Fields Rise School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Fields Rise School Fields Rise, Kirkeaton, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD5 0LZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)  The proposed school is for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor anticipates that all pupils will have social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). Some pupils will have additional learning needs. Many pupils will have had disruption to their education.  Leaders have produced a detailed curriculum policy. This policy explains how the curriculum will meet the needs of the pupils who are likely to join the school. The policy describes how the school’s provision will support pupils who have previously missed a lot of school. The curriculum policy explains how staff will identify any gaps in pupils’ learning.  Leaders are aware of the importance of teaching reading to pupils who may still be at the early stages of reading when they join the school. The headteacher has systems

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Main inspection findings

in place for checking pupils’ phonic knowledge and reading ages. There are reading interventions ready for any pupils who need them.  The proprietor is ambitious for pupils who may join the proposed school. The school’s curriculum is modelled on the national curriculum. Older pupils have access to a range of exam pathways.  The subject offer includes English, mathematics, history, geography, religious education (RE), science, art, information and communication technology and design technology. Leaders have developed long- and medium-term plans for each subject. These plans identify the key learning for each subject.  The physical education offer at the proposed school is called physical activity participation. Leaders have planned core physical activities. Leaders will add in other activities based on pupils’ interests. Paragraphs 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii),

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Main inspection findings

2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The headteacher has designed a well-structured personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme for pupils at the proposed school. This programme will be delivered through timetabled PSHE lessons. The headteacher has produced detailed lesson plans for the PSHE programme. In PSHE lessons, pupils will learn about themselves and the world around them. The PSHE programme also teaches pupils how to stay healthy and safe.  The PSHE programme, and the RE lessons, combine to build pupils’ understanding of a range of faiths and cultures. Leaders are aware of the importance of developing in pupils a respect for different religions and beliefs.  The proprietor has ensured there is a relationships and sex education (RSE) policy for the proposed school. The policy explains what pupils will learn in RSE lessons. The teaching of RSE is mainly covered in the PSHE programme. Some aspects of sex

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Main inspection findings

education are in the plans for science.  The proprietor understands the RSE policy will need to be consulted on with parents and carers if the school opens. It is clear in the policy that parents have the right to withdraw their son or daughter from sex education lessons. The policy explains what parents should do if they wish to exercise this right.  The PSHE programme covers the world of work. Pupils will learn about different careers and work skills. Pupils will have access to independent careers advice. The proprietor has identified two careers providers who will work with pupils if the school opens. The independent careers guidance will include individual meetings with older pupils. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have clear plans as to how they will gather a range of information about pupils who might join the proposed school. This information will come from referral

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Main inspection findings

documents and from speaking to parents and previous schools. Leaders will also check what pupils know and can do once they are settled in the school.  There are well-structured and well-resourced, medium-term plans for each subject. Staff will design personalised learning plans for each pupil based on these over- arching plans. The proprietor has a programme of subject-specific training for staff who join the proposed school.  The proprietor has a team of therapists ready to work with pupils at the proposed school. The therapy team includes clinical and educational psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and counsellors.  The headteacher is the special educational needs coordinator for the proposed school. She will work with the therapy team to identify any previously undiagnosed needs. The headteacher will ensure staff understand how to meet the needs of individual

