GDF College (Graduately-Developing-Futures)

School pre-registration inspection report

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GDF College (Graduately Developing Futures) Valley View Farm, Castle Farm Road, Lytchett Matravers, Dorset BH16 6DA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)–2(1)(b)(i)  The proprietor has drafted a curriculum policy that sets out what the staff want pupils to learn. This takes the form of three parts, including life skills, vocational development and academic development. However, the school does not have schemes of work for the full range of subjects being taught. Staff do not have a clear enough understanding of what they want pupils to learn or the sequence for learning for each subject.  There has not been enough consideration given to subjects other than English, mathematics and science. Teachers’ planning is not sufficiently detailed or ambitious to ensure that pupils are likely to achieve well in a broad curriculum. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(h)  Staff are aware of the different needs and abilities of the pupils. They understand that the pupils are likely to join the school with an education, health and care plan (EHC

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Main inspection findings

plan) and to be achieving below their peers. However, plans are not yet strong enough to demonstrate that those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will catch up quickly enough. For example, there is much more work needed to be sure that the phonics programme will be effective for those who need it. Paragraphs 3, 3(a)(c)(d)(e)(f)  Weaknesses in the curriculum design mean that pupils are unlikely to achieve as well as they should in some subjects. In particular, there is not sufficient attention to human and social education, or to the development of the arts. Staff have an idea of what this may look like, based on a plan from a commercial scheme. However, teaching staff have not agreed an approach or model to secure pupils’ progression towards clearly defined end points.  The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met. Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c)–2(2)(g), 2(2)(i)

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Main inspection findings

 A daily personal, social and health education programme is in place for pupils who attend the farm as an alternative provision. Pupils’ activities are timetabled to include a range of events to help them understand their behaviour. There are clear plans and policies to fulfil the duties of the Equality Act 2010.  Plans and policies are appropriate for pupils’ needs and enable pupils to acquire literacy and numeracy skills.  Plans, policies and schemes of work do not undermine fundamental British values. Within the personal, social and health education programme, there are plans to actively promote British values.  Leaders have carefully considered careers advice and guidance for pupils. This is likely to be well matched to pupils’ individual needs and interests. The proprietor is fully aware of the importance of this. The provision has received accreditation in a national training programme for providing high-quality external careers advice.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3(b)(g)–(j) and 4  The proprietor has a framework for assessing pupils in place. This is likely to provide useful information for teachers and parents, particularly in terms of pupils’ behaviour and personal development.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor and other leaders have clear intentions for pupils’ personal, social and moral development. The one-to-one approach that they aim to provide is already in use for pupils attending the farm as an alternative provision. This is likely to continue, and it helps pupils to gain trust in staff.  School staff promote British values through their current work with pupils. For example, pupils from Muslim backgrounds are respected when undertaking catering tasks. These provide positive experiences and examples for all pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff provide life-skills lessons and events to further pupils’ social development. Pupils are encouraged to learn how to be independent. For example, pupils who are already using the provision visit the cinema or attend sports events as part of their extra- curricular activities.  The school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme introduces topics for healthy lifestyles. This also includes promoting an awareness of issues relating to people and their differences, including physical disabilities, sexual orientation and ethnicity.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  The proprietor does not ensure that all standards in relation to pupils’ safety and their well-being are likely to be met. In particular, pre-employment checks on staff and school leaders are incomplete. Furthermore, any checks that are obtained are not

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Main inspection findings

recorded in line with the most recent guidance published by the Secretary of State.  The proprietor does not ensure that there are sufficiently stringent entry and ‘checking-in’ arrangements for those who use the school, including visitors. This increases the risk of harm for pupils.  The standard in this paragraph is not likely to be met. Paragraphs 9–10  The proprietor has drafted behaviour policies which include action taken for serious misbehaviour. These clearly set out teachers’ expectations for good conduct. Staff already use an agreed approach to implement common expectations for all pupils.  There are also published anti-bullying policies in place. These demonstrate how bullying is to be tackled in all of its forms.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Paragraphs 11–12  The proprietor does not ensure that health and safety policies are implemented well enough. For example, the arrangements for pupils needing urgent medical care have

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Main inspection findings

not been checked and, in their current location, do not meet requirements. These shortcomings present a potential risk to pupils.  Furthermore, the proprietor does not ensure that all requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2010 are fully met. For example, weekly fire alarms and evacuations are not recorded. However, the premises has clear fire exit signage and procedures for evacuation.  The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 13–16  The proprietor has a written first aid policy. This meets requirements. In addition, the proprietor and other staff are fully trained to be deliver and teach first aid emergency response techniques.  Leaders have clear plans in place to ensure pupils are supervised effectively.  The proprietor has taken steps to ensure that, should registration be approved, there is an admission and attendance register to be maintained in accordance with the

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Main inspection findings

Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  Leaders have a range of risk assessments that are unique and reflect the school’s setting on a farm. These have a ‘6-step’ approach and help to identify and reduce the risk of harm in some planned situations, for example working with certain types of equipment or animals.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(ii)  The proprietor has not ensured that all the necessary pre-employment checks set out in the most recent guidance by the Secretary of State have been carried out for staff already working in the provision.  Leaders have not planned to check staff medical fitness records or if any staff or governors appointed are in contravention of a prohibition order under section 128 of the 2008 Act or Section 142 of the 2002 Act. These oversights may lead to potential

