Compass Community School Boleyn Park

School pre-registration inspection report

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8 Trinity Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7PU

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(a)–(b), 2(2), 2(2)(a)–(i)  Leaders anticipate that most pupils will join the proposed school having experienced significant disruption to their earlier education and lives. All pupils likely to attend will have specific learning difficulties. It is expected that most will have an education, health care (EHC) plan. Leaders have set out comprehensive processes to establish prospective pupils’ needs and capabilities.  Leaders have designed a curriculum and associated teaching approaches to be adaptable to each pupil’s circumstances and needs. Pupils will access a ‘core’, ‘parallel core’ and broader curriculum. Leaders have drawn up detailed schemes of work to provide pupils with a broad and creative education, and for them to be able to gain suitable qualifications. Leaders have made sure that the development of pupils’ communication and language skills is a central feature of the intended curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 The intended curriculum includes a significant emphasis on pupils’ personal, social and health development. Leaders have included plenty of opportunities for pupils to develop important skills and knowledge for independent living. Secondary-aged pupils will have access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that includes impartial advice, one-to-one careers interviews and experience of the world of work.  Leaders have set out plans that include opportunities for pupils to experience a variety of visits and talks, including those relating to the development of pupils’ cultural capital. Paragraph 2A(1)(a)  (g), 2A(2)  Leaders have put in place a suitable programme of relationships and sex education (RSE) that is appropriate to the age of prospective pupils. The school’s approach to the delivery of RSE is set out in a suitable policy. Paragraphs 3, 3(a)  (j), 4  Leaders have developed a framework to teach and assess pupils’ social and academic

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Main inspection findings

progress. This framework is informed by, and adaptable to, each pupil’s likely needs and capabilities.  The three independent school standards relating to the quality of education are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)  (d)  Leaders’ vision is to support pupils to be lifelong learners, and to ensure that pupils with SEND are ready to play a positive role in society. Leaders have made pupils’ personal development central to the curriculum and enrichment offer. Pupils will learn about important features of life in Britain.  Leaders have planned for pupils to develop the confidence, knowledge and social awareness to live fulfilling lives. For example, pupils will learn about and experience local travel, food cultivation and allotment management, financial management, team sports and charity work.  This independent school standard is likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders have put in place an appropriate safeguarding policy. Staff have received frequent, regular safeguarding training and updates. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Leaders have put in place appropriate ‘behaviour for learning’ and ‘counter-bullying’ policies. Staff are trained in the leaders’ agreed positive teaching approach. This approach places considerable emphasis on pupils reflecting on and regulating their own behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14  Leaders have produced suitable first-aid and health and safety policies. These policies outline how pupils and adults will be kept safe and the processes in place to respond to any illness, injury or accidents.  Staff have undergone appropriate training, including that relating to first aid and fire safety. Staff who join the proposed school will undergo a detailed induction

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Main inspection findings

programme to understand and be well placed to enact these and other school policies.  Leaders have planned staffing levels so that pupils are appropriately supervised throughout the school day. The precise arrangements for the deployment of staff will be finalised when the proposed school opens, and the number and needs of pupils are known. Paragraphs 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Attendance and admission registers are in place ready to record all the necessary information as pupils join or leave the school.  Leaders have set out an appropriate risk assessment policy and carried out a detailed assessment of the potential risks that pupils may face locally. Leaders have put in place a suitable risk assessment for pupils to use near-by sports facilities for physical education lessons.  The nine independent school standards for the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to be met by the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)  (f ), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c)  Leaders have put in place a suitable safer recruitment policy. Leaders are trained in safer recruitment practices.  All required checks on staff have been made before they start work in the school.  Designated staff have relevant professional qualifications and experience to carry out their duties.  The school does not intend to use supply staff. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5), 21(5)(a)–(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a)–(b)  The proposed school’s single central record includes all the required information.  The four independent school standards for the suitability of staff and proprietors are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(b), 28(1)(a)  (d), 29(1)(a)  (b)  The proposed school’s building has sufficient toilets for the intended number of pupils. Toilet areas include washing facilities, including hot and cold running water. There are separate facilities for adults.  Cold-water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such.  There is a medical room. It includes a bed, washing facilities and access to a nearby toilet.  There is appropriate first-aid equipment on site, along with a securely fixed, lockable first-aid cabinet. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b)  The proposed school is based on the ground floor of a building that was previously used as a school. There are two teaching areas and one small reading area. There are several storage areas, including lockable cupboards.  Leaders have refurbished the proposed school’s buildings and grounds. Teaching

