Willow View School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Willow View School Fisher Field Farm, Hargate Avenue, Rochdale, Lancashire OL12 6BT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable written curriculum policy in place to meet the needs and developmental stages of the pupils. The intended curriculum is sufficiently broad. The policy sets out how leaders intend to support and address pupils’ additional needs, including social and emotional. The associated schemes of work clearly set out what pupils will learn in a broad range of subjects. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body places a strong emphasis on the development of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Leaders have also ensured that schemes of work, including those for PSHE, promote an understanding of fundamental British values.  The proprietor body has a suitable careers programme in place to ensure that pupils will have access to impartial careers advice. The intention is that pupils will be well

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Main inspection findings

prepared for the next stages in their education or employment. Paragraph 2A–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  There is a suitable policy in place for relationships and sex education. The policy pays due regard to the statutory guidance. Leaders have consulted on the contents of the policy with parents and carers. Leaders have ensured that the planned curriculum is supported by appropriate schemes of work suitable for the ages and emotional development of the pupils. Paragraph 3-3(g)  The proposed school’s schemes of work identify the knowledge that pupils will gain over time across a broad range of subjects. Leaders have considered how information will be gathered to identify what pupils know and can do. This information will be used to help teachers to plan what pupils need to learn next. This will help pupils to acquire knowledge and make progress.  The proprietor body has ensured that the staff employed at the proposed school will

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Main inspection findings

have the experience that they need to support pupils’ learning effectively.  Leaders have ensured that there are suitable resources available to enable staff to deliver the planned curriculum effectively. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proposed behaviour policy provides guidance for staff on how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. The proposed strategies are likely to help pupils to understand their own emotions and regulate their behaviour independently. Leaders intend to help pupils to realise how their actions impact on others while promoting mutual respect and tolerance for others.  Leaders plan to provide comprehensive training for staff during the induction process so that they can implement the proposed behaviour management policy consistently well. Paragraph 4  There is a suitable format in place for reporting to parents. The proprietor body intends to report on pupils’ academic progress as well as their personal development

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Main inspection findings

and achievements.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)(i)–5(b)(vii)  The plans for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are suitable for the pupils who will attend the proposed school.  Leaders have placed a strong emphasis on how British values will be positively promoted in an age-appropriate way. The associated schemes of work also set out how teachers will encourage tolerance and respect for others, paying due regard to all of the protected characteristics. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  There are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that staff employed at the proposed school will not promote any partisan or biased political views during the teaching of any subject.  The planned curriculum for pupils’ PSHE development will help them to understand

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Main inspection findings

how their actions affect others. There will be a positive emphasis on promoting tolerance, respect and understanding for other faiths, cultures and religions. Guidance for staff will enable them to support pupils further to understand right from wrong.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  There is a suitable safeguarding and child protection policy which takes account of current guidance from the Secretary of State. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of how to keep pupils safe in a variety of situations, including when out in the community and when using social media.  The proprietor body intends to provide suitable safeguarding training for all staff prior to starting work at the proposed school. This includes guidance on how to recognise the signs of possible abuse in pupils and the procedures to follow if they have

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Main inspection findings

concerns about a pupil’s welfare. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is a suitable written behaviour policy in place for the proposed school. The policy takes account of the additional needs of pupils. The policy provides guidance for staff on how to promote positive behaviour. The policy addresses the specific complex behaviours of pupils.  The proprietor body has also ensured that there is a suitable written policy for the prevention of bullying. This includes the different forms that bullying can take. There is guidance for staff on the procedures to follow should bullying occur.  There is an appropriate record-keeping system should any incidents of unacceptable behaviour or bullying take place. The records will be kept securely online. Paragraph 11, 12  There is a detailed health and safety policy for the proposed school. Training relating to the health and safety of pupils will be part of the induction procedures for new

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Main inspection findings

staff. The policy includes different aspects of heath and safety, including first aid.  The proprietor body has ensured that the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. The fire alarm system and emergency lighting will be frequently checked by a competent person. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the building. All fire exits are in good working order and free from clutter. Paragraph 13, 14, 15  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable first-aid policy in place for the proposed school. Leaders are up to date with their knowledge of first aid. The proprietor body intends to provide suitable first-aid training for all staff prior to them starting work at the proposed school.  The proposed staff to pupil ratio is appropriate for the age and aptitude of the pupils. This will ensure that pupils will be well supervised throughout the school day.

