Holton Sleaford Independent School

School material change inspection report

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Kesteven Business Centre, Units 9  12, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7DT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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)(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)  The proprietor proposes to extend the age limit to admit pupils from age 13. Leaders have ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum policy in place. The policy is supported by suitable schemes of work. The schemes consider the academic and personal needs of all pupils.  The curriculum policy sets out how pupils, including key stage 3 pupils, will be supported to progress academically, personally and socially. It ensures that pupils will be equipped for life in modern Britain.  Pupils in key stage 3 will access the same curriculum opportunities as pupils in key stage 4. This is because most pupils will receive an individualised curriculum. The curriculum will mainly focus on pupils’ outdoor-based education. They will also have

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Main inspection findings

opportunities to develop their knowledge in subjects such as computing, sports science and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  Pupils will take part in a range of physical activities through the outdoor-based education activities, which include residential experiences. Such activities will enable pupils to work towards completing a nationally recognised award.  Leaders have an aspirational careers education programme in place. They intend to start the programme from key stage 3. Pupils will have access to independent careers advice and guidance. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Since it opened in April 2021, the school has temporarily admitted key stage 3 pupils. Leaders have demonstrated the necessary expertise to meet the needs of pupils in key stage 3.  There is a suitable assessment policy in place. Leaders assess pupils’ individual needs

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Main inspection findings

when they arrive at the school. They use this information and the information from pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans to design bespoke curriculum pathways for pupils.  Pupils, including those in key stage 3, will be assessed often to check that they are making good progress across the curriculum and towards achieving the outcomes stated in their EHC plans.  The proprietor has ensured that leaders evaluate frequently the quality of education. There are plans in place to check the quality and impact of teachers’ planning and delivery of the curriculum.  Leaders propose to increase the number of pupils from 16 to 40 if their proposal for a second school site is approved. They intend to employ extra, suitably qualified and experienced staff to teach pupils at the proposed new site.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material changes are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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), 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have ensured that there is a suitable spiritual, moral, social and cultural policy and PSHE education scheme of work in place. For example, pupils, including key stage 3 pupils, will be taught the importance of good mental health. They will learn about equality and diversity and gain an understanding of different faiths and cultures.  The school’s vision is embedded through a programme to develop pupils’ self- confidence, self-care, self-control and independence. Pupils increase their social and academic skills through the physical and outdoor-based curriculum.  Leaders check pupils’ social and emotional development as well as their academic progress and achievements. They encourage pupils to reflect on the impact of their

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Main inspection findings

behaviour on themselves and others.  The increase in the number on roll if the material change is approved will provide pupils with more opportunities to socialise and improve their communication skills.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material changes are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  There is a pertinent safeguarding policy in place. The policy is in line with current statutory guidance and is published on the school’s website.  The proprietor has ensured that senior leaders are trained as qualified designated safeguarding leads. Staff are trained to safeguard pupils. Curriculum plans show that pupils learn about possible risks and how to keep themselves safe.  Safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly. Leaders work actively with external agencies when necessary to support pupils and their families. Leaders have recently bought a secure online system to record safeguarding concerns and ensure that information is shared appropriately. This system will be implemented from September 2021. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has not yet taken over the lease of the proposed new site. However, the proprietor has identified the essential work needed to ensure that the building is

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Main inspection findings

safe for pupils. This work is planned for the near future.  There is a detailed health and safety policy for the school. This policy is likely to be appropriate for the proposed new site when maintenance work to ensure pupils’ health and safety has been completed.  The proprietor has arranged for the proposed site to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire-risk assessment is planned to take place shortly. Staff have received fire-safety training. Paragraph 14  The supervision policy details the appropriate deployment of staff. Supervision ratios are likely to be maintained at the high level necessary according to pupils’ needs and considering the change in age range and the increase in pupil numbers. Leaders intend to appoint more staff to ensure adequate supervision of pupils at the new site.  Leaders recognise that the increase in pupil numbers can only be approved if the

