Quay View School

School material change inspection report

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Quay View School Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7EX

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. The policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. A range of other school policies underpin the safeguarding policy. These include a suite of health and safety policies and detailed risk assessments.  Leaders have ensured that current staff have received relevant safeguarding training. In addition, leaders intend for all new staff to receive appropriate training prior to their employment with the school.  The proprietor has ensured that thorough arrangements are in place to support pupils’ welfare, health and safety. Paragraphs 11, 12  There is a comprehensive health and safety policy in place. In addition, leaders train all staff about health and safety as part of the induction procedures at the school.  The headteacher ensures staff implement health and safety procedures correctly.

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Main inspection findings

Health and safety records show that staff complete relevant site checks daily, weekly or monthly, as directed by the proprietor’s policy. The proprietor has a specialist health and safety adviser who visits the school to audit the school’s health and safety checks.  Leaders understand the importance of having secure fire risk assessments in place. As a result, a robust, up-to-date fire risk assessment covers the school site. A suitably qualified contractor reviews this risk assessment annually.  The headteacher ensures that there are regular, consistent checks of fire safety equipment and that emergency evacuation drills take place. All staff complete training in fire safety. Paragraphs 14, 16  There is currently a high ratio of staff to pupils at the school. Staff supervise pupils effectively, and behaviour around the school is good. The proprietor is aware of the additional support pupils in the school need.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor demonstrates a commitment to maintaining current staffing levels. There are appropriate plans to increase the number of staff in line with the proposed increase in pupil numbers to a maximum of 44.  There is a detailed risk assessment policy in place. The proprietor has ensured that staff know how to identify, assess and reduce risks around the school and when taking pupils off site. Support from leaders includes providing extensive standardised risk assessment templates for staff to use as exemplars. The headteacher monitors their use carefully.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if leaders implement the proposed material change. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18–21  The school’s single central record demonstrates that leaders carry out the required checks for staff and visitors at the school. Furthermore, leaders intend that all checks

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Main inspection findings

are completed on staff before they begin working with pupils.  Leaders have an appropriate induction and training programme for new staff. This contributes to the effective safeguarding practice within the school. In addition, leaders involved in appointing staff have had appropriate training. This ensures that the recruitment process follows safe procedures.  Leaders do not employ supply staff at present. However, they are aware of the required checks on the suitability of supply staff should they use them in the future.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if leaders implement the proposed material change. Part 5. Premises and accommodation Paragraphs 23–29  The current premises are large enough to accommodate the proposed new maximum number of pupils. In addition, there is space in the existing classrooms to meet this increase.  Toilet facilities are suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Toilets are well

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Main inspection findings

maintained and lockable from the inside. There is an appropriate supply of hot and cold water for handwashing. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and will not pose a scalding risk.  Leaders have ensured that drinking water is always available for existing pupils. It will be readily available for proposed new pupils.  The school has well-equipped shower and changing facilities for use by pupils taking part in physical education (PE).  A dedicated medical room is appropriately equipped and adjacent to a toilet.  The ample outdoor space is suitable for play and the delivery of PE lessons. Moreover, the area will easily accommodate the increased number of pupils.  The proprietor maintains the school premises to a good standard.  Classrooms and other areas are spacious and have suitable light and ventilation. External lighting ensures that people can enter and leave the building safely during

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Main inspection findings

the hours of darkness.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if leaders implement the proposed material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  The proprietor and headteacher demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the independent school standards. They have the knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively.  Leaders are vigilant about all aspects of safeguarding. They know how to meet the needs of pupils. Leaders promote the welfare and health, and safety of pupils well. Suitable provision is in place to support all aspects of pupils’ well-being.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards relating to the material change request are likely to be met if the change is approved.

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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 Aspris Children’s Services Ltd

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £67,000 to £87,000

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School details

Email address QuayViewSchool@AsprisCS.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 10 to 12 November 2021

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 19 7 to 19 7 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 33 44 44

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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 33 44

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 33 44

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 33 44

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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 33 44

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 10 11

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 6 6

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Information about this school

 Quay View School is operated by Aspris Children’s Services. The proprietor also operates other independent schools.  The school provides education for pupils who have complex needs, such as autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan and are placed at the school by their respective local authority.  The school is situated in a remote setting on the banks of the River Tamar, five miles south-west of Tavistock.  The school currently provides education for 33 pupils aged 7 to 19.  The school’s previous standard inspection was in November 2021.  The school does not use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned Ofsted to carry out this inspection because the proprietor applied to make a material change to the school’s registration.  The proprietor requested an increase in the maximum pupil capacity from 30 to 44.  The school provides education for pupils who have complex needs, such as autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs.  This was the school’s first material change inspection in respect of this proposed increase in the maximum pupil capacity.  The inspector met with the headteacher and a representative of the proprietor. He undertook a tour of the premises. He met with the school’s site services manager and analysed a wide range of documents, including those relating to matters of health and safety. In addition, the inspector met with the school’s designated safeguarding lead and examined the school’s record of preemployment checks on staff and the

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Information about this inspection

proprietor and other safeguarding documentation.

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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

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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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