Mayfield House School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Mayfield House School 1 Mayfield Road, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 0DG

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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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  The proprietor body proposes to provide full-time education for pupils. They intend to start by admitting a small number of pupils. The proprietor body has appointed a headteacher in readiness for the school to open and plans to employ more staff as pupil numbers grow.  The intended curriculum will be similar to the national curriculum. Leaders will adapt the curriculum when necessary to meets pupils’ individual needs. Leaders aim to ensure that pupils will gain experience of a sufficiently broad range of subjects in each key stage.  Leaders have planned an induction programme for staff which will provide them with

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Main inspection findings

the knowledge, skills and understanding that they will need to deliver the curriculum effectively. Staff will use continuous assessment of pupils’ learning to ensure that pupils’ knowledge and skills grow over time.  Resources that staff need to support pupils’ learning are in place. These resources include materials to support the teaching of English, mathematics and the wider curriculum.  Leaders plan to provide impartial careers guidance to pupils in key stage 3. Leaders also intend for pupils to participate in work experience to increase their knowledge of the world of work.  Leaders place a strong focus on promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The provision for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) development is also evident in curriculum plans. Leaders have ensured that schemes of work also promote British values. Their intention is that pupils will be well prepared

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Main inspection findings

for life in British society.  Leaders are planning to use information from a variety of assessments when pupils initially join the school. Leaders plan to meet all prospective pupils in their existing settings to learn about pupils’ social, emotional and mental health, their behaviour and attitudes, and their academic attainment. This information will be used to plan an appropriate timetable which will include therapeutic support as well as teaching a broad curriculum.  Leaders have plans in place to provide parents and carers with regular information about their children’s progress. They intend to issue parents with an annual report at the end of the academic year.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part 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),

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Main inspection findings

5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor body’s plans show that teachers will actively promote fundamental values, including democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and resilience. Leaders have scheduled a programme of events alongside the curriculum to actively promote pupils’ mutual respect and tolerance of those with protected characteristics, including those relating to gender, sexuality and different faiths.  Leaders have planned a curriculum which is intended to develop pupils’ PSHE education. For example, leaders plan to assess pupils’ understanding of healthy lifestyles and financial responsibility.  Leaders are clear in their intention that staff will promote the school’s ethos. Leaders’ expectations are that no biased political views are promoted through teaching or extra-curricular activities.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part

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Main inspection findings

are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding policy is up to date and takes due regard of the current guidance of the Secretary of State. The policy includes guidance to staff on how to report any concerns about a pupil. It makes clear the responsibilities that staff at all levels have for keeping pupils safe. The policy is, therefore, suitable. The safeguarding policy will be made available to parents.  Leaders plan for staff to receive a broad range of training linked to welfare, health and safety to ensure that they understand how to keep pupils safe. Leaders understand the need to be vigilant about pupils’ welfare, so that appropriate support can be provided if necessary. Pupils will also learn how to keep safe through the PSHE curriculum. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The proposed school’s policy relating to behaviour is suitable. It identifies leaders’

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Main inspection findings

expectations of pupils and the range of behaviour strategies that staff may use. Appropriate systems are in place to record any incidents regarding behaviour. The systems will allow the school’s leaders to evaluate any emerging trends in behaviour and to make any amendments to the provision for pupils. Paragraph 10  The proposed school’s written policy for preventing bullying is detailed and fit for purpose. It takes account of the ages of pupils in school. It identifies the different types of bullying that may occur within the school and contains appropriate strategies that are to be implemented to prevent bullying. Paragraph 11  The health and safety policies meet current legislation. The proprietor body plans to have regular checks of the premises, for example on water temperatures, emergency lighting and portable electrical appliances. All checks will be undertaken within recommended timescales. These checks will be suitably recorded.

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Main inspection findings

 There are systems in place to ensure the frequent checks on the operation of emergency lighting by a suitable person. Records of these checks will be in place. Paragraph 12  The school complies with all the fire-safety regulations. All aspects of fire safety have been checked and accurately logged ready for the school to open. Fire alarm tests will be completed weekly and emergency evacuation practices will be completed regularly with pupils. Fire evacuation procedures are in place and there is suitable signage throughout the site.  The school will have fire risk assessments in place. Leaders have reviewed these recently to ensure readiness for the school to open. This will identify any risks to the safety of pupils, with the aim to manage and minimise these risks. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15  A written first-aid policy in place. The proprietor body has completed recent training in readiness for opening. They plan to train staff as part of the induction process.

