Heath House Hospital School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Heath House Hospital School Priory Hospital Bristol, Heath House Lane, Stapleton, Bristol 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 appropriate curriculum plans in place for pupils, supported by effective schemes of work. Leaders’ aims and rationale for the curriculum are laid out clearly in a policy, which sets out how these aims will be achieved. The policy emphasises the importance of curriculum continuity for pupils while they are inpatients in the hospital, alongside their pastoral and therapeutic needs.  It is anticipated that a high proportion 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, aiding their transition back into their mainstream education when discharged from hospital.  The school will assess each pupil on entry. Assessment information, combined with information about pupils’ emotional and health needs, will be collated to create a

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Main inspection findings

personal education plan for each pupil.  The school’s curriculum is focused on English, mathematics and science. This focus is because many pupils will have spent a significant amount of time out of education. In addition to core subjects, the school’s curriculum will cover a broad range of other subjects, including those relating to pupils’ aesthetic and creative development, such as music and art. At key stages 4 and 5, pupils will continue to work towards externally accredited courses, including GCSEs and A levels.  Leaders understand the importance of physical activity and its potential impact on increasing pupils’ self-esteem and mental health. Therefore, physical education sessions will focus on pupils getting active, raising their engagement in individual activities, for example boxing, and team sports.  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

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Main inspection findings

tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Paragraph 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii)  Pupils who attend the school will have access to independent careers guidance and support to secure their next steps beyond school. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(j), 4  The school’s curriculum and schemes of work determine how teaching will help pupils acquire new knowledge and skills to enable them to make good progress according to their ability. If implemented effectively, the schemes of work will ensure that lessons are well planned and based on teachers’ secure knowledge and understanding of the subject being taught.  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)  Leaders will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development through the curriculum and the pastoral support provided by staff. All pupils who attend the school will be highly vulnerable. Therefore, the primary aim of the SMSC work will be to build pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, there will be a focus on developing pupils’ life skills and raising their aspirations and hopes for when they leave the school.  Leaders have a secure knowledge and understanding of equality. There is a detailed programme in place which will support pupils in recognising and celebrating their similarities and differences. For example, developing pupils’ understanding and respect of the different protected characteristics, including sexual orientation.  Leaders plan to put in place a school parliament to provide pupils with a forum to

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Main inspection findings

express their views and to promote democracy. All pupils will be invited to attend.  The standard in this part 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 detailed and comprehensive safeguarding policy which is in line with the most recent statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Education. The policy is clear about the roles and responsibilities of the education staff and how these complement those of the hospital staff. For example, leaflets are in place for visitors which identify the name and contact details of the designated safeguarding leads for the school. The policy also makes clear how education staff should report any safeguarding concerns. Morning briefings provide an opportunity for education and healthcare professionals to meet to share information. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have drawn up a behaviour policy and local procedures which outline how staff will promote good behaviour and positive attitudes among pupils. Leaders have

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Main inspection findings

set out rewards and sanctions within the confines of the two settings and with consideration of pupils’ vulnerabilities. The school has drawn up an anti-bullying strategy that, when implemented, is likely to minimise the risk of bullying as far as is reasonably possible.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a detailed health and safety policy in place. There are clear lines of accountability between hospital and school leaders over who has responsibility for health and safety in the school. Local procedures are in place which are relevant and specific to the school, for example risk assessments.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed premises are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Risk assessments are monitored to ensure that they remain fit for purpose. Where actions are identified, they are rectified with a record of completion. For example, new fire extinguishers have been

