The Becklands School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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The Becklands School Unit 18, Becklands Park Industrial Estate, York Road, Market Weighton YO43 3GA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i)  At the time of the previous inspection, concerns were raised about aspects of the school’s curriculum. Inspectors noted that there was a lack of clarity about some areas of learning, not least with the land-based studies.  Leaders have revisited their vision in all areas of the curriculum. A new leader has been appointed to support the headteacher’s oversight of the school curriculum. Leaders are now clear about the purpose and intention of learning in all subjects.  In the land-based studies, for example, a member of staff now has sole responsibility for the planning and delivery of this subject. Curriculum plans are in place which outline the content that pupils learn over time. The structure of the curriculum allows pupils to work towards an appropriate external qualification.  This independent school standard is now met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(a)  At the time of the previous inspection, the breadth of the school’s curriculum was limited. Pupils were not, for example, studying either physical education (PE) or computing.  The curriculum has since been broadened. The timetables for all pupils include opportunities to study computing and take part in PE sessions at least once per week. Pupils confirmed with the inspector that they are benefiting from these opportunities.  Having ensured the curriculum is in place, leaders are continuing to refine their teaching plans in these subjects.  This independent school standard is now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, some of the risk assessments in place did not accurately identify potential risks.  The management of risk assessments has since been overhauled. A designated leader has responsibility for the management of these. The risk assessment process now

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Main inspection findings

identifies potential hazards and allows staff to evaluate the likely risks when taking pupils off site. Risk assessments are routinely linked to the behaviour profiles of individual pupils.  The samples of risk assessments reviewed as part of this inspection were appropriate to be used before taking pupils off site.  This independent school standard is now met. Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, the arrangements in place to safeguard pupils were considered to be effective.  Since then, leaders have continued to ensure that safeguarding has a high priority in the school. Staff training allows staff to keep up to date with local reporting arrangements in place. These systems are well known by staff.  The sample of pupil records reviewed during this inspection suggests that, where concerns have arisen, staff take appropriate actions to keep pupils safe. These include liaising with external agencies where appropriate.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders are aware that some of the actions that have been taken in response to concerns identified could be detailed more accurately on the school’s management information system.  Although the school has only been open for a limited amount of time, leaders have sensible plans in place to track the frequency of safeguarding concerns over time. They expect this information to help them to spot relevant trends. They have plans to use the information to pre-empt concerns and to help finetune lessons designed to help keep pupils safe.  These independent school standards continue to be met. Paragraph 11, 12, 14  At the time of the previous inspection, all standards relating to the adherence to health and safety laws and guidance, including fire safety guidance, were met. The standards relating to the appropriate supervision of pupils were also met.  A tour of the premises, including observations of lessons and other activities, was

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Main inspection findings

conducted during this inspection. Records of work undertaken to maintain the premises were reviewed. Audits of health and safety checks were considered. As part of an expansion of the premises, leaders have recently purchased additional fire exit signs.  Although the evidence shows that these important checks are happening, it was noted that some aspects of leaders’ internal record-keeping for health and safety checks could be strengthened. For example, although fire extinguishers have been checked regularly, both internally and by external contractors, leaders were aware that their lists of checks did not align with the dates of checks seen on the fire extinguishers themselves. This is no more than an administrative oversight, but it is important that this is addressed.  These independent school standards continue 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),

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Main inspection findings

18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 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(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, all standards relating to the suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors were met.  The single central record is used to record all recruitment checks. This was checked during this inspection. It was found to be compliant with current legislation.  These independent school standards continue to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, the medical room was not fit for purpose. The room also contained office equipment. There was insufficient space to erect a bed for sick pupils.  The medical aid room is now suitable. It has a washing facility. The room is used only for first aid purposes. The office equipment has been removed from this room. A sick bed is permanently available.  These independent school standards are now met. Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 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), 29(1)(b), 29(2)  At the time of the previous inspection, all other standards in part 5 were met.  A tour of the school was conducted during this progress monitoring inspection. All areas of the school were visited. No issues of concern relating to the premises were identified.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have expanded the number of rooms being used at the school. They have ensured that the new rooms are suitable for teaching and learning.  Should the number of pupils at the school increase in the future, leaders have appropriate plans in place to change some of the designated staff and pupil toilets in the school.  Showers and changing facilities are provided in a well-maintained, freestanding classroom. Should the number of pupils at the school increase in the future, leaders have plans to change this classroom into an additional teaching room. while providing a separate changing and shower facility.  These independent school standards continue to be 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, inspectors noted that leaders were not fully aware of certain requirements of the independent school standards. Some standards were

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Main inspection findings

unmet. Of these, some had a direct impact on the outcomes for pupils.  Additional personnel have joined the senior leadership team. The weaknesses from the previous inspection have been prioritised. The unmet standards in parts 1, 3 and 5 have been appropriately addressed.  As such, these independent school standards are now met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets 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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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work – 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– – 2(2)(a) full time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.

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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– – 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

 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 – 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.

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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.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

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School details

Email address steven.hobden@thebecklands.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 21 to 23 September 2022

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Information about this school

 The school is registered to take pupils up to the age of 18. Currently, there are no students registered in the sixth form.  The school does not use any alternative providers of education.  Most pupils access some sessions of land-based learning, the majority of which takes place at a local farm.  A standard inspection of the school took place in September 2022. The school was judged to require improvement.

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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.  The inspection was conducted without notice.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other senior leaders. He met with staff and pupils. He spoke by telephone to the proprietor.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents, policies and records relating to safeguarding and incidents of behaviour. Checks made on new staff were reviewed.  The inspector toured all areas of the building on the main school site.

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The school’s proposed change to the maximum number of pupils

The school has applied to the Department for Education (DfE) to make a ‘material change’ to its registration. At the DfE’s request, we checked whether the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the change. This part of the inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002.  The outcome of this part of the inspection is: the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented.  The application is to increase the maximum number of pupils from 10 to 20. Leaders have recruited additional staff to prepare for this change. They have expanded the premises and opened additional classrooms in the school. They have already considered further changes to the premises, such as redesignating specific toilet facilities for pupils, should the DfE approve this change.

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The school’s proposed change to the maximum number of pupils

 It should be noted that although the school is registered to admit pupils aged 11 to 18 (from key stages 3, 4 and 5), the school has not, to date, had any key stage 5 students on roll. As such, the curriculum in key stage 5 is less refined than the curriculum in key stages 3 and 4. Although this limitation should not impact the material change request, the school is recommended to carefully consider the rate at which key stage 5 pupils are admitted.

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Inspection team

James Duncan, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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