Dukes Wood School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Wings School Notts Main Street, Kirklington, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 8NB

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e)  At the previous inspection, leaders had not made sure that the curriculum was well thought out in each subject. Staff did not have the subject knowledge necessary to plan and deliver the curriculum effectively. Pupils did not build their knowledge of a subject over time. Staff did not provide pupils with the help they needed to become accurate and confident readers.  Leaders have revised the school’s curriculum policy. It makes clear the different pathways that pupils can study and how their needs will be met.  A significant number of new teaching staff have been appointed since the previous inspection. Many of these staff are subject specialists with particular expertise. Most of these staff have only been in post for a short period or are yet to take up their positions.  New curriculum plans are in the early stages of being developed and implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders are in the process of identifying what the curriculum will include in each subject and the precise knowledge pupils will learn. However, some leaders have not taken into account what pupils know already about a subject. They have not thought carefully enough about how they will check what pupils know and can remember over time. Most subject leaders are yet to consider pupils’ different needs and abilities in their curriculum planning.  Leaders share targets relating to each pupil’s special educational needs and/or disabilities with staff. However, these targets are often imprecise and are too long term. They do not identify the achievable steps that pupils need to take to be successful.  Leaders have recently begun to assess pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural needs. This information helps staff support pupils with their learning.  Work to help pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read is still in its infancy.

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Main inspection findings

Staff assess how well pupils can read and their phonics knowledge when they join the school. If pupils have gaps in their knowledge of phonics, staff give them extra help. However, this additional support has only begun recently and is yet to have a sustained impact.  Some staff are knowledgeable about phonics. However, few have experience teaching the particular phonics scheme adopted by the school. Leaders plan for all staff to receive phonics training during the current school term.  Leaders are beginning to raise the profile of reading in school. Pupils in ‘The Hub’ regularly read novels together. Dedicated curriculum time gives pupils opportunities to read books they have chosen from the school library. Pupils are rewarded for improving their vocabulary by reading 50 new words. Many of these reading developments are only recent.  The newly planned English curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to read books

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Main inspection findings

from a range of different genres, eras and cultures. Pupils in key stage 4 will begin to study English literature, as well as English language.  Leaders’ plans to monitor and evaluate the quality of the curriculum are yet to be implemented.  The school does not meet the requirements of all the independent school standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the previous inspection, arrangements to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare were not effective. Safeguarding systems did not ensure that leaders identified, tracked and monitored safeguarding concerns about pupils. Pupils’ safeguarding records were not sufficiently detailed. Systems to ensure that these records were passed on when pupils moved to new schools were not secure. Leaders did not make sure that the local authority was aware promptly when a pupil was removed from the school’s roll.

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Main inspection findings

 Attendance and absence procedures are not robust. Leaders have not made sure that the school’s attendance policy relates precisely to the school’s distinct setting.  Systems to check on pupils who are absent from school are inconsistent. A pupil may be absent from school for some days before staff check whether or not there are any welfare or safeguarding concerns. Leaders have not made sure that there are secure systems in place that staff must follow when a pupil does not attend school.  Leaders use different systems to record information relating to safeguarding, pupils’ behaviour, attendance and communication with parents and carers and external organisations. No one person has responsibility for synthesising this information. This risks leaders not identifying low-level concerns about pupils before they become more significant.  A new electronic system introduced recently will help leaders bring together different

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Main inspection findings

information about pupils’ welfare and safety. This system is still in the process of being embedded.  Safeguarding leaders are not aware of the statutory guidance regarding children missing from education. They do not know the statutory requirements for when an alternative provision needs to be registered.  Leaders have introduced daily staff briefings. These sessions allow staff to share any concerns about pupils’ behaviour or circumstances promptly.  Leaders have refined procedures when they take pupils off the school’s roll. They track where each pupil moves to closely. They make sure that any relevant information, including safeguarding records, is shared promptly with the new provider.  Leaders and staff have had recent safeguarding training, including in relation to the latest national guidance. Some of this training has been bespoke to the specialist nature of the school.  Staff know how to report a concern about a pupil using the school’s electronic system.

