On Track Education West Yarner

School pre-registration inspection report

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On Track Education - West Yarner West Yarner, Dun Cross, Dartington, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6DX

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a)–2(1)(b)(i), 2(2)(h), 3(a), 3(d), 3(e)  Leaders have ensured that a curriculum policy is in place. The planned curriculum is aligned with the national curriculum. To address the issues raised during the first pre- registration inspection, leaders have appointed a new deputy headteacher. This new member of staff has experience in curriculum development.  The school’s curriculum now takes into account the needs and aptitudes of pupils. For example, the school now has in place a systematic synthetic phonics programme. Leaders have provided training for all staff in the delivery of this programme. In addition, the mathematics curriculum now starts at the beginning of key stage 1. This curriculum sets out the small steps pupils need to take to build their knowledge of mathematics. Leaders have appointed coordinators for early reading and mathematics

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Main inspection findings

to support the delivery of these subjects across the school.  The schemes of work for all subjects now show how it is intended that pupils’ knowledge will build over time. As a result, teachers have clear expectations of what pupils should be learning. This will support pupils to acquire knowledge in all subjects. Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a)–2(2)(g), 2(2)(i), 3(b), 3(c), 3(f)–(j), 4  Leaders place a clear emphasis on pupils’ personal development and well-being. A well thought out personal, social, health and economic education programme is in place. It aims to provide opportunities for pupils to build their knowledge and understanding of fundamental British values, equality and diversity.  Leaders have appointed experienced and qualified teaching staff for both the primary and secondary phases of the school. A training programme for staff is in place. This will help staff understand the specific needs of pupils and adapt and use different

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Main inspection findings

resources. Staff also undertake training to ensure that there is a consistent approach to managing behaviour. Systems are in place to monitor the quality of teaching, learning and assessment.  Pupils will have access to impartial careers advice. This will be available in person and online. In addition, pupils will benefit from local work experience linked to individual career choices.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  Leaders have produced a policy covering the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. This policy is clear about the school’s commitment to developing pupils’ understanding of themselves and their world. The policy also explains how British values will be taught.  There is a strong focus on building relationships based on trust and respect. Leaders aim to increase pupils’ self-esteem and help them to express and manage their

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Main inspection findings

emotions and behaviour.  Leaders want pupils to express their views and opinions. For example, pupils have their say through the ‘student voice’ meetings and other school surveys.  Leaders expect teachers to challenge stereotypes and tackle any extremist views.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16  The school’s safeguarding policy and procedures show due regard for the current guidance from the Secretary of State.  The proprietor provides training for staff in child protection. This training, refreshed annually, is part of the induction programme that all staff follow when joining the school. In addition, the headteacher and two other staff members have received enhanced training as appropriate for the designated safeguarding leads for the school.  Pupils’ welfare is considered at all staff meetings. Systems are in place for staff to

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Main inspection findings

record concerns. Leaders follow up on these concerns and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of pupils.  The school’s written behaviour policy is fit for purpose. It illustrates leaders’ high expectations of staff and pupils. In addition, the policy contains detailed information about the strategies, rewards and sanctions that staff can use to promote positive behaviour.  Leaders’ systems to record any incidents of poor behaviour provides them with detailed information regarding any incident. This information will support leaders’ actions to evaluate any emerging trends in behaviour.  The school’s written anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose. The policy identifies the different types of bullying that pupils may encounter. It also contains appropriate strategies for staff to implement to help prevent bullying.  Written policies relating to health and safety, first aid and risk assessment are in place

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Main inspection findings

and fit for purpose. The staff’s induction package incorporates first-aid training. Leaders have written suitably thorough risk assessments and intend to keep them under review.  An external expert has carried out a fire risk assessment, showing that arrangements for compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are in place. Appropriate firefighting equipment and call points are present throughout the site. In addition, leaders have given careful thought to ensure that pupils understand what to do in the event of a fire.  Leaders have put in place arrangements for the supervision of pupils at all times of the school day, including when pupils arrive and leave the school site. Staff-to-pupil ratios are high.  Admission and attendance registers contain the necessary information.  There is a written risk assessment policy. This policy supports staff to identify risks and put into place appropriate control measures. Leaders plan to check and sign off