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Main inspection findings

spaces are well resourced. They are fit for purpose.  The building has appropriate acoustics, heating, lighting and ventilation. The necessary fire alarms, extinguishers and smoke alarms are in place. Leaders have made sure that all necessary checks of these and other services have been carried out and recorded. Leaders have put in place a schedule to ensure that this remains the case.  There is a secure outside area that will provide pupils with access to covered and uncovered play areas, including some that are laid to grass, and two seating areas. There is also space dedicated to growing herbs and vegetables.  The proposed school is based in Westcliffe-on-Sea in Essex. The proprietor body’s intention is that pupils will also make use of nearby sports facilities for their physical education. Leaders have made appropriate arrangements and assessments of risk for education in these off-site facilities.

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Main inspection findings

 The seven independent school standards for the premises and accommodation are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a)  (j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)  (d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)  (g), 32(4)(a)  (c)  The school does not currently have a website.  Leaders have set out plans to ensure that parents and carers receive all the required information, as laid out in the independent school standards. Leaders will meet with parents of each prospective pupil to talk through important information. In addition, parents will then receive copies of this information via post or email. All required information is available on request.  Some pupils who will attend the proposed school may be funded by a local authority. Leaders have set up processes to provide information about income and expenditure relating to any funding that the proposed school receives.  This independent school standard is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)  (k)  Leaders have in place a written complaints policy. This provides appropriate guidance to communicate information about the processes and timescales when a complaint is raised.  Leaders have plans in place for maintaining written records of complaints and the details of the school’s response to any complaint.  This independent standard is likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a)  (c)  The proprietor body has established an appropriate leadership structure for the proposed school. In addition to the lead teacher, based at the school, the executive headteacher will provide additional leadership support and challenge.  The proprietor body has set out plans for suitable scrutiny of, and support for leaders’ work. These plans are set out in the school’s quality assurance and governance policy.  The proprietor body has established a local governing body that is made of up of governors with experience of education and provision for pupils with SEND.  Leaders, including representatives of the proprietor body, have a suitable understanding of the independent school standards.  Towards the end of this inspection, a representative from the proprietor body reflected on the original intention to admit six pupils between the ages of eight and 18 years to

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Main inspection findings

the school’s roll. The new proposal is to admit a maximum of five pupils between the ages of eight and 18 years.  This independent standard is likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan outlines how pupils will be able to access the premises, outside areas, information and the curriculum.  Many of the proposed school’s policies and other documentation make appropriate reference to schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  All requirements are likely to be met.

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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

Email address rebecca.slayford@compasscommunity.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 N/A 8  18 8  18 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 5 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 5 Number of part-time pupils N/A 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A Not yet determined

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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 N/A Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor body is Compass Community Ltd. The proprietor body is seeking registration with the Department of Education (DfE) as an independent special school to admit five pupils between the ages of eight and 18. The intention is for the proposed school to admit pupils from July 2022.  The proprietor body intends to admit no more than two pupils in the first term of the proposed school’s operation.  All pupils likely to attend the proposed school will have specific learning difficulties and most will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor body proposes to admit pupils from local authorities within transportation distance.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The proposed school is not in operation.  The inspection was commissioned by the DfE. This one-day inspection took place at the proposed school’s premises.  The inspector met with the head of learning, executive headteacher and the proprietor body’s director of education services.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school’s premises, including outdoor areas.  Inspectors scrutinised the proposed school’s documentation, including policies, procedures, and the single central record.

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Inspection team

John Lucas, 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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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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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