Olympus

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Olympus 112 Orchard Road, South Croydon CR2 9LQ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  Leaders have written curriculum and assessment policies that are likely to meet the needs of pupils aged 11 to 19 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.  Leaders plan to ensure that pupils’ needs identified in their education, health and care (EHC) plans are catered for suitably.  Leaders have prepared curriculum plans that cover all the required areas of learning. These include curriculum plans in English, mathematics, science, physical education, art and design, home-cooking skills, computing, media studies and humanities. Leaders know that further curriculum thinking, including in relation to how teaching is sequenced, is required.  The planned programme for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education includes wide coverage of fundamental British values, equality, and relationships and sex education (RSE). A suitable RSE policy has been drafted in consultation with

p.1

Main inspection findings

parents and carers. The policy is clear about parents’ right to withdraw their children from sex education.  Leaders have a suitable plan to ensure that all pupils receive regular and impartial careers education and guidance. They have commissioned an external provider to provide all pupils with workshops and personalised information, advice and guidance sessions.  Leaders have ambitious plans to provide a rigorous professional training offer for staff in order to ensure that pupils receive high-quality education in every subject.  The proposed school is appropriately resourced and staffed for up to 40 pupils with SEMH needs on site, and 15 pupils off site on the school’s community-based ‘pathways’ programme.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if registration is granted. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The proposed school’s planned life skills curriculum focuses on meeting pupils’ needs,

p.1

Main inspection findings

as identified in their EHC plans. The various learning support programmes focus specifically on developing pupils’ communication, social skills and behaviour.  The PSHE education curriculum includes ample coverage of fundamental British values and pays regard to all the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. The proposed curriculum also includes coverage of a range of religions, faiths and cultures. Through the taught curriculum, assemblies and weekly themes, pupils are likely to be encouraged to develop tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation of the diversity of life in modern Britain.  The curriculum is likely to be supported by a range of educational outings. A programme of extra-curricular clubs is being considered. Leaders plan for pupils to continue to contribute to decision-making as members of the school council.  The proposed school’s curriculum policy pays explicit regard to guidance from the

p.2

Main inspection findings

Department for Education’s ‘political impartiality in schools’ guidance. It makes clear that teachers must always present a balanced picture of opposing points of view in the teaching of any political topic.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  Leaders understand the importance of creating and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture in their proposed school for especially vulnerable pupils. The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. Leaders with responsibility for safeguarding have completed an enhanced level of training, and all other staff are regularly trained. Leaders are fully aware of their duties. The recruitment process reflects national guidance. Pupils are likely to be kept as safe as possible.  The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to meet the requirements. They have been created with the needs of pupils with SEMH needs in mind. The system for recording sanctions imposed as a result of incidents of serious misbehaviour is likely to be suitable.  The proposed school’s health and safety and risk-assessment policies are likely to

p.2

Main inspection findings

meet the required aspects of health and safety in reducing risks. Thorough risk assessments have been completed for the premises, educational outings, and individual pupils.  Arrangements for the provision of first aid are likely to meet the requirements. There are a suitable number of trained first aiders. Suitable processes for documenting accidents, providing first aid and managing medication are in place.  The proposed school is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. All actions identified at the most recent fire risk assessment have been completed. All the required weekly, monthly and annual fire safety checks are up to date and documented.  The admission register template and the online attendance system are likely to be suitable.  The supervision of pupils is likely to be suitable. There are generally at least two adults for every five pupils, and some pupils receive at least one-to-one support.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  Leaders understand and complete all the required pre-employment checks on permanent and agency staff. These, alongside checks on the proprietors, are recorded accurately on the proposed school’s single central record.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school’s main premises are located in a purpose-built school building in a residential area in South Croydon, bordering an area of ancient woodlands. The building provides accommodation over two floors. It includes several main classrooms, as well as smaller rooms for personalised teaching and therapeutic support. There are large outdoor areas for physical education and recreation.  There are suitable toilets and washing facilities for pupils and staff, including a new facility for those with physical disabilities. There is a suitable changing and shower facility.  The medical room facility is likely to meet all the requirements.  The acoustics, lighting and hot-water supplies are all likely to be suitable. Labelled drinking-water supplies are readily available to pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  The proposed school’s leaders have drafted a prospectus which includes a range of information, such as contact details for leaders and the proprietors.  In time, leaders intend to develop and launch a website. They are clear about the required policies and complaints information that they must make available.  Leaders are likely to ensure that pupils’ EHC plans are reviewed annually, and to provide placing authorities with statements of income and expenditure.  Leaders’ template for termly progress and attainment reports is likely to be suitable.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The proposed school’s complaints policy sets out, with clear timescales, how leaders intend to manage informal and formal complaints. The proposed complaints log includes the stage of resolution and any action taken as a result.  As both the proposed complaints procedure and log are likely to meet the requirements, the standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  Leaders have worked hard to plan for the opening of this new school. They demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards.  The proprietors’ plans to invest in, support and hold leaders to account are likely to ensure that the unmet standards identified in the May 2022 inspection of Cressey College are not repeated at Olympus.  Overall, leaders have worked effectively to ensure that all the standards are likely to be met if Olympus is registered as an independent school.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have written and intend to implement a suitable accessibility plan that proposes actions to increase accessibility to the physical environment, curriculum and written information.  This requirement is likely to be met.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

Proposed school details

Type of school Day school for pupils with SEMH needs

p.6

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.6

Proposed school details

Proprietor Cressey Oasis Education Limited

p.6

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £52,431 to £105,000

p.6

Proposed school details

Email address enquiries@horizoncare.co.uk

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 19 11 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 55 55

p.6

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 55

p.6

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 All pupils

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable All pupils

p.7

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 All pupils

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 11

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 40

p.7

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is currently operating as part of Cressey College. The proprietors, Horizon Care, are in the process of de-amalgamating Cressey College into four, new separate independent day special schools. As one of these proposed new schools, leaders intend to open Olympus as soon as registration is granted. The proposed school will cater for pupils with EHC plans for their SEMH needs.  Up to 40 pupils aged 11 to 16 will attend the main site at 112 Orchard Road, South Croydon CR2 9LQ. A further 15 pupils, predominantly those of sixth-form age, will receive full-time education via the proposed school’s community-based ‘pathways’ programme. The staff delivering this programme are based at 1B, Haling Road, South Croydon CR2 6HS. Pupils receive personalised teaching and support in a number of locations, including Quakers Hall, 60 Park Lane, Croydon CR0 1JE.  Leaders of the proposed school intend to continue to make use of the following

p.7

Information about this proposed school

alternative providers: Nescot College, Epsom KT17 3DS; Sutton District College, High Street, Carshalton, SM5 3BB; and East Surrey College, London Road, Redhill RH1 2JX.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was also the third of four pre-registration inspections to consider the de-amalgamation of Cressey College into four smaller new schools.  The inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspector met with senior leaders, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher. He also met with the proposed school’s executive principal. The inspector spoke informally with pupils as he had a tour of the premises.  The inspector considered a range of evidence to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting all the independent school standards and associated requirements.

p.8

Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted 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 .

p.8

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.

p.9

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 .

p.9

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.

p.9

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.9

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.9

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.9