Heath House Hospital School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Heath House Hospital School Heath House Lane, Stapleton, Bristol, Avon BS16 1EQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(g)–2(2)(i)  Leaders have put in place a comprehensive curriculum policy, supported by effective plans and schemes of work. This outlines the school’s aims and how leaders will ensure that pupils receive a broad and relevant curriculum offer, alongside their pastoral and therapeutic needs.  It is anticipated that the majority of pupils attending Heath House Hospital School will follow work set by their home school. This will ensure that pupils are able to continue their studies and will aid pupils’ transitions back into mainstream education when discharged from the hospital. Each pupil will be assessed on arrival into the school. This information, combined with information about pupils’ emotional and health needs, will be collated to create a personal education plan (PEP) for each individual pupil.  The school’s curriculum is centred on English and mathematics. This is because, in the

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Main inspection findings

past, most pupils will have spent a large amount of time out of education. In addition to English and mathematics, the school’s curriculum will cover a broad range of subjects, including those relating to pupils’ aesthetic and creative development. At key stages 4 and 5, pupils will continue working towards their externally accredited courses, for example GCSEs and A levels.  Leaders recognise the impact exercise can play in improving pupils’ self-esteem and mental health. Consequently, physical education (PE) sessions will focus on getting pupils active and raising levels of participation in both individual activities and, where appropriate, team sports.  Alongside an academic curriculum, school leaders have also established a progressive well-being curriculum. This maps out the areas in which pupils will be supported in raising, for example, their levels of participation and concentration in lessons. School

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Main inspection findings

staff will use regular tutorials to discuss with pupils the progress they are making towards the academic and/or well-being targets identified in their PEPs.  The school’s plans and schemes of work do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Paragraph 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii)  Pupils will mainly receive appropriate careers advice through the school’s personal, social, health and economic curriculum. Additionally, school leaders have begun to make links with a range of external providers, including local colleges and an independent careers adviser. The headteacher will monitor the information that pupils are given to ensure continued impartiality. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(j), 4  The school’s curriculum policy and schemes of work set out how teaching will help pupils acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability. If

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Main inspection findings

implemented effectively, the schemes of work will ensure that lessons are well planned and based on secure understanding of relevant subject knowledge.  The standards in part 1 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  The school will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the curriculum, as well as in the pastoral support provided by staff. Due to pupils’ vulnerabilities, the primary aim of this work will be to build pupils’ self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence. Additionally, there will be a focus of developing pupils’ life skills and raising their aspirations and hopes for a future outside the school.  Leaders understand that work around developing pupils’ understanding of different protected characteristics needs to take account of pupils’ different backgrounds and vulnerabilities. There is, however, a comprehensive programme in place which will support pupils in recognising and celebrating their similarities and differences, for example different cultures and pupils’ experiences of living in different parts of the

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Main inspection findings

country.  Leaders plan to establish a school parliament. This will provide a forum in which pupils can express their views and all pupils will be invited to attend.  The standard in part 2 is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  School leaders have drawn up a safeguarding policy which is in line with statutory guidance issued by the secretary of state. However, there is a lack of clarity in the school’s safeguarding arrangements and how these align and complement those of the hospital. Leaders recognise that, although compliant, greater clarity is required to aid teaching staff in understanding their responsibilities and to whom they should turn if they have any concerns.  The proprietor has not ensured that arrangements are made to promote fully the welfare of pupils at the proposed school. This is because a number of paragraphs in this part of the independent school standards are unlikely to be met. This includes arrangements for the administration of first aid and compliance with statutory fire regulations. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 14, 15  Leaders have drawn up a behaviour policy and local procedures which outline clearly

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Main inspection findings

how staff will promote good behaviour among pupils. Additionally, leaders have set out how misbehaviour will be dealt with within the confines of the two settings and with consideration of the pupils’ vulnerabilities. The school has drawn up an anti– bullying strategy that, when implemented, is likely to prevent bullying as far as is reasonably possible.  Leaders have planned appropriate staffing ratios so that pupils are likely to be well supervised while in the school. Ward staff will support teaching staff where this is necessary.  The proprietor has well-established systems in place to maintain admission and attendance registers. Paragraph 11, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Although the proprietor has a detailed health and safety policy in place, this does not identify clearly the lines of responsibility. As a result, there is a lack of clarity between hospital and school leaders over who is responsible for which areas of health and

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Main inspection findings

safety in the school. Leaders recognise that, before the school opens, the proprietor’s overarching health and safety policies need to be adapted so that local procedures are relevant and specific to the school. This is also the case for premises-related risk assessments.  School leaders have drawn up effective risk assessments to identify and control the risks associated with the different activities that pupils will be involved in while attending the school. Additional risk assessments will be written as the need arises. Paragraph 12  The proprietor has not ensured that the proposed premises are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The most recent risk assessment was carried out in January 2018, when the premises’ intended use was not as a school. This risk assessment identified a number of remedial actions that needed to be carried out to ensure continued compliance with statutory regulations. However, at the time

