Welden School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Welden School Whispering Trees CIC, Shardlow Road, Aston-on-Trent, Derby DE72 2AN

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders have ensured that there is a written curriculum policy in place. The policy is supported by appropriate schemes of work in a variety of subjects. These include English, mathematics, science, art, design and technology and religious education (RE).  The schemes of work consider the ages, aptitudes and needs of pupils with education, health and care plans (EHC plan). Teachers will consider the targets on pupils’ EHC plans when planning lessons. Additional adults will provide extra help and support when required.  The schemes of work will give pupils experience of linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. The schemes of work do not undermine the fundamental British values of, for example, individual liberty and tolerance and respect of those with different faiths and beliefs.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will have the opportunity to gain GCSE qualifications in English and mathematics. Leaders propose that various award scheme development and accreditation network qualifications will be available in areas such as personal development, citizenship and employability. Leaders will provide pupils with the opportunity to gain entry-level qualifications in science.  Leaders will ensure that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. This includes those pupils who are not yet confident or fluent readers. Leaders propose to offer these pupils appropriate support, including developing their phonic knowledge. The English curriculum will provide pupils with a broad range of different texts and genres.  Pupils will have the opportunity to learn about and care for various animals such as rabbits, goats, guinea pigs and horses. Pupils will also be able to develop their interest in plants and agriculture through purpose-built polytunnels and greenhouse.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii)  Leaders propose that pupils will receive up-to-date careers advice and guidance using nationally recognised benchmarks. There are existing links with local colleges and employers. During ‘employability studies’, pupils will learn about enterprise and how to work as part of a team.  Leaders will ensure that pupils receive their careers advice and guidance from an impartial and independent source. This will help pupils make an informed choice about their next steps in employment, education or training. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a)–2A(2)  The proposed scheme of work for pupils to receive age-appropriate relationships and sex education is comprehensive. Pupils will learn about different kinds of families, relationships and how to identify harmful online behaviours.  Leaders will liaise with parents and carers when reviewing this content. Leaders will provide further information on the school’s website.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3–3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders will use information from parents and the pupils’ previous school or setting when determining pupils’ different starting points. Pupils will undertake baseline assessments in English, mathematics and science. This information will help teachers to identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge and skills and plan appropriate lessons.  Leaders have an appropriate framework in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly. Teachers will use questioning, live marking and quick quizzes to help determine the content that pupils have remembered. There will also be end-of-topic tests. These will inform teachers of any content that may need to be revisited.  Qualified, specialist teachers will ensure that lessons are well planned and that effective teaching methods are used. Teachers will have good subject knowledge and understanding of the subject matter to be taught. Leaders are in the process of

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Main inspection findings

purchasing appropriate classroom resources.  The proprietor will ensure that staff are implementing the proposed curriculum as intended. Frequent classroom visits, pupil interviews, workbook scrutiny and the moderation of pupils’ work will help to ensure that pupils are making good progress.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 5–5(d)(iii)  Leaders will adopt an appropriate personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum. It will reflect the school’s aims and ethos and encourage respect for other people. The proposed PSHE curriculum will pay regard to protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders will ensure that the proposed PSHE curriculum promotes British values of, for example, democracy and the rule of law. Teachers’ lesson plans will show how these

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Main inspection findings

aspects of British values are incorporated into lessons.  Morning and end-of-day meetings will give pupils the opportunity to discuss different social and moral issues with adults and with each other. The proposed PSHE curriculum will give staff frequent opportunities to improve pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem.  Teachers will develop pupils’ understanding of their own and other faiths and cultures. The RE curriculum, along with planned visits to different local places of worship, will improve pupils’ understanding of, for example, Islam. Pupils will learn about different cultural foods, clothing, festivals and traditions.  Leaders intend for pupils to contribute to the lives of those living locally and to society more widely by supporting different charities. Leaders have plans for pupils to visit places of interest, such as local parks and museums.  Leaders will make frequent visits to classrooms and check pupils’ workbooks to assure

