Egham Park School Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Egham Park School Ltd Waspe Farm, 68 Station Road, Egham TW20 9LF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h)–2A(1), 2A(1)(b)–2A(2)  The proposed school’s intended curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each individual pupil. The principal, who is the school’s sole director, fully understands the need to adapt the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  Each pupil will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) for an identified special educational need. Most pupils may not have attended school for extended periods prior to joining.  Many pupils will have struggled in their previous mainstream schools or specialist provisions due to anxiety and issues with self-esteem and confidence. Because of this, it is intended that the curriculum will be bespoke in order to meet both the academic and social and emotional needs of all pupils.  A curriculum policy and suitable schemes of work are in place. These will be further

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Main inspection findings

adapted once leaders are more aware of the specific requirements of the individual pupils that will attend the school.  Pupils will follow programmes of study that include mathematics and English, ranging from functional skills level through to GCSE qualifications if appropriate. This may include a blend of online learning and face-to-face support in school.  The school will offer a suitable breadth of other curriculum subjects tailored to meet the interests and needs of individuals.  Although some lessons might include small groups of pupils, much of the curriculum will be delivered on an individual basis according to the requirements of each pupil.  Other aspects of the curriculum, such as personal, social and health education (PSHE) and relationships and sex education, will also be delivered through timetabled lessons. Much of the work to promote pupils’ personal development will be ongoing through

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Main inspection findings

their timetable yet personalised in order to address the needs of each pupil.  The principal is aware of the requirement to provide pupils with good quality careers guidance. The school’s ethos and PSHE programme will ensure that fundamental British values are promoted. Paragraphs 3–4  The principal has appointed teaching and support staff. The principal intends that the curriculum will be delivered by suitably qualified teachers and a higher-level teaching assistant. She intends to make the breadth of the curriculum as wide as possible. She intends that experienced and skilled staff will enable pupils to acquire the knowledge and skills required to make good progress through their bespoke curriculum pathways.  Systems are in place to track and assess pupils’ academic and social and emotional development side by side. The principal knows that the initial period of integrating pupils into school, which will include assessing pupils’ prior learning across the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum, is key to pupils’ future success. This will include an introductory period where staff will work closely with new pupils to establish positive relationships and identify barriers to learning.  The school is likely to meet all relevant requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  Leaders and staff will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through both the taught curriculum and through establishing a strong, caring ethos at the school.  Nurture, respect, kindness and growth will underpin all aspects of the day-to-day life at the school. The principal intends that all staff employed at the school will support pupils to always understand and espouse these values.  Curriculum plans ensure that pupils will learn about British values, as well as actively promoting an understanding of equality and diversity. The school will use a tailored

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Main inspection findings

PSHE programme as a starting point for this work.  A range of extra-curricular activities will also promote pupils’ contribution to the local community and their understanding of what it means to live in modern Britain. This will include visits to theatres, museums and art galleries, for instance, often linked to their work across the wider curriculum. It will also include learning how to access local services such as transport and those available to support pupils’ health and well- being.  The principal understands the importance of developing pupils’ social skills and building pupils’ self-esteem and resilience. It is intended that pupils will benefit from a culture that promotes respect for others, but also for themselves, building and supporting their ability to make a positive contribution to society.  All staff will be expected to be positive role models for pupils. This includes ensuring that pupils are not exposed to partisan political or religious opinions.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(c), 9–10  The proposed school’s policies, written guidance and procedures to assure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff are in place. The safeguarding policy takes into account current guidance, is available on request and will be published on the school’s website when it is live.  Teaching and non-teaching staff have been appointed but have yet to start working on site. The principal understands the requirements to ensure that staff are fully trained and provided with the appropriate policies, systems and resources to keep pupils safe. This includes training for the designated safeguarding lead and deputies. Key staff will also undertake safer recruitment training.  The principal intends that the culture to safeguard pupils will be strong. Induction

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Main inspection findings

training for new staff is comprehensive. This covers safeguarding and will ensure that staff are fully aware of the school’s wider policies and procedures to keep children safe.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies have been tailored to suit the needs of pupils at the school. They take into account current guidance. Staff will be suitably trained to understand the varying needs of pupils, many of whom will have complex needs linked to anxiety and poor self-esteem. Paragraphs 11–16(b)  The principal has a good understanding of health and safety requirements, including the need for comprehensive risk assessments and ongoing monitoring and action needed to keep the school safe. Appropriate health and safety and risk assessment policies are in place.  An asbestos audit has been completed. The premises’ electrical installations have been checked by suitably qualified experts. The school’s water supply has been

