Lind Broc

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Lind Broc Smallwood Manor, Marchington, Uttoxeter ST14 8NR

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Leaders have a clear vision for the proposed school. They are committed to helping pupils continue with their education while they attend the Tier 4 child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) hospital which sits on the same site. Leaders propose that pupils will remain dual registered with their home school. They intend that they will liaise closely with the home school to provide an individualised programme so that pupils can continue to study a range of subjects.  Leaders plan to ensure that pupils have access to a broad curriculum. They have

p.1

Main inspection findings

already appointed suitably qualified teachers in English, mathematics, science, humanities, physical education, computing and art. Leaders have developed schemes of work which carefully sequence topics so that pupils can learn the right things in the right order.  Leaders have plans to assess pupils when they arrive at the school. They intend to use this information to help identify what pupils know and understand, and where gaps in knowledge might exist. Leaders recognise that their assessment of pupils will play a vital role in helping to support pupils with their education while attending the hospital.  All pupils who attend the proposed school will have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Some pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Leaders intend to gather as much information as possible from the pupil’s home school and their family. This information will be used to help devise an individual

p.1

Main inspection findings

learning plan that will identify specific targets and actions. It is intended that teachers will review this on a half-termly basis. Leaders plan to ensure that all staff receive training on how to support pupils with SEMH needs and how to adapt activities where appropriate.  Leaders are keen to ensure all pupils have access to independent careers advice. It is intended that pupils will have the opportunity to undertake work experience and will have specific lessons in careers as part of their curriculum. Leaders intend to bring in external speakers from different organisations so that pupils are aware of the various pathways available to them when they leave school.  Leaders intend that all pupils will receive lessons in relationships and sex education. This will be delivered in an age-appropriate way and will be sensitive to the needs of pupils who join the proposed school.  These independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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)  Leaders plan to use the proposed school’s personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum to help foster pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils will have timetabled lessons in PSHE education which will run across all key stages.  The PSHE curriculum intends to cover topics including fundamental British values, understanding public institutions and protected characteristics. Leaders plan to establish a school council where pupils can learn about democracy and make suggestions about how the school could improve.  Leaders have developed an interactive inclusion calendar across the academic year with activities for each month. This will include learning about different cultures and

p.2

Main inspection findings

religious events such as Ramadan and Eid.  Leaders plan to offer different wider opportunities for pupils to participate in. They intend to run enrichment days during the school holidays and offer workshops in music and circus skills.  Leaders intend to use form time at the end of the day as a general reflective period, as well as hold one-to-one meetings with pupils.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  All staff will receive training on safeguarding at their induction. Staff will be made aware of what to do if they have a concern about a child and where this information needs to be recorded. A copy of the school’s safeguarding is available on request via email or as a paper copy and is compliant with the latest government guidance.  At the start and end of each day, there will be a handover process where staff from

p.2

Main inspection findings

the hospital plan to speak with leaders regarding any issues or concerns that have emerged. In addition to this, it is expected that there will be monthly meetings that take place with the hospital to discuss individual pupils and what further support they may need.  The headteacher will be the school’s designated safeguarding lead. She is clear about her role and how to make referrals to the local authority. Leaders intend to use an online system to log safeguarding incidents and are clear about how this information is to be shared with hospital staff.  Leaders plan to teach pupils about how to keep themselves safe through the PSHE curriculum. Leaders intend to use national events, such as safer internet day, to help teach pupils how to stay safe online.  Leaders have an appropriate system in place to record incidents of misbehaviour. They intend to use this information to identify any patterns or trends. Leaders plan to

p.2

Main inspection findings

ensure that all teaching staff receive training on managing violence and aggression. Support workers, who will be in the class with teachers, will undertake further training on physical intervention.  Leaders have ensured that a relevant health and safety policy is in place. Appropriate risks and controls have been identified in the main school building. Leaders plan to carry out further risk assessments on all other areas of the proposed school once the building work has been completed.  Leaders have put in place an appropriate first-aid policy. Some leaders intend to complete their first-aid training later this term.  Leaders are in the process of completing their work to ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Order 2005. Leaders have ensured that fire doors are all in place and that fire extinguishers are being fitted throughout the building. Leaders have put together an appropriate fire risk strategy and a protected fire route. They intend to conduct a

