The Oaks

The Oaks School Independent school inspection report

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DCSF registration number 382/6024 Unique reference number 131206 URN for registered social care SC 060439 Inspection number 342477 Inspection dates 10 – 11 November 2009 Reporting inspector Terence McKenzie Social care inspector Helen Walker

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Age group: 11-18 Published: 30 November 2009 Reference no: 342477 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 Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk No. 090070 Independent school inspection report

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Purpose and scope of the inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Section 162A 1 of the Education Act 2002, as amended by schedule 8 of the Education Act 2005 2 , the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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Purpose and scope of the inspection

An inspection of the care provision was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 having regard to the national minimum standards for children’s homes. This inspection took place at the same time but the full report is published separately on Ofsted’s website and should be read in conjunction with this report which covers the educational registration of the school.

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Information about the school

The Oaks School aims to provide a high quality of education and care. It occupies a large modern detached house in a quiet village location. The school opened in January 2006. Currently, the school has four students aged 13 to 17 all of whom are looked after. All are resident with Caretech Community Services Limited, the company that took over the provision in 2009. All students have statements of special educational needs relating to communication difficulties and all have further complex needs including behavioural difficulties. This is the school’s first education inspection report. The last social care inspection took place in May 2009.

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Evaluation of the school

The school provides an inadequate quality of education. Although the school provides a good curriculum, and satisfactory teaching ensures pupils make satisfactory progress, it fails to meet many of the regulations required for registration as an independent school. The procedures for safeguarding of students are inadequate. Furthermore, the arrangements for recruitment of staff and the welfare, health and safety of students are inadequate. The child protection and other associated arrangements do not guarantee the safety of students. The overall quality of the boarding provision is inadequate. As such, the school does not meet its aims of providing a high quality of education and care.

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Evaluation of the school

1 www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2002/ukpga_20020032_en_14#pt10-ch1-pb4-l1g162 2 www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2005/ukpga_20050018_en_15#sch8 Independent school inspection report

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Quality of education

The quality of education is inadequate overall because of inadequate boarding provision and inadequate welfare, health and safety of the students; the school has not complied with the requirements for the safeguarding of its students. However, the school provides a good curriculum that is well matched to the individual needs of the students. In Key Stage 3 students study aspects of the National Curriculum with appropriate emphasis on improving their communication skills together with the basic skills of literacy, numeracy and computing. Older students work towards gaining qualifications in Entry Level Certificate and the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network. New curriculum pathways are being developed to provide an even greater range of opportunities for external accreditation. Good use is made of educational facilities located in schools and colleges close by. The trusting relationships between adults and the students encourage them to engage with the

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Quality of education

work and they concentrate to the best of their ability. Much of the curriculum is delivered by boarding staff who know the students well. The work done to enhance personal, social and health education with citizenship is well supported throughout the 24 hour curriculum. For example, the teacher helps the boarding staff by setting out a programme of activities related to the curriculum such as physical activities and visits to places of interest. The school room is always available during evenings and weekends and boarding staff encourage the young people to develop their social skills. All staff provide a holistic approach to the education of the students that helps them to develop their skills and understanding.

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Quality of education

The quality of teaching and assessment is satisfactory overall. However, where tasks are carefully matched to students’ capabilities and they take account of their attainment teaching is good. The school records pupils’ attainments using a nationally recognised scheme of assessment and it maintains records of students’ achievements that demonstrate progress is satisfactory when compared to their very low starting points. Lessons are planned on an individual basis for students and when they are made aware of what they need to do in order to succeed their progress is good.

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Quality of education

Teaching makes effective use of a range of communication devices that help students to access the tasks and make their responses known. Furthermore, consideration is constantly given to matching the learning environment to the needs of the students. This helps them maintain their concentration and make the best use of their learning opportunities. This is further aided by the teacher’s calm and reassuring presentation that encourages pupils to maintain good relationships and behave well.

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Quality of education

The school provides satisfactory opportunities, when appropriate, for students to undertake supported vocational work and carefully planned work experiences. Arrangements are made with other schools so that students experience a workshop environment and other practical activities. Some make use of the sensory room at a local sports facility. All have access to the Connexions agency in order to plan for the time when they leave school. Independent school inspection report

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Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils

The provision for spiritual, moral, social and cultural education of students is satisfactory. The students enjoy school and this is indicated through their good attendance, good behaviour and willingness to engage in lessons. Some join in with supported work experience and other activities that help prepare them for moving on to the next stages of their lives.

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Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils

Positive relationships encourage the development of good social skills. Carefully planned opportunities by education and boarding staff for shared experiences and social activities enable students to first enjoy some success in getting on together at school and then to attempt social interactions in other places in the community.

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Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils

Spiritual and cultural education is satisfactory and occurs through aspects of the curriculum such as religious education and citizenship. The nature of the students’ communications difficulties limits the contact that they might otherwise enjoy with the local and other communities but some have experienced residential holidays that have included outdoor pursuits. Students and staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and the adults are diligent in recognising students’ own cultures and religions.

