Howgills School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Howgills School C/O A Wilderness Way Ltd, Manor House, Brisco Street, 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), 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)(e)(iii), 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), 3(j), 4  The proprietor company has written curriculum and teaching and assessment policies in place. These are suitable and consider the needs of pupils, many of whom will have missed previous parts of their learning. Leaders intend to use information from a variety of assessments when pupils join the school. This is to plan pupils’ learning in detail.  Leaders have planned a programme of specialist training about the best ways for teachers to meet pupils’ educational and wider needs. This includes, for example, training about the school’s curriculum and planning for the effective learning and assessment of pupils. Leaders plan to use outdoor activities to supplement classroom

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Main inspection findings

learning and promote personal development.  Curriculum and teaching plans cover all the required areas of learning for pupils aged 11 to 16. Leaders intend to adapt the plans to meet the anticipated needs of pupils. Pupils in key stage 3 will access national curriculum subjects, such as geography, music and art. Pupils in key stage 4 will be allocated an individualised curriculum based on their individual targets and priorities. Pupils will study GCSEs when appropriate. This will be alongside outdoor education awards and Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network awards.  The proprietor company has purchased the basic resources that staff will need to support teaching. These resources include materials to support the teaching of English, mathematics and the wider curriculum. A plan, supported by appropriate finance, is in place to order specialist resources to meet the needs of pupils when they

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Main inspection findings

begin at Howgills.  The proprietor company intends to contract an external provider to ensure that careers education is suitably current and impartial. Leaders have planned a comprehensive programme of careers activities for pupils.  Leaders intend to provide the relevant authorities with information on pupils’ progress over their time at Howgills. The use of assessment proposed by leaders is likely to be effective in checking pupil’s learning.  Leaders plan to teach British values through the range of subjects across the curriculum. Pupils will also be taught some of these values, such as resilience and individual liberty, through the personal, social, health, citizenship and economic (PSHCE) programme and the outdoor curriculum.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

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Main inspection findings

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) and 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have planned a curriculum to develop PSHCE. Curriculum plans show that leaders will actively promote fundamental values, including such aspects as the understanding of right from wrong and resilience.  Leaders will actively promote pupils’ mutual respect and tolerance for those with protected characteristics, including those relating to gender, sexuality and different faiths and beliefs. Additionally, outdoor activities linked to the community will develop pupils’ understanding of responsibility, cooperation and making appropriate choices.  The proprietor company’s staff code of conduct is clear that staff will promote the school’s ethos. Leaders’ clear expectations are that no partisan political views are promoted through teaching. As part of their induction, staff will be trained in

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Main inspection findings

strategies to identify and act effectively on any concerns.  The curriculum for religious education shows that pupils will have opportunities to learn about other cultures and religions. They will also have the opportunity to visit places of worship in the locality.  The proprietor company have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding policy is detailed and thorough. Leaders have taken account of the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. In drawing up this policy, leaders have also considered the context of the proposed school. The policy will be available on request, as the school does not have a website.  Leaders will ensure that safeguarding procedures form part of the interview and induction process for staff. Staff already employed have received a broad range of

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Main inspection findings

training linked to welfare, health and safety to ensure that they understand how to keep pupils safe. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The proprietor company’s written policy relating to behaviour is appropriate. The roles of senior staff, teaching staff and pupils are outlined. Staff will receive training on how they can reduce the impact of any poor behaviour and encourage self-regulation regarding pupils’ behaviour.  The proprietor company has a system in place to record any behaviour incidents. Leaders plan to use the system to assess and adjust the proposed provision as necessary. Paragraph 10  The proprietor company’s anti-bullying policy is suitable. It identifies the different types of bullying that may occur within the school. It details how bullying will be dealt with by staff. Paragraph 11  The proprietor company has a wide range of suitable health and safety policies in place. Systems to ensure frequent checks on the operation of emergency lighting and

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Main inspection findings

the appropriate recording of these checks are in place. Health and safety checks have been carried out by a suitable person and are planned for in the future to ensure that compliance with regulations is maintained. Paragraph 12  The school complies with all the fire safety regulations, including emergency lighting. The proprietor company has organised checks on, and future maintenance of, firefighting equipment by an external company to ensure that they are in a suitable condition. Fire evacuation procedures are in place and the fire alarm is operational. There is suitable signage throughout the site, including in the school garden and car park.  The proprietor company has a fire risk assessment in place. This identifies any risks to the safety of pupils, with the aim to manage and minimise these. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15  There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. The proprietor company intends for all staff

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Main inspection findings

to have a current first-aid certificate ready for when the school opens. This is included in staff training and induction. Leaders have ensured an appropriate number of first- aid boxes are available to ensure that aid is administered in a timely manner.  Leaders have put in place record-keeping systems to record and evaluate any incidents relating to health and safety and behaviour.  The proprietor company intends to maintain a high staff-to-pupil ratio. Planned staff numbers are sufficient to ensure the appropriate supervision of pupils at all times when the school is operating, including when undertaking outdoor activities.  Leaders have established an appropriate system to record pupils’ admission to the school and their attendance, which follows the regulations. This will be kept in a secure area in the school. Paragraph 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor company’s written policy on risk assessment and risk management

