Our Place School

Our Place School The Orchard, Bransford, Worcester, Bransford, Worcestershire WR6 5JE

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school has an up-to-date safeguarding policy that is compliant with the most recent government guidance. A copy of the school’s new safeguarding policy was seen as part of this inspection.  All staff have received their annual update safeguarding training at the start of this academic term. In addition, staff have monthly safeguarding training on topics such as mental health, abuse of power and domestic abuse. Staff are clear about the procedures they need to follow should they have a concern about a child.  Leaders keep paper logs of all safeguarding concerns that are reported. These logs show that leaders act in a timely way to ensure that the appropriate external agencies are contacted so pupils get the help and support they need.  The school has a suitable behaviour policy in place. This also includes a policy for

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Main inspection findings

physical intervention. Each pupil has a ‘safety and support plan’ which sets out the most appropriate strategies to use to help manage their behaviour. All staff have received training on the use of physical intervention, and leaders keep accurate records of where incidents of this nature take place. Staff adhere to the physical intervention policy and apply it appropriately.  Leaders log and record any incidents of misbehaviour or bullying. They have developed a ‘child-on-child abuse policy’ which has been written in a child-friendly way to teach pupils how to behave appropriately. Incidents of bullying are dealt with effectively.  Pupils are carefully supervised throughout the day and work closely with adults in individual rooms.  Leaders have ensured that there is an appropriate health and safety policy in place. This includes various risk assessments for on- and off-site activities. In addition, a fire

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Main inspection findings

risk assessment was updated in April 2022. Leaders complete regular fire safety checks, which are recorded on school monitoring sheets. These sheets are accurate and up to date.  The school has an electronic admission’s register which is compliant with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance. Leaders keep a logbook to register pupils’ daily attendance.  These standards remain met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v ), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), and 21(5)(c)  The headteacher has had appropriate safer recruitment training.  The school ensures that there are appropriate procedures in place for appointing new staff. Leaders are clear about their responsibilities to ensure all pre-employment checks are made.  All staff have had an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and leaders

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Main inspection findings

have sought appropriate references. Leaders have also checked staff’s qualifications and staff’s medical fitness to work.  Leaders do not use supply staff but are aware of the checks and procedures that are needed should this situation ever arise.  The school’s single central record includes all appropriate information relating to staff’s pre-employment checks. This includes a prohibition from teaching check and a right to work in the United Kingdom.  Staff’s personnel files are well maintained and they include all relevant information.  These standards remain met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f) and 32(3)(g)  The school’s website sets out its vision and values. It provides a clear sense of what the school offers and the types of pupils it caters for.  All relevant policies can be viewed on the school’s website. Leaders are aware that several of these policies do not reflect the latest versions which were seen during this inspection. Leaders are in the process of ensuring that the website is updated.  Leaders ensure that parents and carers receive an annual written report on their child. This includes a written comment on the progress pupils are making in each area of learning.  All education, health and care (EHC) plans are updated annually and are submitted to

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Main inspection findings

the local authority. Leaders produce their own annual review report, which includes short-term outcomes for pupils. These are reviewed at the end of each term.  These standards remain met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  This inspection was prompted by complaints that were sent to the Department for Education (DfE). The concerns raised were considered during this inspection.  Since the previous inspection, there has been some turbulence and changes in the leadership of Our Place Group, including the appointment of a new proprietor in April 2022. Despite this, school leaders have continued to ensure that the independent school standards remain met.  School leaders have a strong understanding of individual pupils’ needs. They ensure that pupils’ welfare and safety are put at the heart of their work. Staff work together closely to ensure that pupils are well cared for and enjoy coming to school.  The new proprietor understands the independent school standards. Senior leaders have recently established an Education Review Board, which meets termly to provide

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Main inspection findings

strategic oversight of the school’s work. This is helping to provide effective support and challenge to the headteacher, to help the school develop further.  These standards continue to be met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets 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. 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

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 1

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School details

Email address headofeducation@ourplaceschools.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 29 June to 1 July 2021

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Information about this school

 The school provides for pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities in the areas of communication and interaction, including autism spectrum disorder, cognition and learning, social emotional and mental health, and sensory impairment. All pupils have an EHC plan.  Pupils are placed at the school by a small number of local authorities from across the country.  The school does not use alternative provision.  The school’s most recent standard inspection was in July 2021, when it was judged to be good.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspection was prompted by information received by the DfE that raised concerns about safeguarding and the welfare, health and safety of pupils at the school. These concerns were considered during this inspection.  The inspection was carried out with no notice and lasted one day.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other staff. He observed how staff interact with pupils during the day. He also looked at school policies and records. In addition, the inspector spoke on the telephone with the proprietor and the chair of the Education Review Board.  The inspector had a tour of the school premises and visited various lessons and other rooms.  The inspector sampled staff’s personnel files, safeguarding training records, physical intervention logs and pupils’ risk assessments. He also considered information

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Information about this inspection

contained in the complaint.  Before the inspection, the inspector checked the school’s website and looked at information on the internet.

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Inspection team

Mark Howes, 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 .

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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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