The Amicus School

School material change inspection report

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The Amicus School The Coach House, Arundel Road, Fontwell, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0SX

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Attention to pupils’ safety and welfare lies at the heart of the school’s work. Leaders take pupils’ safety very seriously. They respond quickly and appropriately wherever a concern about a pupil’s well-being arises.  Leaders work constructively with parents and agencies, such as children’s services and the local authority designated officer, to ensure pupils’ safety. They meet regularly with staff and agencies to discuss individual pupils’ needs.  Leaders provide a range of safeguarding training for all staff. This is supplemented by regular discussions about specific aspects of safeguarding to check and deepen staff’s knowledge.  Safeguarding records provide detailed information about concerns raised and follow- up actions taken. The designated safeguarding lead and the safeguarding team monitor records carefully, identifying any patterns of concern and taking carefully

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Main inspection findings

considered action wherever necessary.  Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. They make sure that appropriate procedures are followed when appointing new members of staff. Staff’s induction training includes a strong focus on safeguarding and consideration of pupils’ individual needs.  The proprietor has updated the school’s safeguarding policy in line with the current statutory guidance. The policy is published on the school’s website.  The proprietor makes sure that the site is well maintained. Regular checks of the school’s site ensure that it is safe. Clear and well-supervised routines ensure pupils’ safety at the start and end of the school day. Paragraphs 11, 14, 16–16(b)  Leaders pay close attention to staff’s and pupils’ safety and well-being. The school’s health and safety policy provides a secure framework for the workplace.  Leaders complete suitable risk assessments to support the school’s work, including fire

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Main inspection findings

safety, arrangements for the start and end of the school day and use of the school’s woodland area. Comprehensive and detailed risk assessments are also used to support individual pupils.  Increased staffing levels over the past year will ensure that appropriate staffing ratios will be maintained if the proposed increase in capacity is agreed. Paragraph 12  Leaders take fire safety very seriously. The proprietor commissions an annual external audit of fire safety arrangements to make sure that everything is in order. Any aspects requiring attention are quickly addressed. All fire equipment is serviced and maintained properly. Fire arrangements are clearly identified and fire equipment is suitably located throughout the school.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards (the standards) if the material change is agreed. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 17–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19–19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(7)(b)  Leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding matters and about the requirements of part 4. They have made sure that safeguarding policies and procedures comply with statutory guidance.  Leaders are well qualified in safer recruitment practices. They follow robust recruitment procedures when appointing new staff. Records are well maintained and stored securely.  The single central record complies fully with statutory requirements. The school does not use supply staff.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the material change is agreed. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The proprietor has acquired additional premises to facilitate the proposed increase in the school’s capacity. The new premises are located next door to the current

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Main inspection findings

premises. They have been adapted, refurbished and finished to a high standard, and will provide suitable accommodation for an increase in pupils, should the school’s proposal be approved.  The recently acquired premises provide a range of additional rooms which will be used for activities such as therapy sessions and meetings, as well as office space and a community meeting room.  The school’s new dining hall is bright and airy, with a commercial kitchen installed to provide meals for staff and pupils. A water fountain has been installed to provide drinking water during lunchtimes. Pupils also have their own water bottles, which are refilled as required.  Outdoor areas provide pupils with plenty of space to relax, play and socialise in a peaceful and quiet setting. The school’s attractive gardens are divided into different areas for a range of purposes, including mature gardens, a hard-surfaced area for

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Main inspection findings

games, a large sand pit and communal spaces. Areas are well maintained.  All outside areas are securely fenced and gated. The main school drive leads onto a busy road. The proprietor has installed a substantial gate which prevents anyone from entering or leaving the premises without staff’s supervision.  The school’s medical room is suitably equipped, including a bed, a locked fridge for medication and first-aid kits. A toilet and sink are located next door.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the material change is agreed. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(2)  Leaders are very knowledgeable about educating pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They have considered the proposed material change carefully and thoughtfully. Pupils’ needs have been central to their considerations.  The school’s advisory board provides a range of skills and expertise, including in

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Main inspection findings

education. Members of the board provide support and challenge for school leaders. They ask pertinent questions about the school’s work to monitor its effectiveness. Safeguarding considerations are always central to these discussions.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the material change is agreed. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor is committed to ensuring that all pupils have access to a high-quality education. The school’s accessibility plan reflects leaders’ consideration of pupils’ needs and the reasonable adaptations made to accommodate these.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Email address info@theamicuscommunity.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 8 to 10 May 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 16 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 18 28 28

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 18 28 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 18 28

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 18 28

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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 18 28

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 16 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The Amicus School is an independent special school. It caters for pupils who have complex social, emotional and/or mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan. They have suffered significant trauma in their early family life. Pupils are referred to the school by local authorities.  The school has an advisory board which fulfils a governance role. The proprietor is the strategic and clinical director of The Amicus Community, an independent children’s therapeutic community accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The core aim of the proprietor is to provide an education programme that is integrated with a 24- hour therapeutic care plan.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the school’s request to increase the number of pupils on roll from 18 to 28 pupils. This was the first material change inspection in respect of this proposed material change.  During the inspection, I met with the headteacher, the proprietor and a member of the advisory board, as well as other members of staff. I also reviewed the school’s website, toured the school site and considered a range of documentation.

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Inspection team

Julie Sackett, 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

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Inspection team

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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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