p.3

Main inspection findings

full fire risk assessment shortly.  Leaders propose to use an electronic system to record admissions and attendance. This information is compliant with government guidance.  These standards are likely 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), 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), 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) and 21(5)(c)  One leader has undertaken appropriate safer recruitment training. The headteacher intends to complete her training shortly.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Leaders ensure that all appropriate checks are carried out on staff before they begin working at the proposed school. As part of the application process, leaders check to see whether there are any gaps in employment history and seek two references from previous employers. Leaders also ensure that all staff have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  The proposed school’s electronic single central record contains all relevant information in line with government guidance. Staff’s personnel files are all kept securely online and contain all relevant documentation.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff, although they are aware of the relevant checks that need to be carried out and what written confirmation is needed.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26,

p.3

Main inspection findings

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 set in the extensive grounds of Smallwood Manor. The main school building was built in the nineteenth century, with further buildings added in later years. Up until 2021, the grounds were formerly used by a preparatory school.  The main building includes a large main school room, a post-16 space and a separate newly fitted kitchen area. There is a grand dining room that will also be used as a teaching space. All rooms are well lit and are appropriate rooms for teaching. On the first floor, there are two lounge areas, a medical room and a de-escalation room. There are also suitable toilets available throughout the building with hot and cold running water.  There is a separate ‘Tree Tops’ building which offers further accommodation. Inside, there are changing facilities and a large main hall with a stage to be used for indoor

p.4

Main inspection findings

sports and drama performances. This is currently being used to store equipment and materials used by the contractors. There is also a swimming pool which leads directly off from the changing area. There is a further art classroom and three breakout rooms. This building also includes appropriate toilet facilities.  The proposed school grounds also have a forest school area and a Third Generation synthetic surface sports pitch. There is appropriate external lighting around each building.  The Needwood building is not yet ready to accommodate pupils. Leaders are aware that there is work to be done to decorate and equip these rooms, as well as to tidy and resurface the grounds around this building.  Drinking-water, appropriately labelled as such, will be readily available through either water dispensers or the proposed school restaurant area.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information

p.4

Main inspection findings

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), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(b)(i), 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)  The proposed school does not currently have a website. This is under construction and is due to go live shortly.  All school policies, including safeguarding and admissions, are available on request to parents and carers either electronically or as paper copies.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to ensure every registered pupil will receive a report on their progress and attainment.  Leaders plan to ensure that a breakdown of income and expenditure from local authorities for those with an EHC plan is available on request.  These standards are likely to be met. 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),

p.4

Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k)  The proposed school has an appropriate complaints policy in place. This sets out the different stages of a complaint, both informally and formally, and how records of complaints and subsequent actions will be kept.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The chair of the proprietor body has a background as a psychiatric nurse and in supporting children in mental health services. She is keen to ensure that children are successfully supported in their education while attending the hospital.  The chair of the proprietor body has an appropriate understanding of the standards. She plans to meet with leaders on a regular basis to check on their work and provide effective support and challenge. Leaders intend to have standing agenda items as part of their regular meetings with the chair of the proprietor body such as safeguarding,

p.5

Main inspection findings

behaviour and compliance with the standards.  Both the headteacher and deputy headteacher have a background in education. They are committed to supporting the well-being of pupils. Leaders recognise that many pupils who attend the hospital, and subsequently the school, will be at crisis point. They are acutely aware of the need to support young people with their education during this difficult time and provide them with the opportunity to learn, grow and develop.  These standards are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have put together an appropriate accessibility policy and plan. Therefore, they are likely to meet their duties under paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 13 to 18 13 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 56 24

p.7

recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Leaders have not yet started the work to develop and improve the Needwood building of the proposed school. In addition, the proposed school’s current staffing appointments would not support a roll number of 56 pupils. Therefore, I would recommend that the school’s roll be reduced to 24. Leaders agreed that this was a reasonable adjustment to make.

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 56

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable up to 56

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable up to 56

p.8

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 up to 56

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will operate from Smallwood Manor. This is an estate to the south of Uttoxeter set in extensive grounds. The main school building will also comprise a Tier 4 CAMHS hospital. The proposed school intends to provide education for those pupils who are referred to the hospital.  The proposed school does not have a religious ethos.  The proposed school intends to cater for pupils aged between 13 and 18. Pupils will remain dual registered with their home school.  The proposed school plans to cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with SEMH needs. In particular, it will be for those pupils with severe mental health needs who have been admitted to the on-site Tier 4 CAHMS hospital.  The proposed school does not plan to make use of alternative provision.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection 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. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two working days’ notice.  The inspector held meetings with leaders, including the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher and the deputy headteacher.  The inspector looked at several policies and documents to check whether the school is likely to meet the standards and other requirements.  The inspector also conducted a tour of the school premises.

p.9

Inspection team

Mark Howes, 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 .

p.9

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.

p.10

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 .

p.10

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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.10