Running Deer School

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Running Deer Butterdon Wood, Willingstone, Moretonhampstead, Devon TQ13 8PY

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vii)  At the inspection in September 2017, leaders had given insufficient regard to developing pupils’ understanding of different cultural traditions and British values.  Leaders have ensured that there are opportunities planned to allow pupils to explore other religions. Examples of pupils’ work seen during this inspection show a basic understanding of the major world faiths and festivals.  Pupils benefit from debating controversial issues, such as animal rights. They study significant figures in history, including Martin Luther King, to understand how attitudes have changed over the years.  Leaders have planned a few activities to help pupils understand democracy and the rule of law, for example through discussions about the suffragette movement. Leaders recognise that there is more work to do in this area.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b)  Leaders responded quickly to the findings of the inspection in September 2017. Staff are now much clearer on a wide range of safeguarding matters. This is as a result of further training and regular briefings from directors. Directors require staff and volunteers to undertake termly evaluations of their understanding of safeguarding risks to assure themselves that staff have a strong working knowledge.  Leaders have published a safeguarding and child protection policy on the school’s website that reflects the most recent guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  Directors follow safer recruitment principles and ensure that the single central record is complete and maintained.  The standard in this paragraph is now met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors Paragraph 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(ii)  Directors have revised the application form for becoming an employee or volunteer. It

p.1

Main inspection findings

now fully reflects the requirements of the latest statutory guidance. Before appointments are confirmed, medical questionnaires are now completed and evaluated to check the medical fitness of potential employees.  The standard in this paragraph is now met. Paragraph 20(6)–20(6)(b)(iii)  The proprietor has ensured that every director is suitable to hold the role of director.  The managing director has checked the identity of each director and their right to work in the United Kingdom.  The standard in this paragraph is now met. Paragraph 21(1), 21(6), 21(7)–21(7)(b)  The managing director has ensured that the single central register has been updated to include all the required details for directors. These were missing at the time of the previous inspection.  The standard in this paragraph is now met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 24(1)–24(1)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders had not made provision for pupils when they are sick, or arranged for pupils to have access to suitable toilet and washing facilities that were for their sole use at the Moretonhampstead Library site. At Butterdon Woods, there was no external lighting provided.  The proprietor ceased to use the premises at Moretonhampstead Library earlier in the year. A temporary mobile classroom has now been positioned on the main school site. This new facility complies with all the necessary requirements set out in this part.  As a result, the lack of acceptable toilet and washing facilities and suitable accommodation for the medical and therapy needs of pupils at the library has been addressed. Suitable facilities are in place at the main school site.  The standards in these paragraphs are now met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 27, 27(b)  The proprietor has installed suitable external lighting around the school site to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the site.  The standard in this paragraph is now met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d)  At the inspection in September 2017, directors had not published their admissions, behaviour or first-aid policies. The curriculum plan was incomplete.  Since the previous inspection, leaders have redrafted the curriculum plan and a suite of policies. The behaviour management policy has been drafted in line with current guidance, including how and when reasonable force may be used. The admissions arrangements and first-aid policy have been adopted by directors. All the required policies are now available on request and several are published on the school’s website.  The standard in this paragraph is now met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(2)  At the inspection in September 2017, leaders and directors did not demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards. As a result, a number of standards were not met.  Leaders and directors have taken on board the findings of the previous inspection and taken positive steps. The board of directors has been strengthened and there is a sharper focus on the independent school standards. Leaders and directors demonstrate a deeper understanding of their roles.  The shortcomings identified in September 2017 have been remedied. This demonstrates a greater awareness of the requirements and expectations of the proprietor of an independent school.  This standard in this part is now met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 When reviewing policies, the proprietor has given due consideration to the protected characteristics set out in the Act.  There is no evidence of discrimination.

p.3

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

 5. The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- (a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; (b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- (v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; and (vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.  7. The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- (a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and (b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

 18. (1) The standard in this paragraph relates to the suitability of persons appointed as members of staff at the school, other than the proprietor and supply staff. (2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- (c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- (ii) the person’s medical fitness.  20. (1) The standard in this paragraph relates to the suitability of the proprietor of the school. (6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual (‘MB’), not being the chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- (a) MB- (i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

to that Act; and (ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; (b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB- (i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; (ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and (iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

issued by the Secretary of State.  21. (1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question. (6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member (‘MB’) of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1 May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained. (7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1 August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007- (a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and (b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date

p.5

The school now meets the following independent school standards

on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.  22. The standards about the premises of and accommodation at the school are those contained in this Part.  23. (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- (a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils.  24. (1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- (a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; and (b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  27. The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- (b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave

p.5

The school now meets the following independent school standards

the school premises.  32. (1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- (3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- (a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; (c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2; and (d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13.  34. (1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- (a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; (b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and (c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

p.6

The school now meets the following independent school standards

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c) ‘well-being’ means well-being within the meaning of section 10(2) of the Children Act 2004.

p.6

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.7

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.7

School details

School status Independent special school

p.7

School details

Proprietor Running Deer Community Interest Company

p.7

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 19–21 September 2017

p.7

Information about this school

 Running Deer is operated by Running Deer Community Interest Company. The managing director also fulfils the role of headteacher. The school is principally based in a large area of woodland, approximately two miles north of Moretonhampstead. No teaching now takes place at Moretonhampstead Library.  The school accommodates pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities. It seeks to provide high-quality support and specialist education. Through teaching of practical skills and therapeutic education, the school aims to enable young people to overcome barriers to learning.  The school does not use any alternative providers. The school has pupils on a part-time basis who are registered to mainstream primary and secondary schools.  All pupils who attend the school either have an education, health and care plan or have additional support with their SEN and/or disabilities.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This was the first progress monitoring inspection since the standard inspection in September 2017.  During the inspection, the inspector held discussions with the managing director, a director, members of staff, pupils and one parent. He reviewed a range of the school’s documentation, including policies and procedures and other records maintained by school staff.  The lead inspector also reviewed policies available on the school’s website.

p.9

Inspection team

Iain Freeland, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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.9

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.10

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.10

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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.10

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.10

Inspection team

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

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10