Dufton House School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Dufton House 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 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 a clear aim to provide an education that promotes pupils’ self-esteem and aids their academic development. The proprietor company has developed a curriculum that reflects these aims for the school. The range of subjects covered in the curriculum meet the requirements of the independent school standards (ISS). The frequent use of outdoor and adventurous activities are planned into the curriculum to provide opportunities for pupils to develop their resilience and apply their learning to practical situations.  The curriculum is suitably ambitious and takes account of the anticipated needs of the pupils attending the school. The curriculum will provide pupils with opportunities to

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Main inspection findings

build on what they already know and, where appropriate, to study to achieve accredited qualifications. These qualifications include outdoor education awards, entry level qualifications, Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network awards and GCSEs.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to provide pupils with access to impartial advice and guidance about future education and career choices. This will be done through the use of external careers experts and taking pupils on vocationally focused educational visits. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Schemes of work for the curriculum are detailed and illustrate the planned sequencing of activities that will develop pupils’ knowledge and skills. Leaders intend to personalise the delivery of the curriculum for each pupil. Each pupil will have an individual learning plan which will take account of what pupils already know.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s written assessment policy promotes the use of assessment to identify pupils’ needs and inform teaching. When implemented, it is likely that the use of assessment will be purposeful and effective.  Appropriate, high-quality resources are in place to allow teachers to deliver the curriculum. Leaders intend to further supplement these resources with other suitable materials, following the assessment of pupils’ individual needs and interests.  Leaders demonstrate high expectations of the staff they propose to employ in the school. Leaders intend that all teachers employed at the school will have qualified teacher status. Appropriate induction and training programmes are in place to support staff appointed to the school. Leaders plan to make use of the expertise of staff from other schools within the company to complement the knowledge and skills of staff deployed to Dufton House School.

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Main inspection findings

 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 reflect leaders’ aims, which are to promote pupils’ self-esteem and confidence through the use of the outdoors. Pupils will spend at least one day per week undertaking outdoor learning, including adventurous activities. Plans also show that the promotion of fundamental British values, such as the rule of law, democracy and respect for those people identified as having protected characteristics, is carefully planned into the school curriculum.  Schemes of work for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and those for spiritual, moral, social and cultural education (SMSC) are well planned and

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Main inspection findings

detailed. Leaders demonstrate secure understanding of the requirement to teach relationship and sex education. Leaders plan to do this sensitively, so as to take account of individual pupils’ needs and vulnerabilities.  Appropriate procedures are in place to inhibit the promotion of extremist or partisan views. Leaders plan to provide suitable training for staff about how to identify and act upon any concerns relating to extremism or radicalisation.  The standards relating to SMSC development are met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy and procedures are fit for purpose. They pay due regard to the current guidance from the Secretary of State. The school does not have a website, but the policy is available from the company office upon request.  The proprietor company has suitable procedures in place to ensure all required pre- employment and safeguarding checks are completed on staff and directors before

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Main inspection findings

they commence their work at the school. Leaders intend to provide staff with frequent training to keep their knowledge of safeguarding up to date.  Leaders have suitable plans in place to ensure the school has an appropriately monitored and filtered internet connection to help keep pupils safe. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The written behaviour policy proposed to be implemented by the school is fit for purpose. It takes account of current legislation relating to exclusion. The policy contains detailed information about the rewards that can be used by staff to promote good behaviour. It also contains details of the sanctions that can be implemented by staff when pupils’ behaviour falls below that which is expected.  Leaders have in place a suitable system to record any incidents of pupils’ poor behaviour. This detailed information will enable leaders to spot any emerging trends and take action to support pupils.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 10  The schools written anti-bullying policy includes definitions of the different types of bullying that a pupil may encounter. It also includes appropriate strategies that staff can implement to help prevent bullying. The policy is fit for purpose. Paragraphs 11, 13, 14, 15  The proprietor company has appropriate health and safety policies and procedures in place to ensure it complies with relevant legislation. Leaders have created systems to record health and safety checks, including those on fire detection and firefighting equipment. Electrical safety and health and safety checks will be completed by a suitably qualified and competent person. The outcomes of checks will be routinely evaluated by leaders.  Planned staff numbers are suitable, and will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised at all times. Pupils engaged in adventurous outdoor activities will be supervised by appropriately qualified instructors.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have in place appropriate systems to record admissions and attendance at the school. These procedures comply with current legislation. Paragraph 12  Leaders have taken actions to ensure that the school complies with all of the relevant fire safety regulations. A fire risk assessment for the school has been completed by an external specialist company. All remedial actions identified within the risk assessment have been completed. Paragraph 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor company’s written risk assessment policy is fit for purpose. Risk assessments demonstrate that leaders have a secure knowledge and understanding of how to identify and control risk. Risk assessments are detailed. They include clear identification of risks associated with a wide range of activities and the control measures that leaders intend to implement to reduce possible harm to pupils and staff. Leaders intend to use off-site sports and activity centres for the provision of