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Main inspection findings

pupils who may join the school.  Leaders have developed an assessment policy for the proposed school. It is clear from this policy that staff will regularly check pupils’ understanding in lessons. The policy also describes the half-termly assessments that pupils will complete  Leaders have established a system for tracking and monitoring pupils’ progress in all subjects.  The proprietor has ensured that all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii)  The proprietor recognises the importance of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils in the school. There is a policy in place that explains what activities the school will offer pupils.  Staff will complete an SMSC audit of school activities on a regular basis. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor will monitor the opportunities open to pupils and their uptake.  The focus of all school activities is to help pupils to become active citizens. The PSHE programme includes the teaching of fundamental British values. These values are reinforced by the way the school is run. For example, the proposed school’s positive approach to behaviour management gives pupils time to reflect on their choices. This is designed to support pupils’ understanding of right and wrong.  The headteacher has planned a range of educational visits. The proposed school is within easy travelling distance of a number of museums and art venues. The headteacher’s plans include visits to different places of worship that are close by.  The headteacher has made links with the local community centre and library that is opposite the school. The headteacher has identified projects to support pupils’ personal development. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has produced an equality policy. The policy is clear about how the proposed school’s curriculum will promote equality and diversity.  The headteacher has plans for speakers who will come into the school if it opens. These visits are aimed at broadening pupils’ understanding of their local community.  The proprietor has clear expectations of anyone who comes to give a talk in the school. Visiting speakers must sign to say they agree to follow the school’s safeguarding arrangements. The headteacher is aware of the importance of checking the content of any presentation from a visiting speaker.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy is comprehensive. It is compliant with statutory guidance. The policy clearly states the steps that staff must take for any safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

concern. The policy includes contact information for the local safeguarding partnership.  Leaders are aware of the additional vulnerabilities of the pupils who are likely to join the proposed school. The policy explains the link between safeguarding and the school’s risk assessments.  All staff will be trained in child protection, wider safeguarding and health and safety if the school opens. The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). She has already received enhanced training. The DSL knows how to get pupils help if they need it.  There is a system for recording safeguarding referrals and their outcomes. The proprietor has robust procedures in place to monitor any safeguarding concern. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is a detailed behaviour policy for the proposed school. This policy explains the likely needs of pupils and the support they will get from staff. The policy describes

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Main inspection findings

what pupils can expect in terms of rewards and sanctions.  The proprietor has an extensive training offer for staff. This includes training on how to manage challenging behaviour. The school’s approach to behaviour management is based on a therapeutic response to the needs of the pupils who are likely to join the school.  The headteacher has developed a system for recording pupils’ behaviour on a daily basis. This allows leaders to monitor trends and adapt behaviour plans as needed.  The headteacher has planned for each pupil to have a one-page profile. This is a document that summarises that pupil’s needs. The one-page profile also explains the strategies that work best for that pupil.  The proprietor has devised a clear anti-bullying policy. This policy states the school’s zero tolerance for bullying. The policy takes into account the needs of pupils who are likely to join the school. The proposed school’s anti-bullying strategies are rooted in

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Main inspection findings

the pastoral support available to pupils. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured there is a detailed health and safety policy for the proposed school. This policy explains what the proprietor, staff, visitors and contractors must do to keep the school safe.  The proprietor has an estates management team. This team is well placed to respond promptly to any maintenance or safety issues. All required checks on fire safety, electrical and gas equipment are up to date. The proprietor has a system in place to ensure these checks are done routinely. The headteacher ensures clear records are kept of all checks done and any remedial action needed.  There is a detailed fire risk assessment in place. The fire risk assessment is extremely clear about potential risks and how these will be managed if the school opens.  All staff who join the proposed school are trained in health and safety. This training

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Main inspection findings

includes fire safety awareness.  There is a first-aid policy for the proposed school. All staff will be trained on how to deliver first aid. There is clear guidance on how staff should store and administer medication. Paragraphs 14, 15  The proprietor has planned for a high staff-to-pupil ratio at the proposed school. The staffing levels reflect the needs of pupils who may join the school. The headteacher has rotas in place to ensure appropriate supervision in lessons and at social times.  The headteacher has set up admissions and attendance registers that are well organised. The admission register records all required contact information. There is also a section to complete on pupils’ destinations. The attendance register will be taken twice daily. The absence codes are as expected by the Department for Education (DfE). Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has produced an appropriate risk assessment policy. The policy

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Main inspection findings

explains how to identify a risk. The policy is clear about how staff will assess and manage any risks. There is a standard risk assessment form for staff to complete.  The headteacher will ensure any risk assessments are reviewed regularly. For example, the policy describes the risk assessment required for each room in the proposed school. Staff will have responsibility for keeping the risk assessments of their classroom up to date. The headteacher has designed daily and weekly checks that must be done as part of these risk assessments.  The headteacher has completed risk assessments for a range of proposed school activities. These include risk assessments for use of off-site facilities. These risk assessments will be amended in response to any new pupil who may join the school.  The headteacher will complete an individual risk assessment on each pupil when they join the school. These will be done in consultation with parents and the pupil. Each

