Meadow View School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Meadow View School C/O A Wilderness Way Ltd, Manor House, Brisco Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 0QS

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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)(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)  The proprietor body intends that the proposed school’s curriculum will closely match the needs of individual pupils. Leaders have provided a comprehensive suite of schemes of work to support teachers in providing a suitably broad range of subjects. The same schemes of work will be used in all the schools operated by the proprietor body.  Leaders intend that the school will provide full-time education for pupils.  Leaders expect teachers and other staff to adjust the curriculum so that each pupil’s special educational needs and/or disabilities are met. This also contributes to leaders’ intention to ensure that pupils’ relatively short-term placements in the school prepare them well for the future.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will spend a day each week undertaking outdoor education activities. These are intended to build pupils’ resilience, confidence and wider skills. Staff involved in these activities will be expected to link learning from these activities to other subjects in the curriculum.  Leaders’ plans include careers education designed to reflect pupils’ interests but also to broaden their view. When needed, leaders will use external specialists to ensure that careers advice is independent. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proprietor body intends to appoint qualified teachers responsible for day-to-day education at each of the school’s sites. Where possible, they will appoint staff across the proprietor body’s group of schools so that the group will include teachers with a wide range of subject expertise.  The proprietor body has allocated an initial budget to provide the basic resources

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Main inspection findings

which teachers and pupils will need. Leaders explained that they will provide additional resources to support learning once individual pupils’ preferences and needs are known. Paragraph 3(g), 4, 32(1)(f)  Leaders intend to assess pupils’ starting points and continuing development across their learning and broader skills throughout their time at the school. Staff will use a commercially available system to do this.  Leaders intend that, when suitable, pupils will complete AQA unit awards and ASDAN qualifications to provide external accreditation of their educational achievement.  Leaders intend to provide parents, carers and placing local authorities with detailed information about pupils’ progress as part of their regular sharing of information, including at the conclusion of placements at the school.  The proprietor body has ensured that the 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), 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s planned curriculum has an emphasis on personal, social and health education. Pupils’ previous experiences are likely to mean that they may need careful support to develop their understanding of risks and responsibilities concerning themselves and others.  Leaders are aware of the requirements of government guidance about relationships and sex education.  The school’s whole curriculum will emphasise respect for self and others, and fairness in dealing with people. The proposed school’s policies recognise the need to ensure equal treatment of people with different characteristics.  The proprietor body requires staff to avoid taking one-sided political views. Leaders intend that the school should support pupils to share their own views. However,

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Main inspection findings

training provided for staff will also help them to challenge such views should they appear to lack balance or are extreme. Leaders understand that some pupils’ vulnerabilities may mean that they could be susceptible to risks of exploitation or radicalisation.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proposed school has a comprehensive child protection policy. The proprietor body has ensured that this reflects the latest government guidance and the context of the school.  The headteacher has overall responsibility for the safeguarding of pupils while in school. However, leaders intend that all staff will receive training to give them confidence in taking decisions concerning the safeguarding of pupils. They judge that this is important because of the likely vulnerabilities of pupils and the sharing of senior

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Main inspection findings

leaders’ time across different schools.  The child protection policy is available on request from the proprietor company’s head office. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 10  The proposed school’s policies about managing behaviour and reducing bullying reflect the likely circumstances and vulnerabilities of pupils. The policies emphasise how staff can use rewards to encourage pupils to behave well. These are also explicit about what sanctions may be appropriate and which are not. For example, it is clear that corporal punishment is forbidden.  The proposed school’s policies recognise that staff may sometimes need to use restrictive physical intervention (RPI). Leaders will ensure that all staff receive training in the safe use of RPI and, in particular, how potentially very difficult situations can be de-escalated.  Leaders will use a computer-based system to record, share and track details of pupils’ experience over each school day. This will include instances of both positive and

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Main inspection findings

negative behaviours. This system is part of the arrangements for ensuring that care staff are aware of pupils’ school experience each day and for school staff to be aware of pupils’ experience at home. It also provides leaders with information for longer- term monitoring of pupils’ progress. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proposed school’s policies for ensuring pupils’ health and safety are comprehensive and provide helpful information for staff and others.  The proprietor body has considered how the premises can be protected from risk of fire. For example, fire extinguishers are available and were confirmed as ready for use by a specialist contractor within the last year. Leaders use a different specialist contractor to provide overall fire risk assessments for the premises.  First aid kits are available at both sites. Leaders require all staff to have completed certificated first-aid training.

