Ellern Mede Moorgate School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Ellern Mede Moorgate School 136 Moorgate Road, Rotherham S60 3AZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 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)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 4,  The proprietor and headteacher have ensured that a curriculum policy is in place. It is expected that when pupils arrive at the school, they will be at different stages in their education. Leaders plan to deliver an individual curriculum for each pupil. This is the same model used in the company’s outstanding sister school.  The curriculum planned for pupils follows the national curriculum and covers the required areas outlined in the independent school standards. Close links are planned with pupils’ home schools in order to minimise lost learning time for pupils.  Leaders spoken to during the inspection demonstrated a strong level of understanding

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Main inspection findings

about the needs of the vulnerable pupils in their care. For example, the physical education (PE) curriculum will be carefully planned with pupils’ health care teams.  It is planned that there will be a very close working relationship between the school and the multi-professional team caring for individual pupils. Very close assessment of pupils in school will be carried out regularly in order to assess their overall progress and well-being. Teachers will use this information to plan next steps in pupils’ learning.  A framework for supporting pupils to make future career choices is to be put in place. This is based on the tried and tested framework already in place in the company’s sister school. The planned framework takes into account the specific needs of individual pupils.  Leaders have high expectations for their pupils. Many pupils in the company’s other school have gone on to college and university. It is expected that pupils who attend

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Main inspection findings

the new school will achieve similarly.  The standards for this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 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)  The proposed curriculum has British values woven through. For example, it is planned that pupils will learn about democracy and justice in Year 8, and citizenship and rights and responsibilities in Year 9.  Because pupils are in hospital when attending school, it is not always possible to organise visits away from the school site. Leaders have already planned to invite a range of visitors from different faiths to visit the school. For example, plans for a rabbi, an imam, a church leader and a humanist to visit are in place. It is planned that these visitors will enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding and respect for

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Main inspection findings

those of different faiths and beliefs.  The planned PSHE curriculum is based on the curriculum in place at the sister school. It is planned to deliver units on a wide range of topics. These include relationship and sex education as well as mental health, cyber bullying, disability awareness and gender and sexual orientation.  Staff ensure that all visitors to the site are closely checked and vetted. Staff are also present when visitors are in school.  The standards for 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), 7(b), 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy is comprehensive. It has been recently updated and meets the requirements of current legislation. Staff guidance on how to make a referral is clear, as is information about the different forms that abuse can take.  Leaders have put in place a behaviour policy which clearly outlines rewards and sanctions. The policy outlines high expectations for pupils’ behaviour, which is carefully monitored by both school staff and the multidisciplinary team working with pupils.  An anti-bullying policy is to be put in place which clearly reflects the particular vulnerabilities of prospective pupils. Leaders are very knowledgeable about pupils’ needs. It is planned that new staff will receive training on pupils’ behaviour. This will enable them to recognise any bullying behaviour should it occur.

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Main inspection findings

 Due to its very close location to the hospital, the school health and safety policy is closely linked to the hospital’s health and safety practice and procedures. Robust systems are in place and regular checks are undertaken. For example, water in the toilets is checked for legionella and cleaning materials are appropriately stored away from the school room.  Leaders have ensured that the school is fully compliant with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The headteacher is a trained fire warden. Three times yearly fire evacuation drills are planned. These will take place at the same times as those carried out by the hospital. Fire evacuation route signs were not in place at the start of the inspection. These were put in place by hospital maintenance staff before the end of the inspection.  Although the school is situated within a hospital, it is planned that staff will receive

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Main inspection findings

regular first aid training.  School leaders intend to base the school timetable on a similar one used in the sister school based in London. A copy of the timetable showed that leaders have put in place a high staff to pupil ratio, demonstrating leaders’ commitment to ensuring that pupils are appropriately supervised.  The school admissions and attendance registers are to be based on those from their other school. These were available for scrutiny by the inspector and met the requirements of the independent school standards after minor adjustments.  The risk assessment policy prepared by leaders reflects the high levels of vulnerability of prospective pupils. Risks are carefully calculated on risk assessment proformas particularly for prospective offsite trips.  The standards for this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 18(3), 18(4), 18(4)(a), 18(4)(b), 18(2)(c), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(2)(e), 19(3), 19(4), 19(4)(a), 19(4)(b), 19(4)(c), 20(1), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(3)(b), 20(3)(b)(i), 20(3)(b)(i), 20(3)(b)(iii), 20(4), 20(4), 20(5), 20(5)(a), 20(5)(a)(i), 20(5)(a)(ii), 20(5)(b)(i), 20(5)(b)(ii), 20(5)(b)(iii), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(7), 20(7)(a), 20(7)(b), 20(8), 20(8)(a), 20(8)(b), 20(8)(c), 20(9), 21(1), 21(2), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii),

