Bridge House Independent School

School material change inspection report

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Bridge House Independent School Grantham Road, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7NL

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(i)  The curriculum policies show that leaders have designed the key stages 2 and 5 curriculums to meet the individual needs of pupils.  The headteacher has ensured that the proposed schemes of work are detailed and relevant to meet the needs of pupils. Teachers will use prior assessment data to produce individual pupil profiles and action plans to decide the level of study each pupil should complete.  Curriculum documents are designed to ensure that pupils will have a good understanding of British values. For example, through personal, social, health and economic education, pupils will study the electoral system and the rule of law, and visit the Houses of Parliament. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 3(a)  The school’s curriculum policy and schemes of work will ensure that pupils in key

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Main inspection findings

stages 2 and 5 develop their knowledge, skills and understanding across a wide range of subjects. Pupils will experience mathematical and linguistic development alongside scientific, creative, technological, social and physical development. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 3(j)  The school’s proposed personal, social, health and economic education curriculum complements the school’s aims and ethos. The proposed curriculum is suitable for preparing pupils well for life in modern Britain. For example, they will learn about diversity and the dangers of stereotyping others. Pupils will also develop their knowledge and understanding of, for example, bullying, and substance use and misuse. This programme of study will help pupils to understand the importance of respecting other people, particularly those belonging to any of the groups protected under the 2010 Equality Act. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils in Years 12 and 13 will continue to receive impartial and accurate careers guidance from existing staff at the school. This includes advice on potential future training courses and visits to careers related events. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g)  The proposed schemes of work, policies and procedures provide for pupils to acquire knowledge and skills across all of the subjects they study. Pupils will complete their studies according to their ability level. Teachers will use pupils’ prior attainment information to provide appropriate support to ensure that pupils make the progress they should. Leaders have ensured that there is a comprehensive assessment framework in place to monitor the progress that pupils make in a wide range of subjects. Paragraph 3, 3(h)  Senior leaders and staff will closely monitor the behaviour of pupils in the classroom.

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Main inspection findings

The school’s existing behaviour policy outlines the school’s aims and how specific rewards and sanctions should be used by all staff. Current records show that incidents of pupils’ poor behaviour and bullying are extremely rare. Paragraph 4  Parents and carers will receive a written report that will provide them with information regarding the progress their children have made in their learning.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material change. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date and available on the school’s website. The policy makes reference to current government safeguarding guidance. There are clear procedures in place for staff to follow should they have a concern relating to the welfare of a pupil. Staff are aware of these procedures and have followed them in the

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Main inspection findings

past.  Staff have received relevant safeguarding training in a wide range of areas, including spotting the signs of domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, neglect, so-called honour-based violence, radicalisation and extremism. A daily safeguarding update keeps staff fully informed of any welfare concerns regarding pupils. These updates enable staff to prepare strategies to support pupils, should the need arise.  Pupils receive a wide range of opportunities to learn how to keep themselves safe, and are encouraged to share any concerns with their key worker. The comprehensive personal, social, health and economic curriculum provides opportunities, for example, for pupils to learn about online safety and the dangers of sexting. Paragraph 11  The school has appropriate health and safety policies and procedures in place. Staff have received relevant first-aid training. Paragraph 12  Leaders and staff have a good understanding of their duties with regard to fire safety.

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Main inspection findings

The maintenance certificate for the fire alarm and smoke detectors at the proposed new key stage 2 premises is in place. The fire risk assessment for the proposed new key stage 2 premises has been arranged and was due to take place shortly after this inspection. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school’s policy for undertaking risk assessments is appropriate. Staff write detailed and specific risk assessments when, for example, supervising pupils on educational visits.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The following bullet points relate to the proposed new building for the new key stage 2 pupils. Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  The toilet facilities for boys and girls meet requirements. There is an adequate supply

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Main inspection findings

of cold water to the toilets and appropriate washing facilities. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding. Changing facilities and showers are located at the nearby leisure centre that can be accessed for physical education activities. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  The proposed medical room has a washing facility and is close to a toilet. It is an appropriate room to accommodate the short-term needs of sick or injured pupils. Paragraph 25  The school’s facilities and premises are maintained to a standard that ensures that pupils’ health, safety and welfare is not at risk. The school grounds are protected by a fence, therefore ensuring that the premises are secure. Paragraph 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The lighting and acoustics in each proposed classroom are appropriate. External lighting to help ensure pupils and visitors’ safety at night is available. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c)  Pupils have access to clearly marked drinking water.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is an outdoor space for pupils to play and undertake physical education. There is also a local leisure centre within walking distance that pupils will be able to access.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that senior leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles. Existing good practice within key stages 3 and 4 will be shared with new colleagues in the proposed key stage 2 building. Appropriate schemes of work and assessment procedures have been adopted for the proposed pupils starting in key stages 2 and 5. There are links with other local schools and an external school improvement partner that will help to moderate pupils’ work and hold

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Main inspection findings

the headteacher to account for the actions he takes.  The proprietor and senior leaders have undertaken a range of activities to ensure that the school promotes pupils’ well-being. There are frequent opportunities for pupils to learn how to keep themselves safe and become responsible citizens through the comprehensive personal, social, health and economic education curriculum. All staff have undertaken appropriate safeguarding training and are clear regarding the procedures to follow should they have a concern regarding a pupil’s welfare.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the 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

Website www.bridgehouseindependentschool.co.uk

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School details

Email address admin@bridgehouseindependentschool.co. uk Date of previous standard inspection 29 November–1 December 2016

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 12 to 16 7 to 18 7 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 38 105 105

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 38 105

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 38 105

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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 16 Case by case basis

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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 All pupils who have an education, health and care plan are funded by the local authority

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 16 20

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Information about this school

 Bridge House is an independent school for pupils with behavioural, social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The school opened in 2011, initially for pupils in key stage 4. In 2015, new premises opened and the school admitted pupils from key stage 3.  There are currently 38 pupils on roll aged between 12 and 16. All pupils are placed at the school by the local authority, with a small number of pupils looked after by other local authorities. Pupils are placed at the school due to exclusion or risk of exclusion from mainstream schools.  The school is split over two sites in the town of Boston, one on Grantham Road and the other on Carlton Road.  The school does not use the services of any alternative providers.  The previous standard inspection of the school was in December 2016.  The school aims to achieve ‘better outcomes for vulnerable pupils, inside and outside the classroom’.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, to check the school’s compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the school’s application to make material changes to its provision. These changes are to admit pupils aged eight to 11 and 16 to 18. New premises for the pupils aged eight to 11 are also part of the material change.  The registration authority for independent schools commissioned the inspector to inspect the quality of the school’s education relating to the key stage 2 and key stage 5 pupils that the school wishes to begin to teach. The inspector was also commissioned to inspect the school’s new key stage 2 premises and its provision for the welfare, health and safety of all pupils.  The inspector met with the headteacher and senior leaders, and undertook a tour of the proposed key stage 2 premises. The inspector scrutinised documentation relating

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Information about this inspection

to assessment and the curriculum that key stages 2 and 5 pupils will study. He also looked at policies relating to safeguarding, behaviour, health and safety and risk assessment.  The inspector did not speak with pupils as the school had not yet opened for the start of the academic year.

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Inspection team

Peter Stonier, 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 .

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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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