Hopwood Hall School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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15 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3DU

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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)  At the time of the inspection in October 2019, the school provided pupils with limited personal, social and health education (PSHE). There was little in place to encourage pupils to respect other people, including in relation to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. Provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development was undeveloped. There were no extra-curricular clubs or activities in place.  The PSHE curriculum has been improved. There is now a well-organised programme in place from Years 7 to 11. Pupils receive weekly lessons that follow this programme, although there is some flexibility so that units may be adjusted to meet specific needs.

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Main inspection findings

 The school curriculum includes weekly lessons about ethics and beliefs. Pupils learn about British values, equality and respect. They are taught about the protected characteristics and the damaging effects of discrimination and prejudice. Staff are a positive influence on pupils and help them learn about life beyond school.  Pupils are taught to understand the difference between right and wrong. The school’s behaviour policy is implemented consistently and pupils learn to take responsibility for their actions. There is also a recently formed school council, which has a say in how things are done.  Optional extra-curricular activities are now provided at lunchtimes. These include martial arts, music and board games.  Paperwork and feedback from staff and pupils indicate that the school’s SMSC provision is now fit for purpose.  These standards are met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b)

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Main inspection findings

 At the time of the inspection in October 2019, the arrangements for safeguarding were ineffective. The safeguarding policy did not meet the specific needs of the school and was not fully informed by statutory guidance. Staff had not had appropriate safeguarding training, and procedures for reporting concerns lacked rigour. Staff supervised pupils’ use of school computers, but pupils could access the internet from their personal devices. The school did not do enough to teach pupils how to keep themselves safe.  The school’s safeguarding policy has been updated since the previous inspection. It is informed by the government’s most recent guidance and includes information about contextual risks. The omissions noted at the previous inspection have been corrected. The school does not have a website, but the current policy document is available on request.  Leaders have made sure that staff are suitably trained about safeguarding matters. Staff

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Main inspection findings

spoken to during the inspection know what to do if they have any concerns. They are informed about the risks that pupils might face and know what signs to look out for. Records of training and other safeguarding matters are kept correctly. The single central register of employment checks on staff complies with requirements.  Pupils are no longer able to access the internet on personal devices when in school.  The PSHE curriculum has been improved. It now includes units and activities that help pupils to make sensible and safe choices. Staff and pupils are able to give examples of how the school helps young people to keep themselves safe in different situations.  These standards are met. Paragraphs 9, 9(b) and 9(c)  The inspection in October 2019 found that staff had not undertaken appropriate physical intervention training.  The school’s current behaviour policy is fit for purpose and makes specific reference to

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Main inspection findings

the use of reasonable force. Sanctions are recorded appropriately. In January 2020, three members of staff were trained in the use of physical intervention.  These standards are met. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  At the time of the inspection in October 2019, the health and safety policy was not fully implemented. Leaders had not ensured that all relevant risk assessments, such as fire risk assessments, were followed. No fire alarm testing or fire evacuation drills had taken place since the school opened. There was insufficient first-aid provision on site.  Appropriate health and safety policies are in place. Fire alarm and equipment testing is carried out regularly by a professional contractor. The most recent check took place in October 2020. Visual checks are carried out at least weekly by school staff, and records are kept.  Fire evacuation drills take place regularly. These involve pupils and staff and are

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Main inspection findings

recorded. The most recent drill took place on 2 November 2020.  In November 2020, a gas engineer checked the school’s boilers. The water temperatures are checked regularly and the results are recorded.  Since December 2019, three members of staff have received first-aid training. First-aid boxes are located in various places around the school and are easily accessible. Staff and pupils are aware of the first-aid policy.  These standards are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The inspection in October 2019 found that leaders had not ensured that all relevant risk assessments, such as fire risk assessments, were followed.  The school’s fire alarm points, signage and emergency lighting are in good condition and sited in appropriate places. Fire exits open easily and are unobstructed. Fire assembly points are clearly identified as such.  Risk assessments for known risks are up to date.  This standard is 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 inspection in October 2019 found that leaders and trustees had not ensured that all of the independent school standards were met consistently and continually.  Since the previous inspection, leaders have recruited more staff and improved the provision. They have ensured that all the required health and safety arrangements are in place. The school’s provision for PSHE and SMSC is much improved.  Leaders display an informed and evaluative understanding of the independent school standards. During this inspection, they were able to present evidence in an organised and efficient way.  There is no doubt that the school has improved because of informed leadership. All the previously unmet independent school standards included within the scope of this inspection are met.  These standards are now met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor– – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which– – 5(b)(i) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self- confidence; – 5(b)(ii) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England; – 5(b)(iii) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely; – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and – 5(b)(vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England; – 5(c) precludes the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and – 5(d) takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils– – 5(d)(i) while they are in attendance at the school, – 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school, or

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(d)(iii) in the promotion at the school, including through the distribution of promotional material, of extra-curricular activities taking place at the school or elsewhere.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that– – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively – 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school– – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Email address info@hopwoodhallschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 22–24 October 2019

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Information about this school

 The school was registered by the Department for Education (DfE) in June 2019. It received its first standard inspection in October 2019, when its overall effectiveness was judged to be inadequate.  The school offers places to pupils aged 11 to 16 years who have experienced difficulties in other schools.  The school does not use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The DfE did not commission Ofsted to evaluate the school’s progress in meeting previously unmet standards in Part 1 of the independent school standards: Quality of Education. This is due to the disruption COVID-19 (coronavirus) has had on schools since March 2020.  Progress monitoring inspections are normally completed without notice. However, in line with the interim phase guidance, the lead inspector telephoned the school to announce this inspection 30 minutes before he arrived at the school.  The inspector met with the headteacher, assistant headteacher, deputy headteacher, trustees and pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector toured the premises and examined several documents relating to SMSC, welfare, health and safety, behaviour and the school premises. The inspector checked the school’s health and safety procedures.  The inspector examined safeguarding information, including the school’s record of employment checks on staff. The inspector also checked the school’s safeguarding policy and training records, and spoke to staff about the school’s safeguarding procedures.

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Inspection team

Martin Pye, 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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