Merrywood House Independent Special School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Merrywood House Independent Special School The Old Pheasantry Street, Merrywood Close, Mogador KT20 7HF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4  The proprietor proposes to provide education exclusively for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The school will specialise in meeting the needs of pupils who have previously suffered trauma of some kind. It is anticipated that pupils will have had difficulty engaging successfully in other schools. Consequently, they are likely to have gaps in their knowledge, skills and understanding and may well have low prior attainment overall.  The aim is to meet all pupils’ needs and support them ‘holistically’. There is a high aspiration to help pupils break down existing barriers to accessing education and enable them to succeed both personally and academically. The intention is to help pupils deal with any past trauma and make sufficient progress in order to access a full

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Main inspection findings

education and reintegrate to a mainstream school by the start of key stage 3.  Much thought has gone in to how the school will create a positive and structured environment, leading to a constructive and productive climate. Leaders aim to achieve a nuanced and shifting balance from the chosen therapeutic approach, but building resolutely towards studying a full national curriculum. The desire is to help pupils move beyond ‘coping’ to thriving. Careful planning has gone into creating the right environment through colour schemes, textures and even calming smells.  The proprietor and staff appointed so far have much experience working with pupils with complex needs and in partnership with other agencies and professionals.  The subjects that the school proposes to teach are likely to cover the required range of learning and development.  As required when making the application, the proprietor submitted the documents

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Main inspection findings

that are intended to show the content of the curriculum (schemes of work). However, these were of variable quality. Schemes of work for some subjects, including English, history and physical education (PE), did not show sufficiently detailed specifications of what is to be taught throughout each year group.  On the day of this inspection, the proprietor presented new schemes of work for most subjects, which were obtained by subscribing to an online resource. However, at present, these do not align well with the school’s curriculum policy’s description of a ‘connected curriculum, which places our children’s personal and social development at the very centre’. The schemes of work do not make suitable provision for pupils with EHC plans, which pupils must have to meet proposed admissions criteria.  The schemes of work for English do not set out what is to be taught throughout each year group. They are unlikely to promote sufficient development of pupils’ literacy

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Main inspection findings

skills, a critical element to prepare them adequately for the next stage of their education. The prior knowledge, skills and understanding of each pupil admitted to the school are likely to vary considerably on entry. However, the plans do not provide a sufficiently convincing overall basis of how the school will help pupils catch up with their age-related peers by the time they leave, as intended.  New schemes of work for personal, social and health education (PSHE) presented on the day of the inspection meet all requirements. These build on core themes of tolerance and respect to take specific account of the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Equality Act.  The proprietor intends to recruit qualified and experienced teachers to lead each class group. She also recognises that accurate assessment of each pupil’s learning and development will be critical. The intention is to compare pupils’ attainment in

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Main inspection findings

curriculum subjects to nationally accepted norms, as set out in published schemes. This is likely to support clear and consistent reporting. The proprietor has considered that some pupils may have exceptionally low prior attainment. A suitable framework for assessing the learning and progress of such pupils is also in place.  Some of the standards contained within this part are unlikely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The therapeutic work of the school, both through specialised sessions and other pastoral sessions which will punctuate the day, are likely to contribute well to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  A strong theme of mutual respect and tolerance runs through the school’s documentation. PSHE schemes of work pay particular regard to the protected characteristics. The schemes of work also make explicit how each of the fundamental

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Main inspection findings

British values will be clearly and systematically promoted.  In addition to making the most of the school’s rural setting and extensive grounds, the proprietor proposes to broaden pupils’ experiences with educational visits and enriching activities in school, as appropriate.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6 and 7  There are currently no leaders with the appropriate up-to-date training to be the school’s designated safeguarding lead or deputy. At present, although the proprietor has had safer recruitment training, not all of the required checks on the suitability of adults have been carried out on those already appointed. Consequently, safeguarding requirements are unlikely to be met.  The safeguarding policy refers to relevant statutory guidance. It sets out clear and reasonable procedures in most areas, including dealing with peer-on-peer abuse,

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Main inspection findings

online safety, radicalisation and extremism, for example. The policy also provides suitable coverage of additional barriers that might exist in identifying abuse of pupils with SEND or enabling them to make a disclosure. However, the proposed policy does not make clear what the interim arrangements for safeguarding will be while the school operates without a full-time headteacher.  The culture of safeguarding is likely to be strong, with a clear ‘it could happen here’ approach. The proprietor has a firm understanding of the importance of understanding potential risks that pupils may face in their school, home and local area situations. The proprietor and staff appointed have already undertaken a range of training, including mental well-being, radicalisation and child sexual exploitation. Paragraphs 9 and 10  A comprehensive behaviour policy is in place. It is grounded securely in the proposed school’s context. The policy takes account of the particular needs, challenges and

