Borrowdale School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Manor House, Brisco, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 0QS

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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) and 2(2)(b)  Leaders have planned the school’s curriculum policy and schemes of work to support the school’s aims. The plans for pupils’ learning match the national curriculum for key stage 3 and key stage 4. The schemes of work provide coverage of linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education. There is a strong emphasis on pupils acquiring speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  Leaders have clear systems in place to assess pupils’ learning needs on entry. The curriculum policies for each subject indicate how the school will meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Individual plans for each pupil will personalise the curriculum to ensure that pupils access an age-

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Main inspection findings

appropriate range of work that is matched to their next steps in learning.  The timetables for learning have been designed to promote a broad and balanced education. In addition, it is proposed that pupils will experience outdoor education for one day each week. This work is linked directly to other subjects such as physical education, geography and science. Paragraphs 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii) and 2(2)(i)  The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum is structured around three core themes of ‘health and well-being’, ‘relationships’ and ‘living in the wider world’. This enables pupils to learn about their own and other cultures.  The policies for each curriculum area are accompanied by a range of online tools to assist staff with planning the curriculum. This includes units of work for careers guidance that will enable the school to work towards the Gatsby benchmarks for

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Main inspection findings

careers education.  The headteacher has ensured that the promotion of skills to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain is covered well at both key stage 3 and key stage 4. The school’s policies and scheme of work actively promote equality and respect for the views and opinions of others. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Each pupil will be provided with an individual learning plan. The targets on these plans will aim to address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge. They will also capture the progress that pupils will make during their time at the school.  The school has formalised assessments in place to check on pupils’ progress and understanding at key points in their education.  The resources presently in place provide pupils with access to the curriculum. Leaders intend to purchase further resources for each pupil to support their individual learning plans. They intend to use their initial assessments to identify the equipment that

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Main inspection findings

pupils will need to make the best possible progress. The proprietor has shown a continued commitment to ensuring the very best provision for pupils in the setting up of classrooms at each of the three properties.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 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) and 5(d)(iii)  The educational programme for pupils is built around developing their sense of self- worth, confidence and self-esteem. This is supported through a range of outdoor activities that will be delivered on a weekly basis. The outdoor education will be led by dedicated staff with a view to developing pupils’ resilience.  The school’s behaviour policy and curriculum plans show a strong sense of instilling pupils with a sense of right and wrong. The proprietor plans to ensure that pupils are supported to reflect on their own feelings and to help pupils to understand their own behaviour.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to teach British values through the PSHE curriculum. The online resources that they have for staff include units on

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Main inspection findings

understanding democracy and appreciating others’ beliefs and opinions. There is a strong emphasis on preparation for life in British society throughout all of the school’s work.  The headteacher has ensured that the curriculum contains units of work that focus on promoting equality. There is also a clear policy for how the school ensures that pupils recognise and value diversity.  The curriculum for religious education shows that pupils will have opportunities to learn about other cultures and religions.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  The proprietor has ensured that there is a comprehensive policy for safeguarding. The policy considers carefully the main risks to pupils. It considers the additional vulnerabilities of pupils and provides clear guidance to staff on the procedures that

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Main inspection findings

they must follow. The policy is available to parents and carers on request.  During the inspection, the headteacher demonstrated the system that is in place for managing pupils’ behaviour. The system identifies potential triggers for pupils’ misbehaviour so that this can be avoided in the future. The system also builds up a positive record of achievements. The approach of leaders matches the school’s policy to promote pupils’ independence when managing their emotions and feelings.  There is an effective anti-bullying policy in place. This provides a clear definition of bullying and cyber bulling. It also includes appropriate strategies to prevent bullying. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school has a clear health and safety policy in place.  Leaders have ensured that they have an up-to-date fire risk assessment. Regular maintenance checks are carried out on fire equipment, fire call points and the

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Main inspection findings

emergency lighting system.  Leaders have a comprehensive policy for first aid. It is the proprietor’s intent that all staff employed at the school will be provided with basic first-aid training following their appointment.  Leaders have admission and attendance registers in place, ready for when pupils start at the school.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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(3), 21(1), 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)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  Leaders have put in place a central register of checks that are carried out on new staff to check their suitability to work with pupils. These checks are comprehensive and are completed prior to staff starting their job at the school. This record is held electronically and can be printed for inspection.  Checks on the health and fitness of staff are undertaken at the point of appointment. Paragraphs 19(1),19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i),