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Main inspection findings

individual risk assessment will be reviewed at least termly.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. 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), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor has established a robust recruitment process. Leaders are trained in safer recruitment. Leaders check applications for any gaps in employment history. They seek clarification at interview where there are gaps.  The proprietor ensures that all statutory checks are done before any adult can work or volunteer at the school. This includes appropriate checks on the suitability of anyone who will be responsible for management of the school.  New staff complete a health self-assessment before they commence work. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor ensures that any follow-up checks deemed necessary are processed promptly.  The proprietor is aware of the need to carry out additional checks if any potential employee has worked or lived abroad. The parameters of these checks are in the school’s safer recruitment documents. Paragraph 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)  The proprietor requires a letter of assurance of the statutory checks completed by any employment agency.  The headteacher will complete third-party checks on any agency staff who may come to work at the school. Paragraph 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), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  There is a single central record (SCR) that is kept in electronic form. The SCR contains

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a record of all checks completed.  The completion of the SCR is overseen by the proprietor’s human resources team. Leaders also check the SCR routinely to ensure it is all up to date.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is housed in a pleasant, stone building. The building has been refurbished to a high standard.  Classrooms and social spaces are bright and airy. There is a therapy room which is set up for the additional needs of pupils who are likely to join the school. There is a small library and reading room.  There are four classrooms. The rooms can be used for a range of subjects, including science, art and technology. Each classroom has space for at least eight pupils. The building can easily accommodate the proprietor’s proposed upper admissions limit of

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Main inspection findings

24 pupils. The proprietor is aware of the need for more space per pupil due to the needs of the pupils who are likely to join the school.  There are no apparent issues with acoustics in any room. The proprietor has laid carpets throughout the school. Each room has a lot of natural light.  There is a kitchen and dining area. Pupils can get drinking water at any time.  There is on-site parking and a drop-off area for school transport. There is external lighting around the whole school. These lights are on sensors. They come on automatically when it gets darker outside. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 28(1)(b)  The school has four toilets for pupils, including an accessible toilet. There are separate facilities for staff and visitors. Each toilet has access to a wash-hand basin.  The hot water taps are regulated so water cannot get too hot. The cold water taps all have signage to indicate if they are drinking water or not.

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 There is a lockable shower room. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The medical room is spacious and in a quiet area. The medical room has a bed, a sink and first-aid equipment. There is a toilet next door to the medical room. The headteacher has set up a lockable cupboard for the secure storage of medicines. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Outside, there is a pleasant garden with space for games.  There are no on-site facilities for delivering physical education lessons. The proprietor has planned for the use of the playing field which is across the road from the school. Staff will also run physical activity sessions at local sports centres. The headteacher has completed risk assessments for use of these off-site venues.  The proprietor has ensured all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h),

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Main inspection findings

32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b), 32(4)(c)  The proprietor does not have plans for a school website. However, there is a school prospectus which is very detailed. The prospectus is available upon request. The prospectus will be updated annually and sent to all parents.  The school’s contact information is clear in the prospectus. This includes information on how to get hold of the headteacher and proprietor out of school hours. The prospectus lists all the school’s policies. All policies are available upon request.  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy is listed in the prospectus. The policy is compliant with current statutory guidance. It is comprehensive and easy to read. The safeguarding policy is available upon request.  The proposed school’s complaints policy is also referred to in the prospectus. There is

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Main inspection findings

a section in the prospectus to report the number of complaints in the preceding school year.  There is a policy that explains how pupils with SEND will be supported. For pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan), there will be an annual review of that plan. The curriculum policy describes what will be provided for pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The proprietor has a system in place to explain the costs for each aspect of an individual pupil’s education. This information is ready to send to local authorities if the school opens. The proprietor has designed an annual statement of charges which will be sent to any agency that commissions a place at the proposed school.  There is a section in the prospectus to record pupils’ academic outcomes. The headteacher is aware that if pupil numbers are low, she needs to be careful about publishing information that could identify individuals.

