THE BRIDGE SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SCHOOL

Right Support Management Limited 148 -150 & 167 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5TY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  The curriculum proposed by leaders is appropriate for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teaching programmes emphasise developing pupils’ knowledge and skills so that they can cope with life after school. As well as literacy and numeracy, there are appropriate plans for science and sexual health, personal, social, health and economic (PHSE) education, people and places, employability, arts and crafts, cooking, behaviour and physical activities such as yoga.  Teaching programmes are adapted to meet the needs of individual pupils with complex needs. Samples of work, and individual programmes for previous pupils over compulsory school age, show clearly how leaders’ intentions are to be translated into practice. For example, the plan for each area of learning identifies core objectives, implementation, enabling the learner and outcomes. The plans provide useful

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Main inspection findings

guidance for teachers about approaches to teaching and learning.  The curriculum policy sets out leaders’ aims and approach to teaching and learning appropriately. The document identifies leaders’ intent for the curriculum and pupils’ ‘journey’ through the school from arrival to departure. British values are given suitable emphasis. References to the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act are threaded through the proposed teaching programme.  Careers education is included in the plan for employability. Evidence provided during the inspection shows that work in this area is adapted to meet pupils’ specific learning needs. For example, outcomes include the ability to follow instructions, the rules of the workplace and work with others on a common task. Proposals include work experience at local charity shop and visits to the school’s farm in Wales.  Leaders have suitable procedures to assess pupils’ performance based their specific

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Main inspection findings

learning needs. These include detailed reports to parents and photographic evidence of pupils’ work. Regular assessment is used to adjust teaching plans and help teachers set work at an appropriate level.  School leaders have ensured that the independent school 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 All paragraphs  The recently revised curriculum documentation shows how leaders intend to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding. During the on-site visit, leaders spoke knowledgably about their approach to teaching the SMSC programme. They have procured suitable resources that are adapted for pupils with SEND. The range and scope of the programmes and experiences are suitable for the specific learning needs of pupils.  British values, including the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, are threaded through the curriculum plans. For example, relationships and healthy lifestyles and are covered in the PSHE and science programmes. Topics such as equality and diversity are dealt with through the people and places scheme of work. During the on-site visit, leaders explained their approach to raising sensitive

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Main inspection findings

issues with pupils. This included a range of appropriate resources that meet pupils’ specific needs.  Behaviour is given suitable emphasis by leaders. The proposed curriculum includes plans for enabling pupils to develop essential skills before they leave school. This includes managing peer relationships, expressing feelings, community interaction and autonomy.  School leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  There are clear procedures to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety. Leaders have ensured that relevant policies are provided for staff, including those for health and safety, safeguarding and child protection. Arrangements have due regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  An external company has carried out a fire risk assessment. Leaders have acted on the recommendations and taken appropriate action to address the hazards identified. For example, broken electrical sockets have been replaced and a damaged fire door repaired. Fire signage and emergency lighting are clear and in good working order. Fire evacuation procedures are appropriate and emergency fire exits have been improved. Exit and assembly points are clearly marked.  The school’s policy and teaching plans for behaviour set out leaders’ expectations for staff and pupils. PSHE plans show how leaders intend to promote safe practices. For

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Main inspection findings

example, themes include maintaining healthy relationships, personal hygiene and staying safe online. The policy also identifies how teachers will help pupils develop a sense of their own self.  The safeguarding policy provides clear guidance about the procedures for raising concerns and recognising the signs of abuse. The policy names the designated safeguarding lead and her deputy, as well as details of local authority staff such as the designated officer. The policy refers to ‘Keeping children safe in education’ and is linked to the 2020 version of the document. All staff have been trained in safeguarding, including in the government’s ‘Prevent’ strategy. Leaders plan a training update for the start of the new school year.  There are separate arrangements for dealing with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic of 2020. These include limiting the number of pupils to four in a classroom, taking the temperature of those entering the building and additional hand sanitising

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Main inspection findings

facilities.  School leaders have ensured that the independent school 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 All paragraphs  All the required checks related to the suitability of staff to work with children have been carried out for current staff. There have also been checks on members of the newly formed governing body. The single central register of recruitment checks meets current requirements. It is appropriately completed and includes checks on staff’s right to work in the UK, qualifications, criminal records, prohibition from teaching and section 128 disqualification where necessary.

