Rodenhurst School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Rodenhurst School Rodenhurst Business Park, Rodenhurst Lane, Roddington, Shropshire SY4 4QU

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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(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d) and 3(e)  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors found that leaders were providing an unacceptable quality of education to pupils. The school’s curriculum was poorly planned, and the skills and knowledge that pupils were expected to learn were disconnected and jumbled. Additionally, curriculum plans were not well matched to pupils’ needs.  Leaders have rewritten the curriculum policy and ensured it is published on the school’s website.  Leaders have begun to develop schemes of work that take into account pupils’ prior skills and knowledge. Each subject has sequenced plans. Leaders are working collaboratively with other schools to ensure that the schemes of work are progressive and build up pupils’ learning. However, these are at an early stage of development, and they are not

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Main inspection findings

yet being implemented consistently.  Leaders have raised staff’s expectations of pupils. Pupils are now completing work that matches leaders’ raised expectations. However, there is still work to do to ensure that all pupils achieve well. Teachers do not consistently demonstrate the skills to be able to teach their new subject plans effectively.  Leaders have begun to support staff to be able to deliver the intended curriculum effectively. They understand the importance of high-quality training and support for teachers. However, this training is in its infancy. Plans are in place for subject leaders to work with external advisers to receive coaching and mentoring to support them to monitor their subjects effectively.  As this work is incomplete, the independent school standards (the standards) remain un- met. Paragraph 3(h)  At the time of the previous inspection, pupils’ behaviour was poor. Staff did not follow

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Main inspection findings

the behaviour plans and as a result, pupils’ learning was significantly disrupted.  Leaders have worked quickly to train staff to manage pupils’ behaviour. They have also ensured that staff know and follow the individual behaviour plans for pupils. Staff feel far more confident in managing challenging behaviour.  The impact of this work was noted by pupils, who said behaviour had improved significantly and lessons were rarely disrupted. This view was also shared by parents who spoke very positively about how behaviour has improved.  This standard is now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, arrangements to safeguard pupils were not effective. Leaders did not ensure that staff consistently followed procedures designed to keep pupils safe from harm. Leaders had not made sure that checks on pupils who were absent from school were carried out.

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Main inspection findings

 Since then, leaders have implemented a new system for tracking pupils’ attendance and implemented a clear process of actions to take when pupils are absent. Pupils’ attendance has improved considerably. If a pupil is absent, there is a system in place to check on the safety and welfare of the pupil.  The school’s safeguarding policy complies with current guidance and is published on its website.  These standards are now met. Paragraphs 9, 9(b), 11, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  At the time of the last inspection, inspectors found that the proprietor was failing to promote good behaviour. The behaviour policy was implemented inconsistently. This was having a negative impact on the well-being of pupils. Leaders were failing to promote the welfare of pupils. The school’s health and safety policy was not suitable, and leaders had not paid due regard to the risks associated with educating pupils on the school site.

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Main inspection findings

They were failing to take appropriate action to minimise these risks.  Leaders have worked quickly to ensure that staff have the training to implement the behaviour policy effectively and with confidence. Staff are aware of and follow the individual pupil risk assessments. Staff consistently follow the plans to manage pupils’ behaviour and the risks for individual pupils.  Leaders have updated their health and safety policy. The school has a range of risk assessments which are completed in line with the risk assessment policy.  A tour of the school’s premises showed that the school building was well maintained. Any trip hazards have been clearly identified and are now visible. The proprietor has ensured that the health and safety requirements are being met.  All previously un-met standards in this part are now met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a) and 25

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Main inspection findings

 At the time of the last inspection, leaders had not ensured that there was a suitable medical room for the treatment of pupils. Leaders had also failed to make sure the school premises were maintained to a suitable standard. For example, leaders had not carried out legionella surveys or maintained the school’s water supply at a temperature safe for usage.  Leaders have ensured that all of the appropriate checks are now in place. The water temperature is checked regularly and does not present a risk of scalding. Leaders have ensured that a legionella survey has been carried out.  The medical room is well presented and suitable for the treatment of pupils.  All previously un-met standards in this part are now met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders were not carrying out their roles effectively, and they had not ensured that the standards were consistently met.

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Main inspection findings

Additionally, leaders were not actively promoting the well-being of pupils.  It is clear that a lot of work has been completed to address some of the issues identified at the last inspection. The proprietor has ensured that external support has been put in place and this is supporting leaders to address identified issues.  The way that the management board holds leaders to account is more effective. This means that the proprietor has a more accurate picture of the school’s effectiveness.  Although there has been significant progress in managing pupils’ behaviour, there is still work to do to continue to develop the school’s curriculum and quality of its implementation.  These standards remain un-met. Paragraph 34(1)(c)  At the previous inspection leaders had not ensured that the well-being of pupils was being promoted effectively.  The proprietor and those responsible for governance have ensured that pupils’ behaviour

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Main inspection findings

is managed effectively. They now check on absent pupils to see if they are safe and well. The standards relating to pupils’ safety and well-being are now met.  This standard is now being met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school now has an accessibility plan in place.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Email address rodenhurst.school@family-care.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 10 to 12 May 2022

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Information about this school

 Rodenhurst School is part of the Family Care Group. The school offers places for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties and special educational needs and/or disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and associated conditions. Places are also offered to pupils who have experienced childhood trauma.  Leaders do not make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This progress monitoring inspection was carried out without notice and lasted one day.  This was the school’s first monitoring inspection since its last standard inspection in May 2022, at which it was judged inadequate.  The school was required to prepare an action plan as a result of non-compliance with the independent school standards following the previous standard inspection. The proposed action plan was judged to be unsatisfactory in December 2022 and was rejected by the Department for Education.  The inspector met with the head of education, the head of school and the proprietor on

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Information about this inspection

site.  The inspector visited lessons, looked at books and met with pupils.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents and records relating to safeguarding, attendance, risk assessments and the curriculum.

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Inspection team

Eve Morris, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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;3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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 standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1)(c)actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The school now meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The school has an accessibility plan. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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