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Main inspection findings

risks for pupils.  These standards are not likely to be met. Paragraph 18(2)–19(3)  Aside from those listed above, the proprietor ensures that other pre-employment checks and vetting arrangements are in place. Records and personnel files showed that other checks, including qualifications and right to work in the United Kingdom are obtained. The school does not intend to use supply staff but knows what checks would apply.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Paragraph 20(3)–20(9)  The sole proprietor’s suitability has been checked by the secretary of state. The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Paragraph 21(1)–21(3)(b)  Leaders did not know that they needed to provide a single central record of checks on the suitability of staff.  The standards in these paragraphs are not likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(a), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 27, 28(1), 28(1)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has obtained planning permission to be able to erect further huts and yurts on the site. However, during this inspection, the site had one temporary toilet, which was not for the sole use of pupils.  Aspects of the grounds or their utilisation are not compliant with the independent school standards. The medical examination and treatment yurt is too far from washing facilities and is not near to the only toilet.  The grounds have too many hazards which may cause trips or falls. Leaders have not taken enough account of these in some of the main areas where the pupils are likely to be.  Furthermore, the site does not have some basic amenities, including a lack of an adequate supply of hot water. The proprietor has not ensured that lighting is sufficient for some internal or external purposes.  On arrival, access to the main site is not secured well enough, this includes the car parking arrangements. Current arrangements do not guarantee safe movement of

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Main inspection findings

pupils around the car park. There is a lack of external lighting to keep pupils safe at all times.  Therefore, these standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 23(1)(b)–23(1)(c), 26, 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c)–(d), 28(2)–31  The 32-acre site is expansive. Leaders use this creatively to provide a range of interesting activities for pupils. These include working with the animals on the farm. The polytunnels provide useful areas where pupils are likely to be able to congregate and participate in lessons. There is also a purposely erected cabin for catering and cooking courses. These facilities promote leaders’ aims and intentions for working with the most vulnerable pupils.  The proprietor has given due regard to how the premises may be used for different subjects. For example, there is plenty of space for games and physical education (PE). The site has facilities for pupils to be able to change for different activities. Off-site

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Main inspection findings

facilities, including showers, are to be used for PE.  The proprietor ensures that there is sufficient clean and accessible drinking water available.  The acoustic conditions are suitable.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1)–32(4)  The proprietor and leaders have drafted a series of plans, documents and statements to publish in order to take full account of the independent school standards. For example, they ensure that processes are in place for the provision of financial information for pupils wholly or partly funded by the local authority.  Leaders have models for reporting on the progress and attainment of each pupil, if they were to be registered, with clear expectations for reporting to parents regularly in the academic year.  The proprietor is intending to use a website, following successful registration.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(f)–33(i)(ii)  The complaints policy does not take full enough account of the independent school standards. In particular, there is no provision in the policy for a complaint to be taken before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the complaint. As a consequence, all related standards, for example those allowing for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing, are not met.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 33(a)–(e), 33(j)–33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a complaints policy in place. This is available to parents and sets out timescales for its implementation. The policy sets out stages for complaints to be resolved, including through informal and formal routes. This includes setting out for the appropriate storage of suitable records of complaints.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders do not demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the independent school standards. As a result, some aspects relating to pupils’ learning, safety and well-being are likely to be compromised. This includes not being fully compliant with safeguarding requirements as set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2019.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor is fully aware of the duties and responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. There is an accessibility plan.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £35,000–£80,000

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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 6–16 6–16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 68 68

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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 68

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 68

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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 Not applicable 68

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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 Not applicable 68

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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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision not applicable 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on a 32-acre rural site in Lytchett Matravers, Dorset.  Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authorities are currently using the school as an alternative provision for pupils with EHC plans. These pupils are on short-term and limited timetables, so the provision does not currently meet the requirements to register as an independent school.  The proposed school intends to use local facilities to deliver its full curricular offer. These include Purbeck Leisure Centre and Swanage Rugby Club.  The proposed school does not have a religious character or faith denomination.  The school proposes to cater for pupils with complex social, emotional and health (SEMH) needs as well as those with autism spectrum disorder.  The proposed school will be run by a small governing board. The sole proprietor will operate as the chief executive officer.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education as a pre- registration inspection. This was the first pre-registration inspection.  The lead inspector met with the proprietor and human resources leader. He also held a telephone call with the proposed chair of governors. As part of the inspection, the lead inspector evaluated a range of documentation, including the proposed programmes of study, risk assessments, health and safety (and fire) records, as well as staff recruitment and vetting information. The leaders accompanied the lead inspector for a tour of the premises to check its suitability.

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Inspection team

Stewart Gale, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2), is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; and – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

the school– – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(c) involves well-planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; and – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person– – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

form.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(i) S’s identity was checked; – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S; – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

the nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which– – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is–

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school– – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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