age that pupils join the school from seven to five. During that inspection, the inspector considered that the school was well placed to provide effectively for five- and six-year olds once the school moved to The Lodge.  This on-site inspection was carried out by one inspector over the course of a day. The school was not operating at the new site on the day of this visit. The inspector toured the proposed school and held meetings with the proprietor, who is the managing

p.7

Information about this inspection

director, and several members of the senior leadership team. The inspector scrutinised policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, risk assessments and the school’s single central register.  The purpose of the inspection was to check compliance with paragraphs 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 34 and all of Parts 4 and 5 of the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2014, should the material change be implemented.

p.7

Inspection team

Liz Bowes, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.8

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visitwww.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

p.8

Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.8

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.8