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Main inspection findings

proposed new site is approved. The existing school site cannot accommodate more than 16 pupils with supervision by staff. Paragraph 16  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy. It is likely that this policy can be implemented effectively once the proprietor takes possession of the building and completes the necessary risk assessments.  Risk assessments in place for the existing school site identify that suitable measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. Detailed guidance is supplied for staff to complete risk assessments, such as those in place for individual pupils and off-site activities. It is likely that leaders will ensure that similar procedures are implemented at the proposed site.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if leaders carry out their planned actions and the material changes are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 8(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), 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), 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(6)  Leaders ensure that the required checks are carried out to make sure that adults are suitable to work with children. They follow safer recruitment procedures.  A single central record details the checks carried out on staff, governors and members of the proprietorial body. Leaders do not intend to employ supply or agency staff, but understand the checks they need to carry out if they choose to do so in the future.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material changes are

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Main inspection findings

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), 24(2), 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), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor proposes to lease a grade 2 listed property as an additional site for the school. The building was previously used as an office until recently and has three floors. It is surrounded by a large garden.  The proprietor has yet to sign the contract for the lease of the proposed site, so work to ensure the property is suitable for use as a school has yet to begin. The proprietor has arranged for essential work to be completed in the coming weeks.  The proposed site has suitable internal and external lighting. Rooms identified as classrooms are spacious, have appropriate acoustic conditions and are fitted with air conditioning.  Leaders have allocated a room for the short-term care and medical needs of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

The room is situated near toilet and washing facilities. Leaders plan to ensure that the room is equipped with suitable first-aid resources.  There are separate toilet and washing facilities provided for the sole use of pupils. They have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a risk from scalding. These toilet facilities are sufficient to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The proprietor has ensured that there is suitable drinking water available. Plans are in place to label taps where water is suitable for drinking.  Leaders intend to continue the existing provision for pupils’ physical education. Pupils will use a local leisure centre. They will use the changing rooms and showers at the leisure centre. There is also a shower available at the proposed school site, if needed.  There is suitable outdoor space for pupils to socialise and play. Leaders are proposing

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Main inspection findings

to install fencing to the garden perimeter to ensure that the site is secure.  Some of the windows at the proposed site need retainers to be fitted to reduce risks to pupils from falling. Leaders have arranged for this work to be completed.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if leaders carry out their planned actions and the material changes are implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders understand their roles and responsibilities. They demonstrate a good understanding of the independent school standards (the standards). There are robust plans to regularly review and evaluate the school’s policies and procedures to ensure that the school continues to meet the standards.  Leaders have requested the proposed changes in response to a growing demand for special-school places within the local area. The current building is too small to

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Main inspection findings

accommodate an increase in pupil numbers. The proposed site, which is located a short distance away, will offer more space and a pleasant outdoor environment.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if leaders carry out their planned actions and the material changes are implemented.

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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 change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Proprietor Holton Sleaford Independent School Limited Chair Luke Hollingworth

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School details

Website www.holtonsleafordindependentschool.co.uk

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School details

Email address enquiries@holtonsleafordindependentschool .co.uk Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 19 13 to 19 13 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 6 40 40

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations The proposal to increase the number of pupils on the school roll to 40 should only be agreed if the material change for the additional premises is approved by the Department for Education (DfE). The existing school site is only suitable for the accommodation of up to 16 pupils.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 6 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 6 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 6 40

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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 6 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 Holton Sleaford Independent School received a pre-registration inspection on 18 to 19 January 2021.  The school opened for pupils in April 2021.  The school provides an outdoor-based curriculum for up to 16 pupils in key stages 4 and 5. When the school opened, the DfE gave temporary approval for the school to admit key stage 3 pupils.  All pupils have a primary diagnosis of social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Some secondary associated needs include behavioural and social difficulties and autism spectrum disorder.  All pupils have an EHC plan.  All pupils are funded by local authorities.  The school does not currently use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE commissioned Ofsted to carry out this inspection because the proprietor applied to make material changes to the school’s registration. The proprietor proposes to permanently extend the lower limit of the school’s age range from 14 to 13 years old. The proprietor proposes to lease a second premises for the school. These premises will be at Westgate House, 25 Westgate, Sleaford NG34 7RJ. If the material change for the second premises is approved, the school also proposes to increase the maximum number of pupils from 16 to 40.  The inspector met with the proprietor and the core curriculum lead.  The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed additional school site.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health and safety, and curriculum schemes of work.  The inspector checked the school’s single central record and the information provided

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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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Inspection team

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