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Main inspection findings

barriers that are likely to be the reality for the kind of pupils that the school proposes to admit. It also provides a clear basis for the reasonable use of reward, consequences, behaviour programmes and therapy, tailored to each individual pupil. It is proposed that positive handling will only be used as a last resort by fully trained staff. Any use of positive handling will be backed up by a transparent system of recording and reporting all incidents to relevant parties, including parents and carers.  The anti-bullying strategy is likely to be effective if implemented well. The policy uses a widely recognised definition of bullying and makes a clear commitment that bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16  The health and safety policy does not relate sufficiently closely to the proposed school’s specific context. For example, it refers to the role of a management board

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Main inspection findings

and governing body in overseeing its effective implementation. Initially, at least, the school will not have these bodies. The policy does not make clear who will carry out daily functions, such as checking fire escape routes, until the school has a full complement of staff and leaders.  An external fire safety specialist has carried out a full assessment of the premises and fire safety arrangements. The proprietor has used this to support the school’s own fire safety risk assessment and associated procedures, including taking remedial action to mitigate risks identified by the visiting consultant.  There are suitable facilities and equipment in place for the likely effective implementation of the school’s first-aid policy. It is proposed that all staff will receive certificated first-aid training on appointment.  The proposed staffing levels are likely to be sufficient for the proper supervision of

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Main inspection findings

pupils. The proprietor has carefully considered the deployment of staff for suitable supervision to be maintained according to the space and the proposed activity. These decisions will also be informed by pupils’ individual risk assessments. There is a feasible graduated plan for increasing front-line staffing levels as the number on roll grows to capacity.  The attendance policy, if implemented effectively, is likely to mean that all related requirements are met. However, the format for keeping attendance registers is not yet in place. The proprietor has not established provision for maintaining an admissions register.  With commissioned support, the proprietor has ensured that a sensible and measured approach to risk assessment is underway. The risk assessment policy sets out clearly the different types of risk assessments that will be required to minimise risk and operate the school safely.  Some of the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21  Not all required checks have been carried out and recorded on the single central record. For example, not all relevant staff have been subject to a check to ensure that they have not been prohibited from teaching.  It is proposed that the advisory board will have a function in the running of the school, albeit limited. The proprietor has not checked whether the members of the board have or have not been prohibited from involvement in the leadership or management of an independent school.  The identities of staff appointed to date have been checked and all have had enhanced criminal records checks, including the barred list information. The single central record has spaces to record the relevant checks as they are made.  The proprietor is well informed about the necessary checks for agency supply staff, should this be necessary. The plan is also to obtain full criminal record checks before

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Main inspection findings

deploying any volunteers.  Some of the requirements contained within the standards of this part are unlikely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31  The premises have been renovated to a high standard, and attractively and suitably furnished. They are clean, well-lit and acoustically suitable for teaching and learning. The main part of the school is self-contained, with a secure main entrance.  The extensive grounds include woodland, seating, field and grass areas. There is also a large, fenced pond. There is ample and attractive space for recreational activity and for pupils to play outside.  Separate toilet facilities for staff, boys and girls provide comfortable and clean functionality. Hot water is thermostatically controlled and does not present a scalding risk. Drinking water is available separately and clearly labelled.  The medical room meets all requirements and is opposite a toilet. Although it is

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Main inspection findings

situated just outside the main school entrance within the building, there is no access to the other part of the building not occupied by the school. Nonetheless, the proprietor is clear that it would be inappropriate to leave a sick or injured pupil completely unsupervised.  The proprietor proposes that while some PE will take place on-site, the school will make use of a local hall and leisure facilities for aspects of the curriculum that require smoother playing surfaces.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The creation of the proposed school’s website is well underway. It contains much of the information that the proprietor is obliged to provide parents or prospective parents with, either on the website or on request. For example, many of the policies are available. There are clear statements about the school’s ethos and what it aims to

