Odyssey House School - Wokingham

School pre-registration inspection report

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Odyssey House School – Wokingham Buckhurst Court, London Road, Wokingham RG40 1PA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g)–2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable curriculum policy, schemes of work and curriculum planning are in place. Leaders see this as a basis for the curriculum prior to the school opening. Leaders are also clear that the curriculum will need to be bespoke and adjusted to meet the needs of individual pupils who might attend the proposed school.  The curriculum will be based on the national curriculum with appropriate adaptations to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This includes across all phases of the school from key stage 2 to the school’s post-16 provision.  Leaders see developing pupils’ reading skills as a key component of the curriculum. They have plans in place for the school to use a suitable commercial phonics programme to support pupils across all phases of the school. They intend that staff

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Main inspection findings

will be trained to use the programme and be able to access suitable resources. They clearly understand the importance of this linked to the fact that many of the pupils who will attend the school will have been out of education for periods of time before joining the school.  The curriculum is designed for pupils to experience a breadth of experience across traditional subject areas. These include pathways that will enable pupils to gain GCSE qualifications. Leaders also plan for older pupils to access courses such as BTEC National Diplomas in home cooking or hospitality as well as other suitable courses to develop their life skills.  Leaders do not intend that the school’s post-16 provision will provide a traditional sixth-form experience. Students in the sixth form will likely be working towards suitable qualifications, including functional skills mathematics and English, to enable them to gain access to suitable college or employment-based training courses.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has a suitable programme in place to provide for pupils’ personal, social and health education (PSHE). This includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) across the school. A suitable policy for RSE is in place and published on the school’s website. The proprietor understands the requirement to consult with parents about aspects of this policy.  Arrangements are in place for pupils to receive up-to-date careers information and guidance.  Leaders understand the need to promote British values. Much of this will be covered by the school’s PSHE programme as well as through daily timetabled tutor sessions and other opportunities such assemblies or external visitors to the school. Paragraphs 3–4  The proprietor has already appointed experienced key leaders. These include an inclusion manager and the current chief operations officer, who will act as headteacher of the school in the first instance.

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Main inspection findings

 Most of the formal curriculum will be delivered by suitably qualified teachers. The proprietor is in the process of recruiting staff to ensure that pupils experience high- quality teaching across the curriculum. Leaders understand the importance of appointing the right staff with the right skill sets to deliver a high-quality curriculum.  Leaders have plans to ensure that staff access appropriate opportunities to develop professionally. This includes skills audits, which will identify areas in which staff need to improve practice, including a focus on supporting pupils with complex SEND.  The proprietor has put in place systems to monitor the performance of staff. The appraisal system will include traditional aspects such as lesson visits, scrutiny of pupils’ work, checking staff planning and one-to-one meetings with senior staff. The school has a six-month probationary period, in which all staff will be expected to

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Main inspection findings

achieve set competencies, including in delivering the school’s intended curriculum.  Leaders know that the initial period of integrating pupils into school, which will include assessing pupils’ prior learning across the curriculum, is key to pupils’ future success. Plans are already in place to support this work. Systems to track and assess pupils’ academic and social and emotional development side by side are ready.  Leaders have ensured that all relevant independent school standards (the standards) in part 1 are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  Leaders understand the importance of ensuring that pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is given a high priority. They are able to articulate a strong sense of the ethos of the proposed school, which will promote understanding, tolerance and respect.  Because of the backgrounds of pupils who might attend the school, leaders and staff

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Main inspection findings

attach great importance to developing pupils’ self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Staff will be expected to give this aspect of the school’s provision a high profile in all they say and do.  Aspects such as promoting fundamental British values are embedded across the school’s planned curriculum. Leaders expect that all subject areas will promote aspects of the school’s values and culture. This includes the humanities and arts, giving pupils an understanding of different religions, cultures and beliefs.  The PSHE curriculum underpins pupils’ personal development but includes aspects such as having a multi-cultural staff team sit at the heart of the school’s work to promote pupils’ understanding and respect for other cultures and views.  Leaders have planned a daily timetable which includes tutor time and ‘my time’ at the end of each day. These sessions will give staff and pupils opportunities to explore

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Main inspection findings

specific interests and themes. These might include aspects such as local and national news, or topics that will promote pupils’ understanding of moral questions relating to international events.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in part 2 are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(c), 9–10  The school’s policies, written guidance and procedures to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils are appropriate. The school’s designated safeguarding lead and his deputy have already completed appropriate training to carry out this role.  Key staff will undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their levels of responsibility prior to the school opening. Leaders have a clear understanding of current government guidance linked to keeping children safe in schools. They are experienced in aspects of safeguarding such as ensuring systems to report and record

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Main inspection findings

concerns are used effectively by all staff.  The safeguarding policy is compliant with current guidelines and is published on the school’s website.  Leaders have appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies in place. These are based on those in use in the proprietor’s other school, which is open and judged to be good at its last standard inspection. Leaders intend that the good practice already in place at that school will be replicated here. This includes in setting clear expectations and ensuring that staff are consistent in their approach to managing the behaviour of pupils. Paragraphs 11–16(b)  The school has an appropriate health and safety policy in place. However, its implementation is not yet fully realised due to the premises not yet being ready to occupy. Additionally, although some risk assessments are in place, the school’s fire risk assessment is not fully realised because the refurbishment work currently under way