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Main inspection findings

 The risk assessments for school activities are well thought out. Leaders require staff to confirm that they have considered relevant risk assessments as part of their planning for potentially hazardous activities. The school’s continuing assessment and monitoring of pupils will support staff in evaluating any risks that may arise from individual pupils’ circumstances. Paragraph 14  Leaders plan for two members of staff to work with each pupil at all times. In addition, children’s home staff will be available to offer their support if required. These staffing levels are sufficient to ensure that pupils receive close supervision. Paragraph 15  Leaders will use a commercially printed attendance register. They know about the register codes that the Department for Education (DfE) expects all schools to use. In addition, they have considered how the registration of pupils may be affected should there be any absences as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s admissions register will be completed in a hard-backed book. This is set out to ensure that the required information is properly recorded.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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), 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), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The proprietor body has a well-established system for checking the suitability of staff to work with pupils and other young people. The company has completed these checks for senior leaders.  The chair of the proprietor body has ensured that the checks needed on the other

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Main inspection findings

members of the proprietor body have been completed.  Senior leaders have completed training to ensure that they are aware how to check that new members of staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The proprietor body uses an electronic record that summarises the results of the pre- employment checks on members of staff.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 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)  The proprietor body has identified particular rooms to be used for education at both of the school’s sites. At Meadow View, the classroom is housed in a small building a few metres away from the adjacent children’s home. At Hartside, the main education

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Main inspection findings

room is one of the ground-floor rooms in the children’s home. These rooms are suitably furnished, well-lit and will not be disturbed by excess noise from elsewhere.  Both sites are equipped with external lighting operated by automatic sensors.  The classroom at Meadow View has recently had a new partition installed. There is a small amount of continuing work to be completed. However, there is already enough suitable space for pupils to work in. The premises are well maintained.  A toilet is available for the sole use of pupils during the school day at each site. Leaders have ensured that suitable medical room facilities are also available at both sites. Fresh drinking water is readily available. This is provided in the children’s homes’ kitchens and is clearly labelled as suitable for drinking.  The hot water supplies have their temperature controlled to make sure that there is no risk of people being scolded. At Meadow View, the hot water supply to one wash

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Main inspection findings

basin was not working at the time of this inspection. However, the headteacher immediately arranged for its repair. An alternative facility is available in the meantime.  A garden is available for pupils’ recreation at both sites. Leaders have planned the curriculum so that physical education is provided off-site.  The proprietor body has ensured that the 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)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  Leaders have prepared a comprehensive set of policies and other information available for parents and others. As the school does not have a website, these are available, on request, from the proprietor body’s head office.  The proprietor body 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 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 proposed school’s complaints policy closely matches the DfE’s requirements. It provides for a timely and thorough response to any complaints from parents or others.  The proprietor body has ensured that the 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)  Members of the proprietor body and other leaders have ensured that the independent school standards are likely to be met if the school opens.  Members of the proprietor body and other leaders are learning from the process of opening other schools. They are refining their systems and policies to ensure that even minor details are considered to ensure that the planned provision will work as

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Main inspection findings

well as possible.  All leaders pay very close attention to the safety and welfare of pupils. This is their clear expectation of every member of staff.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have prepared a suitable accessibility plan. This considers physical access to the premises as well as pupils’ access to information and their learning.  The proprietor body 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–£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 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 2 2

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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 2

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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 2

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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 To be confirmed

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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 To be confirmed

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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

 The proposed school has two sites, Meadow View and Hartside. These sites are in rural locations in Cumbria. The sites are shared with children’s homes also operated by A Wilderness Way Limited (AWW), a company that is the proposed school’s proprietor body.  The proposed school will provide education to highly vulnerable pupils who will be resident in the adjacent children’s homes. Leaders expect that pupils will have special educational needs and/or disabilities. It is likely that most will have an education, health and care plan.  Most pupils will be at the school for no more than 17 weeks. Leaders’ intention is that the school will support pupils to re-engage with education and help them to return to long-term placements, including in mainstream schools.  The school is one of a number of schools that AWW is intending to open in Cumbria. This group of schools will share the same senior leaders. AWW intends to appoint two

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Information about this proposed school

lead teachers, with one in charge of the day-to-day educational provision at Meadow View and the other in charge of Hartside. Leaders also intend that staff will work as a team across both sites.  Leaders do not intend to use alternative providers as part of pupils’ educational provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in order to confirm whether the proposed school was likely to meet the independent school standards and other requirements needed to operate as an independent school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and representatives of AWW, including the chair of the proprietor body. He had a video call with the person who has responsibility for maintaining the proposed school’s record of pre-employment checks on staff.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises, accompanied by the headteacher.  The inspector scrutinised documents provided by leaders, including the proposed school’s child protection policy. He reviewed other policy documents and written information relating to the school’s curriculum, health and safety, and other aspects of the proposed school’s provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector checked the proposed school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards.

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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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