The Place Independent School

School material change inspection report

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The Place Independent School Hill Farm, Belvoir Road, Bottesford, Leicestershire NG13 0EA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(d)  Senior leaders have made sure that key stage 4 pupils will study the full range of subjects.  Pupils will study English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT). They will complete qualifications in these subjects, at an appropriate level.  Pupils will have weekly lessons in physical education (PE), history and geography. They will also study art and science, including through project-based work. For example, pupils will use the kitchen area to complete simple experiments.  Pupils will study work-related subjects. This may include pupils studying at other places of learning. Staff will go with pupils when they study elsewhere.  Leaders will adapt what each pupil learns to meet their individual needs and interests. They will consider the targets in pupils’ education, health and care plans. Teachers will

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Main inspection findings

use this information when planning learning. This will ensure that pupils’ learning is appropriate and suitably ambitious.  Students in key stage 5 will study English, mathematics and ICT. When appropriate, they will work towards qualifications in these subjects, at a higher level to that which they have achieved previously. Students who are new to the school and who are behind in English and mathematics will receive support to help them to catch up.  Students will study work-related subjects. This will help them to understand the world of work, and prepare them for their next steps.  As in key stage 4, leaders will ensure that students’ learning is appropriate to their need and interest, and is ambitious. Plans for learning will consider students’ education, health and care plan targets.  A key focus will be to prepare pupils for independent living. Pupils will learn how to cook and care for themselves. They will visit shops to buy food which they will then

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Main inspection findings

cook for themselves. Such opportunities will help pupils to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life experiences. They will also help pupils to grow in confidence and develop a sense of independence.  The proposed curriculum in key stages 4 and 5 will provide pupils with wide-ranging opportunities to prepare well for life in modern Britain. They will be able to prepare for their next steps, including by understanding how to live independently. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  Leaders plan to appoint a member of staff who will provide pupils with advice and guidance about careers and further education.  This member of staff will regularly meet with pupils to help them to explore different job opportunities. They will also help arrange work placements for pupils. This will enable pupils to explore their interests further.  The member of staff will work closely with key workers to provide pupils with support

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Main inspection findings

as they prepare to move to their next steps. This will include them accompanying pupils to colleges and work placements. This will help pupils to feel safe and to adapt to the new environment. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(e), 3(f), 3(i), 3(j)  Leaders will ensure that teachers have the necessary knowledge to be able to teach their subjects well. Subject leaders, for example, will provide appropriate support.  There will be a range of resources available to pupils to help them in their learning. They will be able to use online resources, for example. There will also be the opportunity for them to go on educational visits as part of their learning. Paragraphs 3, 3(g), 4  Teachers will regularly check pupils’ and students’ understanding, including by asking questions. They will provide further support when necessary.  In English, mathematics and ICT, pupils will complete written and online tests.

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Main inspection findings

Teachers will use these tests to check their understanding. They will also check students and pupils are studying for the right level of qualification in these subjects.  Teachers will provide regular updates to parents and carers about their children’s achievement. Teachers will inform them about what their children have learned, and what they will learn next. Paragraph 3, 3(h)  Staff will provide pupils with close attention and support. This will help them to behave well and engage with their learning. For example, teaching assistants help explain tasks that pupils or students struggle to complete.  School leaders have ensured that the school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if it receives approval for the implementation of the material changes. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii),

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Main inspection findings

5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Pupils will have weekly lessons in personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  They will spend time with their key worker to discuss any issues that they have studied in these lessons that may have affected them.  Pupils will learn about risk. They will learn how to keep themselves safe, including when they are online and when they are out in the community.  Pupils will learn about making sensible choices, including learning about healthy eating and healthy relationships. They will consider choices that may put their health at risk.  There will be the opportunity for pupils to consider other people’s beliefs, culture, values and opinions. They will learn about the different ways in which people live their lives. They will learn the importance of respecting people who are different to them.  Pupils will be able to visit the local area. This is what pupils in key stages 2 and 3

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Main inspection findings

already do. This will allow pupils to find out about the lives of people who live and work locally.  Visits to local towns and cities will help pupils to learn about different cultures and communities. They will also learn how to be safe in urban areas.  Pupils will learn about the support that the police, fire service and ambulance services provide.  There will be opportunities for pupils to discuss topics in small groups. This will help them to learn that people have different opinions. They will learn the importance of respecting these different points of view, including those with which they do not agree.  School leaders have ensured that the school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if it receives approval for the implementation of the material changes.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date. It reflects the latest government guidance. The policy is available on the school’s website.  Senior leaders have ensured that there is a culture of vigilance in relation to safeguarding at the school. All staff know that pupils’ safety is everyone’s concern.  Staff receive regular training about how to keep pupils safe. They know to whom to report any safeguarding concern they may have. They know they should report any concern, no matter how small.  School records show that leaders take timely, appropriate action to respond to concerns. They work with parents and local services to support pupils.  Senior leaders will ensure that a suitably trained safeguarding leader will be present on the new school site.  School leaders have ensured that the school is likely to meet the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards in this part if it receives approval for the implementation of the material changes.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are appropriate toilet, washing and changing facilities on the proposed site.  There is a shower available, should pupils choose to use it.  The water supply to these different facilities is suitable. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  There is a medical room available for the short-term care of sick pupils or students. The medical room has a wash basin. The room is near to a toilet. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The standard of the building is suitable for use as a school.  The classrooms are of an appropriate size. The acoustics of each room are suitable. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There is drinking water available at all times for pupils.  There is a sign to show from where pupils can get drinking water. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 There are appropriate outdoor areas for pupils to use for recreation and sport. This includes a covered area for them to spend time outside when it is raining, should they wish.  School leaders have ensured that the school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if it receives approval for the implementation of the material changes.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Senior leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards. The proposed school site meets the standards in Part 5. Leaders’ plans for the curriculum that pupils will study meet the standards in relation to Parts 1 and 2. Leaders have ensured that there will be appropriate support in place so that teaching enables pupils to achieve well.  School leaders have made sure that the procedures for keeping pupils safe are robust.  School leaders have ensured that the school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if it receives approval for the implementation of the material changes.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Website www.theplaceindependentschool.co.uk

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School details

Email address cate@theplaceindependentschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 16–18 January 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 14 7 to 18 7 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 13 26 26

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 13 26

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 13 26

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 13 26

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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 13 26

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The school is a specialist provider for pupils with complex needs. The school’s aim is to help pupils to ‘overcome adversity and provide a positive influence upon their current and future lives’.  The school is registered to admit up to 20 pupils aged seven to 14. Thirteen pupils currently attend the school.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school’s last standard inspection took place on 16–18 January 2018.  Since the last inspection, there has been a change in proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, to check the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the proposed changes to the school’s educational provision. These changes are to provide education for pupils aged 14 to 16 and students aged 17 to 18 at a new school site, located at 7, Jericho Lane, Barkestone NG13 0HF. The pupils in this new provision would have complex needs similar to those already within the school’s provision for 7- to 14-year-olds.  This was the school’s first material change inspection for these proposed changes to the school’s provision.  The Department for Education commissioned the inspector to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision for the new age range of pupils the school wishes to teach. The commission requested the inspector to inspect: the curriculum; the quality of teaching; the provision for pupils’ and students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural

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Information about this inspection

development; the suitability of the school’s premises and accommodation; and the quality of the school’s leadership and management.  The inspector met with the proprietor, headteacher and other leaders.  The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed new site.  The inspector considered the school’s documentation relating to curriculum and safeguarding.  The inspector looked at the school’s single central register and the system for undertaking checks on new staff.

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Inspection team

Simon Hollingsworth, 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

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

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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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