Oakwood Community School

Oakwood School Heath Road, Barlestone, Leicestershire CV13 0JD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 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)(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  Leaders are proposing to extend the current school to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have set out a clear rationale, vision and ethos for the school. There is strong emphasis on ensuring that pupils are helped to achieve their potential through a planned approach to personal development, well-being and learning.  Leaders intend to extend the school’s age range to include pupils in Years 1 and 2. They have clear plans and schemes of work in place for the proposed curriculum. These plans include a strong focus on learning to read and developing pupils’ love of reading.  Plans and schemes of work closely match the national curriculum. The subjects

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Main inspection findings

planned include English, mathematics, science, religious education, history, geography, art, computing, physical education and food technology. These subjects will provide pupils with the required breadth of knowledge and experience to prepare them for the next steps in their learning.  The educational provision proposed closely matches the school’s aims and values. Leaders show good awareness of teaching methods appropriate to meet pupils’ learning needs. They have made sure that there are experienced and qualified teachers available to lead and deliver the proposed Year 1 and 2 curriculums.  Leaders intend for all pupils to be assessed when they start school. This includes conversations with parents and carers, standardised assessments and observation of pupils’ learning. The proposed provision will take into account pupils’ ages, abilities and SEND. Assessment information will be used to inform teachers’ planning for next

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Main inspection findings

steps in pupils’ learning.  Leaders have developed a suitable programme for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. PSHE will also be taught discretely and promoted through other areas of the curriculum, including a range of extra-curricular activities.  Pupils will have sufficient opportunities to learn about British values and equality. They will be encouraged to respect other people. Leaders have creative plans to involve pupils in the local community.  The school is likely to meet all of the standards checked in this part. 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), 32(1)(c)  Leaders understand the specific educational needs of the pupils that they plan to cater for. They have experience of developing provision to cater for the personal

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Main inspection findings

development of pupils with SEND. The curriculum will be enhanced through well- planned pastoral support and a structured PSHE education programme. These plans place a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ self-esteem and self-confidence.  Leaders have made appropriate plans for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Most of this will take place through a regular programme of PSHE, religious education and the wider curriculum. The plans are realistic and are focused on the individual needs of pupils.  Leaders have plans and policies that promote respect for other people, including those with protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The PSHE curriculum will contribute to pupils’ understanding of different cultures and religions and prepare them for life in modern Britain.  The school is likely to meet all of the standards checked in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Members of the proprietorial body and senior leaders have made sure that there are effective arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. The school’s safeguarding policy takes into account the government’s latest guidance. The policy is available to parents to download from the school’s website.  Safeguarding leaders are appropriately trained and knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. They have a secure understanding of safeguarding issues. Leaders make sure that staff receive regular training to understand their responsibilities and school processes to keep all pupils safe.  There is a suitable behaviour policy that sets out what leaders expect of pupils and how staff will promote and manage positive behaviour. There is an anti-bullying policy. Both policies are written for the specific needs of this school.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders demonstrate a commitment to the maintenance of health and safety. They have put in place suitable policies. They have undertaken a fire safety check on the new building at the proposed site. Leaders intend to carry out regular monitoring to ensure that all staff follow the procedures contained within these health and safety policies.  Leaders have suitable plans to make sure that staffing levels will provide appropriate supervision of pupils across the school day, including break times and lunchtimes.  Leaders have a strong understanding of their responsibilities related to the management of risk. The school’s risk assessment policy stresses the importance of assessing and managing different types of risks. Leaders have plans in place for each pupil to have a regularly reviewed risk assessment. Additional risk assessments and mitigating measures are in place in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus)

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Main inspection findings

pandemic.  The school is likely to meet all of the standards checked in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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), 19(1), 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), 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)(c), 21(6)  Leaders have a secure understanding of safer recruitment procedures. The school has carried out all of the necessary pre-employment checks on staff who are currently

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Main inspection findings

associated with the school.  The school has a single central register that includes the full range of checks required before an individual starts working with pupils.  The school is likely to meet all of the standards in this part. 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), 24(1)(c), 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 is purposing to extend the school by opening a new site for pupils in Years 10 and 11. The accommodation on this site is a single-storey, purpose-built building.  The building has several rooms, including two classrooms, a medical room, a staff room and a smaller break-out room for pastoral and well-being provision. All rooms are bright and airy, with appropriate acoustics and lighting.  There are toilets for pupils to use. They are lockable from the inside. The disabled

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Main inspection findings

toilet is also designated for use by staff and girls. Washbasins and toilet areas have hot and cold water. The temperature of the water is controlled to ensure that there is no risk of scalding. There is also a shower available.  The premises include a medical room for the treatment of sick or injured pupils. It provides drinking water and is close to a toilet. It is not yet fully equipped because the arrival of equipment has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Drinking water is available. Leaders intend to label suitable drinking water as soon as the delayed signs arrive.  The school grounds are suitably lit. The external grassed areas, together with wooded area and footpaths, have been gated and fenced to make the site secure. Leaders have plans to develop this area with garden benches.  The school is likely to meet all of the standards in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34, 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders and members of the proprietorial board have a clear rationale for extending the school’s age range, increasing capacity and opening a new site. They have good knowledge and experience of catering for pupils with SEND.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required to ensure that the independent school standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  Leaders are committed to providing a quality curriculum, matched to pupils’ needs. There is a strong focus on providing for pupils’ personal development, well-being and learning.  The school is likely to meet all of the standards in this part.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Proprietor United Education Services Limited

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 22–24 January 2019

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 40 54 54

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 40 54

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 40 54

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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 39 54

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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 39 54

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 10

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 7 7

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Information about this school

 The school’s last standard inspection took place from 22 to 24 January 2019. At this inspection, the school was found not to be meeting a number of independent school standards and was judged inadequate.  A material change inspection took place on 19 November 2019. As a result, the Department for Education (DfE) approved the change of premises for the school.  A progress monitoring inspection was conducted on 21 January 2020. At this inspection, the school was found to be meeting all of the independent school standards checked during the inspection.  Since the previous inspection, the leadership of the school has changed. The new headteacher started in March 2020. Other senior leaders have recently started at the school.  The school is registered to provide full-time education for up to 40 pupils aged eight to 18. There are currently 40 pupils on roll. There are no post-16 students on roll.  Most pupils who attend the school have social, emotional and mental health

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Information about this school

difficulties. Most pupils have an education, health and care plan.

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Information about this school

The school’s last standards inspection Information about this inspection

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Information about this school

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. The inspection evidence was gathered to check whether the school is likely to meet specific independent school standards.  The inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, to check the school’s compliance with independent school standards relevant to the school’s application to make material changes to its provision. These material changes are to admit pupils aged five to 18, to increase the school’s capacity to 54, and open a new site at Chantry Lane, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QJ.  This is the school’s third material change inspection.  I visited the new site to check the suitability of the premises, as well as aspects of the school’s planned provision.  I met with the school’s headteacher, members of the senior leadership team and the chair of the proprietorial board.  Documents were submitted electronically and were reviewed remotely. Information

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Information about this school

included curriculum plans, school policies and safeguarding documents.

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Inspection team

Chris Davies, 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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