Compton Dundon School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Compton Dundon School School Lane, Somerton, Somerset TA11 6TE

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2(1) and 3  The proprietors, who will also be the headteacher and deputy headteacher of the proposed school, have given significant thought to the design of the curriculum. They have used their experience from different schools to plan learning that takes into account the needs and interests of pupils that they expect to admit. This is seen in the choice of texts and topics pupils will study.  The ‘international cultures’ and ‘project learning’ plans cover a wide range of disciplines which meet the requirements of the independent school standards (ISS). These will allow pupils to build an understanding of different cultures based on a termly exploration of a country. Plans include opportunities to explore the major religion practised in the country, language, traditional dance, music, food, geographical features and history. Paragraph 4  Leaders have designed an assessment system based on objectives set for each pupil.

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Main inspection findings

These objectives are drawn from the initial assessments taken by pupils on entry to the school and their individual educational plans.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  Leaders have drafted plans for personal, social, health and citizenship education. These include the exploration of rights and responsibilities, British values, and personal development. Short courses have been identified for older pupils to study topics such as government and law and order. Leaders intend to invite a range of representatives of the police, fire service and others to discuss their roles in society with pupils.  Leaders have planned activities throughout the curriculum to build pupils’ self- confidence and self-esteem. For example, through drama presentations, art displays and creative writing.  Leaders have given sufficient thought when planning the curriculum to ensure that

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Main inspection findings

balanced arguments are presented and that views are not partisan.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 9, 10, 14 and 16  The proprietor has published a safeguarding policy which complies with the latest guidance issued by the Secretary of State. All staff with specific responsibility for safeguarding are named in the policy and are suitably trained.  Leaders have developed a behaviour policy that sets out the importance of good behaviour and maintaining order. The school’s ‘token economy’ is an integral part of the rewards system. The behaviour policy outlines the sanctions that may be used. Leaders have created documentation to record instances of indiscipline and the sanctions issued. A separate exclusions policy is in place.  The proprietor anticipates a high staff to pupil ratio to ensure that supervision arrangements are adequate. Risk assessments are in place for a wide range of

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Main inspection findings

activities and visits. These often draw on high supervision rates to mitigate for, or to eradicate, any hazards that have been identified. Leaders are aware that risk assessments will need to be modified to reflect the specific needs of pupils involved. Paragraph 11, 12, 13 and 15  Policies on first aid and health and safety are detailed. First aid kits are well stocked, and the building has been upgraded to a good standard. Remedial work to the electrical installation has been completed. An independent electrician has completed an electrical installation condition check recently. This was found to be satisfactory.  The required fire regulations are met. The proprietor has engaged a specialist fire and security firm to carry out a fire risk assessment. Remedial work to address any shortcomings was completed during this inspection. Fire blankets and extinguishers have been installed and tested. A few recommendations, such as signage on doors,

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Main inspection findings

are yet to be completed but the proprietor has arrangements in hand to address these before pupils are admitted.  The proprietor has devised an admission register and attendance registers that include the necessary detail as set out in the ‘Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations’.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(1)–21(8)  The proprietor has ensured that all the necessary pre-employment checks have been carried out for the few staff currently in place. The procedures that are in place for the vetting of future employees meet the requirements set out in the most recent guidance.  The proprietor keeps a register to record all the required checks carried out. The register currently includes the details for the staff who have been recruited so far.  Leaders do not expect to employ agency staff.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22–29(1)(b)  The premises are maintained to a high standard. Classrooms and the school hall are adequately lit, ventilated and heated. Teaching rooms are of adequate size for the number of pupils the school proposes to accommodate.  Separate toilet and washing facilities are provided for boys and girls. A further accessible toilet is available for staff, visitors and pupils to use. It is a single room that is lockable from the inside. All toilets are in working order. Hot water is available for washing. It is not so hot as to pose a scalding risk.  Pupils will have access to an outdoor, tarmacked area for play. The proprietor is in discussion with the owner of an adjacent meadow to provide an additional area where pupils can play. Leaders expect to make use of local leisure centres for some of the sporting activities that form part of the physical education programme.

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Main inspection findings

 Suitable accommodation, near to the toilets, is available for pupils who require medical examination, treatment or care.  Drinking water is available during the school day in locations separate from the toilets. Taps that provide drinking water are clearly labelled.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(j) and 32(3)–32(3)(f)  The proprietor has drafted a wide range of policies and procedures that comply with the ISS. The child protection and safeguarding policy shows an awareness of some of the specific, local safeguarding risks pupils which may face. Pro-forma examples of termly reports to parents, funding statements for local authorities and documents to be used when reviewing pupils’ education, health and care plans are all in place and fit for purpose.  The school does not currently have a website. All the required documentation is

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Main inspection findings

available in paper form. Paragraph 32(2)–32(2)(d)  The proprietor has written a ‘statement of purpose’ document which clearly sets out the school’s visions and values. It includes the required contact details for the school and the registered office of the proprietor.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The complaints procedure follows a graduated response with informal resolution as the first stage, escalation to a formal complaint and further escalation to a complaints panel. The proprietor has identified the individuals who will make up the panel which include one director and two other members who are independent of the school.  The proprietor has made arrangements for the outcome of any complaint to be communicated to the complainant and recorded on the school’s log. The policy clearly states that complaints documentation will be retained and available for inspection.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(2)  Both directors have experience of leadership of independent schools. Throughout the pre-registration inspection, the proprietors demonstrated a secure understanding of the ISS. As a result, the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure that each part of the standards are likely to be met.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that the building and the school’s curriculum are accessible to all and that the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act are not compromised. An accessibility plan is in place.

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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.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7-14 7-14 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 24 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 24 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 10

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed special school is situated in a former primary school in the village of Dundon, approximately three miles north of Somerton in Somerset. The site includes the main school building and a tarmacked yard. Leaders anticipate using local leisure centres for some sporting activities.  Leaders anticipate that all pupils who will join the school, once open, will have an education, health and care plan. The school is equipped to cater for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs and/or autism spectrum disorder.  The school is owned by Propel Education Limited. One of the two founding directors fulfils the role of proprietor and headteacher, the other is the founding deputy headteacher.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the first pre-registration inspection.  Discussions were held with the proprietors, who will also be the headteacher and deputy headteacher when the proposed school opens.  The inspector undertook a check of the premises, evaluated the policies required under the independent school standards and the Equality Act 2010, other documents and checked the single central register.  The school is not yet operating and so no pupils were present during this inspection.

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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 .

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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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