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Welfare, health and safety of the pupils

The provision for the welfare, health and safety of students is inadequate because the school has not complied with the requirements for the safeguarding of its students. Child protection arrangements do not guarantee the safety of the students. The policies that guide and influence this provision are inadequate. The safeguarding policy does not inform the staff well enough on how to protect students and liaise with local safeguarding agencies. There is no designated person within the school or residence with responsibility for safeguarding matters who has undertaken the mandatory update training. Not all of the staff have undertaken the required awareness training. The school has inadequate policies to enable the satisfactory provision of first aid and procedures relating to health and safety, fire safety and anti-bullying. This has resulted in too few staff with the relevant training in these matters. The health and safety policy fails to confirm aspects of good and required

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Welfare, health and safety of the pupils

However, all staff work hard on behalf of students. In their everyday work staff keep students safe and healthy through close supervision and attention to their personal care. Risk assessments are in place concerning the behaviour management of students including on visits away from the school. Students learn about healthy lifestyles through aspects of the curriculum and the provision within the residential setting. They are encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyles and there are plenty of opportunities for physical exercise. All students benefit from more than two hours exercise each week and the teacher works hard to arrange physical activities to Independent school inspection report match the interests and needs of individuals. However, opportunities are missed for students to release energy during breaktimes because the outside play space is unfenced and there are difficulties in supervising and containing them. Satisfactory

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Welfare, health and safety of the pupils

attention is provided to healthy eating in meals and snacks.

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Welfare, health and safety of the pupils

The school does not have a three year plan by which it shows how it will meet its duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, amended by the Special Educational Needs & Disability Act 2001.

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Suitability of the proprietor and staff

The school fails to comply with a number of regulations regarding the suitability of the proprietor and staff and the proprietor fails to check the identity of agency staff before they begin work. The parent company did not notify the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) when it acquired the school and boarding facility in May 2009 and consequently, the required suitability checks have not yet been carried out by the DCSF on the lead director of the company. Furthermore, the required checks have not yet been carried out on other directors of Caretech Ltd. The school does not maintain a single central register of staff and therefore fails to comply with any of the regulations regarding this. At the time of the inspection the school was unaware of its duty to refer to the Independent Safeguarding Authority any person who is deemed to be unsuitable to work with children.

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School’s premises and accommodation

The school meets most of the requirements and the site provides generally a safe environment that promotes learning and social development but two matters concerning health and safety were brought to the attention of the school’s managers.

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Provision of information for parents, carers and others

The school fails to comply with many regulations and does not provide adequate and up-to-date information to parents and carers. Much of the information is missing from the school prospectus concerning details about the school, the parent company and information that should be made available to parents and carers upon request is missing or is out of date. The school maintains satisfactory links with parents, carers and local authorities and information about students’ progress is forwarded through statutory annual reviews and via schools reports. Local authorities are provided with an annual statement of income and expenditure on behalf of each student.

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Procedures for handling complaints

The school has a clear complaints policy that fully meets the regulations. Independent school inspection report

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Effectiveness of the boarding provision

The care provision was judged to be inadequate, and national minimum standards were not met. A full report on the care provision is available on Ofsted’s website and should be viewed in conjunction with this report.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets all of the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 as amended (‘the Regulations’), with the exception of those listed below. 3

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet all requirements in respect of provision for pupils’ welfare, health and safety (standard 3) and must:

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 prepare and implement a written anti-bullying policy that makes appropriate reference to the latest DCSF guidance ‘Safe to Learn’ (paragraph 3(2)(a))  prepare and implement written policies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are pupils at the school in compliance with DCSF guidance Safeguarding children and safer recruitment in education (paragraph 3(2)(b))  have regard to the appropriate national minimum standards for boarding provision (paragraph 3(3))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 have regard to the DCSF guidance Health and safety: responsibilities and powers (paragraph 3(4))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 maintain a satisfactory level of fire safety and comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (paragraph 3(5))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 prepare and implement a satisfactory written policy on first aid (paragraph 3(6))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet all requirements in respect of suitability of proprietor and staff (standard 4) and must:

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 check the identity of any staff not directly employed by the school before they begin work at the school irrespective of any check made by the employment business (paragraph 4A(6))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

