The Ryes College

School material change inspection report

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The Ryes College and Community Pump Farm, Bures Road, Assington, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 5NA

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding policy takes into account current government requirements and is published on the school’s website. It is readily available to parents, carers and other stakeholders on request. A range of policies to support pupils’ safety and well-being provide suitable arrangements to support pupils.  There is a strong culture of safeguarding in the school. Leaders engage with parents, carers and other stakeholders to ensure that pupils are supported and safe.  The school’s single central register of employment checks meets requirements. Recruitment checks are rigorous and have full regard to statutory guidance. School leaders ensure that references taken are appropriate.  The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead. She has a comprehensive understanding of effective safeguarding and has up-to-date training to carry out the

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Main inspection findings

role effectively.  Staff are conversant with safeguarding requirements because they have received appropriate training. All staff have read part 1 of the ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (September 2016) guidance and other appropriate safeguarding documents.  Staff are highly experienced in recognising signs of abuse and neglect, and ascertaining who may be at risk of exploitation or radicalisation. The processes for reporting and recording are secure. Any concerns are acted upon quickly.  Leaders are knowledgeable about when and how to make referrals to applicable authorities when they are apprehensive about pupils’ well-being. They act quickly and appropriately to raise concerns and to put support in place for pupils at risk. Chronologies of actions taken by the school contain relevant detail in pupils’ records.  Staff from the school regularly attend meetings with other agencies and are well

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Main inspection findings

informed about all the work they do with pupils at the school.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 11  There is a suitable health and safety policy available.  The school’s health and safety consultant has established very thorough procedures for ensuring that all the relevant safety legislation is complied with. The school site is safe. Checks on the building are routinely carried out to ensure that it is a safe working environment.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 12  The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The fire certificate and the detailed fire risk assessment are in date. There are no

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Main inspection findings

major issues or outstanding concerns. No fire hazards or concerns were identified in the tour of the building.  There is a record of the weekly tests of the fire alarm system. Leaders ensure that regular fire evacuation drills are completed and recorded. Fire extinguishers are appropriately maintained. Tests of the emergency lighting are carried out and recorded on a monthly basis. Emergency exits are clearly labelled. All pieces of portable electronic equipment are regularly checked for safety. All cabinets are locked when they should be, such as the chemicals for science practical work.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 14  The school is acutely aware of the welfare and safety needs of its pupils. It takes great care to provide appropriate levels of staffing to ensure the full supervision and

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Main inspection findings

safety of pupils. The ratio of staff to the current number of pupils is high to ensure they are properly supervised. The school has detailed plans in place to increase the number of staff, teaching assistants and behaviour learning mentors further if the proposed increase in pupil numbers is implemented.  Pupils are carefully supervised, both during lessons and at other times during the school day. When pupils go off the site, for example on a school trip and visits to the local leisure centre, the school’s risk assessments pay particular attention to the staff to pupil ratio. As a result, the pupils continue to be well supervised while off the site.  Leaders have carefully planned the school timetable in order to provide an education for more pupils. A number of learning-related courses and activities take place off site with the school staff. The proposed structure of the new school timetable takes into

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Main inspection findings

consideration the teaching areas available.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The risk assessment policy ensures that detailed risk assessments are undertaken for individual pupils, for activities in the school and visits offsite. These risk assessments are characterised by a good understanding of the needs of the pupils involved and any particular vulnerabilities they might have. All staff are expected to read the relevant risk assessments and sign to say that they have done so.  All pupils have individual risk assessments as part of their behaviour management plans. The risk assessments are based around a secure knowledge of pupils’ needs and any particular behaviour they may have exhibited in the past. The individual risk assessments are updated on a frequent basis to reflect changes in pupils’

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Main inspection findings

circumstances.  The school takes appropriate action to reduce any identified risks, whether they come to light as part of risk assessing particular activities or from the individual pupil risk assessments.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i)–(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 18(4), 18(4)(a)–(c) Paragraph 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i) and (ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i)–(iii), 20(6)(c) Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i)–(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The school’s single central register provides evidence of appropriate checks carried out on all staff. The proprietor has established effective systems for the statutory checks of all adults to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff files provide evidence of the checks that have been carried out.  The proprietors of the school have had all the necessary checks made on their backgrounds and suitability for working with children.  The school does not use supply staff and, therefore, has not needed to make the checks required in paragraph 19 of the independent school standards.  Staff have a range of relevant professional qualifications, experience and expertise to teach the curriculum on offer and to support the pupils’ personalised needs.  Plans are in place to recruit additional staff for the proposed increase in the number of pupils on roll.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c) Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2),

