Freshwater Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Freshwater Independent School Gate Lane, Freshwater Bay, Freshwater PO40 9US

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2  The proprietor, in his role as headteacher, has drawn up generic programmes of study for a broad range of academic and practical school subjects. These programmes cover what will be taught term by term. However, the curriculum plans do not take enough account of the needs of pupils who will attend the school, most of whom will have education, health and care plans (EHC plans). For example, some pupils may struggle with basic reading and mathematics. Others may have missed crucial learning when out of school. The proposed curriculum programmes and plans for teaching do not cater sufficiently for a range of learning difficulties.  The proposed programme for personal, social and health education (PSHE) reflects the school’s intended ethos and features an understandable focus on improving pupils’ mental health. However, the PSHE programme does not demonstrate how respect for

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Main inspection findings

other people will be encouraged, particularly with regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The proprietor has not identified how pupils will get sufficient accurate and impartial careers advice and guidance to help them fulfil their potential. Information about career planning is only thinly referenced within the PSHE programmes of study. Paragraphs 3, 4  The proprietor and staff have experience of teaching and working with pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. However, staff have less knowledge about how to teach other subjects proposed on the school’s curriculum.  The school is not planning to offer courses at GCSE level. The school is accredited to assess pupils in functional skills.  The school is unlikely to meet this part of the independent school standards. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor plans to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the timetabled curriculum. Curriculum planning, including in PSHE, identifies moral questions and aspects of British values and institutions. However, plans for the proposed school do not include enough emphasis on pupils’ spiritual or cultural development.  The proposed school’s ethos is built upon re-engaging pupils in education, restoring their self-esteem and establishing healthy and productive relationships. The proprietor and proposed chair of governors understand the importance of ensuring that pupils are not unduly influenced by partisan political views. However, until the pre- registration inspection, the proprietor was not aware of the requirement to pay particular regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010, when encouraging respect for other people.  The school is unlikely to meet this aspect of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7  Arrangements for safeguarding in the proposed school do not meet the requirements of this part of the independent school standards. The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy follows the guidance from the Secretary of State and is published on the school’s website. However, the proprietor does not have secure knowledge of the duties of a designated safeguarding leader (DSL), including how to report concerns to other agencies that protect children.  The proprietor has not yet completed adequate training to fulfil the role of DSL. The proprietor is intending to appoint a new member of staff to the role of DSL, with experience of working with children and families. Existing staff have had some safeguarding training, but this is not sufficient for their roles within the proposed school. Paragraphs 9, 10  The proprietor has drawn up an appropriate behaviour policy that is tailored to the

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Main inspection findings

likely needs of pupils attending the school. The policy includes guidance about the sanctions that will be applied if needed and how these will be recorded.  The school has an anti-bullying policy in place that, if implemented, is likely to be effective. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  A suitable health and safety policy is in place, which takes into account the specific context and location of the school, including the types of activities planned on the curriculum.  The current premises are compliant with fire safety requirements and the proprietor ensures that regular checks are made.  First-aid equipment is stored appropriately, accessible to adults and labelled clearly. All existing staff, including the proprietor, are trained in first aid and the policy meets requirements.  The proprietor is sensibly planning on a high staff to pupil ratio for the proposed school, in order to ensure safe supervision and support.

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Main inspection findings

 An admissions register is already in place, which includes all the required information. The proprietor has an established system of tracking and analysing pupils’ daily attendance, which will continue in the proposed school. Paragraph 16  The proprietor has drawn up suitable risk assessments for outdoor and other potentially hazardous activities. However, there is no separate risk assessment policy in place to support staff’s understanding and management of risk when the school opens for full-time education.  The school is unlikely to meet this aspect of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 20, 21  The proprietor is aware of the need to carry out checks on the suitability of staff to work in the proposed school. He has established a single central register, which records nearly all the required checks for current staff.  However, the proprietor had not carried out checks for any prohibitions from teaching or a check for a section 128 directive (suitability of individuals taking part in the management of an independent school).  The school is not likely to meet this aspect of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28  The school is unlikely to meet this part of the independent school standards. The premises are not yet ready to function as a school.  The proposed school is currently located on the edge of a coastal public car park, with log cabins and storage areas set around a small gravelled area. The proprietor has plans for a further building to be used as an office and classroom. Eco-toilets are planned for pupils and staff.  At present, there are no suitable toilet or washing facilities for pupils. Two temporary chemical toilets are available for pupils and staff currently attending the provision, but these have no running water.  The premises do not have suitable changing accommodation for pupils. The proprietor is planning to convert an area currently used for wetsuit and lifejacket storage into separate changing rooms for boys and girls.