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Main inspection findings

checked for legionnaire’s disease.  A first-aid policy is in place. It is intended that key staff will be suitably trained to deliver first aid. The school’s medical room has been identified and suitably furnished.  The principal has planned to ensure that staff-to-pupil ratios are suitable at all times. Staff will also access bespoke professional development to support their understanding of the school’s approach to managing pupils’ complex SEND needs.  A new fire risk assessment is in place and was carried out by a qualified external consultant. The identified actions that need to be completed before the school opens have been completed. Two additional fire doors have been fitted. Emergency fire lighting has been installed.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1)–21(3)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has an appropriate single central record in place. The principal, who is also the school’s sole director, has carried out appropriate checks to ensure that all staff who are employed at the school are qualified to work with children.  The principal is knowledgeable about the checks that need to be made on adults coming into contact with pupils at the school. Recruitment procedures appear to be suitable and will be supported by an external specialist human resources and recruitment consultancy.  The principal has already undertaken safer recruitment training. Other leaders will also have safer recruitment training to ensure that the required checks on staff and other adults at the school are carried out appropriately.  The principal does not intend to employ agency or supply staff at the school.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent

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Main inspection findings

school standards. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2)–29(1)(b)  The proposed school will be located in the centre of Egham in what was previously residential accommodation. It has its own secure entrances, office space and adequate toilet facilities. There are two main classroom areas, a small kitchen and two further rooms which will serve as a medical room and the principal’s office.  The outdoor area for pupils to play and take their breaks is small but acceptable. Physical education and other activities will be provided off site at leisure or sports amenities in the local area.  The lighting, heating and acoustics are all suitable for the pupils likely to be at the school. Outside, there is sufficient lighting around the buildings to ensure safe passage in the dark. Although positioned in a busy residential area of the town, there are suitable arrangements in place for pupils to arrive and depart from the school

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Main inspection findings

safely.  There are adequate toilets and washing facilities for both pupils and staff. All facilities have sufficient water supplies, and the temperature of hot water is regulated appropriately. Drinking water is available and labelled as such.  There is a dedicated medical room for the examination and treatment of pupils and the short-term care of those who are sick or injured. The medical room has adequate supply of hot and cold running water.  The proprietor has ensured that all internal exits are fitted with fire doors and emergency lighting is installed appropriately. The present premises is large enough to accommodate the maximum number of pupils (up to 10) the proprietor is proposing.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d)–32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website is still under construction. However, during the

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Main inspection findings

inspection, the principal demonstrated how the website will function and shared the key information that it will contain. This includes the school’s safeguarding policy which is compliant with current guidelines. Other key policies will also be available through the website or on request.  Regular updates and written reports will be provided to parents or carers, as well as local authorities placing pupils at the school. Leaders see high levels of communication between parents and school staff as a key aspect of provision.  The principal has a good understanding of all of the requirements of part 6. Information regarding the proprietor and leadership of the school will be available on the website. The school will not have a governing body or similar in the first instance.  The principal is fully conversant with the requirements to report on pupils’ progress and attainment, as well as to support the annual review process of pupils with an EHC

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Main inspection findings

plan.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The complaints policy and procedures meet the requirements of part 7. They set out clear timescales for the management of a complaint. The policy will be available on the school’s website once the website is complete.  There is provision for formal complaints to be heard by a panel of at least three people who have not been directly involved in the complaint. The policy stipulates that one of the members of the panel must be independent of the management and running of the school.  The policy gives clear guidance on how a complaint against the principal, who is the school’s sole director and chair, will be handled.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proposed school’s principal (who is the sole director and chair of the proprietor company) is knowledgeable and suitably experienced with a background in education and special educational needs over a 30-year period. She has a clear vision for the proposed school and the pupils it will serve. She has appropriate knowledge of the need to safeguard pupils and the guidance and statutory requirements to protect the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff at the school.  The principal demonstrated a high degree of integrity during this pre-registration inspection. Discussions with the inspector were open and honest. This was particularly the case when some areas of the suitability of the school’s premises were discussed. The principal has addressed effectively and promptly the areas that were identified as not met at the previous pre-registration inspection.  The principal has an appropriate understanding of the independent school standards

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Main inspection findings

and has ensured that all of them are likely to be met at the time of this pre- registration inspection.  The principal intends to develop a model of governance for the school that is likely to include a small board of trustees. She is clear about the need for impartial, independent advice to support school leaders. This will help ensure that the school is a safe place and also provides an appropriate standard of education for its pupils.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of part 8 because the principal has ensured that all the relevant independent school standards are likely to be met during this pre-registration inspection. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a suitable accessibility plan in place. The principal intends to update the plan at appropriate intervals and as required to take into account the school’s pupils and staff. The school is likely to meet paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the

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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.

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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.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address victor.foster1@ntlworld.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable Up to 10 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable Up to 10

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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 Not applicable Up to 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 3

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in a residential area in Egham, Surrey. The sole director, who is also the principal, originally proposed that it would cater for up to 10 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16, primarily with social, emotional and mental health needs.  All pupils will have an EHC plan. All pupils will be placed by local authorities. Some pupils are likely to have been out of education for long periods of time prior to joining the school. The school’s aim is to support pupils to move back into mainstream education where at all possible.  The director intends that the proposed school will have a small board of trustees who will provide a degree of independent oversight and governance for the school.  It is not intended that the school will use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector toured the school’s premises and grounds. She reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the single central record, policies, health and safety records, curriculum and assessment information.  The inspector held a range of meetings with the principal, who was accompanied by the operations manager throughout the inspection. At the time of the inspection, five permanent teaching or support staff had been appointed.

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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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Inspection team

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