Project SEMH

School pre-registration inspection report

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Project SEMH Unit 2 Lancaster Park, Lancaster Road, Bowerhill, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6TT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(b), 3(a), 3(c), 3(e)  The proprietor already provides part-time alternative provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. It is planned that some of those who attend will join the school when it is registered.  The headteacher, who is also the proprietor, intends to use many of the current curriculum plans and schemes of work in the proposed school. However, some of the curriculum content that leaders want pupils to know and remember is too broad or incomplete. Schemes of work do not take into account the different ages and aptitudes of pupils who will attend the school. For example, leaders have not considered how the history, art and physical education curriculums will be sequenced in order to provide effective full-time and long-term learning. Furthermore, leaders have not adapted the curriculum well enough for the full age range of pupils. This is

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Main inspection findings

unlikely to help pupils know more and remember more of the planned curriculum.  Leaders anticipate that many pupils will be likely to arrive at the school unable to read fluently and confidently. However, the phonics programme does not set out well enough how pupils will be supported to catch up with their reading. Leaders have not ensured that staff have received appropriate training. As a result, the current approach is unlikely to develop pupils’ confidence and competence as readers.  Short-term plans set out what staff intend pupils to learn. However, it is not clear how teaching methods and activities will help pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to progress well through the curriculum. For example, in mathematics, some of the planned activities do not develop a secure understanding of important concepts.  The standards in these paragraphs are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(c)  2A(3), 3(b), 3(d), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Following the previous pre-inspection registration, leaders have adopted a commercial physical education scheme of work. This will broaden the range of subjects offered to pupils.  When pupils join the school, leaders plan to use various assessments, especially in English and mathematics, to identify any gaps in pupils’ knowledge. Staff will use ongoing assessments and end-of-unit checks to review pupils’ progress. Leaders plan on using information from assessments to revisit the learning from previous lessons.  Leaders pay great attention to pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The planned programme details how pupils will learn about healthy relationships. It also teaches pupils about risks, such as drug use and criminal exploitation.  Curriculum plans show that pupils will learn about fundamental British values,

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Main inspection findings

including the protected characteristics. Leaders have considered how visits and themed events develop pupils’ understanding of tolerance and the rule of law.  Leaders will provide pupils with impartial careers guidance. The school’s careers programme is intended to cater for pupils’ talents and interests. Pupils experience preparation for interviews, work experience and college applications.  These standards are likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  5(d)(iii)  Leaders are acutely aware that many pupils who attend the current provision have experienced a disrupted education in the past. They are deeply committed to ensuring that pupils build their self-esteem and self-confidence over time.  Leaders have thought carefully about the planned provision for pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. The existing scheme of work shows how staff

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Main inspection findings

encourage pupils to become responsible citizens. Pupils learn about respecting people from different backgrounds and faiths. Staff will use tutor time to explore special events and festivals, such as Hanukkah and Remembrance Day.  Leaders actively promote British values and the protected characteristics. They have ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are met.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  7(b)  Leaders are already managing concerns about pupils’ safety and well-being. They have ensured that the latest child protection and safeguarding policy relates to the most recent statutory guidance. It is published on their website and implemented effectively.  The proprietor ensures that all staff receive comprehensive safeguarding training, including newly appointed adults. Staff know the local risks to which pupils may be

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Main inspection findings

vulnerable. An effective system is already in place for staff to report concerns. Record- keeping shows that designated safeguarding leaders act promptly to address concerns about pupils’ welfare. They work well with external agencies for advice and support.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9  10  Leaders have ensured that written behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place. These are suitable for pupils’ SEMH needs. Leaders place significant importance on building positive relationships between staff and pupils. The behaviour policy sets out the rewards and sanctions. It encourages pupils to do the right things. In the current alternative provision, records show that incidents of poor behaviour and suspensions reduce the longer pupils attend the setting.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 11  16(b)  The proprietor has written a comprehensive health and safety policy. It is

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Main inspection findings

implemented well to keep staff and pupils safe. Named staff carry out regular health and safety checks to promote safe working practices.  Leaders comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The premises has suitable signage and equipment in place. Emergency routes and assembly points are clearly demarcated. Records show that premises staff complete weekly fire alarm testing and termly fire drills.  Leaders have put an effective first-aid policy in place. The systems for administering medication are secure. There are four nominated members of staff to ensure compliance with first-aid policies and procedures.  Leaders consider the supervision of pupils in order to maintain a safe learning environment. Staffing ratios are high. These arrangements are likely to ensure that adequate supervision of pupils is in place.  Leaders already have admissions and attendance registers that meet regulations.