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Main inspection findings

includes detailed risk assessments that demonstrate leaders’ secure understanding of the management of risk. Leaders intend to further review and refine risk assessments prior to the opening of the school. This is to ensure the safety of pupils and the effective management of any new risks identified.  Risk assessments are appropriately detailed and cover a wide range of activities. These include risk assessments based on individual pupil’s needs as appropriate. For example, individual risk assessments would be used for any outdoor activities.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 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)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii),

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Main inspection findings

19(3), 19(4), 20(1), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(5), 20(5)(a), 20(5)(a)(i), 20(5)(a)(ii), 20(5)(b), 20(5)(b)(i), 20(5)(b)(ii), 20(5)(b)(iii), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor company has established systems for checking the suitability of staff in the proposed school. Some staff have already been appointed in readiness for the school’s opening. The school’s single central register demonstrates that the required checks have been carried out on members of staff.  The proprietor company has carried out the relevant checks to ensure that those in leadership roles are not disqualified from working within the proposed school.  Leaders do not intend to use any supply staff in the school. However, leaders intend that suitable checks would be completed before any person does undertake any work in school.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards in this

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Main inspection findings

part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  Suitable, well-maintained toilet facilities are provided for the use of pupils. They are in individual cubicles provided with suitable locks. There is an adequate number for boys and girls. Toilets are for the sole use of the pupils. The school has appropriate changing and showering facilities for boys and girls to use.  The school has a suitable room designated for the provision of medical care. It is equipped with a bed and portable washing facilities, and is close to a toilet. This will allow provision for the medical examination and treatment of pupils and for the short- term care of sick and injured pupils. Paragraph 25, 26  The school buildings are maintained to an acceptable standard. Classrooms are well lit. Building work has been completed to provide pupils with classrooms that will be fit

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Main inspection findings

for purpose. Suitable furniture is in place in the school. The building includes three large classrooms. There is also a well-maintained kitchen for food technology education and dining space for lunchtimes. Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The lighting in all rooms is of high quality and suitable for pupils’ learning. External lighting is in place. This lighting illuminates the garden area and school entrances when needed. This aids safe entry and exit from the building. Operational emergency lighting is in place in corridors to aid any evacuation. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to drinking water at all times from taps at sinks. Drinking water facilities are clearly labelled.  Washing facilities are available for all pupils. Hot water of a suitable temperature is available for hand washing. The temperature of hot water does not pose a scalding

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Main inspection findings

risk to users. Regular checks are carried out on water temperature. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is an outdoor garden space for pupils to play and socialise in. This area is of suitable size for the number of pupils and the range of ages proposed to be on the school roll.  Physical education (PE) is provided in accordance with the curriculum and is suitable for boys and girls. Leaders have designed a curriculum for PE which intends to make effective use of off-site, specialist centres and the local environment.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), (32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(i), 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)  The school does not have a website. Information is available on request and is also

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Main inspection findings

available through the proprietor company’s main office.  Leaders have produced information about the intended curriculum. An assessment policy that details the arrangements for assessing pupils’ progress in learning is also available. Leaders intend to provide a report on each pupil’s progress annually if necessary and when the pupil’s placement ends.  Leaders intend to provide information in regard to funding for each pupil who has an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). This will detail the provision that the school provides, matched to pupils needs. This will be reported to the relevant local authority.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The complaints policy meets the requirements of the independent school standards. It

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Main inspection findings

identifies a suitable person to act as an independent reviewer. The policy also sets out the steps for each stage of the process, with appropriate timescales, and the action to be taken when a parent or carer is not satisfied with the response to a complaint. The holding of information and the use of outcomes follows the requirements set out in the independent school standards.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Senior leaders, including the proprietor company, show knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards. Leaders have high expectations and demonstrate a clear vision for the school. Leaders have relevant experience in working with pupils in educational settings.  Leaders demonstrate a good understanding of the independent school standards and

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Main inspection findings

have ensured that school policies reflect their school, paying regard to appropriate legislation. Leaders demonstrate secure knowledge of the curriculum to be taught  The proprietor company has put appropriate strategies and policies in place to secure pupils’ welfare and safety.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place. Consequently, the requirements under schedule 10 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 – £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 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 3 3

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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 3 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 3

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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 3

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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 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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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

 Howgills School is proposed to be established in Cumbria. It shares its site with a children’s home run by the proprietor company.  The proprietor company intends for the school to cater for highly vulnerable pupils between the ages of 11 and 16 years old. It is expected that all pupils who attend the school will have an EHC plan. The placements at the school will be for a maximum of 17 weeks. The aim is to reintroduce the pupils to education and begin the process of reintegrating them into mainstream provision.  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 if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of Howgills School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher and representatives of the proprietor company.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy, that were supplied by the school’s leadership.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor company’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the school premises with the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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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