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Main inspection findings

has not been completed.  Leaders intend those aspects of safety such as the fire risk assessment and maintenance of fire alarms, extinguishers and the like will be completed by external specialist contractors. Other elements such as checks for asbestos or legionnaires’ disease have been completed.  An appropriate first-aid policy is available. Some staff have already completed first-aid training. Other staff will undertake first-aid training as and when they are appointed.  Discussions with leaders indicate that appropriate admission and attendance registers will be maintained. The proprietor’s plans for safe supervision of pupils at all times of the school day are sensible. This is particularly the case when pupils’ social and emotional needs are taken into account.  Not all the relevant standards in part 3 are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–21(3)(b), 21(5)–

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Main inspection findings

21(5(c), 21(6)–21(6)(b)(iii)  The proposed school has an appropriate single central record. Some staff have already been appointed and the correct checks are underway to ensure that these early appointees are suitable to work at the school. Some recruitment checks are complete.  Leaders have a good understanding of the requirements of part 4. They know what checks need to be made and why. Recruitment procedures appear to be suitable. Leaders are knowledgeable about the way part 4 links to current government guidance on recruitment of staff. Leaders have attended appropriate safer recruitment training.  Leaders understand the need for appropriate checks on agency staff.  Leaders have ensured that all the relevant standards in part 4 are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2)–29(1)(b)  The proposed school will occupy what was until recently a modern building occupied

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Main inspection findings

by a technology company. The premises are bright and inviting. The fabric of the building is well maintained, though the proprietor intends to realign some of the accommodation to better meet the needs of staff and pupils.  The grounds are spacious and afford ample parking and wooded and grassed areas which are very suitable for pupils to play outside. Some of the school’s physical education will take place in the grounds. Some will take place off site at local sports facilities.  The accommodation provides for separate toilet and washing facilities for pupils and staff. The acoustics and lighting, both internal and external, are suitable for the intended use of the building.  At the time of this inspection, work had only just started in making the alterations that the proprietor plans. As a result, the accommodation is not yet ready. As a result, a number of standards in part 5 are not met. These include those linked to the medical

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Main inspection findings

room, hot and cold running water in both shower, toilet and medical room facilities, and labelled drinking water. Because of this, paragraph 25 regarding the health, safety and welfare of pupils cannot be ensured at this stage.  Not all the relevant standards in part 5 are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d)–32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website is already available. Key policies are published on the website as required. This includes the school’s complaints procedures and the safeguarding policy, which is compliant with current guidelines. Other policies are available on request.  Leaders have a good understanding of the requirements of part 6. Regular updates and written reports will be provided to parents or carers, as well as local authorities placing pupils at the school.  Leaders are fully conversant with the requirements to report on pupils’ progress and

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Main inspection findings

attainment, as well as to support the annual review process of pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Leaders have ensured that all the relevant standards in part 6 are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of part 7. It sets out clear timescales for the management of any complaint. Leaders demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of the policy and how it will be implemented.  Leaders plan to keep any copies of complaints confidential and available for inspection on the school premises.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in part 7 are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor’s rationale for the proposed school is sound. The school will be run on a similar basis to the proprietor’s school in London, although leaders acknowledge the

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Main inspection findings

subtle differences in some aspects of the context of the proposed school.  The proprietor has already appointed key leaders for the school. The chair of the proprietor body was involved in every meeting of this pre-registration inspection. All leaders present at this inspection have relevant experience of running an independent special school and demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements relating to the standards.  Governance will be provided by the school’s joint directors. Processes and systems are in place to ensure that the proprietor has close oversight of aspects such as the quality of education the proposed school will provide. Suitable oversight of safeguarding and the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff is in place.  Despite leaders having a clear understanding of the standards, not all were found to be met at this inspection. The building work that leaders expected to be complete by

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Main inspection findings

the time of the inspection has not been finished. Leaders expect this work to be completed soon but acknowledge that the school is not yet ready to admit pupils.  Part 8 is not likely to be met because leaders have not ensured that all the relevant standards are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a suitable accessibility plan in place. The proprietor intends to update the plan at appropriate intervals to take into account the school’s pupils and staff. The school is likely to meet paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Odyssey Education Services Limited

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £75,000 to £101,000

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Proposed school details

Email address info@odysseyeducation.org.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 7 to 19 7 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 60 60

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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 Up to 60 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 60

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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 60

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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 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 20

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in a modern building with its own attractive grounds recently vacated by a technology company on the outskirts of Wokingham. The building is currently being refurbished so that it meets all the requirements of the independent school standards, particularly those in parts 3 and 5.  The proprietor is Odyssey Education Services Limited, a company registered at companies house with two joint directors. Odyssey Education Services Limited currently runs one other independent special school situated in Highgate, London.  The school proposes to cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. It is likely that most if not all pupils will have an EHC plan and be placed at the school by local authorities.  There are no plans at present to use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  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 toured the school’s premises and grounds. He reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the single central record, policies, curriculum and assessment information.  The inspector met with the chief executive officer (who is also a director and chair of the proprietor body), the chief operations officer and the headteacher of the proprietor’s other school.  The inspector viewed the site plans that have been drawn up by the proprietor. These

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Information about this inspection

provide a clear vision of the school after the refurbishment work currently under way is completed.

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Inspection team

Clive Close, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; and – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; and – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if– – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.

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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; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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