Compass Community School Lincolnshire

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Compass Community School Lincolnshire 3 Raynes Way, Syston, Leicestershire LE7 1PF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d)  At the previous standard inspection, inspectors found that some staff did not have the specialist knowledge they needed to deliver the curriculum consistently. At times, staff did not choose the most suitable ways to teach pupils new information.  Leaders had not ensured that the curriculum was adapted well enough to meet the needs of all pupils. Staff were not fully aware of pupils’ precise needs. Pupils’ targets and recommended support strategies were not specific enough. As a result, pupils struggled to work independently. They needed significant support to help complete tasks. They were not knowing and remembering more of the intended curriculum.  Since the previous inspection, leaders have provided staff with regular training and guidance related to the planned curriculum. Leaders ensure that staff understand the

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Main inspection findings

requirements of the intended curriculum and have the specialist knowledge they need. Leaders have set high expectations for staff and pupils. These expectations are consistently met. Teachers and support staff implement the planned curriculum effectively. Staff choose suitable ways and resources to teach pupils.  Staff ensure that pupils build on what they have learned previously. Staff help to fill any knowledge gaps pupils may have. Pupils’ learning is well ordered, enabling them to learn the intended curriculum. Staff regularly revisit learning, enabling pupils to know more and remember more. Pupils are increasingly able to work independently.  Leaders have ensured that staff know and understand precisely the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff adapt what and how they teach to meet pupils’ needs. For example, staff break down the curriculum into

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Main inspection findings

manageable chunks, set short tasks and provide appropriate emotional and learning support.  Leaders have developed clear ways of checking pupils’ learning. Leaders make sure that pupils’ needs are assessed as part of their induction to the school. Leaders use this assessment information, as well as targets set out in education, health and care plans (EHC plan), to create detailed individual learning plans. Staff use and regularly review these individual learning plans to determine pupils’ success and to set subsequent targets. Leaders work with external agencies to determine and provide additional support when needed.  The requirements of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 23(1)(c)  At the previous standard inspection, inspectors judged that safeguarding was effective.  Leaders have maintained a strong culture of safeguarding. The safeguarding policy is

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Main inspection findings

readily available on request. The policy reflects the latest statutory guidance.  Leaders fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities well. They make sure that pre- employment checks are completed before adults start working at the school.  Leaders ensure that staff receive regular training and updates. Staff know and understand their responsibilities well. They know and understand pupils’ backgrounds and contexts well.  Leaders take appropriate steps when there are concerns about pupils’ welfare. Leaders work with external professionals when needed.  Pupils are confident to share any concerns with staff. Staff and pupils say that pupils are safe.  These requirements of the 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 previous standard inspection, inspectors determined that the proprietor and governing body had not ensured that leaders were following the company’s well-

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Main inspection findings

established systems and procedures as closely as they needed to. They had not done enough to ensure that the curriculum for each pupil was of consistently high quality. Leaders had not ensured that the school consistently met all the standards.  Since the previous inspection, the proprietor has appointed a new head of school. Company officers have provided thorough induction training. They and school leaders have strengthened the school’s vision and provision. Leaders and staff implement policies consistently. Leaders ensure that staff are supported to implement the planned curriculum effectively. Leaders make sure that staff adapt what and how they teach to meet the needs of individual pupils.  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. They ensure that the standards are met securely and consistently.  The requirements of the standard in this part 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 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.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 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; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; and – 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 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; and – 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

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 1

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School details

Headteacher Joanna Cliffe (Regional Executive Headteacher) Craig Prestidge (Head of School) Annual fees (day pupils) £62,500

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School details

Email address joanna.cliffe@compass-schools.org

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 18 to 20 October 2022

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Information about this school

 The school’s previous standard inspection was in October 2022. The school received an overall judgement of requires improvement.  The head of school started working at the school in November 2022.  The school provides for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Most pupils have an EHC plan.  Pupils who are above the compulsory school age pursue a curriculum that is appropriate to their needs, including preparing them for adulthood.  The school does not use any alternative provisions.

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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 was the school’s first progress monitoring inspection. The inspection was carried out without notice.  The Department for Education (DfE) required the school to submit an action plan. Ofsted evaluated this action plan on 10 February 2023.  The DfE accepted the school’s action plan on 24 March 2023.  The inspector met with the head of school, who is also the special educational needs coordinator and the designated safeguarding lead.  The inspector met the regional executive headteacher and the director of education services remotely.  The inspector visited lessons, reviewed pupils’ workbooks and spoke with pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector reviewed a range of documents and policies, including those related to curriculum and safeguarding. He reviewed the single central record and sampled safeguarding records.

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Inspection team

Chris Davies, 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

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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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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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