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Main inspection findings

 Arrangements for the safe recruitment of staff are appropriate. The proprietor ensures that applications include two references and that satisfactory vetting checks are received before new staff are able to work unsupervised with pupils. Evidence of these checks is carefully recorded and held securely. Records are well maintained.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The school is likely to meet all the relevant requirements in relation to the premises and accommodation. There are two buildings, opposite each other, on Old Kent Road. The premises provide sufficient space for teaching and learning, based on the proposed curriculum. It is recommended that the school roll should be 35. This is to include pupils over compulsory school age.  The premises at 148-150 and 167 Old Kent Road are well maintained. Toilets for staff and pupils are lockable and the kitchen areas have drinking water. Entry to both buildings is by a secure keypad and entry phone system. A reception area is located in the building at 148-150 Old Kent Road, which also includes a library, and shower and changing facilities. All rooms have air conditioning and heating. They are well lit. Fire exit signage and emergency lighting are fully in place and working. The emergency

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Main inspection findings

exits from both buildings are clearly signposted, working and alarmed.  Furniture is in a good condition. Leaders have recently installed digital screens in all classrooms. Drinking water is provided by stations that are separate from the toilets. There is a dedicated medical room that is suitable for pupils with complex needs. It houses a bed, first-aid cupboard and washing facilities. Male and female toilets are located close by. Hot and cold water is available. The hot water does not present a risk of scalding. The local park is used for outdoor activities and one of the larger classrooms is used for yoga.  Closed-circuit television covers both buildings and is properly registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.  School leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  Leaders have ensured that all the required policies and documents are available to parents. Some are on the school’s website and all are available as printed documents from the school office. This includes those related to health and safety, first aid, behaviour, complaints and safeguarding. An accessibility plan and the curriculum documents are also available from the school.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The written complaints policy sets out the steps for complainants to take. This includes the right of a complainant to a formal resolution if the complaint cannot be resolved informally. It also provides the right for complainants to request a formal hearing by a panel of three people. The policy meets the requirements for confidentiality, and makes clear that findings and recommendations are provided to the complainant.  School leaders have ensured that the independent school 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 All paragraphs  Leaders have an appropriate knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They have ensured that the independent school standards are likely to be met. During the on-site visit, leaders provided clear evidence that there are sound arrangements to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils. Leaders quickly rectified a few minor compliance, health and safety issues identified during the inspection. For example, the single central register of vetting checks now includes staff who have worked overseas. Broken electrical outlet sockets have been replaced. The accessibility plan has been updated to meet requirements.  The proprietor has appointed a board of governors who will have oversight of the school’s performance. This is likely to ensure that leaders and managers are accountable for pupils’ learning and progress.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have drawn up an appropriate accessibility policy and plan. This meets statutory requirements. The plan identifies a range of appropriate targets to increase accessibility, the actions needed and who is responsible. There are clear success criteria by which leaders will assess the success in meeting the targets.

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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) £35,000 to £95,000

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Proposed school details

Email address admin@thebridge-school.co.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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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 14 to 25 14 to 25 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 100 35

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recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  During the on-site visit, leaders confirmed that they understood that a school roll of 100 was not realistic. It is recommended that the roll should be reduced to 35 to include students above compulsory school age.

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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 N/A 25

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 35

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 35

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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 N/A 35

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 4

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 4

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is an independent school for pupils with SEND aged between 14 and 25. It will operate from two premises. The premises at 148-150 Old Kent Road London SE1 5TY houses the school’s administration and four classrooms. An additional two classrooms are available at 167 Old Kent Road.  Leaders have access to a farm in Wales, which is used to provide pupils with experiences of the wider world.  All the pupils will have SEND. These include those with complex needs such as autism spectrum disorder.  Pupils will have their own individual timetable.  The school does not use any other alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic of 2020. Some of the inspection was conducted remotely. This was due to restrictions placed on non-essential travel during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the school, including policies on the curriculum, safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessments. The inspector also visited the proposed premises at 148, 150 and 167 Old Kent Road, London SE1 5TY. He met with the proprietor and school leaders to discuss the arrangements for the proposed school and toured the buildings.  Leaders have applied to the DfE to register the school. They are seeking to admit up to 35 pupils with SEND aged between 14 and 19. The school already works with young adults with SEND over the age of 19. The inspection checked whether the school would be likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the DfE

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Information about this inspection

approves the registration. This was the first pre-registration inspection of the school.

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Inspection team

Brian Oppenheim, 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

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

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