Bowscar School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Bowscar 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)(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) and 2(2)(i)  The proprietor company has planned the school’s curriculum to ensure that it supports the school’s aims. Subjects covered in the curriculum meet the requirements of the independent school standards (ISS). They include English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE), art and music. The proposed curriculum will promote pupils’ self-esteem and confidence through the weekly outdoor and adventurous activities.  The curriculum is suitably ambitious. Curriculum planning takes account of the anticipated needs of all pupils. It provides opportunities for pupils at key stage 4 to attain a range of qualifications. These include outdoor education awards, Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) awards, and entry level

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Main inspection findings

qualifications. Where appropriate, pupils will be able to continue and complete their studies in subjects for GCSE examinations.  Leaders’ plans include opportunities for pupils to receive impartial advice and guidance about careers from external careers experts. Additionally, leaders plan to take pupils to visit job fairs to help them to make informed choices about future careers. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  The proposed school’s schemes of work include detailed planning of sequences of activities that systematically develop pupils’ knowledge and skills. Leaders intend to provide pupils with individualised learning plans. Each plan will identify the gaps that pupils have in knowledge and skills. The plans also illustrate how the curriculum has been amended to help close those gaps.  The proposed school’s written assessment policy promotes the effective and

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Main inspection findings

purposeful use of assessment activities. It is detailed and identifies how assessments will be conducted to ensure the identification of pupils’ needs. The assessment policy details how the information gathered from assessments will be used to inform teaching.  The proprietor company has provided basic resources to support learning. This includes appropriate technology to allow a pupil to access online learning. Equipment to aid teaching in subjects such as mathematics, science and geography is in place and ready for pupils to use. A small range of fiction and non-fiction books provide pupils with appropriate reading materials. Leaders intend to purchase additional resources to meet a pupil’s specific needs and interests as appropriate.  Leaders have appropriate induction and training programmes in place to support staff appointed to the proposed school. Leaders intend to draw upon the expertise of staff

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Main inspection findings

working at other schools run by the proprietor company to complement that of staff appointed to Bowscar School and to help ensure high-quality teaching.  The standards relating to the quality of education are likely to be met. 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) and 5(d)(iii)  Curriculum plans show that the leaders and staff will actively promote pupils’ self- worth and confidence. Leaders intend to do this through providing pupils with frequent experiences of outdoor and adventurous activities.  The proposed school’s planned curriculum will promote pupils’ knowledge and understanding of fundamental British values. These include the rule of law, democracy and the mutual respect of others, including those groups identified as having protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

 Schemes of work are in place for personal, social, health and economic education that encompass spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. These include schemes of work to promote pupils’ understanding of relationships and sex education appropriate to pupils’ ages and experiences. The modules of work are carefully chosen to promote pupils’ social skills and cultural understanding and, if appropriate, gain accredited awards.  The proprietor company has appropriate procedures in place to inhibit the promotion of extremist or partisan materials and views. Staff will be trained in how to identify and act effectively upon any concerns relating to radicalisation or extremism.  The standards relating to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), and 7(b)  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy and procedures show due regard for the

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Main inspection findings

current guidance from the Secretary of State. The proposed school does not have a website, but the policy will be available on request.  The proprietor company intends for all staff working in the school to have completed appropriate safeguarding training before they start working with pupils. Staff will receive frequent updates to their training to help protect the pupils at the school.  Leaders have suitable plans in place to ensure that the proposed school has an appropriately filtered internet connection. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c)  The proposed school’s written behaviour policy is fit for purpose. It pays due regard to current legislation regarding exclusion and illustrates leaders’ high expectations of staff and pupils. The policy contains detailed information about the strategies, rewards and sanctions that staff can use to promote positive behaviour.  Leaders’ systems to record any incidents of poor behaviour will provide them with

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Main inspection findings

detailed information regarding any incident. It will support leaders’ actions to evaluate any emerging trends in behaviour. Paragraph 10  The proposed school’s written anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose. The policy identifies the different types of bullying that the pupils may encounter. It also contains appropriate strategies that are to be implemented to help prevent bullying. Paragraph 11, 13, 14, and 15  The proprietor company has an appropriate health and safety policy in place to ensure compliance with relevant laws. Systems to ensure frequent checks on the operation of the fire alarm and firefighting equipment are in place. Leaders have established appropriate systems to record safety checks. Checks on the fixed electrical installations, portable appliances and risks associated with fire will be routinely carried out by a competent and qualified person.  The proprietor company has an appropriate first-aid policy in place. All staff who are

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Main inspection findings

appointed to the school will be expected to complete a two-day first aid qualification which will include first-aid techniques for outdoor education situations. Leaders have ensured that appropriate first-aid resources are available on the two proposed sites for the school.  Leaders have established effective record-keeping systems to record and evaluate any incidents relating to health and safety, or accidents.  Planned staff numbers are sufficient to ensure the appropriate supervision of the pupils on the two sites, where the school is proposed to operate, at all times. Additional, qualified teachers and trainers will provide expert tuition in outdoor activities.  Leaders have in place appropriate systems to record admissions and attendance at the proposed school that comply with current legislation. Paragraph 12  Leaders have taken actions to ensure that the proposed school complies with all of

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Main inspection findings

the relevant fire safety regulations. Planned annual maintenance of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and the fire alarm, will be completed to help ensure that they are in an operational condition.  Separate fire risk assessments have been completed by an appropriately qualified person for the two sites from which the school proposes to operate. All remedial work identified in the risk assessments has been completed. Paragraph 16(a) and 16(b)  The proprietor company’s written risk assessment policy is well-considered and fit for purpose. Risk assessments demonstrate leaders’ secure understanding of the management of risk. Risk assessments cover a wide range of activities, including proposed educational visits to a local equine centre. Leaders intend to use off-site sports and activity centres for the provision of PE. They have ensured that appropriate risk assessments for the use of these centres, including the safe use of changing and

