3 Dimensions

School material change inspection report

p.1

3 Dimensions Chardleigh House, Chardleigh Green, Wadeford, CHARD, Somerset TA20 3AJ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders have ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy and procedures take account of the most recent government guidance and are implemented effectively to keep pupils safe. The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Staff complete appropriate and in-depth training so that they have the knowledge they need to be able to identify concerns and take swift and appropriate action.  Staff new to the school complete relevant training linked to safeguarding and pupils’ welfare.  Leaders have ensured that there is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school. Paragraphs 11, 12  Leaders have published a detailed health and safety policy on the school’s website. The school’s records confirm that leaders undertake routine and detailed premises checks, including electrical appliances and water checks. Concerns identified are acted

p.1

Main inspection findings

on quickly.  The school complies with the fire safety regulations. Fire safety checks are undertaken regularly. Records are completed in detail and confirm that actions are taken promptly following identification of any concerns. Paragraph 14  Leaders have carefully considered the supervision of pupils to meet their needs and to keep them safe during the school day. This work includes consideration of risks relating to taxis arriving on site at the beginning and end of the school day. Plans are in place to manage supervision arrangements if the numbers of pupils on the school site increase. Paragraph 16  The school’s risk assessment policy and procedures are detailed and robust. Risk assessments for individual pupils, trips and off-site visits are carefully considered and take account of identified risks to keep pupils safe at school and when off the school premises.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)– 21(7)(b)  Leaders are vigilant in conducting all employment checks before staff start work at the school. These checks include identity checks, the right to work in the United Kingdom and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  The school maintains a comprehensive single central record which includes appropriate checks for all staff, governors and leaders that work or visit the school. Appropriate checks have been conducted under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 for the leaders of the school.  The school does not use supply staff to cover staff absence.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  Leaders have carefully considered the development of the additional premises, known

p.2

Main inspection findings

as Chardleigh House, to be used if the proposed increase in pupil numbers is agreed. The building has been redeveloped to meet the requirements of the independent school standards. This building would provide additional classrooms, office space and rooms for use with an increased number of pupils.  The school premises are clean, well maintained and welcoming for pupils. The school is tidy and decorated appropriately. Classrooms, stairs and corridors are well lit, ventilated and carpeted to ensure good acoustics. The stairs in Chardleigh House have bannisters to use to access the upstairs rooms safely. All classrooms display emergency evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. External lighting is provided to keep pupils and staff safe during hours of darkness.  Drinking water is freely available to pupils. There are suitable toilet facilities available in Chardleigh House and other parts of the school. Shower facilities are available on

p.2

Main inspection findings

the school premises. The water temperature in washrooms is controlled and checked by staff weekly to ensure that pupils cannot scald themselves.  The school has appropriate outside space for pupils to use to play and be with their friends. This space would accommodate an increase in pupil numbers if agreed. Facilities off site are used for physical education. Leaders ensure that detailed risk assessments are in place when pupils are being educated away from the school premises.  The school has an appropriate medical room situated in Chardleigh House. This room contains a bed and first-aid equipment and is next to a toilet with handwashing facilities.  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)(c)  Leaders have plans in place to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers to be ready if the proposal is granted.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 Leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role to ensure that the independent standards are met.  Leaders are vigilant in promoting the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  Leaders have ensured that the independent standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.

p.3

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.4

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.

p.5

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.5

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £62,061 to £71,815

p.5

School details

Email address caroline@3dimensions.org.uk

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 15 to 18 March 2022

p.5

recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 25 7 to 25 7 to 25

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 24 36 36

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 20 36

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 24 36

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 24 36

p.6

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 24 36

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 9

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 17 25

p.6

Information about this school

 3 Dimensions is an independent special school that is registered to provide education for boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder. The school operates on one site near the town of Chard.  The school is owned by Outcomes First Group (OFG). 3 Dimensions is part of the OFG Options Autism strand.  All pupils that attend the school have an education, health and care plan.  The school is currently registered for 16 pupils aged seven to 25 years of age. There are currently 24 pupils on roll. This exceeds the number approved by the Department for Education.  All pupils are placed at the school by their representative local authorities.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

p.6

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 16 to 36.  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, other senior leaders and the regional director of OFG. She spoke by telephone with the chief operating officer from OFG.  The inspector undertook a tour of the premises and school site to evaluate the school’s suitability to increase pupil numbers. She analysed a wide range of documents and school records, including those relating to safeguarding and welfare, health and safety.  The inspector spoke with pupils and staff throughout the inspection in relation to safeguarding.

p.7

Inspection team

Catherine Leahy, 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 .

p.7

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.8

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.8

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.8

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.8

Inspection team

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

p.8

Inspection team

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

p.8