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Main inspection findings

all risk assessments.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18, 19, 20, 21  School leaders have attended training in safer recruitment and are clear about their responsibilities when recruiting staff.  Before any newly appointed staff begin working at the school, leaders and recruitment staff complete all necessary pre-employment checks, including the additional checks for those who have worked or lived abroad.  The headteacher does not anticipate using supply staff. The school uses current staff who are already known to ensure continuity. However, he knows how to carry out all the necessary checks on supply staff if he does have to use staff from an employment agency in the future.  The school’s single central record of the requisite checks carried out on staff members contains all the required information.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29  There are two toilets for the sole use of pupils. Each toilet is in a separate room with a washbasin and full-length door. In addition, there are separate toilets for adults and visitors.  The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk to users. Taps have individual thermostats to regulate the water temperature and prevent pupils from harm.  There is no shower room, as the proprietor plans to teach physical education at a local sports centre where there are changing facilities and showers.  The school has a suitable room designated for the provision of medical care for pupils. It is equipped with appropriate equipment to treat an unwell or injured pupil, with access to suitable washing and toilet facilities.  Teaching spaces are clean, bright and suitably furnished. They provide an appropriate physical environment for pupils to learn in.

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Main inspection findings

 External lighting is sufficient to allow safe entry and exit to the school.  Pupils will always have access to fresh drinking water from appropriately labelled taps.  There is a suitable, well-maintained outdoor space for pupils to play games for recreation and relaxation. Pupils can use a separate lawn and hard surface space for small games and other physical activities.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The school’s website provides parents and carers with access to all the necessary policies, including an up-to-date safeguarding policy.  The contact details for the school and directors are available on the website.  Leaders have ensured that appropriate procedures are in place to report on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents and local authorities who place pupils in the school.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The proposed school’s complaints policy is fit for purpose. It incorporates an appropriate structure for informal and formal review of any concerns, with suitable timescales identified at each stage. The policy also includes arrangements for an independent person to form part of a panel that will hear any complaints.  The written policy is available on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Leaders have taken effective action to address the issues raised at the time of the first pre-registration inspection. As a result, the school is now likely to meet all requirements.  The new leadership team has the skills and experience required to meet the pupils’ academic and personal development needs.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an acceptable accessibility plan.

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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

Type of school Independent special day school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor On Track Education Services Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £51,927 to £64,277

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Proposed school details

Email address swood@ontrackeducation.com

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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 18 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 30

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 25

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 16 7 to 16 7 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 18 24 24

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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 18 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 18 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 18 24

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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 18 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 18 18

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is in Devon, near to the town of Dartington.  Pupils currently using the school are registered with On Track Education Totnes, an independent special school which was rated good by Ofsted in July 2018.  The school will be for pupils who have been excluded or have struggled in mainstream schools and other specialist provision.  Since the first pre-registration inspection in March 2021, the proprietors have changed the proposed age range of pupils. The proposed age range is now 7 to 16, rather than 7 to 19.  Leaders expect all pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). The proprietor’s application is for pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities, particularly social, emotional and mental health difficulties and autism spectrum disorder.  The proposed school will be run by On Track Education Services Limited. The proprietor has seven schools, all currently rated as good by Ofsted.

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Information about this proposed school

 The school will be managed by directors on behalf of the proprietor body.

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Information about this inspection

 Ofsted conducted this inspection at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This inspection was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. The first pre-registration inspection was on 9 and 10 March 2021.  The proposed school is currently operating for 18 pupils, all of whom are of compulsory school age. All pupils who are using the provision have an EHC plan. The date of the first admission was 20 November 2017.  The inspector reviewed documentation related to the curriculum, safeguarding, health and safety of the premises and the suitability of staff.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the deputy headteacher, the school’s health and safety officer and a director of On Track Education Services Limited.

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Inspection team

Mark Burgess, lead inspector Ofsted 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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