Broadlands Hall

Broadlands Hall Little Wratting, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7UD

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) Paragraph 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(3) Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Safeguarding arrangements met the independent school standards at the previous inspection in May 2018. The proprietor and school leaders have ensured that a robust culture of safeguarding has been maintained in the school.  The safeguarding policy is in date and has due regard for the current guidance of the Secretary of State. The policy is therefore suitable. The safeguarding policy is made available to parents on the school’s website.  The single central record of the pre-employment checks carried out on the suitability of staff and the proprietor are up to date. It is scrutinised on a regular basis by senior leaders to determine whether all relevant checks have been made and recorded

p.1

Main inspection findings

appropriately. This confirms the school’s determination to use effective safer recruitment and induction protocols.  There are currently no supply staff in school, and this has been the case for a considerable length of time. Leaders are aware that all the relevant checks on those employed as supply staff have to be carried out before they begin work in the school. Their qualifications and level of experience are taken into consideration. Leaders ensure that written confirmation that these checks have been completed is received prior to a person starting work.  The headteacher and the special educational needs coordinator are the designated safeguarding leads for the school. Both have up-to-date training and a thorough understanding of the principles of effective safeguarding and child protection.  Staff, including those new to the school, advised that they had received extensive safeguarding training. Staff know who to report concerns to and how to access

p.1

Main inspection findings

external sources of help and support. All staff are familiar with the most up-to-date legal guidance, particularly ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (September 2018).  A number of staff have undertaken safer recruitment training and, consequently, all staff involved in recruitment are aware of the most recent guidance.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are met. Paragraph 11  There is an extensive health and safety policy. Procedures are carried out thoroughly to identify and minimise risks. Documentation shows that checks on the building are routinely carried out to ensure that it is a safe working environment. Alongside this, detailed risk assessments for activities involving pupils help to keep them safe.  Leaders have ensured that this independent school standard is met. Paragraph 14  The school currently caters for 13 pupils. Pupils are supervised at all times. Staff know

p.1

Main inspection findings

their pupils and their needs very well. This enables staff to supervise them carefully and sensitively.  Suitable staffing ratios are appropriate to support pupils during the school day, whether in lessons or at other times. Levels of supervision take account of the particular needs of each individual pupil. There are well established routines for ensuring that supervision continues during transition between lessons or between lessons and social times. Staff, all of whom are permanent, are clear about their roles in the supervision of pupils.  Leaders have ensured that this independent school standard is met. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school has an up-to-date written risk assessment policy. This clearly sets out the school’s approach to keeping pupils safe while at school and out on visits. It contains the required appropriate action taken to reduce the risks known about the provision.  All pupils have individual risk assessments. They are based around a secure

p.2

Main inspection findings

knowledge of pupils’ needs and any particular pattern of behaviour they have exhibited in the past. They are updated regularly to reflect changes in the pupils’ circumstances, needs or behaviour. They are effective working documents and help to reduce any risks identified.  Leaders ensure that staff are well trained in safeguarding and know what to do if they have any concerns or worries about a pupil.  A physical intervention policy is in place. It is very explicit in terms of who should do what. Plans make clear which physical interventions can be safely used for individual pupils. The assessment of risk to the pupil, including any consideration of medical conditions such as epilepsy, is taken into account.  All staff have received the relevant guidance required to ensure the safe and appropriate use of restrictive physical interventions. Leaders ensure that detailed records are kept regarding the use of these interventions. A review of the reasons for

p.2

Main inspection findings

the interventions, such as making pupils supine, are carried out and evaluated. This ensures that pupils are adequately safeguarded.  Leaders have ensured that this independent school standard is met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 12 Paragraph 25  The standard inspection (May 2017) found that the premises were being maintained to a standard that promoted pupils’ health, safety and welfare.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There are no major issues or outstanding concerns. Fire safety training is up to date.  Leaders maintain a log of routine emergency lighting testing and fire alarm tests on the premises at the required intervals, to ensure the health and safety of pupils. The electrical installation condition report is valid. The portable appliance testing is booked

