Compass Community Cledford Park

School pre-registration inspection report

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Compass Community School Cheshire Cledford House, Cledford Lane, Middlewich CW10 0JN

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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)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body has a curriculum policy for the proposed school that does not undermine fundamental British values. The intended schemes of work provide the required range of subjects. They include opportunities for pupils to study for GCSEs in some subjects, including English and mathematics. There is an explanation in the policy that pupils aged 17 will attend school to finish courses, such as GCSEs, if they need to do so. Paragraph 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)  A detailed policy on the intended approach to the teaching of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is in place. It is supported by the proposed school’s equity policy, which emphasises the importance of encouraging respect for all the

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Main inspection findings

protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act 2010. There is a statement about how the school intends to have regard to equality for all students, which underpins the PSHE education policy. The intended scheme of work contains a wide range of suitable topics that leaders will cover at key stages 3 and 4.  The proposed school’s careers guidance policy is detailed and fit for purpose. Leaders intend to provide impartial careers advice using a variety of external sources. They state that they will use the Gatsby benchmarks as their framework to encourage pupils to reach their potential. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  Evidence from the school’s proposed policies and schemes of work indicates that teaching is likely to enable pupils to make progress according to their age and ability. Invoices presented to the inspector demonstrate that suitable resources have been

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Main inspection findings

ordered. Many are already in place. For example, there are new reading books to use in English lessons and there are electronic resources to support the teaching of art. Paragraph 4  There is a detailed policy that shows how leaders intend to assess pupils’ work and evaluate their performance. It describes suitable assessment processes which will inform teachers’ planning. The policy also describes how leaders will provide assessment information to parents and carers.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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), 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor body has developed a detailed policy on the intended approach to promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The school’s equity

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Main inspection findings

policy supports this and makes it clear that leaders will encourage respect for other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act 2010. Leaders will encourage pupils to have respect for fundamental British values. They will also ensure that they have a balanced approach to considering different political views.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proposed school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is suitable and up to date. It makes reference to the latest guidance from the government. The systems that leaders will use to report and respond to concerns about pupils are appropriate. The intended designated safeguarding lead has received appropriate training. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed behaviour policy is detailed and covers expectations, rewards and sanctions. There is provision for recording and analysing behaviour incidents on the electronic system that the school will use. There is also provision for reviewing and monitoring the policy. The intended systems for behaviour management are likely to support leaders’ intended policy of zero exclusions.  There is a suitable policy that explains the proprietor body’s proposed approach to managing bullying of all kinds, including racist and homophobic bullying. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There are suitable policies and procedures in place relating to matters such as fire safety, first aid and risk assessment. These are likely to ensure that pupils’ welfare, health and safety are promoted in the school, when it opens. Paragraph 14  The proprietor body plans for staff to supervise pupils effectively. The proposed ratio

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Main inspection findings

of staff to pupils and the intended behaviour policy support this. Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate electronic systems in place which they will use to record pupils’ admission details and their attendance. They are likely to contain all the required information.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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), 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)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 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(6)(c), 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),

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Main inspection findings

21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor body has devised a safer recruitment policy for the proposed school. It is comprehensive and covers all the actions that leaders are required to take in appointing staff. These include making relevant checks on safeguarding matters and medical fitness.  The register for recording checks on staff is likely to contain all the required information. An example of the medical history questionnaire that the school intends to use was presented and is suitable. Leaders have demonstrated that they understand what information they will need to record if they use agency staff.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a),

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Main inspection findings

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)  There are toilets and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils. There are two lockable cubicles, which are designed for pupils’ individual use. The water supply is suitable and there is hot and cold water for washing. The temperature of the hot water does not present a risk of scalding. A labelled drinking water supply is available.  There are no changing or showering facilities on the premises for the purposes of physical education (PE). The proprietor body intends to use local sports facilities to provide PE lessons. Leaders have a risk assessment in place to ensure that pupils are safe while taking part in these activities.  The classrooms are suitable for the small groups that staff will teach in them. The lighting and the acoustic conditions are appropriate for the needs of pupils and staff.

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Main inspection findings

There are working external lights to enable people to enter and leave the building safely.  There is a room for providing pupils with medical attention. It has a bed and washing facilities with hot and cold water. It is positioned near a toilet.  The premises are new and, therefore, are very well maintained. The proprietor body is likely to be able to ensure pupils’ health and safety while the premises are in use.  The proposed school has an outdoor area for pupils to play. It is large enough for the number of pupils the school is likely to have on roll. Leaders have ordered play equipment for pupils to use during breaktimes.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c),

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Main inspection findings

32(3)(d), 32(3)(e)  Leaders of the proposed school are currently constructing a website which they expect to be ready soon. All the necessary information and policies are in place. Leaders intend to upload required information and documents to the website when it is operating. These include the proposed school’s safeguarding policy. Any information that does not appear on the website will be made available to parents by other means, such as by email or letter.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3)(f), 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), 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy is likely to comply with all the requirements. For instance, it is in writing, has clearly stipulated timescales and allows for informal

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Main inspection findings

and formal stages of the complaints process. Leaders will ensure that the policy is available on the website, when it is operational. Leaders will also publish the number of formal complaints in the previous school year.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders show good knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards and have ensured that all other standards are likely to be met when the school opens. The proprietor body and other leaders have previous experience of school leadership within the existing group of schools.  The proprietor body has devised suitable policies and procedures that are likely to promote pupils’ well-being and safety. There are appropriate schemes of work in place for the ages and aptitudes of the pupils who will attend. The premises are very well

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Main inspection findings

maintained and fit for purpose.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has devised an appropriate accessibility plan. It contains information about how leaders will act to increase accessibility for disabled pupils to the curriculum, the premises and information. For example, the school, when it opens, will provide training for workers to support disabled pupils in accessing the curriculum. They will provide a ramp to enable easier entry and exit to the school building. They will use different font sizes to present written information to pupils as required.  Leaders have ensured that this requirement is likely to be met when the school opens.

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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

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) £31,200 (£800 per week)

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Proposed school details

Email address rebecca.slayford@compasscommunity.co.uk

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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 11 to 17 11 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 12 12

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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 12 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 12

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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 8

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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 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 Compass Community School Cheshire will be an independent school based in Middlewich. It will be part of an existing group of independent schools managed by Compass Community Ltd.  The school will cater for pupils aged 11 to 17 years. Leaders intend to provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of these are likely to have education, health and care plans.  It is not proposed that the school will cater for pupils who have complex medical needs.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  It was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Department for Education to consider the school’s application to open an independent school, registered for 12 pupils aged 11 to 17. The requested age range is to allow for the possibility of pupils staying at the school beyond the age of 16 to complete their studies if necessary.  The inspector met with the director of education of Compass Community Ltd, the regional executive headteacher and the headteacher of the proposed school. He also held discussions by telephone with the chair of the proprietor body and the chair of the proposed school’s governing board. He analysed a wide range of documents, including curriculum plans and documents relating to safeguarding and matters of health and safety. He undertook a tour of the premises.

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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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Inspection team

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