The View School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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The View School Church Street, Edenbridge TN8 5BD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(a), 3(a), 3(c) and 3(d)  At the last standard inspection, weaknesses in the quality of teaching and learning were identified. At that time, staff departures had left the teaching team short, leading to variations in expectations of pupils’ behaviour, and inconsistencies in the quality of teaching in some subjects. This meant that pupils were not always learning, or behaving, as well as they should.  Leaders have appointed several new staff since the previous inspection, including teachers with specialist knowledge in subjects such as mathematics. The school now has a full complement of teaching staff with the expertise needed to deliver its curriculum effectively.  Schemes of work in a range of subjects provide a secure framework for teaching. Staff follow these consistently, adjusting what they teach according to pupils’ individual needs and responses. The work in their books illustrates this well. Learning builds well over

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Main inspection findings

time.  Pupils often have gaps in their learning when they join the school due to periods of time out of education. Teachers make sure that gaps in key knowledge, such as how to use capital letters and commas correctly, are addressed.  Teachers set work at an appropriate level of difficulty for each pupil so that all learn well and achieve success. This has had a notable impact on pupils’ engagement and behaviour in lessons, as well as their progress over time.  Teachers make sure that pupils are clear about what they are doing well and where improvements are needed. They routinely refer to what has been taught previously to check pupils’ understanding and to help them to remember what they have learned.  Leaders use a rolling programme of training to update and develop staff subject knowledge in a range of topics, such as the use of assessment and behaviour management. This programme is now a well-established and valued element of the

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Main inspection findings

school’s work.  These standards are now met. Paragraph 3(h)  Leaders have established a quiet, calm and purposeful atmosphere in the school. Positive relationships mean that pupils feel valued and secure. They treat adults and each other with respect. Pupils want to do well and work hard most of the time. They move around the school sensibly.  Staff follow the school’s behaviour management policy consistently. They support pupils sensitively and with good humour. The school focuses on helping pupils to understand their own behaviour and the impact that it can have on others.  Staff say that training in behaviour management has been helpful. They recognise improvements in pupils’ behaviour since the last inspection. One commented that ‘it’s a nicer place to work’ as a result.  These standards are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a) and 7(b)  Safeguarding was found to be effective at the previous inspection. This continues to be

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Main inspection findings

the case. Leaders use regular training and briefings to update staff about safeguarding matters. Safeguarding is given a high priority in staff recruitment and induction procedures.  Staff report strong teamwork, which means that everyone is knowledgeable and well informed. One said, ‘we support each other, and that’s very special’. Leaders work constructively with parents and with agencies, such as children’s services, in pupils’ placing local authorities.  Safeguarding concerns are recorded on the school’s secure online system. Leaders take appropriate action when a concern is logged. The system provides leaders with an accurate chronological record of all concerns raised and actions taken.  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the current statutory guidance and is published on the school’s website. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13 and 16(a)  The Department for Education (DfE) asked that these independent school standards be

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Main inspection findings

checked in relation to the proposed material change.  The school’s health and safety policy is fit for purpose and published on its website. The school is clean, tidy and well organised.  The proprietor ensures suitable fire safety precautions. Fire exit routes are clearly indicated, and fire extinguishers are located at key points around the school.  Pupils are supervised appropriately. The proprietor has suitable plans in place to ensure that this will continue to be the case should the proposed material change be agreed.  The school’s written risk assessment policy provides a secure framework for pupil and staff safety. It identifies potential risks and mitigating actions appropriately.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed material change is agreed. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 20(2)–20(5)(c)(ii), 21(1), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(iii)

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Main inspection findings

 All required suitability checks were being made at the time of the last standard inspection. This continues to be the case.  The single central record contains all the relevant checks required for staff, including those in leadership and management positions. This includes checks under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  These standards continue to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The DfE asked that these independent school standards be checked in relation to the proposed material change.  The school building comprises a number of bright, airy and well-equipped classrooms and learning spaces. These provide ample space for the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  Suitable toilet and shower facilities are provided for pupils and staff. The hot water provided for pupils does not present a scalding risk. Drinking water is readily available

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Main inspection findings

and clearly labelled.  The school’s medical room is suitably equipped for sick and injured pupils, with a toilet nearby.  The school’s outdoor area provides an attractive and well-maintained area for pupils to play, socialise, and relax. Other facilities, such as a local leisure centre, are also used for sports activities.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed material change is agreed. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  At the last inspection, the proprietor had not ensured that all the independent school standards were met. The proprietor has successfully addressed the unmet standards identified at the time of the previous inspection. He is knowledgeable about the school’s work and about improvements since the last inspection. The proprietor and headteacher are aware of the need to ensure that the independent school standards are met

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Main inspection findings

consistently.  Leaders have ensured that the action plan submitted to the DfE in May 2022 has been implemented in full. Leaders have provided effective training linked to the unmet standards identified at the last inspection.  Leaders have developed reliable systems for checking and monitoring the quality of education. The proprietor has commissioned an independent school improvement partner to support further developments in the school.  Previously unmet requirements in this part are now 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. 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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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.

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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 subject 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

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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 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly.

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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–

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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.

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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 6

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £58,000 to 120,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 24–26 November 2021

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Information about this school

 The school caters for pupils aged 11 to 19 with social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils have autism spectrum disorder. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school’s last standard inspection took place in November 2021.  The school uses one unregistered alternative provider currently.

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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.

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The school’s proposed change to the maximum number of pupils

The school has applied to the DfE to make a ‘material change’ to its registration. At the DfE’s request, we checked whether the school if likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the change. This part of the inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002. The outcome of this part of the inspection is: the school is likely to meet the relevant

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independent school standards if the material change relating to the school

 The proprietor wishes to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 24 to 26. This was the school’s first material change inspection in relation to this particular change.  The existing school accommodation is suitable for the proposed increase in the number of pupils. The classroom and learning spaces are suitably furnished and equipped. The building has appropriate toilet facilities. Lighting is fit for purpose. A secure outdoor area provides pupils with a pleasant place to relax and socialise.  The school is likely to meet the needs of pupils with SEND if the proposed increase in the number of pupils on roll is approved. The school’s curriculum provides a suitable framework for teaching. The proprietor has made appropriate arrangements for staffing and supervision.

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Inspection team

Julie Sackett, 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

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.

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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 .

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Inspection team

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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