Clervaux Garden School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Clervaux Garden School Clow Beck Centre, Jolby Lane, Darlington DL2 2TF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i-ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i–ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i–iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a–j), 4  School leaders have ensured that there is a published curriculum policy that is easily accessed from the school’s website.  The curriculum policy reflects the vision and values of the charitable trust that owns the school.  School leaders have ensured that there are detailed schemes of work in place for all subjects. The subjects available to pupils include English, mathematics, science, technology, physical education, aesthetic and creative subjects, information technology, and personal, social, health and relationships education.  Teachers have devised schemes of work that show long-, medium- and short-term plans. The proposed school is designed for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and the schemes of work reflect the age range and

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Main inspection findings

additional needs of the expected pupils.  The headteacher has devised a framework for assessment which states there will be initial assessments upon entry and then termly assessment points to fit the nine terms of the school year. The headteacher has identified external qualification routes that are suitable for the range of additional needs that pupils joining the proposed school may have.  The headteacher has woven the teaching of fundamental British values into the schemes of work for each subject.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i–vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i–iii)  The headteacher has devised schemes of work that reference all the fundamental British values and has planned enrichment activities for all pupils to develop their understanding of these values.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders are committed to the core vision of the trust which owns the proposed school. This vision is aimed at delivering holistic learning in the fields of arts, crafts, commerce, agriculture, life skills and the environment. The headteacher has linked plans for the wider spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils to these fields of learning.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 6, 7, 7(a–b), 9, 9(a–c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a–b)  The proprietor has ensured that the safeguarding policy is informative and detailed. The safeguarding policy is published on the proposed school’s website and is in line with current statutory guidance.  The proprietor has invested in training for all staff so that they will know how to keep pupils safe in the proposed school.  The headteacher has designed a behaviour policy with supporting documents for logging and communicating incidents or concerns. The headteacher is able to communicate clearly how he expects the school’s behaviour systems to be implemented in the proposed school.  The proprietor has invested in health and safety systems that are evident from the published policy as well as what can be observed around the school site.  School leaders have produced effective risk assessments for managing the site and for

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Main inspection findings

the potential use of off-site facilities for additional sport and physical activities. There is a comprehensive risk assessment policy and staff who were spoken to during the inspection showed an awareness of how to reduce risks for the pupils who may be admitted to the proposed school.  The headteacher is aware of his duty to ensure that there is compliance with the regulatory reform (fire safety) order 2005. He has devised a fire safety policy and a procedure to ensure that there will be individual fire risk assessments for prospective pupils.  The headteacher has ensured that there is a first aid policy and resources to administer first aid in the proposed school.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a–b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i–iv), 18(2)(d–e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa–dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b–c), 19(2)(d),

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Main inspection findings

19(2)(d)(i–ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i–ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i–iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i–viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i–ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor ensures that pre-employment checks are completed for all staff and volunteers in line with current government guidance. The proprietor has invested in training for safer recruitment and there is a regional director for human resources who provides additional specialist support to the headteacher.  The headteacher maintains a central register of information showing all pre- employment checks. This central register is monitored by the proprietor.  School leaders have ensured that 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 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a–b), 28(1), 28(1)(a–d), 28(2), 28(2)(a–b), 29(1), 29(1)(a–b)  The proprietor has invested in the school buildings and grounds. There are two main buildings, both of which are well presented and maintained. There are medical facilities in both buildings and easy access to toilet facilities for pupils, staff and visitors.  The proprietor has ensured that the classrooms are light, airy and well decorated. The classrooms are calm spaces and acoustic conditions are suitable for the anticipated use by pupils.  The outdoor spaces are extensive. There is a play area, fields which can be used for learning as well as recreation and social times. There is a pond in the middle of the site which is a potential water hazard. However, the proprietor has carried out a

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Main inspection findings

thorough risk assessment and has fitted a safety grid across the pond.  The external lighting is laid out as a light path which extends across the site.  School leaders have ensured that 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(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32, 32(a), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a–g), 32(4), 32(4)(a–c)  The headteacher has ensured that there is a safeguarding policy which meets current government guidance and is published on the school’s website.  The headteacher has published a range of other policies and information about the school on the school website. The information is readily available to parents and carers.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a–h), 33(i), 33(i)(i–ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i–ii), 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a complaints policy on the school website.  The headteacher has ensured that the policy is easy to follow and accessible for parents.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are 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)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The headteacher is an experienced school leader. He has an effective understanding of the needs of the pupils who will be admitted to the proposed school.  The headteacher has the support of experienced leaders who work across the wider trust within which the proposed school is located.  The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school and has demonstrated a firm commitment to investing in staff, resources and the school buildings.  The board of trustees are committed to the vision of the proposed school. They have a wide range of skills and experience. The trustees are well placed to provide support and challenge for the headteacher in order to ensure that the needs of pupils are met in the proposed school.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The headteacher has developed curriculum resources and additional activities to help pupils understand their world and to foster tolerance and understanding of people with a wide range of lifestyles, beliefs and needs.  The proprietor has ensured that an accessibility plan is in place for the proposed school.  School leaders have ensured that this standard is likely to be met.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £38,920 to £61,901

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Proposed school details

Email address gardenschool@clervaux.org.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age n/a Number of pupils of compulsory school age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who is looked after by a local authority n/a

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week n/a

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week n/a

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n

Age range of pupils n/a 10–19 10–19 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 20 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils n/a Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 20

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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 0 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will be part of the Ruskin Mill Trust. This is a national charitable trust.  The proposed school is set in extensive, well-kept grounds which are suitable for the learning activities that the school intends to offer to pupils. It is in a rural location but easily accessible from local towns.  Pupils will be referred from local authorities and will require an education, health and care plan for admission to the school.  The school proposes to cater for a wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities including autistic spectrum disorder, moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the second pre-registration inspection following the proprietor’s application to open an independent special school. The pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The inspection was carried out by one inspector.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the school. These included safeguarding information, documents describing the school’s proposed curriculum and the school’s proposed assessment framework.  The inspector carried out a check of the buildings, facilities and external areas of the proposed school.  The inspector met with the proprietors, trustees, the headteacher and other staff who had already been employed, to discuss the preparations for the proposed school.

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Inspection team

Patricia Head, 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

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.

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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

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

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