Minerva Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a)—2(2)(i)  This school will provide short-term education for some of the pupils who live in the children’s home on the same site. The aim is to educate pupils who are unable to access education off site, building their confidence ready to re-integrate with other mainstream or specialist education providers.  The school has a comprehensive curriculum policy. Leaders were able to demonstrate how pupils will have individualised plans and schemes of work. These are progressive and ensure that small steps of learning are in place. Where pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan), adaptations to meet individual targets will be carefully considered.  The planned curriculum is broad, including English, mathematics, science, history, geography, computing, music, art, physical education and religious education. Personal, social and health education and relationships education will be taught

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Main inspection findings

alongside activities that pupils take part in with care staff from the children’s home.  Pupils at key stages 3 and 4 will work towards a range of qualifications to both reward success and give pupils the starting point to access further education or work.  Teachers will make daily assessments of the pupils’ success in accessing learning and make adaptations for the next days and weeks as needed.  Leaders will supplement the curriculum with a range of visits out, including to local places of worship and civic buildings such as the local crown court. Paragraph 2A(1)—2A(1)(g)  Leaders intend to deliver relationships and sex education to all pupils in line with expectations for their age. This will be done alongside the existing work that care staff do with children in the care home. Paragraph 3, 3(a)—3(j)  Teachers will plan individualised programmes of work to meet the needs of the pupils who attend the school. They will follow individual interests but also include key

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Main inspection findings

learning of knowledge matched to the national curriculum.  The proposed classrooms are airy and welcoming. Resources will be acquired when teachers know the age and needs of pupils who will attend.  The school’s behaviour policy is clear. It sets out good practice for staff working with pupils whose behaviour may be challenging at times. All pupils will have individual reward systems, adapted for their own age and needs.  Leaders have ensured that the chosen curriculum covers fundamental British values of democracy, law and respect. This will be enhanced by visits to places such as the local police station. Paragraph 4  Teachers will check on pupils’ understanding of what is taught on an ongoing basis. They will record this information so that it can be reported to appropriate authorities as needed.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in part 1 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)—5(d)(iii)  Leaders have a clear vision for the school. Developing pupils’ self-confidence and self- esteem will be a core part of their work.  The curriculum will ensure that pupils learn about British values and develop respect for others. They will learn about different cultures and ways of life.  Leaders will work closely with staff from the children’s home to ensure that pupils access a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Where pupils are struggling with their behaviour, care staff will support at the school to ensure a cohesive, positive approach.  Leaders have ensured that this standard is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Staff have had appropriate safeguarding training. Policies are up to date and reflect current statutory guidance.  The systems that will be used to record safeguarding information ensure that all

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Main inspection findings

adults working with pupils, both in the school and the children’s home, will be kept up to date with individual needs and adjustments.  All pupils attending the school will be children looked after. Leaders already work closely with a wide range of external agencies to ensure that pupils get the support they need. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  There is a clear behaviour policy in place. Teachers will work closely with care staff to ensure that consistent approaches are used for individual pupils. Paragraph 10  There is an anti-bullying policy in place. As with behaviour, teachers will work closely with care staff from the children’s home to ensure no bullying behaviours are allowed to develop. Paragraph 11  All relevant health and safety checks and policies, including those relating to fire and first aid, are in place. They are up to date, and the policies make clear who has responsibility for what in respect of their implementation.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have made robust arrangements for the necessary regular premises checks to be made. Paragraph 12  The fire safety assessment is appropriate and meets requirements. There are clearly labelled fire exits. The children’s home already practises regular fire drills.  Staff have had training on fire safety. Paragraph 13  The first-aid policy is appropriate. A suitable number of staff have had the relevant training. First-aid kits are appropriately equipped and kept easily accessible.  There is a comprehensive system in place to record any incidents or near-misses. Paragraph 14  Appropriately qualified staff have been appointed. Timetables for all staff, including those from the children’s home, will ensure that pupils are adequately supervised at all times during the school day. Paragraph 15  The proposed school has a comprehensive system in place to record admissions and attendance. Records contain all the required information.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders are experienced in creating risk assessments and showed examples of both individual plans and those related to activities such as school trips.  Leaders have ensured that the standards for part 3 are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(3)(b), 21(5)(a)–(5)(b), 21(6)  All appropriate checks have been made on members of staff before they start employment.  Leaders have appropriate processes in place to check on the suitability of any supply staff.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–23(2)  The school has a separate pupil toilet.  Suitable changing and showering facilities separate from the children’s home are available for pupils if needed. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)

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Main inspection findings

 There is a first-aid room, with washing facilities and a medical bed. This is next door to the toilet facility. Paragraph 25  The building has recently been renovated and is of good standard. It is likely to support good provision for the health, safety and welfare of pupils. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Classrooms provide high levels of natural light. They provide appropriate acoustic conditions. Both internal and external lighting is in place to be used as needed.  All cold water taps on the premises provide drinking water.  The supply of hot and cold running water is maintained at an appropriate temperature.  There is an appropriate area outside for playing and individual physical education with the personal trainer who will provide this part of the curriculum.  Leaders have ensured that the standards to meet part 5 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a)–(d), 32(1)(f)–(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)–(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)–(g)  The school does not have a website. Information for parents or the individual reviewing officer for children looked after will be provided on entry to the school or request.  Pupils who attend the school will be funded by a local authority. The proprietor already has systems in place to provide them with income and expenditure statements.  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities to implement and review EHC plans both on a regular basis and annually.  Leaders have ensured that this standard is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–(k)  The complaints policy is shared between the children’s home and the school to ensure consistency of response. Leaders have adapted this to meet the particular requirements relating to independent schools.

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Main inspection findings

 There are clear processes for making a complaint, including appropriate independent panel members where necessary.  Leaders have ensured that this standard is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  Leaders have experience in running a school and working with vulnerable children. They have a good understanding of what procedures and practice needs to be put in place for pupils to succeed in their education.  The existing children’s home and school staff intend to work closely to ensure pupils’ well-being is actively promoted.  Leaders have ensured that this standard is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Curriculum plans include opportunities for pupils to understand different cultures and ways of life.  Policies take the Equality Act 2010, including around protected characteristics, into account appropriately. Leaders are aware of their obligations under the equality duty.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that this requirement is likely to be met.

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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

Proprietor Oak House Children’s Home Ltd

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Proposed school details

Email address minervahouse@careoffice.co.uk

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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 8 to 17 8 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 6 6

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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 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 6

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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 6

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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 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0.5 0.5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 This school is intended to be a short-term provision, usually for up to a year, for pupils who live in the children’s home on the same site. It will cater for pupils who are unable to access other education provision due to social, emotional and/or behavioural needs.  The proprietor operates four children’s homes and one other school. The lead teacher will work across both schools. Care home staff will support pupils in the classroom as and when needed.  All pupils will be children looked after. Many will have an EHC plan.  The school will provide education for pupils with the following needs: specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, behavioural, emotional and social development needs, behavioural emotional and social difficulty, communication and interaction needs, speech, language and communication needs and autism spectrum disorder.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection prior to the school opening. 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 carried out a range of activities in order to check whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards and other requirements. The inspector met with the proprietor, the lead teacher and the children’s home manager. The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises. The inspector reviewed a wide range of documents, including safeguarding information, policies, curriculum information and proposed procedures to assess pupils’ learning.

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Inspection team

Tessa Holledge, 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

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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