3 www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2003/20031910.htm Independent school inspection report  include in any contractual arrangements with an employment business, the requirements set out in paragraphs 4A(3), including a requirement to supply a copy of a CRB certificate that contains any information (paragraph 4A(7))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 notify the DCSF so that the checks can be conducted for the current chairperson (paragraph 4B (2) and (3))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 check the other members of the proprietorial body to confirm their identity, right to work in the UK, enhanced CRB check, and where such checks are insufficient because the person has lived outside the UK such additional checks to confirm suitability as the Chair considers appropriate having regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State and confirmation that his/her work or intended work would not contravene a direction made under section 142 of the 2002 Act(a) (reference to list 99) or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which would have the same effect (paragraph 4B (4) and (5))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 compile a single central register that for each member of staff in post on or after 1 September 2003 that shows the following checks were made: of his/her identity (and the date on which this check was made); of their qualifications (where required) (and the date of the check); whether an enhanced CRB certificate was obtained. If so, the date on which the check was completed or certificate obtained. Whether she/he is subject to any direction under section 142 of the Education Act 2002 (reference to List 99) or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which would have the same effect (and the date undertaken); on compliance with the relevant National Minimum Standards where boarding accommodation is provided (and the date the check was completed). For each member of staff in post on or after 1 May 2007, the register must show the following additional check was made: of his/her right to work in the United Kingdom and, where relevant

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

for those who have lived outside the United Kingdom, additional checks as appropriate to ensure suitability to work in a school (and the date these checks were done) (paragraph 4C (2) and (3))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 in relation to staff not directly employed by the school, the register must show whether written notification has been received from the employment business that it has carried out the checks referred to in 4C(2): identity, List 99, qualifications where appropriate, appropriate checks if the person lived outside the UK and right to work in the UK where appropriate and that it or another employment business has carried out an enhanced CRB check and it has obtained an enhanced CRB certificate together with the date when the written notification that each check was completed or certificate obtained was received. The register must show that a check has been made in relation to 4A(8) and the date the check was completed (paragraph 4C(4))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 in relation to staff not directly employed by the school, where notification is received from an employment business that it has obtained an enhanced Independent school inspection report CRB certificate which contains disclosures, the register must also show whether the employment business supplied a copy of that certificate (paragraph 4C(5))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on or after 1 September 2003, the register must show whether a check was made of: his/her identity; and whether an enhanced CRB check was carried out and certificate obtained. In relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on or after 1 May 2007 the register must also show the checks made to confirm their right to work in the United Kingdom and, where someone had lived outside the UK, such additional enquiries which were made as were appropriate. The register must contain this information, and also show the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained (paragraph 4C(6) and (7))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 keep the register in electronic form only if the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form (paragraph 4C(9))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet all requirements in respect of the premises and accommodation (standard 5) and must:

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 ensure all areas of the school do not compromise health and safety (paragraph 5(j))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet all requirements in respect of the provision of information for parents, carers and others (standard 6) and must provide:

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 The school’s address and telephone number and the address of the headteacher (paragraph 6(2)(a))  Where the proprietor is a corporation the address and telephone number of the registered or principal office (paragraph 6(2)(b)) Additionally, the school should make available to parents of students and parents of prospective students the following information:  particulars of the school's policy on and arrangements for admissions, discipline and exclusions (paragraph 6(3)(a))  particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with statements of SEN and for pupils for whom English is an additional language (paragraph 6(3)(b))  particulars of policies relating to bullying, health and safety, the promotion of good behaviour, and sanctions adopted in the event of pupils misbehaving (paragraph 6(3)(d))  particulars of academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations (paragraph 6(3)(e))

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 particulars of the number of staff employed at the school, including temporary staff, and a summary of their qualifications (paragraph 6(3)(g)) Independent school inspection report  a copy of the safeguarding children policy (paragraph 6(4)).

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

In order to comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended the school should devise a three-year accessibility plan. 4

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

Please see the report on Ofsted’s website relating to the care provision in the children’s home which should be read in conjunction with this report.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

4 www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/ukpga_19950050_en_1 Independent school inspection report Inspection judgement recording form outstanding good satisfactory inadequate

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

Overall quality of education  How well the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of pupils 

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

How effective teaching and assessment are in meeting the full range of pupils’ needs 

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

How well pupils make progress in their learning 

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

Quality of provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The overall welfare, health and safety of pupils 

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

Evaluation of boarding provision  Independent school inspection report

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School details

Name of school The Oaks School DCSF number 382/6024 Unique reference number 131206 Type of school Special School Status Independent Date school opened January 2006 Age range of pupils 11-18 Gender of pupils Boys Number on roll (full-time pupils) Boys: 4 Girls: 0 Total: 4 Number of boarders Boys: 4 Girls: 0 Total: 4 Number of pupils with a statement of special educational need Boys: 4 Girls: 0 Total: 4

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School details

Number of pupils who are looked after Boys: 4 Girls: 0 Total: 4 Annual fees (day pupils) Annual fees (boarders) £182000 - £234000 Address of school c/o Caretech Community Services Ltd. Leighton House 33-37 Darkes Lane Potters Bar EN6 1BB Telephone number 01707 652053 Fax number 01707 662719 Email address reception.leighton@caretech-uk.com Headteacher Mr Philip Owen Proprietor Caretech Community Services Ltd. Reporting inspector Terence McKenzie Dates of inspection 10-11 November 2009

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