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Main inspection findings

themselves that staff do not promote partisan political views.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in these parts. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  Leaders have prioritised safeguarding. They are aware of the increased safeguarding challenges that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) may face. Leaders and staff have undergone appropriate safeguarding training. They are aware of the latest statutory guidance.  Staff will be able to share daily with leaders any safeguarding or welfare concerns they may have about a pupil. Leaders will provide staff with frequent safeguarding updates at the weekly staff meeting.  Leaders have an appropriate system in place for staff to record any safeguarding concerns that they may have about a pupil. The system has opportunities for leaders to record any subsequent actions and contact with outside agencies, such as the

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Main inspection findings

police or social care. There are body maps available for staff to record any unexplained marks or bruises on pupils.  Leaders know what to do should a concern be raised about the actions of an adult. Leaders will ensure that staff know how to raise such concerns, including by alerting the local authority designated officer.  The proposed site is remote. However, leaders have ensured that there is appropriate fencing and other safeguards in place to deter pupils from absconding. Warning signs and risk assessments are in place for potentially dangerous areas of the site, such as the pond and the building used for storing agricultural equipment and chemicals.  Leaders are clear about the procedures to follow should any pupils be educated off site, including at any alternative provision. School staff will accompany the pupils on any such arrangements. This will help to ensure pupils’ safety.  The proposed PSHE curriculum will develop pupils’ understanding of how to stay safe.

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Main inspection findings

This will include the potential dangers of using the internet, as well as drug and alcohol abuse.  The school’s proposed safeguarding policy meets statutory requirements. When the school’s website is complete, the policy will be available for parents to download. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9–9(c)  The school has an appropriate behaviour policy. Staff will use the guidance in the policy during lessons and social times to ensure good pupil behaviour and appropriate routines. Staff will reward pupils’ good behaviour through stickers and certificates. They will spend time developing an understanding of pupils’ potential triggers. Pupils can use a ‘grump-o-meter’ to explain to staff how they are feeling. Leaders are confident that this work will help lead to fewer incidents of poor behaviour.  Leaders will keep records of any serious incidents of poor behaviour. They are clear that suspensions and exclusions will only be used as a last resort.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 10  The school has an anti-bullying policy. The policy makes it clear to staff what bullying is and the different forms it can take. The policy recognises the importance of supporting both the victim and the perpetrator after any bullying incidents have occurred. The policy explains to staff the steps that they should take should they witness, or receive a report of, a bullying incident. Paragraphs 11–13  Leaders have ensured that there are appropriate health and safety and first-aid policies in place. Some staff have already received first-aid and health and safety training. First-aid boxes are well stocked and checked frequently. There is an accident book to record any trips or falls. Leaders have received medicine-dispensing training.  A fire risk assessment has been completed. Leaders ensure weekly and monthly checks of, for example, fire extinguishers, fire doors, the alarm system and various

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Main inspection findings

call points. The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Paragraph 14  Leaders will ensure that the pupils are appropriately supervised by staff during lessons, social times and when out on educational visits. Paragraph 15  Leaders will ensure that the admission register meets statutory requirements. Daily registers will be kept, allowing staff to look for any patterns or trends of absence. Leaders will work closely with parents should any pupil’s attendance become a concern. Paragraph 16–16(b)  The school has a risk assessment policy. The policy explains how pupils will have their own dynamic risk assessments. These assessments will cater for any changes in risk that might occur during the day. Leaders know to share with staff any such changes.  Leaders understand the importance of ensuring that risk assessments are completed for off-site visits. They know that these risk assessments should be specific to the

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Main inspection findings

pupils who are attending.  Leaders have current risk assessments in place for the site and the control of substances hazardous to health requirements.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in these parts. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1)–21(3)(b)  Leaders have received safer recruitment training. They are knowledgeable regarding the statutory pre-employment checks that need to be undertaken before an adult can start to work at the school. These checks include reference requests from previous employers.  Leaders will record the statutory recruitment checks on an electronic single central record.  Leaders do not intend to use the services of supply staff.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  The proposed site has a suitable toilet facility that is for the sole use of pupils. The