p.2

Main inspection findings

to take place on the 5 July 2019. Leaders have ensured that these essential fire safety measures have been properly maintained.  Internally, the school is clean and very well maintained. Resources are tidy and well organised, with no unnecessary clutter. The internal flooring is in good condition with no trip hazards. There are no trailing electrical cables. Permanent fixtures are in good condition. Lighting is bright enough to allow for a safe exit. This reflects the school’s determination to ensure that they keep pupils safe, as far as is feasible.  The fire safety plan is displayed prominently throughout the building. There are sufficient fire extinguishers and fire call points around the site. Corridors and fire escape routes are kept clear, tidy and are well maintained. Fire signage is visible throughout the building. Fire doors are clearly marked and easily accessible. Push- bars fitted to fire doors mean that they can be opened easily.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Outdoor areas are kept free from clutter to ensure that evacuation procedures take place in an orderly manner. There is no broken and discarded play equipment or furniture in the school grounds. Steps leading to the property are securely fixed.  Outside, the parts of the site belonging solely to the school are well kept. The area around the new modular building, including the pathway, clearly requires work. The new construction and building materials have been fenced off but the fencing used does not form a firm boundary and could easily be crossed. However, the school’s policies and high staff-to-pupil ratios mean that pupils are never alone in this area.  Work has been done to improve the outside area that is shared with another building. This work is ongoing. Although the area is less well maintained than the areas that solely belong to the school, there is nothing evident that raises concerns.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Leaders continue to ensure that pupils have access to outdoor space that allows pupils to play outside and socialise. The school provides a range of physical education activities, including rounders, kwik cricket, basketball, football, tennis, horse-riding, and swimming at a leisure centre.  The outdoor space belonging solely to the school is well maintained, with no trip hazards.  Leaders have ensured that this independent school standard is met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The quality of leadership is reflected in ensuring that all of the independent school standards looked at in this emergency inspection are met.  The proprietor has ensured that suitably experienced and qualified permanent staff have been appointed.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Senior leaders demonstrate strong skills and knowledge about the independent school standards. They understand their continuing role in ensuring the standards are met consistently.  Senior leaders fulfil their responsibilities around the welfare, health and safety of pupils effectively. They are committed to ensuring a safe, secure environment. Leaders carry out a range of weekly and monthly tests to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. External contractors who are suitably qualified conduct the relevant yearly tests.  Senior leaders and all staff are vigilant in safeguarding pupils. Staff are careful to ensure that pupils are always fully supervised. The well-being and safety of pupils is paramount to all staff.  The school’s policies are consistently written, promote pupils’ well-being and are compliant with the independent school standards.  Staff who spoke to inspectors have confidence in their leaders. Staff feel well

p.4

Main inspection findings

supported to do their jobs and confident to speak up if they have concerns.  The proprietor and senior leaders welcome scrutiny from external professionals, such as local authorities. Senior leaders have developed a trusting relationship with the local authorities who regularly place pupils at the school.  The emergency inspection found no concerns about safeguarding, the leadership, pupils’ welfare or the premises at the school. There is the capacity to take the necessary immediate action to ensure pupils’ safety and well-being.  Leaders have ensured that this independent school standard is met.

p.4

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.5

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.6

School details

School status Independent special school

p.6

School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 2

p.6

School details

Email address hazelsimmons@broadlands-hall.co.uk

p.6

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 9–11 May 2017

p.6

Information about this school

 Broadlands Hall is registered to admit up to 20 pupils between the ages of 9 to 20.  The school has a single proprietor.  The majority of pupils are White British.  Almost all of the pupils are from disadvantaged backgrounds.  All pupils have SEND. Most have an education, health and care plan.  Most pupils have autism spectrum disorder. Almost all pupils have significant social, emotional and mental health needs.  Most pupils are children looked after.  The previous standard inspection was conducted by Ofsted in May 2017. The school’s overall effectiveness was judged to be good. All of the independent school standards were met at the time of the inspection.  The DfE commissioned Ofsted to conduct a material change on the 30 April 2018 to increase the age range of pupils on roll from 11 to 20 years to 9 to 20 years old.  Most pupils access some form of provision off site, such as college days or lessons in

p.6

Information about this school

mainstream schools. They are accompanied at all times by staff from Broadlands Hall.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This emergency inspection was carried out at the request of the DfE following concerns about safeguarding; the welfare, health and safety of pupils; the state of the premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.  The school was given no notice of this one-day emergency inspection.  Inspectors held meetings with the proprietor, the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and the staff, and spoke informally to pupils to discuss their experiences.  Policies and other related documents were scrutinised against the independent school standards specified by the DfE for this emergency inspection.  Inspectors, accompanied by the headteacher, toured the school to inspect the premises and accommodation.  There were no responses to Parent View either for last year or the year before.  Inspectors held telephone conversations with local authority representatives from Suffolk, Oxfordshire, Newham and Essex children’s services teams.

p.8

Inspection team

Stefanie Lipinski-Barltrop, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

p.8

Inspection team

Wendy Varney 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 .

p.8

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.9

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visitwww.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

p.9

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.

p.9

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.9

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.9

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.9