Cambian Great Dunmow School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Cambian Great Dunmow School Unit 13 Flitch Industrial Estate, Chelmsford Road, Great Dunmow, CM6 1XJ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(a)-(b), 2(2), 2(2)(a)-(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a)-(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor body intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils will usually have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  Leaders intend to provide a broad and relevant curriculum that will enable pupils to become confident individuals, effective communicators, successful learners and responsible citizens. Curriculum plans and schemes of work are in place for pupils in key stage three and key stage four in the following subjects: English, mathematics, science, art and design, citizenship, computing, dance and drama, design technology, health and social care, food technology, geography, history, modern foreign languages , music, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), physical education , religious studies, and relationships and sex education (SRE).

p.1

Main inspection findings

 Leaders have developed detailed curriculum plans for students’ education post-16. Leaders intend that this curriculum will enable students to gain appropriate qualifications, make a successful transition to the next stage of training or employment, and prepare students for independent living.  Leaders plan to adapt the curriculum to meet the individual needs, interests and aspirations of each pupil. Leaders will gather information through discussions with pupils, with parents and with other agencies. Leaders have in place a range of diagnostic assessment tools to review pupils’ educational, social and emotional needs. Leaders recognise that pupils who will attend the proposed school are likely to have experienced disruption to their education.  Leaders will ensure that pupils have access to a range of qualifications and guidance to support their next steps in education, training and employment. A comprehensive

p.1

Main inspection findings

careers education programme is in place.  Leaders have put in place a clear policy and programme for teaching PSHE and citizenship. The planned curriculum for SRE follows the statutory guidance. Paragraphs 3, 3(a)-(j), 4  The curriculum documentation that leaders have developed provides staff with the information they need to plan and teach sequences of lessons in each subject. Learning resources are in place to teach the planned curriculum. Leaders will continue to develop the range of learning resources that are available to support individual pupils’ needs.  Leaders have set out how teachers will assess and review pupils’ progress and achievement over time. Leaders have put in place a schedule of staff training, monitoring and review, so that they will be able to assure themselves of the quality of education that pupils receive.  The independent school standards relating to the quality of education are likely to be

p.1

Main inspection findings

met when the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)-(d)  Leaders have set out explicitly how the proposed school’s curriculum and wider opportunities will support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This includes learning about different cultures, faiths and traditions. Through the curriculum and school ethos leaders intend for pupils to develop tolerance and mutual respect.  The PSHE and citizenship curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to learn about individual rights and responsibilities and the rule of law and to develop their understanding of public institutions and services.  Leaders have taken steps to ensure that pupils are not subjected to extremist or partisan views. There is a clear policy in place which visiting speakers must adhere to.  The independent school standard relating to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural

p.2

Main inspection findings

development of pupils is likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a)-(b), 9, 9(a)-(c), 10  The child protection policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance and is published on the proposed school’s website. Leaders have put in place systems for recording and reporting safeguarding concerns. Leaders have planned a regular programme of training and supervision for staff to support a positive culture of safeguarding.  Leaders have clearly set out the approach to promoting pupils’ positive behaviour in the behaviour support and anti-bullying policies. These policies are published on the proposed school’s website. Leaders will ensure that staff receive appropriate and regular training, so that these policies are implemented as leaders intend. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a)-(b)  The procedures for ensuring the health and safety of staff, pupils and visitors to the

p.2

Main inspection findings

proposed school are set out in the detailed health and safety policies. The proprietor has put in place a programme of regular premises maintenance checks. These include fire safety, electrical and gas maintenance checks. The proprietor and leaders will ensure that systematic records are kept of all health and safety checks, and that issues are followed up promptly.  Leaders have set up suitable admissions and attendance registers in preparation for admitting pupils to the school.  Leaders are taking account of how best to support the needs of individual pupils when determining the level of supervision that is required. An appropriate number of staff have been appointed to support the smaller pupil numbers who will be admitted to the school during the first year of opening. Leaders have planned the gradual increase in staff numbers together with their plan for gradually increasing the number of pupils

p.2

Main inspection findings

who are admitted to the school.  Leaders have devised a rigorous approach to assessing and reducing risk. This includes hazards related to premises, specific locations and activities. Leaders have established a system to support pupils who need help to manage their behaviour and emotions.  The independent school standards for the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)-(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c), 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)  Leaders and the proprietor body ensure that all required checks are carried out before a member of staff is employed to work at the school. This includes supply staff and members of the proprietor body. The single central record provides a comprehensive