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Main inspection findings

achieve. However, there are some omissions.  Although a safeguarding policy is published, it does not cover all arrangements in line with guidance from the Secretary of State. Similarly, although there is information about admissions criteria, the proprietor has not finalised the admissions policy, so this is not available. There is no information about the educational and welfare provision for pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The proprietor is well informed about other requirements of this part, including providing reports of each pupil’s attainment and progress to parents at least annually. She is also clear about the information required in relation to the annual review of EHC plans and the need to produce an annual account of income and expenditure in relation to each pupil funded by a local authority.  Some of the requirements of this part are unlikely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 33  The proposed complaints policy meets some requirements. For example, the policy is published on the school’s website. It has a clear stated aim and offers the opportunity for complaints or concerns to be considered informally first to seek swift resolution. Wisely, the policy pays close attention to the special school context by making clear the links between the complaints policy and concerns about pupils’ statutory entitlement in relation to their EHC plans.  The policy does not make all of the required provision in relation to complaints that cannot be quickly or easily resolved to the satisfaction of parents. For example, it does not set out the necessary arrangements for a panel hearing. There is insufficient commitment about the actions that would be taken by the school following a complaint in relation to the findings of any investigation. The information about the records that will be kept also does not specify this detail.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard contained within this paragraph is unlikely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Considering both the current capacity of leadership and management arrangements and the standards that are unlikely to be met in other parts, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.  Although experienced in working with young people with complex needs, the proprietor is clear that she does not have a background in teaching or headship. Consequently, she has commissioned support and taken advice from experienced school leaders. The proprietor and senior staff are very clear and convincing about their aims, intent and proposed provision that matches their therapeutic and pastoral expertise. However, the absence of long-term, consistent consultant headteacher advice has led to some questionable decisions being made educationally, for example in relation to schemes of work.

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Main inspection findings

 Not all required policies set out workable arrangements for monitoring that they are implemented effectively. It is not consistently clear how these will work in practice during the proposed interim period where there is not a substantive, full-time headteacher. The additional layer of the proprietor’s checks outlined in some policies will not operate as eventually intended because initially she will also be responsible for the daily running of the school. The advisory board will be relatively limited in its function of providing advice when needed and in supporting grievance or complaints procedures. It is not proposed to have a routine function or oversight in relation to ensuring that all independent schools standards are consistently met.  The proprietor has a clear and realistic view of the expertise and experience she is seeking from prospective applicants when recruiting staff. There are plans to

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Main inspection findings

commission a qualified special educational needs coordinator (SENCo), a member of the advisory board, to oversee the annual reviews of EHC plans.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that an accessibility plan is in place which covers the required elements of improving access to information, the curriculum and the physical environment.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Roger Easthope (Consultant Headteacher)

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 7 to 11 7 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 16 12

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Currently, there are three available classrooms. The proprietor has reasonably set a maximum of four pupils to be taught within each room.  Although there are surplus rooms available within the occupied space, these are all currently designated for other purposes, such as therapy, which are central to the proposed school’s offer.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 16

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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 N/A 16

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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 N/A 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will be mixed gender and will offer education for pupils with SEND who also have an EHC plan. The proprietor anticipates that pupils will usually be placed and funded by a local authority. The school intends to cater for the following types of need: behavioural, emotional and social development needs or difficulties; communication and interaction needs; speech, language and communication needs; and autism spectrum disorder.  The school will not have a religious character.  At present, the proprietor has not recruited a substantive headteacher. She intends to appoint a part-time and then, subsequently, a full-time headteacher, as the school grows to capacity. In the interim, the proprietor intends to oversee the work of the school on-site full time, supplemented with advice from a consultant headteacher or headteachers on a commissioned basis.  The proprietor has taken consultancy advice from a range of experienced headteachers

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Information about this proposed school

in making plans for the proposed school. The consultant headteacher named on this report began work with the proprietor on this project at the time of this inspection.  The proposed school will occupy part of a large period property in secluded surroundings standing within its own grounds. The other part of the building is occupied by a charity that runs residentials during the weekend and school holidays for disadvantaged pupils. The school will not make use of any additional premises beyond use of local facilities for some PE activities.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection. The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register it.  Before the visit, the inspector scrutinised the documentation that the proprietor had already submitted to the DfE. He reviewed further documentation and procedures on- site against the requirements of the independent school standards. In addition, the inspector checked new versions of some documents previously submitted.  The inspector held discussions throughout his visit with the proprietor, lead therapist and a consultant headteacher to explore the proposed arrangements to establish the school.  During his visit, the inspector also toured the premises and grounds intended to house the school.

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Inspection team

Clive Dunn, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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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.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends 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.  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.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which– – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is–

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld).

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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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