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Main inspection findings

 There is currently no hot water on site. The water supply is in the small kitchen building.  Plans for the new accommodation do not indicate the location of a suitable space for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils, near to a washing facility and toilet.  The insulation in the current buildings is not sufficient for full-time classroom use, either in terms of heating, ventilation or sound-proofing. Parts of the premises are not finished or well-maintained. Paragraphs 29, 31  The proposed school will focus on outdoor pursuits as part of its physical education curriculum. Pupils will attend some activities off-site as part of planned programmes. The proprietor will also use a local sports centre occasionally.  The current premises include a small and secure outdoor space, which is suitable for pupils to use when they have their breaks or lunches.  The school is unlikely to meet this aspect of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The school’s website includes all the required information where available, including contact details, policies and curriculum information.  The proprietor is aware of the need to supply other relevant documents when the school is up and running, including inspection reports and information about school performance.  This aspect of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The proprietor has drawn up a complaints policy, which is available to prospective parents. The policy meets nearly all requirements. However, the policy does not ensure that one member of a complaints panel hearing is completely independent of the management and running of the school.  This aspect of the independent school standards is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  The proprietor, existing staff and proposed chair of governors are committed to improving provision for vulnerable pupils and those who may have missed out on education. They understandably want to build upon their experience of supporting and re-engaging pupils through alternative provision and outdoor education. However, the proprietor has not ensured that all the independent school standards are likely to be met.  There are gaps in the proprietor’s knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and the duties of a DSL. Curriculum planning does not include sufficient emphasis on meeting the full-time education needs of pupils who have EHC plans.  The current premises lack basic facilities and are not ready for full-time occupation as a school.  This aspect of the independent school standards is not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has not produced plans to meet schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The current proposal for the school does not include an accessibility plan.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’), as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Website www.outdooreducationadventure.com

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Proposed school details

Email address education@freshwaterindependent.school

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 10 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who is looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 21.5

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 21.5

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 10 4 4

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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 1 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 10 10

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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 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is currently operating as alternative provision, catering for secondary-age pupils who have been missing from education or who are currently not attending mainstream or special school. The provision focuses on re-engaging pupils in education through a range of activities, including tuition in English and mathematics and outdoor education pursuits. Most pupils attend the provision part-time.  The proprietor, who will also be the headteacher, has experience of working with pupils in pupil referral units or short-stay schools, special and mainstream schools. Other staff, whether with qualified teacher status or not, also have experience in similar settings.  The proposed school is situated adjacent to a coastal public car park at Freshwater Bay. The buildings are currently log cabin sheds, including storage areas, a classroom space and a small kitchen. The proprietor has plans to construct a new classroom and

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Information about this proposed school

office area, eco-toilets and changing rooms.  The school aims ‘to provide high quality alternative education provision for students who need an active setting to engage in education’. The proprietor is planning to employ existing staff from the current provision, as well as appointing some new staff, including a DSL. Pupil numbers will be small, with high staff to pupil ratios. It is likely that all pupils will have education, health and care plans, with social, emotional and mental health needs. The school is planning to cater especially for those pupils who are looked after by the local authority or whose circumstances make them particularly vulnerable.  The proposed school is planning to offer a broad and balanced curriculum for up to four older secondary pupils with an emphasis on functional skills and outdoor learning. The school is not planning to offer GCSE courses. The proposed school will continue to

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Information about this proposed school

offer part-time alternative or short-term provision for secondary-age pupils on the island.  The proposed school will not have any religious character.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection prior to the planned opening of the school in September 2021. The inspection focused on whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards when it opens  The inspector met with the proprietor, who will also be the headteacher of the proposed school. She checked the premises, accompanied by the proprietor, and reviewed information and policies relating to the proposed school.  The inspector met with the proposed interim chair of governors to discuss plans to open the school.  Arrangements for safeguarding were discussed, including reviewing the single central register and admissions register. The inspector also discussed the independent school standards with the proprietor and chair of governors.

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Inspection team

Janet Pearce, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9];

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor-

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which-

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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