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Main inspection findings

physical education (PE). They have ensured appropriate risk assessments for the use of these centres, including the safe use of changing and 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 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), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor company has systems in place to ensure staff and directors are not

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Main inspection findings

prohibited from holding leadership and management responsibilities.  The proprietor company has procedures to ensure that all the required pre- employment checks on the suitability of staff are completed before they commence work at the school. All required checks on the suitability of members of the company board and those staff already employed within the school have been completed. This includes appropriate suitability checks on those members of staff who have lived or worked abroad.  The proprietor company has in place appropriate procedures to recruit staff to work in the school in the future. These procedures comply with the most up-to-date guidance for the safer recruitment of staff.  Leaders do not intend to make use of supply agency staff. However, they do have a secure understanding of what checks will be required to be completed prior to any agency worker commencing employment at the school in the future.

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Main inspection findings

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), 21(7)(b)  The school’s single central register 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 Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The school is located mainly within a purpose-built, wooden building in the garden of a children’s home. It also makes use of a small number of rooms on the ground floor

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Main inspection findings

of the children’s home to provide a designated pupil’s toilet and medical room during the day. The toilet is easily accessible to pupils at all times and is equipped with an appropriate lock on the door. The school’s buildings are maintained to a high standard and provide an engaging learning environment.  The acoustic conditions and lighting within the designated classroom are suited to the activities that will take place within it.  The school medical room is suitably equipped to allow for the care of a sick or injured pupil. The room includes a washing facility through the provision of a portable sink unit. The proprietor company plans to install a permanent wash basin into the room in the near future. The medical room is located directly adjacent to a toilet and is available when the school is in operation.  External lighting is sufficient to allow safe entry and exit to the school. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will have access to fresh drinking water at all times in the school. This will be provided through bottled water and free access to an appropriately labelled mains water tap.  Suitable washing facilities are available in the toilet. The sink unit is supplied with both hot and cold running water. The temperature of the water does not pose a scalding risk.  Leaders do not intend to teach PE from the school site. They have appropriate plans and risk assessments in place to ensure pupils have safe access to suitable shower facilities in the locations where PE will be taught. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a garden to use for recreation. The area is mainly laid to grass, but also includes a patio area. It provides safe surfaces and an appropriately sized play space for the number of pupils proposed to be on the school roll.  The standards relating to premises and accommodation are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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. Leaders have ensured that all information required for parents, carers and local authorities who place pupils in the school is available from the company’s office.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to report pupils’ academic and social progress to parents and local authorities. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of their obligations to provide appropriate information to support the annual reviews of pupils’ education, health and care plans (EHC plan). The proprietor company supports staff to do this by providing access to specialist training.  Leaders have a secure understanding of their duty to report on the income and

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Main inspection findings

expenditure of funds relating to the pupils placed 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), 33(k)  The proprietor company will ensure that the school complaints procedures will be available from the company office and the school. The procedures meet all the requirements of the ISS. They include a clear explanation of the formal and informal stages of any complaint. The procedures define the timescales by which leaders and the proprietor company will respond to any concern that is raised. The procedures allow for parents to be accompanied to a complaint panel hearing and state that the panel will include one person that is independent of the leadership and management of the school. The implementation of the school’s procedures will ensure that any

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Main inspection findings

complaints are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.  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), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor company directors demonstrate a secure understanding of the ISS. They have acted to ensure all the ISS are likely to be met.  The proprietor company has clear aims and ambitions to provide high-quality education for pupils attending the school. The proprietor company has appointed a quality assurance and improvement manager. The role of this person is to hold leaders to account for the impact of their actions, and also to provide support for teachers in implementing the school’s curriculum.  The proprietor company has appointed a suitably qualified and experienced headteacher to lead and oversee the day-to-day running of the school. He has drawn

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Main inspection findings

upon his experience of working in similar educational and social care establishments to support the design of the school policies and curriculum. These are likely to meet the anticipated needs of pupils.  The proprietor company demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting the health, safety and well-being of pupils and staff. They plan appropriate training for staff to promote their knowledge of safeguarding and pupil welfare. The proprietor company has ensured that all the health and safety standards are met.  The standards relating to leadership and management are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The 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 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 1 1

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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 1 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 1

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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 1

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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 1

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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 staff in the welfare provision 0 1

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Information about this proposed school

 Dufton House School is proposed to be established in a rural location in Cumbria. It shares its site with a registered 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 school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of Dufton House School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher, the proprietor company’s chief operating officer and managing director. An online meeting was also held with an administrative officer of the proprietor company 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 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.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector toured the school 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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