Sunflower Meadow Farm School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Sunflower Meadow Farm School Hillcrescent Farm, Birmingham Road, Water Orton, Birmingham B46 1TG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a) and 2(2)(b)  The proprietor intends that the school will provide full-time education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is expected that all pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum policy in place, supported by suitable schemes of work. Pupils are to have individualised learning plans that take account of their needs and their EHC targets. Leaders have considered the range of needs pupils are likely to have. They have suitable plans in place to ensure that there will be the resource and expertise to meet these needs.  The planned curriculum provides a broad range of subjects. A range of additional, farm-based activities, including working with therapy animals on the farm, is likely to

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Main inspection findings

support academic learning.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable programme for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in place. The programme enables pupils to learn about equality, fundamental British values and healthy relationships. In conjunction with a programme of assemblies, it intends to prepare pupils for life in British society through opportunities to understand and contribute to the wider community.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(2), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g) and 2A(2)  Leaders have ensured that a relationships and sex education (RSE) policy is in place which provides for consultation with parents and ensures that parents’ requests to

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Main inspection findings

withdraw pupils from RSE would be taken into account. The programme for RSE is likely to provide age-appropriate RSE for all pupils.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  The proprietor intends that the planned curriculum will be effectively delivered by the employment of qualified teachers and support staff who have extensive experience of working with pupils with SEND.  An assessment framework has been developed that should enable teachers to plan teaching and learning that takes pupils’ needs and abilities into account and supports pupils to build on what they already know.  Leaders have developed plans to use the farm site and the resident therapy animals to provide a range of activities to support pupils’ social and emotional development as well as their academic learning.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards 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(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has ensured that a PSHE programme is in place to support pupils to learn about a range of different religions, beliefs and cultures. Pupils are to learn about the protected characteristics and fundamental British values. Assemblies will aim to develop pupils’ ability to demonstrate respect and tolerance of others, and show their understanding of democracy and the rule of law.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy follows all statutory guidance. The school does not have a website but the policy is to be made available on request.  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities to keep children safe. They have completed appropriate training, including safer recruitment training, to ensure that they can carry these out. They have designed a programme of training for all staff from induction and beyond, including updates and refreshers. They are fully aware of contextual safeguarding risks and the needs of the pupils who will attend this school.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  Leaders have drawn up appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies. These focus

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Main inspection findings

on rewarding good behaviour and helping pupils to understand the impact of any poor behaviour, such as bullying. These policies are likely to be implemented effectively.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  Suitable policies are in place for health and safety, fire safety, first aid and risk assessment.  The first-aid policy sets out what treatment will be available at the school and who should provide it. There is provision for recording all incidents requiring first aid.  The proprietor has made arrangements for an annual fire safety audit. At the most recent check, leaders followed up minor deficiencies quickly.  The health and safety policy reflects all relevant legislation. It sets out the responsibilities of all parties.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 14 and 15  The school is not yet operating. As such, no pupils are currently attending. However, leaders know what to include on the admissions register and how they will record pupils’ attendance, in accordance with (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The supervision policy sets out how leaders will take the needs of pupils into account to determine the level of supervision required.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 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), 19(1), 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), 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), 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), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  The proprietor has prepared a single central record which includes all required pre- employment checks on staff.  Leaders demonstrated a detailed understanding of the requirements of part four of

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Main inspection findings

the independent school standards. They are aware of the checks required to be undertaken before a member of staff can begin working at the proposed school.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is situated within a farm. There are extensive grounds which include the proprietor’s private residence. This residence is fenced off from the school area.  The site is well maintained. The proprietor makes regular checks for any maintenance needs. The proprietor intends to employ a site manager when the school opens.  Two buildings have been converted for classroom use. They have appropriate lighting, acoustics and heating. A building just within the gates has been converted into a reception office, where visitors will register their presence and any necessary checks will be undertaken.  Outdoor lighting is in place in all appropriate areas.

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Main inspection findings

 There are separate toilets for pupils, which have internal locks. These are adjacent to the medical room, which is always available for use and has its own washbasin.  There is an outdoor area for play, including a covered area for rainy days. These are away from the farm’s animal enclosures.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 3 2(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f) and 32(3)(g)  All information requested for inspection was provided immediately. There are suitable arrangements in place to ensure that parents are provided with all relevant information on request.  Leaders intend to provide parents with reports on pupils’ achievement twice per year. These will include information about academic progress and attainment, progress towards EHC plan targets and behaviour and attitudes to learning.  Leaders have made provision for annual reports of expenditure to any local authority that may refer pupils to the school. They are aware of their responsibility to provide information for local authorities in relation to any child in their care who attends the

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Main inspection findings

school.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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) and 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable policy is in place which reflects all statutory requirements and is available on request. The policy allows for complaints to be addressed informally where possible. Where informal responses are not satisfactory to the complainant, the policy sets out the further processes and timescales clearly.  Leaders have ensured that confidential records of complaints can be kept securely.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c) and 34(2)  The proprietor has made sure that the prospective school leader has the skills and knowledge to ensure that the independent school standards are met consistently.  Leaders are clear about what they want the pupils at their school to achieve and how they will secure those outcomes. They have thought about the range of needs that pupils are likely to have and planned the range of resources and approaches that will support them.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to ensure that they actively promote the well- being of their pupils.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

School status 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

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 6 to 11 6 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

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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 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 20 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

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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 20

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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 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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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 Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will make provision for boys and girls from Year 1 to Year 6.  The school will offer places to pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils may also have other needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attachment disorders.  All pupils are expected to have an EHC plan and to be placed at the school by local authorities.  The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspection considered the school’s compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector met with the proprietor and the headteacher.  The inspector visited and reviewed all internal and external areas of the proposed school.

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Inspection team

Mel Ford, 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

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Inspection team

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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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