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Main inspection findings

installed and a working smoke detector fitted in the classroom in Heath Cottage.  Local procedures are in place to ensure the timely administration of first aid to pupils when required. There is a well-stocked medical cupboard situated in Heath Cottage which, while locked, is readily accessible to staff in the event of an emergency.  Leaders have planned appropriate staffing ratios so that pupils are likely to be well supervised while in the school. Where needed, ward staff will support teaching staff.  The proprietor has well-established systems in place to maintain admission registers and attendance registers.  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 required to meet pupils’ needs.  The standards in part 3 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17 to 21  The school’s procedures for ensuring the suitability of adults working in the school are thorough and in line with the current statutory guidance. All the required checks, including prohibition checks, have been completed for members of the proprietary board and school leaders.  Leaders at the school have had safer-recruitment training to ensure that they recruit suitable staff.  The school’s single central record meets statutory requirements.  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 22, 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(2), 25, 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. Pupils will be educated in classrooms within Banksy Ward or in bespoke facilities in Heath Cottage, an additional building on the school site. Classrooms are light, airy and well equipped.  Appropriate facilities are in place for the use of pupils. Toilets are easily accessible, clean and hygienic. Handwashing facilities are available in each toilet and the water is of a suitable temperature. Medical accommodation is available, and pupils will have access to first aid facilities should they be required.  The school building and external recreational areas contribute to pupils’ well-being and safety. Adequate internal and external lighting is in place, along with suitable site

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Main inspection findings

fencing. Internal doors are equipped with locks suitable to this setting.  Leaders have made sure that the school complies with health and safety regulations to ensure the welfare of pupils. Fire regulations are adhered to. Checks are undertaken to ensure all fire equipment meets requirements. For example, the school has introduced ‘grab bags’ which contain useful equipment, such as site maps, fire escape routes, fluorescent jackets, torches and contact information, to minimise risk and keep pupils safe in the event of a fire. Checks are in place to ensure that all emergency equipment is in good working order. Risk assessments are monitored to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.  The standard in part 5 is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  Leaders intend to make information about the school available on the proprietor’s main website. Currently, school leaders have the information about the school in paper form, which is available on request. There is a comprehensive and detailed prospectus, as well as a series of leaflets providing additional information about safeguarding and health and safety.  The standard in part 6 is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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.  The complaints procedure is clear and jargon-free. It sets out timescales for the management of complaints and allows for a complaint to be considered informally in the first instance.  If a parent or carer is dissatisfied with the school’s responses to a complaint, the procedures outline clearly the steps they may take to escalate their concerns. This includes a formal written stage and a hearing before a panel. The procedures state that any such panel will consist of at least three people who are 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

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Main inspection findings

and how leaders will ensure confidentiality. The exceptions to this, for example during an inspection, are stated clearly.  The standard in part 7 is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Leaders have a clear vision for the school. Pupils who will attend the school will receive an experience designed to meet their individual needs.  Leaders, including the proprietor, have given due regard to the independent school standards. They have addressed those independent standards that were unlikely to be met at the first pre-registration inspection. As a result, when it opens, the school is likely to meet the independent school standards.  The standard in part 8 is likely 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 each individual pupil is to be supported in accessing the curriculum.  The school’s premises meet the latest accessibility requirements. For example, there is step-free access to the buildings. Toilets and showers are well equipped and are fully accessible. All the proposed teaching accommodation is on the ground floor.

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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

Proprietor Priory Education Services Ltd

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Proposed school details

Website www.priorychildrenservices.co.uk

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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 2

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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. The school will be based within Priory Hospital Bristol. The school has applied to open in June 2019.  The school will cater solely for young people who have been admitted to 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 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 support the transition back into their home school following discharge from hospital.  Pupils will be inpatients of two wards within the hospital, Banksy Ward and Brunel

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Information about this proposed school

Ward. Pupils who are inpatients on Banksy Ward will be educated on the ward. Those pupils on Brunel Ward will be educated in Heath Cottage, 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 second pre-registration inspection. The first pre-registration inspection took place in December 2018.  The inspector held discussions with the head of education, deputy head of education and the support services manager. She also held telephone conversations with the hospital director and the proprietor.  The inspector examined the school’s application and considered other documentation provided by the school. She undertook a tour of the premises of the proposed school, including visits to both wards.

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Inspection team

Jen Southall, 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

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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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