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Main inspection findings

Processes for managing and recording accidents and the provision of first aid are likely to be fit for purpose.  Leaders have established suitable record-keeping systems to record and evaluate any incidents relating to health and safety, accidents and behaviour.  Leaders intend to have high staff-to-pupil ratios. Leaders intend for the numbers of pupils to rise gradually and staffing levels to increase accordingly. The planned staff numbers would be appropriate to ensure supervision of pupils at all times when the school is operating.  Leaders have established an appropriate system to record pupils’ attendance. The proposed school’s admission register has been drawn up in accordance with the relevant guidance. Paragraph 16(a), 16(b)  Risk assessments have been completed for the new premises. Other risk assessments are appropriately detailed and cover a wide range of activities, such as off-site visits.

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Main inspection findings

The proprietor body plans to review and extend these as the curriculum is implemented. Leaders have taken appropriate actions to minimise the potential health and safety risks for staff and pupils.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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(1), 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)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor body has carried out the appropriate checks to ensure that those who

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Main inspection findings

hold leadership roles have not been prohibited from the leadership and management of a school under section 128 of the 2008 Act.  Leaders have undertaken all the other necessary checks on the suitability of current staff to work with pupils. Suitable arrangements are in place to support the welfare, health and safety of pupils. Leaders demonstrate an awareness of the appropriate checks that need to be made for all staff before they commence employment at the school.  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the need to ensure that suitable checks are completed if supply staff were to be contracted to work in the school.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 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),

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Main inspection findings

29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The building, a former sports clinic, has undergone a refurbishment to create a school that is fit for purpose. Leaders are likely to be able to ensure pupils’ health and safety while the premises are in use, as far as is reasonably practicable.  The building has been completed to a suitable standard. It is ready for the requirements of the intended curriculum and to provide for pupils’ welfare and safety. There are three learning areas, a large meeting room and two nurture rooms. The toilets and medical room are also suitable. Furniture is appropriate for the number and age of pupils in each proposed classroom.  Rooms are well ventilated and fit for purpose. Display boards are available in classrooms. Each room contains an evacuation plan and list of procedures for emergency evacuation. Acoustics are suitable and there is minimal disturbance from unwanted noise such as road traffic.

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Main inspection findings

 The arrangements for the safety of pupils and adults who use the premises have been carefully considered. The internal lighting ensures that light levels are sufficient. External lighting has been installed, as has automatic emergency lighting.  Drinking water is clearly labelled and is available throughout the building. Washing facilities are available throughout the building. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  The provision is currently sufficient for a small number of pupils to have access to outside space for play. Leaders plan to extend this area as pupil numbers increase. They have risk assessed the use of outdoor space in the locality with appropriate supervision in the meantime. Physical education will also be provided at local leisure facilities.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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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 one prepared for when the school opens. Information is available on request, including a school prospectus. The proposed school’s arrangements for admission are fit for purpose. There is also an appropriate policy detailing the consequences of misbehaviour.  Leaders have produced information about the intended curriculum. An assessment policy that details the arrangements for assessing pupils’ progress in learning is also available. Leaders intend to provide an annual written report on each pupil’s progress to the relevant authorities as well as parents.  Leaders intend to detail the funding for each pupil who has an education, health and

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Main inspection findings

care (EHC) plan. This will identify the support that the school provides matched to pupils’ needs. This will also be reported to the relevant local authority.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part 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)  A complaints procedure is in place and is available on request. The policy meets the requirements of the independent school standards. The policy also sets out the steps for each stage of the school’s actions, with appropriate timescales.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school 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)  The proprietor body demonstrates a clear vision for the school. They have experience

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Main inspection findings

of working with vulnerable pupils and demonstrate the knowledge appropriate to their roles. There have ensured that all health and safety standards are likely to be met.  The proprietor body has also ensured that there is a member of the governing body who has experience of working in education to strengthen their capacity to hold school leaders to account.  The proprietor body has ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place. 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

Email address admin@mayfieldhouseschool.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 6–14 6–14 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 16 16

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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 0 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 16

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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 0 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 3

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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

 The school intends to cater for 16 pupils aged six to 14 years who have social, emotional and mental health needs and or associated anxiety. It is expected that all pupils who attend the school will have an EHC plan.  The school is located in a converted physiotherapy and sports injury centre.  This is the first pre-registration inspection of Mayfield House School.

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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 Mayfield House School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher and members of the proprietor body.  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 body’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures including recruitment processes and checks was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises with member of the proprietor body.

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Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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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