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Main inspection findings

21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b), 21(8)  At the time of the inspection leaders had put in place a single central register. Very small amendments were needed for the register to be fully compliant with the independent school standards.  The register showed a very small staff team as most staff had yet to be appointed. Interviews were being arranged at the time of the inspection. Leaders have received safer recruitment training. As a result, leaders were aware of the protocols and requirements of safer recruitment of staff.  The standards for 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), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2), 24(3), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(a), 28(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b), 29(2), 30, 31, 31(a), 31(b), 31(c)  Individual pupils who attend the school live in the hospital building next to the school. Because of prospective pupils’ very high level of need, they are closely monitored by hospital staff. To aid with monitoring it is planned that pupils will use the individual bathrooms attached to their rooms and the provision of toilets for pupils is not needed.  Checks carried out on bathrooms and toilets demonstrated that water temperatures are below scalding point.  Drinking water is also monitored and is provided by hospital staff.  Due to prospective pupils’ ongoing medical problems, physical education (PE) is

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Main inspection findings

restricted and is monitored by medical staff. However, where it is possible for pupils to undertake PE, it is planned that they use their individual bathrooms to shower.  As pupils are under 24-hour medical care in the hospital, it is planned that required medical treatment would take place in the hospital building adjacent to the school rooms.  The school building, alongside the hospital, is purpose-built and is finished to a very high standard. Accommodation consists of two classrooms and an office facility. The lighting and acoustics meet independent school standards. Classrooms are bright and welcoming, with new furniture and adequate resources.  The external lighting for the school works on a time clock and movement sensor. This ensures that it gives effective light for pupils and staff to safely enter and leave the school premises.  The standards for 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)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b), 32(4)(c), 32(5)  School leaders have ensured that all relevant up-to-date policies are present on the school website.  The information on the school’s policies and procedures for exclusions, misbehaviour and admissions is also available on the website for parents or local authorities.  School leaders are aware of the need to make sure that parents have access to the school’s safeguarding policy. Leaders plan to make alternative provision for those parents without access to the school website.  Leaders intend to send regular updates and reports on pupils’ progress to parents

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Main inspection findings

while the pupil remains in school.  Leaders are also aware of the requirement to ensure that inspection reports are published on the school website. This practice is in place on the website of the proposed school’s sister school.  Plans are in place to ensure that where a proposed pupil has an EHC plan, annual reviews will be carried in line with the requirements of the SEN Code of Practice.  School leaders are aware that they need to ensure that a statement on the proposed school’s academic progress is displayed on the website.  All information required in relation to the proprietor is displayed on the school’s website.  The standards for this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The complaints policy for the proposed school meets all aspects of the standards in Part 7.  School leaders are clear about the processes described within the policy and are aware of how a panel to hear the complaints would be organised.  The standards for 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 leadership team has a strong knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards. Leaders apply their knowledge and understanding well in the proposed school’s sister school, which received an outstanding grading at the last inspection.  Leaders understand exceptionally well the high levels of needs and vulnerabilities associated with prospective pupils. The proprietor is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the hospital in which the proposed school is based. This helps to promote a very strong multidisciplinary approach to the care and welfare of prospective pupils.  The headteacher also holds a wealth of knowledge about the needs of prospective pupils in an educational setting. His previous experience of secondary headship means that he has a very clear understanding of the provision of secondary education.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards for this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The standards in this part are 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £33,250 (£175 per day)

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Proposed school details

Email address adel.shirbini@ellernmede.org

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils NA 11–18 11–18 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 12 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils NA Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 12 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 Up to 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Up to 12

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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 Up to 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 As needed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision NA NA

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Information about this proposed school

 Ellern Mede Moorgate School is to provide education for up to 12 pupils admitted to Ellern Mede Hospital (Rotherham) for specialist treatment.  The school building is located on the hospital site allowing secure access for pupils.  Pupils will remain on the roll of their home school while attending the proposed school.  It is proposed to make provision for pupils aged between 11 and 18. Post-16 pupils will be educated alongside others, often resitting or studying a key stage 4 curriculum. Post-16 accreditations are also planned.  An advisory board had recently been put in place to take on the role of governance.  The school does not intend to use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and proprietor of the proposed school.  The inspector carried out a tour of the school buildings. The inspector also visited one of the bedrooms in the hospital in order to ensure that the hot water temperature would not scald pupils  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documents including the curriculum policy, the single central register, health and safety and safeguarding documents.

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Inspection team

Marian Thomas, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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