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Main inspection findings

 The admissions policy for the proposed school complies with the Education (Pupils Registration) Regulations 2006. Pupils who attend the proposed school will be placed there through the commissioning local authority. Paragraph 16  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place for the proposed school. The policy includes guidance for staff on how to mitigate risks to pupils. Leaders have completed detailed risk assessments for when pupils will be off site. Leaders propose to undertake individual risk assessments for each pupil.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–19(2)(d)(ii)  The proprietor body has ensured that there are appropriate systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils. These checks include identity checks, the right to work in the United Kingdom, and an enhanced criminal record check.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body does not intend to use supply staff. However, in the event that additional staff are required, leader understand the necessary checks that need to be completed before staff begin to work at the school. Paragraph 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)  All of the required prohibition checks for members of the proprietor body and leaders have been completed. These include all safeguarding checks and checks under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23–23(1)(c), 24–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The accommodation for the proposed school will be situated in two buildings, formerly used as domestic premises and a nursery school, situated on a single site. There is appropriate external lighting to the site. The buildings are in good order and maintained to a suitable standard.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a secure perimeter fence and hedging of an appropriate height. Adjacent to the proposed school buildings is a dedicated parking area for staff and visitors. The outdoor space adjacent to the proposed school buildings are grassed and landscaped. There is also a surfaced outdoor area. The outdoor areas are suitable for playing. It is intended that pupils will use the school gym, along with off-site provision such as local sports facilities, for physical education lessons. There is a shower and changing area for the sole use of pupils in each building.  Within the buildings, all corridors are well lit and free from clutter. The furniture in the classrooms is of the right size for the ages of the pupils. All rooms are equally well lit. The acoustics, heating and ventilation are appropriate.  The medical room is suitably furnished and has a bed with a blanket, along with a sink with hot and cold running water. The room is in close proximity to a toilet facility.

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Main inspection findings

There are also well-stocked first-aid kits in classrooms and the medical room.  There are individual lockable cubicle toilets for pupils.  The hot water is tested frequently and does not pose a scalding risk to users. Drinking water is clearly labelled and is available for the proposed pupils throughout the day.  There is a toilet suitable for use by people with disabilities. This toilet is also for the use of visitors to the school. There is a separate toilet for the use of staff.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(j), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The website for the proposed school is currently under construction. Contact details for the proposed school and the proprietor body are available on request.  The proprietor body has ensured that a range of information is available to parents and others on request. This includes the safeguarding policy, complaints policy and

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Main inspection findings

admission arrangements for the proposed school.  The proprietor body intends that some pupils who will attend the proposed school will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The proprietor body understands its duty to report the expenditure of funds for pupils placed in the school to the commissioning local authorities.  Leaders have designed an appropriate format for reporting a pupil’s progress and achievements to parents. The report will include pupils’ academic, personal and social development, throughout the academic year.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The proprietor body has a suitable written policy in place for the handling of complaints. The policy is available for parents on request.  The policy clearly explains the three-stage process to be followed in the case of a complaint. This includes the inclusion of an independent member at the stage three

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Main inspection findings

panel hearing and the right for a parent to attend. Timescales for responding to a complaint, as set out in the policy, are appropriate.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the standards to ensure that they will be met consistently.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum in place ready for the school to open. The planned curriculum has been designed to meet the anticipated needs and ages of the intended pupils at the school. There are suitable arrangements in place so that teachers can check what pupils know and can do.  The proprietor body has ensured that all standards relating to the safety and welfare of pupils and staff are likely to be met.  All standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of 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) £70,200 - £81,900

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Proposed school details

Website The school does not currently have a website Email address james.hall@five-rivers.org

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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 6-18 6-18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 30

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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 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Not known

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 30

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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 Not known

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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 Not known

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 10 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 5

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent special school is located in a former nursery school and residential building. These premises are situated on the same site, located in a residential area of Rochdale. The buildings are owned by the proprietor body.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils irrespective of gender, aged between 6 and 18 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who are disengaged from mainstream school. It is expected that all will have special educational needs and/or disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs, autism spectrum disorder and behaviour difficulties. Some will have an education, health and care plan.  The school aims to re-engage pupils not suited to or struggling with traditional education pathways by engaging them in personalised, high-quality education.  The school intends to use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held telephone discussions with members of the proprietor body. She met with the head of education, the education adviser to the board, the executive headteacher and the headteacher.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant independent school standards. She also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. She checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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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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