Gloverspiece School

Gloverspiece Ladywood, Wychavon, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 0RQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i) and 3(j)  The standards in this part were met in full at the last inspection. However, a complaint was made to Ofsted, raising concerns about the quality of education.  All pupils at the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities, and an education, health, care (EHC) plan. Teachers have a good understanding of the pupils’ needs. They use information about pupils’ prior learning to plan and deliver appropriate lessons to meet pupils’ needs and aptitudes. Teachers use effective teaching methods that engage and motivate pupils. They make sure learning is based on what pupils already know and can do. This means that pupils learn new skills and acquire new knowledge.  Teaching is delivered by suitably qualified staff who have secure subject knowledge. Teachers use questioning effectively to make sure pupils understand and remember

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Main inspection findings

key learning. Teaching assistants work effectively to help pupils consolidate their learning.  Pupils are taught in a large, well-resourced classroom. They work in small groups and are supported by their own dedicated teaching assistant. Pupils make good progress from their individual starting points.  There are high expectations of behaviour. Pupils are taught to be respectful, use kind words and make good choices. They learn about differences and tolerance. Pupils display positive attitudes to their learning.  Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum is suitably broad and balanced. It is matched appropriately to the ages and aptitudes of the pupils. Alongside core subjects, pupils are taught art, physical education, land-based learning and yoga.  In addition to a large classroom space, pupils access smaller breakout rooms and a library. Pupils also have limited access to the farm area, where they can work with

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Main inspection findings

small animals and horses and participate in land-based activities.  The school uses a standardised framework to track and monitor pupils’ progress. Teachers use this information effectively in order to plan future lessons.  The school continues to meet the standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 14 and 16  These standards were met during the last full inspection in February 2018. However, a complaint received by Ofsted outlined safeguarding concerns.  The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. It is informed by and reflects the guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The policy outlines what to do where there are concerns about a child.  The school has three designated safeguarding leads. They are suitably trained in accordance with local authority procedures. They demonstrate a secure understanding of their role. They take swift, appropriate action where there are concerns about a

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Main inspection findings

child.  The school has a robust induction process. Staff complete appropriate training. They know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. For example, they know about radicalisation, female genital mutilation and child exploitation. They know the processes to follow if they are concerned about the welfare of a child. They report any such concerns quickly and accurately.  Appropriate monitoring is in place to make sure pupils access the internet safely. Pupils are fully supervised when accessing online material, to further reduce risks.  The high staff ratio means that pupils are always appropriately supervised during the school day.  The school continues to meet the standards in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18 and 19  Leaders make sure that all appropriate checks on staff’s suitability to work with children are completed on staff before they commence employment at the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The single central record meets the requirements of the independent school standards.  The standards in this part continue to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23, 25, 27, 28, & 29  This standard was met at the time of the last standard inspection. However, since then concerns have been received about the safety of the premises.  Pupils have access to several learning areas within the school. The classrooms are light, airy and well ventilated. They are appropriately lit and suitable for the activities that take place within them. The school is well maintained, clean and free from hazards. Pupils can play outside. They access an adequately sized outdoor space and a secure field.  The school has an adequate number of toilets for the sole use of pupils. The self- contained cubicles can be secured from the inside. Pupils aged 11 or over can access physical education at local leisure facilities where they are able to access changing

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Main inspection findings

rooms and showers.  Pupils have limited access to areas of the adjacent farm. Leaders make sure the areas are safe. Pupils are always fully supervised. Staff have a secure knowledge of hazards and risks and make sure pupils access activities appropriately and safely.  All areas and activities are fully risk assessed in line with the school’s risk assessment policy. Risk assessments are thorough and reviewed regularly. They consider hazards and appropriate control measures to minimise risks.  External lighting is provided so that pupils can enter and leave the school premises safely.  The standards in this part continue to be met. Part 6. Provision of information  Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding policy is written in line with current government guidance. It is published on the school’s website. Paper copies are also available on request from the school  This standard continues to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c), 34(2)  The standards were met in full at the last inspection. Since then, concerns have been raised with Ofsted about the leadership of the school.  The proprietor has a secure understanding of the independent school standards. The senior leadership team is suitably skilled and experienced to ensure that the independent school standards are consistently and continually met.  The proprietor and school leaders have considerable knowledge and experience of autism spectrum disorder and associated conditions. They use this effectively to make sure that pupils’ needs are met.  The school places high emphasis on the safety and well-being of pupils. Classroom teaching is combined well with outdoor experiences and animal care to support pupils’ personal development.  The school continues to meet the standards in this part.

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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.

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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.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 13–15 February 2018

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Information about this school

 Gloverspiece is a small independent day school located in Droitwich. The school is registered to admit up to 25 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder. The school also offers places to pupils with social , emotional and mental health difficulties .  Pupils are placed at the school by local authorities, including Worcestershire and Birmingham.  The school does not use alternative provision or operate on alternative sites.  The school was last inspected in February 2018, when it was judged to be good. At that time, the school met all of the independent school standards.  The school offers education alongside therapeutic support through outdoor activities, farming and animal care to support the holistic development of children.

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Information about this inspection

 This emergency unannounced inspection was carried out at the request of the Department for Education (DfE) because they had received a complaint about the school.  The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the school continued to meet all of the independent school standards.  This is the first inspection since the school’s last full inspection that took place in February 2018, when the school was judged to be good.  The inspector met with the chief executive officer, who is also the proprietor and headteacher of the school. Meetings were also held with the designated safeguarding lead, the health and safety lead and several teaching assistants. The inspector also spoke with a small number of pupils.  The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the proprietor.  Several lessons were observed. The inspector also scrutinised pupils’ work across all year groups and key stages.  Key documents and policies were reviewed, including the safeguarding policy, health

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Information about this inspection

and safety policy and the school’s single central record.

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Inspection team

Melanie Callaghan-Lewis, lead inspector Ofsted 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 looked after children, 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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