Brookways School

School material change inspection report

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Brookways School 660 London Road, North Cheam, Sutton, SM3 9BZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 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(d)(i), 2(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors found that the school had carefully designed a creative curriculum which was bespoke to the individual pupils and their needs.  Leaders’ current plans, policies and schemes of work show that they have thought carefully about the needs of the pupils. This includes those who may potentially benefit from staying at the school beyond the age of 16. Leaders are confident that their current curriculum can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of individual pupils as they move into the planned key stage 5 provision. They demonstrate clear capacity and expertise to be able to offer A-level qualifications to individual pupils if

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Main inspection findings

this becomes appropriate.  The curriculum is underpinned by ‘five pillars’, which are designed to help pupils to manage themselves, their work, and their interactions with others. The strong focus on personal development is evident across planning for all the national curriculum subjects and within the five pathways designed for post-16 pupils. There are pathways for academic achievement and qualifications, skills for learning and life, work-related learning, enterprise and partnership opportunities, and arts and physical well-being. The pathways are relevant and appropriate for the age range proposed.  Curriculum plans for personal, health, social and economic (PHSE) education are well sequenced, with relevant content for the proposed increased age of pupils.  Leaders have developed careers planning and guidance which has been carefully sequenced for each year group, including post-16 pupils.  Pupils’ education, health and care plans inform the bespoke individual curriculum offer.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  At the time of the previous inspection, teaching, learning and assessment were typically good. Leaders continue to keep a careful check on the quality of teaching, and support staff to self-reflect and evaluate their skills. Leaders have successfully recruited a number of well-qualified teaching staff since the previous inspection. Teachers are well equipped with a range of high-quality resources to help them deliver the ambitious curriculum on offer.  The school provides parents with detailed reports on pupils’ achievement and progress.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b)(v) 5, 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)  The previous inspection noted that the school provided for equality and pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) very well and that pupils were being well prepared for life in modern Britain.  The school’s ethos ‘be kind and work hard’ permeates all curriculum plans and documentation.  Leaders are aware of the needs of all learners and are well placed to support the SMSC development of pupils as they move to key stage 5.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The previous inspection found a vigilant safeguarding culture in the school. Parents

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Main inspection findings

and pupils were confident in the school’s ability to keep pupils safe and well cared for.  The current safeguarding policy is up to date and thorough.  There are very detailed risk assessments in place in relation to managing pupils safely on site and in relation to keeping safe within the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.  There is a comprehensive safe working practice policy in place.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16  The school met all the standards relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils at the time of the previous inspection.  This inspection finds that this continues to be the case. A revised and comprehensive health and safety policy was written and implemented in August 2020. Risk assessments relating to pupils’ welfare and safety are precise and detailed.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor ensures that regular health and safety audits are undertaken and acted upon. The last one took place recently, in October 2020. A fire risk assessment was completed in December 2020 to confirm that the school complies with relevant fire safety orders.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17–21  The previous inspection found that records relating to safer recruitment were detailed and complied with guidance.  Leaders continue to ensure that all the necessary checks are undertaken as the numbers on roll have grown and new staff have been appointed.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 22–31  Building work is close to completion on the second site, which will accommodate pupils in different zones according to the key stage they are in. The site is spacious, and along with the original building provides ample room to accommodate the proposed number of additional places.  Some of the classrooms seen during this remote inspection of the school were of the highest standard, with adjustable lighting to support the specific needs of pupils.  Suitable washing and toilet facilities are near to completion. The inspector was unable to check the temperature of the tap water, but plans confirm that thermostats will be in place when the building is complete. Drinking water is clearly labelled, according to the plans.  The site offers a large outdoor space for pupils to enjoy and there are rooms allocated for therapy and for medical needs.  All relevant risk assessments and policies are in place to ensure that the site is safe.

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Main inspection findings

 The new building is likely to meet the independent school standards.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to agree the implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1)–34(1)(c)  At the previous inspection leadership and management was judged to be outstanding.  Leaders have a clear rationale for their proposal to change the age range of pupils attending the school. They are committed to making sure that pupils who want to stay at the school beyond the age of 16 can do so, thereby continuing to benefit from the individualised curriculum on offer.  Leaders have made sure that the new site will be completed to the highest quality in order to meet the needs of their pupils. They have thought carefully about how they will need to adapt their curriculum to meet the needs of the pupils aged 16 to 19.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have carefully thought out plans to demonstrate how the school will continue to meet the independent school standards if the material changes are agreed. For example, risk assessments for the new site are thorough.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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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 changes that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Type of school Day school for pupils with autism spectrum disorder School status Independent special school

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School details

Website www.kedlestongroup.com/our-schools- homes/day-schools/brookways- school/home Email address info@brookwaysschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 2–4 October 2018

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 40 80 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 40 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 40 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 40 80

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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 40 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 20 35

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Information about this school

 Brookways is an independent special school in the London Borough of Sutton.  The school’s first full standard inspection took place in October 2018, when the school was judged to be good.  All pupils have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and have a range of associated needs.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  Pupils are placed in the school by a number of local authorities.  The school is part of, and governed by, The Kedleston Group, which is overseen by a board of directors and led by the chief executive officer.  The school does not use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The inspection was conducted remotely. This was due to changes made to inspection activity during this period of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The focus of the inspection was to consider whether the independent school standards in Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are approved.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documentation, including curriculum planning, a range of policies, information relating to health and safety and safeguarding, and documents evidencing how leaders hold staff to account and support their development.  The inspector held remote meetings with the headteacher, the executive headteacher, the proprietor and the deputy headteacher.  The inspector undertook a remote video tour of the new part of the premises which

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Inspection team

Ruth Dollner, 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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