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Main inspection findings

facility can be secured from the inside and is intended for use by one pupil at a time. The facility has an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk to users.  Leaders plan to use a local leisure centre for pupils’ physical education lessons. Pupils will be able to use suitable changing rooms and showers at the centre. Paragraph 24(1)–24(1)(b)  There is suitable accommodation for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. It includes a washing facility and is close to the toilet. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27–27(b)  The proposed school premises are brand new and of a good standard. They are maintained well and will ensure pupils’ health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.  The lighting and acoustic conditions in the classrooms are suitable. There is external lighting to help ensure that pupils, staff and visitors can leave safely when it is dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2)–28(2)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 Drinking-water is available to pupils and is marked as such. Paragraph 29(1)–29(1)(b)  There is a suitable outdoor area for pupils to socialise and play outside.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(i), 32(2)–32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(e), 32(3)(g)  The school does not yet have a website. However, leaders are aware of the information, policies and documents that need to be published on it for parents once it is available.  Parents will be able to request paper copies of other policies and documents that will not be available to download from the website.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3), 32(3)(f), 33–33(k)  The complaints policy explains to parents the procedures to follow should they wish to

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Main inspection findings

make a complaint against the school. For example, the policy explains that a complaint can be made or considered initially on an informal basis and that a parent can attend and be accompanied by a friend or relative to a panel hearing if they wish.  Leaders will keep written records of any complaints received and any subsequent actions taken by the school.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the three senior leaders who jointly run the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles.  Leaders have taken appropriate and effective action to ensure that the school is likely to meet all the standards. This includes pupils’ safety and their safeguarding.  The proprietor will be ‘hands-on’ at the school. It will be at the school most days. Therefore, the proprietor will be able to gain the views of pupils and staff frequently,

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Main inspection findings

check on the quality of education and observe the day-to-day routines and running of the school.  The proprietor has appointed an experienced and knowledgeable advisory board. Its members intend to visit the school frequently and find out for themselves what is working well and where improvements could be made. They will be able to provide the proprietor with reports and frequent feedback about how well the school is performing. The advisory board will further enable the proprietor to hold the three joint senior leaders to account for their actions.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan contains up-to-date statutory guidance. It explains how the school will ensure that pupils with SEND can access the school site and curriculum.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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

Headteachers Dave Butcher, Louise Oladeji and Tim Strutz

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Proposed school details

Email address g.pearson@whisperingtrees.co.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 10 to 16 10 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 9 9

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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 9 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 9

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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 9

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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 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 8

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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 is located in Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire. It will provide full-time education for up to nine pupils with SEND aged from 10 to 16 years old. The school will cater for pupils with high anxiety and social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils will have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. All pupils will have an EHC plan.  Pupils will attend the proposed school from 9am to 4pm from April to September and from 9am to 3pm from October to March. They will attend for three full days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and for a half day on Tuesday mornings from 9am to 12.30pm. Pupils will attend the school for 41 weeks of the year and have a shorter summer holiday.  Pupils will average just over 23 hours per week at the proposed school. Leaders propose that pupils will also be offered off-site experiences and a residential during the holidays.  Pupils will attend the school from different local authorities.

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Information about this proposed school

 Leaders may use the services of alternative provisions.  The proprietor operates an unregistered alternative provision on part of the site at which the proposed new school will be located. This alternative provision, called Whispering Trees, will be separate from the proposed new school. Should the new school be registered, a maximum of six pupils will attend this alternative provision from that point onwards. Consequently, there will be no more than 15 pupils on the whole site at any one time.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the three senior leaders who jointly run the school and four members of the advisory board.  The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site. He scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies and schemes of work.  The inspector checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff’s recruitment.

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Inspection team

Peter Stonier, 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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