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Main inspection findings

They know who they must contact if they think an adult may be putting a pupil at risk of potential harm. Staff understand that some safeguarding concerns require an immediate referral to the police.  Pupils’ behaviour is improving. An increased focus on how pupils are expected to behave and an emphasis on restorative practice is making a positive difference.  Records relating to the use of physical restraint are detailed. Leaders use this information to identify ways to improve pupils’ behaviour and reduce the need to use physical restraint.  Pupils are positive about attending the school. They say the site is safe and secure. They know how they are expected to behave. They feel safe and well looked after. While pupils say it takes time to get to know new staff, they have someone they can talk to if they are worried.  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest national guidance. It is available on

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Main inspection findings

the school’s website. Paragraph 11  At the previous inspection, the school’s health and safety policy was not implemented effectively. Leaders had not identified some hazards on the school’s site that posed a risk of harm to pupils.  The school’s health and safety policy is comprehensive. It outlines detailed procedures that the person responsible for health and safety follows closely.  The site and premises are reviewed regularly by staff responsible for health and safety to spot any potential hazards. A maintenance log records any issues they identify that need to be resolved. Prompt action is taken by leaders in response to these issues to prevent pupils from being at risk of harm. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  At the previous inspection, some risks on the school’s site had not been identified or addressed by leaders.  Leaders have resolved all of the risks identified on the school’s site at the time of the

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Main inspection findings

previous inspection that may have caused harm to pupils or staff.  Risk assessments for the school site and off-site visits are detailed. They identify potential hazards that could harm pupils and the actions that staff should take to limit that possibility.  Pupils’ risk assessments are personalised to each individual. They include pertinent information to help staff support pupils. Pupils appreciate being involved in writing their own risk assessments. They say staff listen to their views.  Risk assessments are reviewed regularly by staff to make sure that they remain suitable.  The school does not meet the requirements of all the independent school standards in this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 25, 28(1), 28(1)(d)  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders were not maintaining the school’s site and premises to an acceptable standard. This put pupils’ welfare at risk.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders ensure that the premises and facilities are maintained to a standard that promotes the safety and welfare of pupils. Checks prescribed in the school’s health and safety policy are completed routinely.  There is a suitable fence around the school’s boundary. It prevents anyone from falling into the ditch that borders part of the site or from entering areas of the site that require staff supervision. Signs have been erected to indicate the ditch hazard.  New outside lighting has been installed to illuminate the school’s driveway when it is dark.  Fire doors and windows are secured appropriately.  Trees and other foliage on the school’s site are well maintained.  Temperature regulators prevent the tap water from being too hot. Leaders check the hot water temperature from every tap each month to make sure that it does not pose a scalding risk to users.  The school meets the requirements of all the independent school standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has not taken sufficient action to ensure that the school meets all the independent school standards that were judged as not met at the previous inspection. Many planned actions are still in progress or have not had time to be implemented effectively. Standards relating to the quality of education provided and pupils’ welfare, health and safety remain unmet.  The proprietor has taken steps to improve the school, including the appointment of a new head of education and many new staff who have appropriate subject knowledge and expertise. However, many of these appointments are only recent. Staff have not had the time needed to make the changes necessary to improve the quality of the curriculum.  The proprietor has not ensured that safeguarding arrangements are effective. Weaknesses identified previously relating to tracking, monitoring and recording

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding concerns have not been resolved adequately. Safeguarding systems and procedures are not robust, including those concerning pupils’ attendance.  The proprietor has resolved health and safety issues affecting the school’s site and premises and ensured that risk assessments are appropriate and up to date.  The school does not meet the requirements of all the independent school standards in this part.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Website www.kedlestongroup.com/residential- schools/wings-school-notts/home Email address wingsnotts@kedlestongroup.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 7 to 9 December 2021

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Information about this school

 Wings School Notts is situated in the village of Kirklington, North Nottinghamshire.  The school provides full-time education for pupils aged between nine and 17 years.  There are 32 pupils on the school’s roll. There are currently no pupils under the age of 12 years or any post-16 students on the school’s roll.  The school admits pupils who have experienced trauma and have social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Many pupils have an education, health and care plan.  Almost all pupils are children looked after by their local authorities.  A new head of education took up the position in April 2022.  There have been significant changes to teaching and support staff since the previous standard inspection. Since April 2022, new teaching staff have been appointed in a range of subjects, including mathematics, English, science, physical education and art and design.  The school uses the services of two alternative provisions. One is registered and the other

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Information about this school

is unregistered.  The previous standard inspection took place in December 2021. The inspection found the school to be inadequate.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  Following the previous inspection, the school submitted an action plan indicating how leaders would tackle the unmet standards. This plan was accepted by Ofsted in August 2022.  The inspector held meetings with the principal, who is also the designated safeguarding lead, the head of education and other senior leaders. She spoke with the staff member responsible for health and safety.  The inspector spoke remotely with the chair of the proprietor body. This person is also the chief executive officer of the company.  The inspector visited a phonics lesson and morning assembly.  The inspector held a discussion with a group of teaching staff and spoke formally with

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Information about this inspection

some pupils.  The inspector toured the school site accompanied by the head of education to check the health and safety and risk assessment arrangements.  The inspector reviewed a range of school policies and other documentation, including information relating to the curriculum, safeguarding and health and safety.

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Inspection team

Rachel Tordoff, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub- paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy;

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users. 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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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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