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 25 Paragraph 26 Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b) Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b) Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The inspection did not identify any potential hazards to the health, safety or welfare of pupils in relation to the premises. The premises are well maintained.  Toilet facilities are available for the sole use of pupils, with hot and cold running water at a suitable temperature, which does not pose a risk of scalding. Disabled facilities are provided, which are also accessible to others, whether or not they are disabled. The toilet facilities on the school’s premises are suitable for the number of pupils that the material change proposes.  The school uses the changing and showering facilities at the nearby sports and leisure centre that pupils attend to undertake physical education lessons. The school is presently installing a shower.

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Main inspection findings

 A medical room is provided to cater for the short-term sick and injured pupils. This room has appropriate washing facilities, a locked medical cabinet and is near to a toilet.  Classrooms are well lit, well ventilated and suitable for the activities planned to take place within them. The facilities are well maintained at a comfortable temperature. The acoustic conditions are appropriate to the activities undertaken. The external lighting ensures that people can safely enter and leave the building.  Pupils have access to drinking water and taps are clearly marked to show water which is suitable for drinking. Additionally, pupils have ready access to bottled mineral water during the school day.  The school has a suitable outdoor space. Pupils currently use it for a range of activities, including football. It enables pupils to play safely and reflect. The outdoor spaced is well supervised by staff.

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Main inspection findings

 An outdoor learning centre has been built since the standard inspection in December 2017 for the sole use of learning outdoors. Pupils are taught in this room and are able to access it for study and research purposes.  There are presently no students in the sixth form. When necessary, the school provides a personalised learning route for students in order to access education.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and headteacher demonstrate a good knowledge of the learning needs of the pupils for whom a material change has been requested. The evidence of existing provision for the 11- to 18-year-old pupils indicates a good quality of care.  Policies for safeguarding, child protection and health and safety are given a high

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Main inspection findings

priority. The well-being and safety of pupils are evident in curriculum planning.  Leaders have established a trusting relationship with the local authorities who place pupils at the school. Telephone conversations held with the local authorities raise no serious concerns about the school.  Leaders have ensured that the standard is likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely 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.

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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.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Email address office@theryescollege.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 5–7 December 2017

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 11 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 24 36 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 21 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 20 36

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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 20 36

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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 21 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 11 18

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Information about this school

 The Ryes College and Community is registered to admit up to a total of 24 pupils in the age range 11 to 18 years; there are currently 22 pupils on roll.  At its last inspection, in December 2017, the school’s overall effectiveness was judged to be good.  The proportion of pupils who come from minority ethnic backgrounds is much lower than found in most schools. There are currently no students who speak English as an additional language.  The proportion of pupils in care is much higher than average.  The school provides education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs including: autistic spectrum disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, attachment disorders, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and specific learning difficulties.  The vast majority of pupils have an education, health and care plan and are funded by local authorities.  The vast majority of pupils are White British.

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Information about this school

 The building houses an English room where humanities and personal, social and health education are also taught, an art room, a science room, a common room, a life skills room, a room for computing, a design and technology room, and an outdoor learning centre. Horticulture, enterprise and animal husbandry are also on site.  Pupils are taught from time to time at a range of external providers including Suffolk College, The Colchester Institute, Braintree College, Easton and Otley College, and WS Training.  Pupils complete work experience at Eden Rose, Eastern Lodge Gardens, Oak Tree Café, The Bridge Project, Rally Sport and the Genesis Project.  The school does not use supply staff.  Although registered to admit pupils of sixth-form age, the school does not currently have pupils in the sixth form.

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Information about this inspection

 The school is currently registered for pupils aged 11 to 18 years old and has applied to the DfE for a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 24 to 36.  The DfE commissioned Ofsted to conduct this inspection, focusing particularly on aspects of pupils’ health, welfare and safety, the suitability of staff, the school’s premises and accommodation, and the quality of the school’s leadership and management.  This was the first material change inspection since the school’s previous standard inspection in December 2017, when the school’s overall effectiveness was judged to be good.  The inspector held meetings with the headteacher and the chair of the governing body.  The inspector toured the premises of the school.  The inspector held telephone conversations with representatives from Essex local authority and Norfolk local authority.  School policies and other documents were examined to check compliance with the

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Information about this inspection

independent school standards and to check whether the request for the material change was supported by school documentation.  The inspector evaluated whether the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils met the relevant independent school standards.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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