Brookthorpe Hall School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Brookthorpe Hall School Stroud Road, Brookthorpe, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 0UN

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(i), 2A(1)–2A(3)  The school’s curriculum policy describes how leaders plan to engage pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through a flexible approach to learning. Leaders have produced detailed schemes of work that outline broad and balanced coverage of the national curriculum. Core values such as empathy, appreciation of diversity and respect are woven throughout the curriculum. These values are fundamental to the ethos that leaders intend to create. The daily timetable is constructed to ensure that all pupils will also access wider activities that are relevant to their interests and aspirations.  The schemes of work for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education are comprehensive and detailed. Appropriate themes such as managing relationships and

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Main inspection findings

keeping healthy and safe are included. Leaders are determined to ensure that pupils at the school are equipped to be successful young citizens. Paragraphs 3–3(j) and 4  Leaders understand the challenges that pupils who attend this school are likely to face. They know that many may have missed large parts of their education. During the admission process, leaders intend to review all the information available for each pupil, including their education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Assessments are planned to identify any gaps in learning. From this, individual pathways and learning experiences will be constructed and frequently reviewed.  Leaders intend teaching to be organised in small groups so that pupils can experience an adapted and personalised curriculum. All teaching staff will have training in phonics to ensure that pupils who have fallen behind in learning to read are helped to catch up quickly. Appropriate therapies such as speech and language and art therapy will be

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Main inspection findings

identified to provide pupils with the additional support they need to thrive.  Leaders intend to create a strong culture of reading across the school. Reading opportunities throughout the day will feature in the timetable. Pupils will have access to a central library.  Leaders have ensured that there are appropriate specialist learning areas, such as science, art, food technology and music. The outside space is spacious with an all- weather court for physical activity, as well as spaces to socialise and relax.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The school’s curriculum, policies and statement of intent set out leaders’ commitment to promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders aim to secure pupils’ confidence and motivation through a mix of academic and personal development opportunities that are interwoven throughout the curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have plans to ensure that fundamental British values will be actively promoted throughout the curriculum. The schools’ religious education and PSHE curriculum emphasise pupils’ understanding of respect and tolerance. Class or tutor time, as well as school assemblies, will further reinforce and promote these values. Leaders also aim to support pupils’ appreciation of values through planned activities within the community in which the school is situated.  Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils experience a rich, diverse curriculum to support their personal development. They plan that some school days each week will be extended to ensure that pupils can attend extra-curricular clubs and enrichment activities within the school day.  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  Policies related to welfare, health and safety are all in place and meet requirements.

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Main inspection findings

The safeguarding policy includes the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. It provides detailed information about how the school will be organised to identify, manage and act on any concerns raised. Leaders have considered how staff will receive training that equips them to help keep children safe.  Leaders plan for the headteacher to be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). Two deputy DSLs will also be appointed. This safeguarding team will aim to quickly identify any risks or concerns about the safeguarding of children.  The school has admission and registration systems in place that meet requirements. Leaders intend to monitor attendance carefully and identify families at risk of prolonged absence so that support can be offered quickly.  A risk assessment policy is in place. Risk assessments for the school site have been drawn up. These identify potential risks to pupils around the school. Leaders also plan

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Main inspection findings

to develop individualised risk assessments, as well as personalised evacuation and behaviour plans.  Leaders have considered the organisation of the school day in order to manage the supervision of pupils, including during transition times.  Leaders are knowledgeable about the possible challenges that pupils who attend the proposed school may face when managing their behaviour. They have developed a behaviour policy which includes a focus on promoting positive behaviour and the proactive management of behaviour. A tiered response to persistent poor behaviour is described. Leaders plan to ensure that staff have training so that they have a sound knowledge of how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively.  The school’s anti-bullying policy describes how leaders aim to reduce the occurrence of bullying to a minimum. They hope to ensure that pupils will appreciate that bullying will not be accepted and that cases will be dealt with quickly and thoroughly.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders are supported by a site management team from the Acorn Care and Education Group. Site staff have a clear understanding of the relevant health and safety regulations. A system of daily, weekly, monthly and annual site checks by on- site staff are in place.  Safety measures have been carefully considered throughout the site. Windows on the first floor have restrictors. Outside lighting is in place.  The school complies with fire safety regulations.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)– 21(7)(b)  There is an electronic single central record in place. It records recruitment checks for staff, governors and directors. It includes the information required to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children.  The regional director plans to check the single central record frequently to ensure that