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Main inspection findings

 The headteacher has designed a template for reporting on each pupil’s progress. This report gives information on attainment, progress, attendance and attitudes to learning. The report will be sent out to parents and referrers at the end of each term.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  There is a written complaints policy in place. The school does not have a website, but the policy is available upon request.  The policy explains the steps to take to make a complaint. The timelines for a response to any complaint are clear in the policy. It explains how a complaint can be escalated through different stages. The policy states that a complainant may bring a supporter to a meeting if they wish.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured there is an independent panel to hear complaints if this should be needed. There is a system in place for storing records of all complaints and their outcomes.  The proprietor has ensured all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a strong vision for the proposed school. This vision is to ensure all pupils achieve a positive future. The ethos of the proposed school reflects the barriers to education that pupils who join the school are likely to have faced. Leaders have designed a robust set of policies. These policies reflect the ethos and mission of the proposed school well.  Leaders have an effective, working knowledge of the independent school standards. The proprietor already runs 10 independent special schools.  The proprietor has developed robust systems for governance and oversight of the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school. There is a head, and deputy head, of education who work across all the proprietor’s schools. These leaders are experienced school leaders. They bring additional support and challenge to the headteacher. The headteacher submits weekly audits on key aspects of school life to the proprietor’s head of education. The headteacher is in regular contact with the deputy head of education. The deputy head of education makes quality assurance visits to the school every half term. The headteacher reports formally to the proprietor group’s board of directors every half term.  Leaders have a clear understanding of the needs of pupils who are likely to join the proposed school. The proprietor’s staffing plans are appropriate for the admission limit of 24 pupils. The proprietor has a realistic plan for recruiting staff if the school gets permission to open. The headteacher is already in post. She is experienced in the

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Main inspection findings

management of special schools. The proprietor’s recruitment plans reflect the additional needs of the pupils who are likely to attend the school.  The proprietor has a specialist training team that works with all the proprietor’s schools. The proprietor has plans in place to ensure all staff are trained in child protection and wider safeguarding.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders are aware of their duties under the Equality Act 2010. The proprietor has developed an accessibility and equality policy that explains what equality protocols operate in the school. This policy is compliant with the Equality Act 2010. There is an accessibility plan which shows how leaders continue to monitor, and improve, inclusion at the school.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £45,000 to £65,000

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Proposed school details

Email address Fieldsrise.headteacher@hexagoncare.com

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 24 24

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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 24

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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 24

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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 24

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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 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in a village in West Yorkshire. The proposed school is on one site.  The proposed school is part of Hexagon Care Services Ltd, a national company providing children’s homes and education. The board of directors of Hexagon Care Services Ltd will oversee the school. There are no plans to have a governing body.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with SEMH needs, learning difficulties and speech, language and communication needs. Some pupils may also have specific learning difficulties. Most pupils will have an EHC plan, but this is not a requirement for admission.  The proposed school will cater for boys and girls aged 11 to 16 years.  The proposed school will have an upper admission limit of 24 pupils. Pupils will be organised into four small teaching groups.  The proposed school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE commissioned this inspection following an application from Hexagon Care Services Ltd to register an independent school. The purpose of this pre-registration inspection was to check whether the school would be likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 if the DfE agreed to register the proposed school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was carried out with two days’ notice.  The proposed school was not operating at the time of the inspection.  The inspector analysed school documents, provided by the proprietor, covering all the independent school standards.  The inspector checked the school buildings and outdoor areas.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor board, the proprietor group’s deputy head of education and the headteacher of the proposed school. In these meetings, the inspector checked how the proprietor would ensure that the

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Information about this inspection

independent school standards would be met in the proposed school.

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Inspection team

Patricia Head, 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 .

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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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