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Main inspection findings

shower facilities, are in place.  The standards relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils 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)(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)(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), 19(3), 19(4), 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)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii) and 20(6)(c)  The proprietor company has carried out the required checks to ensure that all persons who hold leadership roles in the proposed school, including directors of the proprietor company, have not been prohibited from such roles.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor company has ensured that systems are in place so that all the necessary checks will be undertaken on the suitability of staff to work with pupils. Appropriate checks have been completed on the members of the company board, the headteacher and staff already appointed to work in the proposed school.  Leaders and recruitment staff are aware of the necessity to complete pre-employment checks, including those additional checks for those who have worked or lived abroad, before any newly appointed staff begin working at the proposed school.  The proprietor company has appropriate procedures in place to recruit any additional staff to work in the school in the future. These procedures adhere to the most up-to- date guidance regarding the safer recruitment of staff.  Leaders do not intend to routinely use supply agency staff. Leaders have a secure understanding of the required checks that must be completed prior to any agency

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Main inspection findings

staff beginning work in the proposed school. Paragraph 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(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  The proposed school’s single central record of the requisite checks that have been carried out on members of staff contains all the required information. It is held centrally by the proprietor company and school leaders have access to it.  The standards relating to the suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors 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) and 25  The premises of both sites proposed to be used by the school are well maintained and clean. They create an inviting place in which pupils can learn.

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Main inspection findings

 Suitable toilet and showering facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils on both sites. Toilets are equipped with appropriate locks and are accessible to the pupils at all times. Shower and changing rooms are suitably large to allow pupils to change safely for PE. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a) and 24(1)(c)  The proposed school has suitable rooms designated for the provision of medical care on each of the two sites it proposes to use. They are equipped with appropriate equipment to allow for the treatment of a pupil who is unwell or injured. Both rooms have appropriate access to suitable washing and toilet facilities. Paragraph 26, 27, 27(a) and 27(b)  The acoustic conditions and lighting within the designated classrooms on the two sites for the proposed school are suited to the activities that will take place within them.  External lighting is sufficient to allow safe entry and exit to both of the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school’s sites. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) and 28(2)(b)  Pupils will always have access to fresh drinking water from appropriately labelled taps on the two sites proposed to be used by the school. Additionally, at the annexe, leaders intend to provide pupils with access to bottles or suitably covered jugs of fresh water throughout the day.  Suitable washing facilities are available in the toilets. At the start of the inspection water flowing through the sink taps and the shower on the annexe was too hot. This was due to a fault on the boiler thermostat and was immediately remedied by maintenance staff. Leaders have taken immediate action to fit additional thermostatic mixing valves to all hot taps to prevent the risk of this occurring again. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to garden areas at both sites proposed for the school to enable

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Main inspection findings

them to play and socialise. In addition, at the annexe pupils will have access to a large wooded area. These areas are of suitable size for the proposed number of pupils on each site and the range of ages proposed to be on the school roll.  The standards relating to premises and accommodation 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) and 32(3)(f)  The proposed school does not have a website. Leaders have ensured that the information for parents, carers and other agencies detailed in the ISS, including the school’s safeguarding policy, is available on request.  Leaders have ensured that appropriate procedures are in place to report on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents, as well as to local authorities who place pupils in

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Main inspection findings

the school. Leaders also demonstrate a secure understanding of their duty to provide appropriate information to support the annual review of a pupil’s education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Leaders understand their obligation and duty to report on the income and expenditure of funds for pupils placed in the school by a local authority.  The standards relating to the provision of information 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) and 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints procedures fully comply with all the requirements set out in the ISS. The procedures are available for parents or others on request. They include the steps and timescales for each stage of leaders’ actions following a complaint. The procedures outline a complainant’s rights of appeal. They also make

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Main inspection findings

clear that the panel who hears a complaint will include someone who is independent of the management and leadership of the school.  The implementation of these procedures will ensure that any complaint is dealt with in a timely manner and the outcome communicated appropriately.  The standards relating to the handling of complaints are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor company and leaders have taken appropriate actions to ensure that all the independent school standards are likely to be met. Leaders and the directors of the proprietor company demonstrate a secure understanding of the ISS. They have ensured that school policies take account of appropriate national legislation.  The headteacher demonstrates a secure understanding of the anticipated needs of pupils expected to attend the school. He has drawn upon his experience of working

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Main inspection findings

with pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities to help design school policies and a curriculum that is likely to meet pupils’ anticipated needs.  Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring the health and safety of pupils attending the school. They have ensured that all health and safety standards are likely to be met. Buildings on both sites for this proposed school are maintained to a high standard and systems are in place to ensure that all appropriate health and safety checks are carried out routinely.  The standards relating to the leadership and management of the school are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school has in place an appropriate accessibility plan. 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 11–16 11–16 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

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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 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 1 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 0 3

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Information about this proposed school

 Bowscar School is proposed to be established on two sites in rural locations in Cumbria. It shares one of its sites 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 age of 11 and 16 years old. It is expected that most 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.  The proprietor company does not intend to use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of Bowscar School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher and the proprietor company’s chief operating officer and managing director. An online meeting was also held with an administrative officer of the proprietor body who is responsible for maintaining staff recruitment records.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy, that were supplied by the proposed school’s leadership.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector toured the two sites that make up the proposed school premises with the headteacher.

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Inspection team

John Nixon, 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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