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Main inspection findings

19(2)(d)(ii) and 19(3)  Leaders have arrangements in place to cover any staff absence. They do not intend to employ supply staff.  The proprietor has 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 Paragraphs 23, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  The school is spread across three sites. Pupils have their own toilet and showering facilities in each of the properties.  During the inspection, the headteacher purchased a chemical sink for each property to ensure that the rooms that will be used for the medical treatment of pupils also have a washing facility. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(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), 31, 31(a), 31(b) and 31(c)  The premises are maintained to a standard that ensures the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff.  In each room, there is suitable lighting and all buildings have exterior lighting fitted.  Drinking water is clearly signed. There is hot water in the shower rooms. The hot water supply does not pose a scalding risk.

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Main inspection findings

 There is suitable outdoor space for pupils’ physical education. Leaders also plan to make good use of the local area.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f) and 32(3)(g)  The school does not have a website. Leaders have ensured that the information for parents and other agencies detailed in the independent school standards are available on request.  Copies of the school’s essential documents, such as policies for the curriculum, safeguarding, first aid, admissions, behaviour, and health and safety, are held electronically and in hard copy. The school’s schemes of work and the framework for assessment are shared with parents and the local authority during the review of pupils’ progress at the school.  Where pupils will be funded for a place at the school, leaders have developed a system to account for any income and expenditure for each pupil. It is expected that

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Main inspection findings

each pupil will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The school will support pupils who have cognitive difficulties, behavioural and social needs, emotional and mental health needs and/or communication and interaction needs. The school aims to provide comprehensive information on pupils’ development to the responsible local authority. Paragraphs 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d) and 32(3)(b)  The school brochure provides a range of information, including the school’s address and phone number, and information about the proprietor’s registered office. It contains a statement about the school’s aims.  The admissions policy is clear about the characteristics of pupils that the school will cater for. The school’s policies are clear on how the provision at the school will be adapted for pupils with an EHC plan.  The proprietor has ensured that 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(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h) 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy describes how leaders will consider formal and informal complaints. It is detailed and easy to understand. The policy provides clear timelines for each stage of handling complaints.  The policy matches all the requirements of the independent school standards and is available on request.  The proprietor has 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 Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has demonstrated a strong commitment to establishing Borrowdale School to support pupils who are highly vulnerable. The minutes of leaders’ operational meetings clearly demonstrate how they have used their knowledge to ensure that the school is likely to meet all of the independent school standards.  Leaders have made the best use of external support to quality assure their work. These arrangements, along with monthly meetings, ensure that there are systems in place for the proprietor to discuss the quality of education and pupils’ progress once the school opens.  Leaders have ensured that there are strong systems in place to support the well-being of pupils at the school.  The proprietor has 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 put in place a comprehensive accessibility plan for the school. This details how leaders will ensure that they are increasing the extent to which pupils with a range of needs can access the school’s curriculum.  The school’s equality and diversity policy is broad in scope and covers a range of issues, as well as the promotion of respect for others’ differences.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of The Equality Act 2010 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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £67,600 to £78,000

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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 13–16 13–16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 4 4

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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 4

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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 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 4

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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 Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2.8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 3

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Information about this proposed school

 Borrowdale School comprises three sites that are located in Carlisle, Cumbria.  The school intends to cater for highly vulnerable pupils between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. The placements at the school will be for a maximum period of 17 weeks. The aim for pupils is to reintroduce them to education and begin the process of them accessing mainstream provision.  It is expected that all pupils who attend the school will have an EHC plan. The school will support pupils who have cognitive difficulties, behavioural and social needs, emotional and mental health needs and/or communication and interaction needs.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  As part of this inspection, I met with the chair, the headteacher and an external consultant to discuss the school’s application to register as a school.  I checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. This involved a check on the school premises.  I also met with the human resources manager to scrutinise the single central register of checks and to check on the arrangements for the recruitment and selection of staff.  I looked at the plans for the education of pupils at the school and the assessment arrangements.  I also scrutinised a broad range of documentation, which included policies, risk assessments and documentation about safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Steve Bentham, 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

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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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