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Main inspection findings

of this inspection, not all of these actions had been completed. This included the fitting of a smoke detector. Additionally, at the time of the inspection, fire extinguishers were either missing or had not been serviced in line with requirements. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has not ensured that arrangements for the administration of first aid will ensure that pupils receive care in a timely manner. Local procedures that have been drawn up are overly reliant on hospital staff and involve pupils returning to their ward should they receive first aid. First aid provision for the school does not meet the requirements of the independent school standards.  Overall, the standards in part 3 are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a)–18(2)(f), 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(4), 21(6)–21(7)(b)  The school’s procedures for ensuring the suitability of adults working in the school are

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Main inspection findings

thorough and in line with statutory guidance. All of the required checks, including prohibition checks, have been undertaken for members of the proprietary body and school leaders. The headteacher and deputy headteacher, who is also the designated safeguarding lead, have ensured that teaching staff have been recruited in line with safer recruitment practices.  The school’s single central record is fully compliant and available both electronically and on paper. This document provides evidence that the proprietor has ensured that the required checks have been made in line with statutory guidance. Paragraph 19(1)–19(3), 21(5)–21(5)(c)  The school does not intend to use any supply staff.  The standards in part 4 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(2), 26–29(1)(b)  The proprietor and school leaders have ensured that the school’s premises will support leaders in fulfilling the school’s intended aims and help meet pupils’ individual needs. Depending on their level of vulnerability, pupils will be educated in classrooms within Banksy Ward or in bespoke facilities in Heath Cottage, an additional building on the school site. When operational, both settings are likely to meet the independent school standards listed above. Paragraph 25  The proprietor has not ensured that the premises which will be used by the proposed school are maintained to a standard which promotes the health, safety and welfare of pupils. For example, Heath Cottage, the building in which pupils from Brunel Ward will be educated, does not currently comply with the necessary fire regulations.  Overall, the standards in part 5 are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(4)(c)  Leaders intend to make information available via a webpage on the proprietor’s main website. While this is being finalised, school leaders have planned for this information to be available in paper form and on request. The majority of information is included in a comprehensive prospectus, as well as in a series of leaflets. These provide additional information, for example around safeguarding and the school’s curriculum.  The standard in part 6 is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–33(k)  The school has a written complaints procedure, which will be made available to parents and carers on request. A copy is also available on the proprietor’s website. This procedure sets out clear timescales for the management of complaints and allows for a complaint to be considered informally in the first instance.

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Main inspection findings

 Should a parent be dissatisfied with the school’s response to a complaint, the procedures outline clearly the steps a parent may take to escalate their concerns. This includes a formal written stage and a hearing before a panel. Procedures state that any such panel will consist of at least three people not involved in the matters relating to the complaint, one of which will be independent of the school.  The school’s policy outlines the arrangements for maintaining records of complaints and how these will be kept confidential. The exceptions to this, for example during an inspection, are stated clearly.  The standard in part 7 is likely to be met

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor has not ensured that the independent school standards and other related requirements are likely to be met consistently when the school opens. Some of the standards that are unlikely to be met will have an impact on the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The proprietor has not yet ensured that the proposed premises are compliant with the independent school standards. There remains a lack of clarity in distinguishing the leadership and management of the school, as opposed to the hospital. This will need to be addressed to ensure that, once the school opens, the independent school standards continue to be met consistently.  The standard in part 8 is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility policy, which meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The school’s aims state clearly how all pupils are to be supported in accessing the curriculum.  The school’s premises meet with the latest accessibility requirements. For example, there is step-free access to all of the buildings, and toilets and showers are fully accessible. All of the proposed teaching spaces are on the ground floor.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Proprietor Priory Education Services Ltd

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Proposed school details

Telephone number 0117 952 5255 (ext. 1505)

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Proposed school details

Website www.priorychildrenservices.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address fionawiseman@priorygroup.com

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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 11–18 11–18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 23 23

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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 23

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 To be confirmed

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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 To be confirmed

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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 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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Information about this proposed school

 Heath House Hospital School is operated by Priory Education Services Ltd. This is a subsidiary of The Priory Group. It will be based within Priory Hospital Bristol. The school has applied to open in January 2019.  The school will cater solely for young people who have been admitted into the hospital with acute mental health needs. These young people will be referred to the hospital by the NHS and their education will be funded by their home local authority. It is anticipated that the majority of pupils will attend the school for between six and 12 weeks, although some may stay on roll for longer than this.  Pupils in the school will be between the ages of 11 and 18. Pupils will remain registered with their home school and staff in these schools will set and assess pupils’ work. This will enable pupils to continue their individual programmes of study and aid the transition back into their home school following discharge from the hospital.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will cater for up to 23 pupils. These pupils will be inpatients of two wards within the hospital: Banksy Ward and Brunel Ward. Pupils who are inpatients on Banksy Ward will be educated on the ward. Those on Brunel Ward will be educated in Heath Cottage. This is a separate building on the hospital site.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in order to assess the school’s readiness to open. This was done by checking whether it is likely to meet the independent school standards should it be registered.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher, deputy headteacher, hospital director and services support manager. He also had a telephone conversation with the proprietor. The inspector examined the school’s application and looked at other documents provided by the school. He undertook a tour of the premises of the proposed school, including visits to both wards.

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Inspection team

Jonathan Dyer, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that: – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that: – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 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: – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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