The Stable School

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Stable School 2 – 4, 12 Dudmoor Farm Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6AQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)(ii), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(i), 3–3(j), 4  Leaders have developed a comprehensive curriculum policy, supported by effective plans and schemes of work. This outlines the school’s aims and how leaders intend to ensure that pupils will receive a broad and personalised curriculum.  Since the previous pre-registration visit, leaders have developed means to check how well pupils are progressing. Planning documentation now shows how pupils’ aptitudes and individual needs will be taken into account when designing their learning.  Previously, leaders’ plans did not show how leaders intended to promote pupils’ early reading skills. Leaders have now agreed an approach to the teaching of early reading and phonics. In addition, leaders have written a scheme of work that promotes pupils’ early writing and mathematical development.  The school’s plans and schemes of work do not undermine the fundamental British

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Main inspection findings

values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  The standards in this part 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 aims to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the curriculum, as well as through the pastoral support provided by staff. Due to the anticipated needs of pupils, the primary aim of this work is to build pupils’ self- esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence.  Leaders’ plans show that staff at all levels will encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Staff and pupils will meet daily in tutorials to explore pupils’ reflections on topical issues and the previous day’s learning.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b)  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy meets the requirements set out in the latest guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The leaders who have already been appointed have undertaken the training needed to

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Main inspection findings

meet the requirements of their roles with regards to safeguarding.  Since the previous pre-registration visit, leaders have ensured that the premises and accommodation are secure and fit for purpose. Paragraph 11–14 and 16–16(b)  The proprietor has commissioned high-quality services to ensure all health and safety aspects are compliant.  Risk assessments are in place for the school site and for most activities. The proprietor intends to have high levels of staff supervision as one of the controls to minimise the likelihood of pupils’ risk from harm.  A fire risk assessment has been completed and specialist contractors engaged to ensure that the property conforms to the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has made provision for the recording of admissions and attendance in accordance with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England)

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Main inspection findings

Regulations 2006.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1)–21(6)  Leaders show a good awareness of the recruitment practices detailed in the statutory guidance. They have arrangements in place to ensure that all the necessary checks are carried out before staff, volunteers, or members of the board are appointed.  The proprietor does not intend to use agency staff.  A single central register is in place to record the details of all the necessary checks.  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 Paragraph 23(1)–23(1)(b), 24(1)–24(2), 26–28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has carefully designed the premises so that they support leaders in fulfilling the school’s intended aims and meet pupils’ individual needs. For example, the site includes spaces for learning, therapy and individual support. There are also areas, both inside and outside, for pupils to relax and socialise with others.  Drinking water is available from clearly marked points. Paragraph 23(1)(c), 29(1)(a)  The proprietor intends to use the local leisure club for sporting facilities. The intention is that pupils are supported to use these facilities beyond the school day in addition to during school hours. Leaders have conducted comprehensive risk assessments to support the safe use of these facilities. Paragraph 25  The proprietor is fully aware of the importance of ensuring that the health, welfare

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Main inspection findings

and safety of pupils are maintained. The premises have been finished to a high standard.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(4)(c)  Currently, the school does not have a website. Arrangements are in place to ensure that the relevant documentation and information will be made available to parents and the appropriate placing authorities on request. This information will also be made available to the Secretary of State, the Chief Inspector or an independent inspectorate, if it is requested.  All of the policies and procedures are in place to meet the requirements set out in the independent schools standards.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The school has a written complaints procedure, which is available on request. It sets out clear timescales for the management of complaints and allows for a complaint to be considered informally in the first instance.  Should a complainant be dissatisfied with the school’s response to a complaint, the procedures outline clearly the steps that they may take to escalate their concerns further. This includes a formal written stage, with representation to the head of school and a nominated director, and a formal panel hearing. Procedures state that any such panel will consist of at least three people not involved in the matters relating to the complaint, one of whom is independent of the running of the school.  The standard in this part 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 ensured that when the school opens all the independent school standards are likely to be met, and is regularly monitoring compliance against them and refining systems on an ongoing basis.  The proprietor has established robust systems to monitor pupils’ development and hold teachers to account.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate equalities 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 have been designed in line with the latest accessibility requirements. For example, the site is accessible to wheelchair users, and accessible toilets have been installed.

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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

Proprietor The Happy Learning Centre Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £25,000 to £30,000

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Proposed school details

Email address thehappylearningcentre@outlook.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 6 to 16 6 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 35 35

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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 33

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 35

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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 35

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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 35

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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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 11

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in a self-contained building. It was previously used as a pre-school for a separate provider. It is in a setting with access to residential amenities, including the local leisure centre for physical education as well as local stables and farmland for therapeutic and recreational pursuits.  The proposed school is managed by the Happy Learning Centre Limited. It will operate under the intended name of ‘The Stable School’.  The proposed school intends to provide for up to 35 pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Most, if not all, are likely to be placed by the local authorities, particularly Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The nature of the school’s work will be to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The school will not have a religious character.  The school intends to offer pupils a full-time education, including, where applicable,

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection, carried out at the request of the Department for Education under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. The school’s first pre-registration inspection identified that the independent school standards were not likely to be met if the Department for Education had decided to register it.  The inspector met with the co-headteachers, one of whom is the proprietor.  The inspector toured the premises with the co-headteachers to evaluate the school’s readiness against the independent school standards.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including policies, health and safety documentation (including risk assessments), safeguarding information, schemes of work and associated planning. The pre-employment checks and staff recruitment arrangements, such as the proposals for the single central record, were scrutinised.

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Inspection team

Tracy Hannon, 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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