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Main inspection findings

They monitor pupils’ attendance during their time in the alternative provision.  Leaders maintain a set of written risk assessments to ensure that pupils’ safety is prioritised. They include, for example, potential risks to pupils on off-site trips and when using cooking equipment.  These standards are likely to be met.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1)  21(7)(b)  The proprietor records on an electronic single central record statutory information about the suitability of staff to work with pupils. This includes barred list checks, medical fitness and references. This information confirms that staff are suitable to work with pupils. The headteacher and local authority monitor this to ensure that it is accurate and fully complete.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff. However, they know the procedures to

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Main inspection findings

follow if supply staff were used.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a),(b)  23(2)  29(1)(b)  There have been changes to the sites being used since the previous pre-registration inspection. The proprietor has closed the Station Approach site. Pupils attend the Bowerhill location for the alternative provision. The classrooms are spacious and welcoming, and they support pupils’ SEMH needs. Staff maintain a clean and orderly environment. Well-supervised end-of-day routines ensure that pupils’ safety is prioritised near the car parking area.  Pupils have a separate toilet facility to staff. There is an adequate supply of cold and hot water. The hot water supply is set at a safe temperature. The medical room contains a bed, washing facilities and is next to a toilet.  Pupils have access to drinking water from the on-site kitchen throughout the school

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Main inspection findings

day. Signs indicate that the water is safe to drink.  Although the current site has limited outside space for pupils to play, leaders have adequate arrangements in place for pupils to visit a nearby park for outdoor activities.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 23(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that pupils take part in weekly physical education at a local sports centre. Pupils have access to changing rooms and showering facilities off site. The previous unmet standard in this paragraph is likely to be met.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)  32(4)(c)  The proprietor already has a website for the alternative provision. This includes policies on the curriculum, behaviour and special educational needs and/or disabilities. Paper copies of information are available to parents on request.  Leaders currently provide parents with a report of pupils’ progress. They have devised

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Main inspection findings

a new and more detailed report template for future use as a school.  The proprietor already works closely with the local authority. They are aware of the requirements to provide details of income and expenditure for pupils funded by the local authority, public funds or with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  33(k)  The proprietor has a written complaints policy. This sets out the stages and timescales for managing a complaint, including how to escalate a complaint. The policy is easy for a parent to follow. The procedures aim to resolve complaints informally in the first instance.  Leaders keep records of complaints securely. These will be made available for inspection.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34(1)(c)  The proprietor is committed to providing vulnerable pupils with an inclusive and nurturing education. Leaders are keen to build on the successes of the alternative provision. They have effective arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the well-being of pupils. It is evident from leaders’ actions that they place the care and welfare of pupils at the centre of all their work.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 34(1)  34(1)(b)  The proprietor has strengthened the existing leadership of the alternative provision. For example, it has employed a project manager, designated safeguarding leader and special educational needs coordinator. However, expertise is lacking in how to develop an effective curriculum, including for pupils with SEND. Consequently, many standards in part 1 are unlikely to be met.  The proprietor has commissioned a package of external support and challenge,

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Main inspection findings

including improving the curriculum. However, some of this work has yet to start. The existing leadership arrangements do not provide strong enough oversight of or accountability for how to run an independent school. Leaders do not have effective systems in place to ensure that the independent school standards are likely to be met.  These standards are not likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has published an accessibility plan. It outlines how leaders intend to improve access to the curriculum for pupils with a disability.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £25,000 to £35,000

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 30 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 0

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 15

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 11 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 35 35

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 35

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 23 23

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 23 23

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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 23 23

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 16 16

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Information about this proposed school

 Project SEMH is proposed as a new independent school for up to 35 pupils between the ages of 11 and 18 years. The proposed school is currently operating. Project SEMH provides alternative provision for 30 pupils with SEMH on a part-time basis.  The proposed school intends to educate pupils with SEMH needs, as well as pupils without SEND. It is anticipated that some pupils will also have an EHC plan.  Project SEMH Ltd has one director, who intends to be the headteacher of the school.  The site of the proposed school is a building on a large industrial site.

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Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. The inspector checked all of the relevant independent school standards, including Parts 1 to 8.  This was the proposed school’s third pre-registration inspection. The first took place in June 2021 and the second in December 2021.  The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also the proprietor, the project manager, other staff and a representative from Wiltshire local authority, who places pupils in the current provision.  The inspector toured the school site with leaders to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector reviewed and evaluated documents provided by the school, including risk assessments, policies, curriculum plans and safeguarding information.

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Inspection team

Dale Burr, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 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 – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 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; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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

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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; and – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. 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 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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