Thornhill Park School

School material change inspection report

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Thornhill Park School 24 Thornhill Park, Ashbrooke, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR2 7LA

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy is compliant with the latest government requirements and is available to parents and carers on the school’s website. The policy reflects a strong commitment to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable pupils on the school’s roll.  The designated safeguarding leader ensures that all staff receive regular safeguarding training. This includes face-to-face sessions and online training.  Leaders work closely with parents, carers and a range of other agencies. They maintain exemplary chronological records of the steps that they take when a concern is identified. Paragraph 11, 12  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place which is complemented by a comprehensive monitoring process. The policy is available on the school’s website.  The proposed new premises have been refurbished and redecorated to a high

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Main inspection findings

standard. A team of qualified staff will be located at the new site and will ensure that a wide range of regular checks are carried out and that the premises are maintained to a high standard.  Leaders have ensured that the new premises are fully compliant with the requirements of the Regulatory Fire Reform Order 2005.  A new alarm system, smoke detectors, and extinguishers have been installed by a specialist company. Clear signage throughout the building shows how the building should be evacuated if there is an emergency. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A written risk assessment policy is in place. It provides clear guidance on situations that may require a risk assessment. It details the responsibilities of staff in ensuring that they complete risk assessments. Leaders have a clear understanding about hazard identification and the implementation of control measures.  Risk assessments have been produced which cover the use of different areas of the

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Main inspection findings

new premises. They follow a common format and are completed to a consistently high standard. All were found to be appropriately assessing and minimising risks to pupils.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in Part 3 are likely to continue to be met should the DfE approve the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The proposed new premises are a former pupil referral unit that has been extensively refurbished and redecorated. These premises offer significantly more space on one level and with a large outdoor area. In addition, the buildings offer greatly improved access for disabled people, a gymnasium and large dining hall. The kitchen has been completely refitted with modern cooking and refrigeration equipment.  The school is proposing to admit pupils with the same special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) as those who already attend. There is ample space within

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Main inspection findings

classrooms and social areas to accommodate an additional 35 pupils, together with their support assistants and additional teaching staff. Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils in the school. There are also facilities for disabled people to use.  Toilets have hot and cold water available and there are suitable changing and showering facilities. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  There is a suitable medical room available for the short-term care or examination of injured pupils that has a sink and is close to a toilet.  A lockable cabinet and a refrigerator for the safe storage of medication are to be fitted. The room will also contain first-aid equipment. Paragraph 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The new premises are clean and bright. Each classroom has sufficient lighting and the acoustic conditions are such that lessons can run alongside each other without

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Main inspection findings

interruption. During refurbishment, great attention has been paid to the creation of a safe learning environment that will meet the physical and sensory needs of pupils.  External lighting is provided to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are clearly labelled water supplies for pupils to use in several classrooms. In addition, the proprietor intends to install fresh water stations in each corridor and the dining hall.  The water supply in the toilets is working and toilets are flushable. The temperature of the water for hand washing does not pose a scalding risk to pupils. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a large outside space for them to socialise at breaktime and lunchtime. This can also be used for some physical education activities.  A grassed area is also available for outside play and will also be used for horticultural

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Main inspection findings

activities.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in Part 5 are likely to continue to be met should the DfE approve the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders understand the importance of ensuring that the school meets the independent school standards consistently. They carry out regular checks to ensure compliance.  School leaders ensure that systems are in place to check that pupils are safe and that a bespoke education is provided for very vulnerable young people.  Pupils’ welfare and success are a priority for the leaders of the school. Their comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are designed to ensure that the highest standards are maintained. Their proposals for the new premises and increase in pupil numbers, and the coherent, authoritative way they can explain their plans underline this.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in Part 8 are likely to continue to be met

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Main inspection findings

should the DfE approve the material change. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a relevant and up-to-date plan in place to improve access to the curriculum, physical environment and written materials for pupils with a disability. This is to be updated appropriately as new pupils are admitted, and additional access arrangements need to be put in place.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £29,640–£103,301

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 13–15 November 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 3 to 19 3 to 19 3 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 45 80 80

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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 45 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 45 80

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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 45 80

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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 45 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 14

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Information about this school

 Thornhill Park School opened in 1981.  Thornhill Park is a special school for pupils with autism spectrum conditions. Some pupils have additional neurodevelopmental needs.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan, and this is a requirement to be admitted to the school. Pupils are currently admitted from an area including nine local authorities.  The school currently has 44 pupils on roll and is nearly at full capacity.  The school’s last standard inspection was in November 2018.  The proprietor has formed a board of trustees that provides the function of governance in the form of a governing board, which meets regularly.  The school has no specific specialism or religious affiliation.  The school is currently based in two buildings on the same site. The school has an off- site delivery programme designed to support pupils who require an extended transition to the main school building.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out over one day, with two days of notice.  The DfE commissioned Ofsted to consider the school’s application to move to new premises and to increase the number of pupils on the school roll to 80.  The inspector toured the proposed new premises and all buildings currently used by the school, both inside and outside.  The inspector held meetings with the headteacher and the director of education of the North East Autism Society.  The inspector evaluated a range of documentation, including leaders’ plans for relocating the school, policies, child protection and safeguarding information. The inspector also looked closely at other documents and policies required as part of the independent school standards.

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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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Inspection team

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