p.3

Main inspection findings

record of these checks.  The proprietor body has established rigorous recruitment processes. Leaders who carry out staff interviews are appropriately trained in safer recruitment. There is a detailed programme of induction and training to prepare staff for working at the school. This includes safeguarding training and specialist training to support pupils with SEND.  The designated leaders are knowledgeable and experienced in safeguarding. They have received the necessary training to equip them for their role.  The independent school standards for the suitability of staff and proprietors are likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a-d), 28(2), 28(2)(a-b), 29(1), 29(1)(a—b), 31(a)-(c)  The proprietor body has carried out a complete refurbishment of the proposed school

p.3

Main inspection findings

building. There are five general classrooms on the upper floor as well as a computer room, an art and creative design room and a sensory space. On the ground floor there is a large communal space, a health and fitness room, a meeting room a quiet room, and a food technology classroom. Classrooms are well resourced, ventilated and lit. Suitable acoustics help provide a quiet and calm environment for pupils and staff. There is appropriate office accommodation and a staff room.  There is a medical room, which includes washing facilities and a bed. This room is located close to toilet facilities.  There are appropriate toilet and washing facilities, including showers. There are separate toilet facilities for adults, including visitors. Drinking water supplies are clearly marked.  The outdoor area has been developed to include areas for sport and fitness, a garden, and sufficient space for pupils to socialise outside. The school building and outdoor

p.3

Main inspection findings

areas are secure.  The independent school standards for the premises and accommodation are likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a)-(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)-(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)-(g), 32(4), 32(4)(a)-(c)  Leaders have published the required information and the school prospectus on the proposed school’s website.  The proprietor body has established processes for sharing income and expenditure of funding that the proposed school will receive from local authorities.  The independent standard relating to the provision of information is likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)-(k)  The proprietor body has drawn up a written complaints policy, which is published on the proposed school’s website. This policy sets out the processes that leaders and the proprietor body will follow when a complaint is made. This includes a log to record the

p.4

Main inspection findings

details of any complaint that is made and how leaders have responded.  The independent standard relating to the manner in which complaints are handled is likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a)-(c)  The proprietor body and school leaders have a detailed understanding of the independent school standards. The proprietor body has established clear procedures for assuring themselves the proposed school consistently meets the independent school standards.  The proprietor body has appointed a headteacher, who has experience of leading special schools. The headteacher will be supported by a lead teacher and by the proprietor body.  The independent standard relating to the quality of leadership in and management of schools is likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that a suitable accessibility plan and equality

p.4

Main inspection findings

statement are in place. Leaders demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity through the proposed school’s stated vision and ethos. This is also reflected through the proposed school’s curriculum and policy documentation.  All requirements are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

Website www.cambiangroup.com/specialist- education/our-schools/semh- schools/cambian-great-dunmow-school/

p.7

Proposed school details

Email address cambiangreatdunmow.school@cambiangro up.com Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.7

Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 0 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 0

p.7

Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 0

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 11-19 11-19 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 25 25

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 25

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 25

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 25

p.8

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 25

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 8

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 8

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor body is Cambian Childcare Ltd, which is part of the Caretech group of companies. The Caretech group provides a range of services for children nationally, including other registered schools.  The proprietor is seeking registration with the Department for Education (DfE) as an independent special school to admit 25 pupils between the ages of 11 and 19.  The proposed school is based in Great Dunmow, Essex. The proposed school is on the site of the former Cambian Essex School which closed in 2016.  The proposed school will provide education for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils will often have been out of full-time education for long periods prior to admission.  Pupils will usually have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Each pupil will be funded by their local authority.  The proprietor body intends to admit pupils gradually to the proposed new school. Four

p.9

Information about this proposed school

pupils will be admitted to key stage three in the first term of the proposed school’s operation. Leaders plan for the school to be full within three years.  The proposed school will have a governing body. The chair of the governing body will oversee the work of the school on behalf of the proprietor.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed new school. The inspection took place at the premises of the proposed new school.  The inspection was commissioned by the DfE.  The inspector met with the operations director education support, headteacher and lead teacher.  The inspector met with a representative of the proprietor body, who is the operations director of education services for the Caretech group and the chair of the school’s governing body. This meeting took place virtually.  The inspector spoke on the telephone with a representative of Essex local authority.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor areas.  The inspector scrutinised documentation, including policies and procedures, certificates of compliance, risk assessments and curriculum plans.  The inspector examined the single central record of pre-employment checks and

p.10

Information about this inspection

reviewed the procedures for the recruitment of staff.

p.10

Inspection team

Katherine Douglas, lead inspector His 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 .

p.10

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.

p.11

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 .

p.11

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.

p.11

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11