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Main inspection findings

the school maintains safer recruitment practices.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school is likely to provide a high-quality learning environment for pupils. There has been extensive work on the main body of the building to develop classrooms, specialist rooms and communal areas. These are all equipped with suitable furniture. Acoustics are appropriate. Rooms are well-lit by large picture windows and have accessible computer screens in each room. Drinking water, clearly marked as such, is available throughout the building.  As well as classrooms, leaders have ensured that pupils’ additional needs are considered. There are flexible spaces for individual teaching or therapeutic support.  There is a medical room for pupils who are ill or require medical treatment. This is

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Main inspection findings

well equipped with first-aid resources. There is a toilet nearby.  There are appropriate separate toilet and shower facilities available. These have hot and cold water available.  Access to the school has been carefully thought through by leaders. There is a drop- off point for taxis, or other vehicles, to ensure that pupils arrive and are picked up safely.  The outside space includes areas for ball games, as well as quieter areas for pupils to relax.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  At the time of the pre-registration inspection, the school did not have a website available. However, leaders have all the information prepared. All required policies are in place. Leaders intend to launch the website once the registration has been approved. They were able to provide information in paper form, demonstrating that the website is likely to meet the required standards for providing information. The

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Main inspection findings

school’s prospectus is also in draft form. It includes relevant contact details and outlines approaches to the curriculum.  Leaders have templates that will be used to report on pupils’ progress to parents and carers throughout the year. These are detailed and will provide parents with information about attitudes and engagement, as well as academic progress.  All pupils will be placed at the school following a referral from a local authority. Leaders are working closely with Gloucestershire local authority to ensure that the school is able to meet the needs of pupils that will be placed there.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The complaints policy meets requirements. The policy is available to parents in paper form, although the school intends to also place a copy on the school’s website.  The complaints policy sets out the school’s approach to managing complaints. It

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Main inspection findings

describes the stages of the complaint process, including timescales for actions to take place. Appropriate measures are in place, including how a panel is to be arranged should a complaint go through to stage three of the process. Written records of complaints and their resolution will be kept on the school premises.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Leaders are taking the right actions and putting the right policies and procedures in place to ensure that the school will be likely to meet the standards. The regional director is currently mentoring the new headteacher to support the period of setting the school up ready for opening. Both leaders have a wealth of relevant experience in teaching and supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders plan to provide induction to staff and an ongoing programme of relevant staff development to ensure that staff support pupils’ needs well.  Appropriate arrangements to manage safeguarding are in place.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan which outlines how the school site can accommodate pupils with SEND. For example, there is a lift to provide access to the upstairs learning areas. The plan also details the approaches toward adjusting the curriculum to meet pupils’ specific needs.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £49,893 to £77,655

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Proposed school details

Email address joy.price-bish@brookthorpehallschool.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 Not applicable 7 to 16 7 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 60 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 60

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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 Not applicable 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 14

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 6

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Information about this proposed school

 Brookthorpe Hall School is proposed as a new independent special school for up to 60 pupils aged from seven to 16 years old. The school would become part of the Acorn Care and Education Group.  The proposed school aims to provide education for pupils who have complex social, emotional and mental health needs and/or specific learning difficulties, communication and interaction needs. All pupils are likely to have an EHC plan from Gloucestershire or other local authorities. The school plans to deliver a curriculum that is highly individualised, relevant and ambitious so that pupils are prepared well for their futures.  School leaders envisage that the school will open with pupils up to Year 8, with a plan to increase numbers gradually as these pupils move through the school. A headteacher and three qualified teachers have already been recruited with more teachers, teaching assistants and support staff currently being recruited ready for the proposed opening in

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Information about this proposed school

September 2022.  The proposed school is situated in a large, detached building that was previously a care home. Extensive refurbishment work has been completed to ensure that pupils will be provided with an appropriate and high-quality environment in which to learn. Some parts of the building, such as the basement and the top floor have not been refurbished and will not be accessible to pupils. Leaders plan to continue to develop the building in the future.  A regional director of education for the Acorn Care and Education Group will be chair of the proposed governing body and will directly oversee the quality of education provided by the school.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  School leaders do not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was conducted by Ofsted 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 was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. The school is not currently operating so no pupils were present during the inspection.  The inspector met with the proposed school’s headteacher, business manager and regional director.  The inspector had a videoconference with a representative of the proprietor.  A tour of the site with the site manager and headteacher took place in order to check the safety of the school site.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documents, including school policies, schemes of work, risk assessments, safeguarding information and the single central record.

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Inspection team

Tonwen Empson, 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

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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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