Salford Farm Outdoor Learning Centre

School pre-registration inspection report

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Salford Farm Outdoor Learning Centre Salford Court Farm House, Clifton-on-Teme, Worcester WR6 6EW

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 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)(g), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), specifically with autism spectrum disorder. All pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The proprietor intends to provide a broad and relevant curriculum that has pupils’ personal development at the core. Pupils are likely to also work towards achieving appropriate academic and vocational qualifications. The curriculum will consist of ten strands and will include English, mathematics, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, science, humanities, physical education, art and design or music and computing. Alongside this curriculum, pupils are to receive therapeutic input and

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Main inspection findings

work towards gaining vocational skills to prepare them for their future. A curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place to facilitate this range of study.  The proprietor intends to ensure that leaders conduct a thorough admissions process. This is likely to involve a comprehensive review of the proposed pupils’ EHC plans and baseline assessments to accurately identify pupils’ needs and aspirations. Based on the information gathered, an individualised timetable is to be constructed to ensure that all provision builds on what pupils already know. It is intended that the curriculum will incorporate pupils’ interests and ambitions as well as addressing the barriers to learning that they are likely to have.  Through daily session contracts and weekly meetings with pupils, staff are to ensure that any adjustments to provision or additional support needed help pupils to achieve success.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor recognises that pupils who will attend the proposed school may have significant barriers to learning. The proprietor intends for the school to re-engage pupils in education and prepare them for a successful future as an adult. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable programme planned to provide pupils with a range of skills required for the world of work. The plans include opportunities for pupils to have impartial careers guidance, work placements and college visits. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g) and 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate policy and scheme of work in place to deliver the statutory relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum. This includes a focus on healthy relationships, gender identity and consent.  The proprietor intends to complete a consultation with parents and carers about the

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Main inspection findings

RSE curriculum. The RSE policy outlines the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child fully, or partly, from sex education lessons. Paragraph 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 has significant leadership experience in independent special schools and shows a good understanding of how teaching needs to be adapted to meet the needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder. He demonstrates a secure understanding of the knowledge and skills that potential staff will need to have to be successful when working with the proposed pupils.  Central staff already working for the proprietor demonstrate a high level of expertise in their area of responsibility. This includes expertise in curriculum design and in teaching and learning.  A rigorous quality assurance system has been designed to ensure that staff employed will develop and build their knowledge and skills so that teaching is effective.

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Main inspection findings

 There are clear and comprehensive systems in place to enable staff to make accurate assessments of pupils’ progress over time. These include daily discussions with pupils about their academic and personal targets. These systems are likely to ensure that the provision can be suitably adapted to meet pupils’ needs.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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)  Through the PSHE curriculum, pupils are likely to develop an appropriate knowledge and understanding of our diverse society. It is also likely to ensure that pupils are encouraged to develop both tolerance and respect for other people, paying regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

 The PSHE curriculum sets out explicitly how pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development will be supported. This includes a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ knowledge about themselves and the building up of their self-esteem.  There are a range of opportunities throughout the curriculum for pupils to explore other fundamental British values such as democracy and the rule of law. The school council and the study of how democracy works, are just two examples.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that there are appropriate procedures and policies in place to help keep pupils safe. These include appropriate systems for staff to record any concerns they have regarding pupils’ welfare.  The safeguarding policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance and is available

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Main inspection findings

on request.  There is a comprehensive induction planned for all staff, which should ensure that all staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, have accessed a range of appropriate training.  The compliance officer is to carry out regular audits at the school to ensure there is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school and appropriate adherence to the established systems to keep pupils safe. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  There is a detailed policy in place for pupils’ behaviour. It reflects an understanding of the needs of the pupils that the school is likely to cater for. It is designed to help pupils understand their behaviour and to take responsibility for it.  There is also an appropriate anti-bullying policy in place. It is designed to educate pupils and to promote tolerance towards people with regard to the protected characteristics. Paragraph 11, 12, 13  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place. There are comprehensive

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Main inspection findings

checklists ready to be implemented to ensure that the building is maintained appropriately once it is being used. The proprietor employs external companies to carry out the relevant checks on the building’s safety and suitability. This includes checks on water supplies, electrics and fire safety.  There has been a recent fire risk assessment and appropriate equipment is in place that has been newly installed. The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  An external company will be carrying out a final health and safety check, including an updated fire risk assessment, before the school opens in September 2023.  There is a suitable first-aid policy in place and staff will be trained to administer first aid. Paragraph 14, 15  The proprietor will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised through the suitable deployment of staff. High ratios will ensure that staffing levels meet pupils’

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Main inspection findings

needs.  The proprietor has ensured that the admissions register and attendance registers will contain the required information. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is an appropriate policy in place that outlines how risks will be assessed and managed.  Risk assessments in place demonstrate that those responsible for assessing risks have a good understanding of the risk management process.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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),

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Main inspection findings

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 ensured that those responsible for recruitment are aware of all the appropriate checks that need to be made before a member of staff can begin working at the proposed school.  The single central record contains all the information required to record these checks.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(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) and 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has secured the lease of suitable premises for the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

The building is a two-storey house that has been adapted to provide an office, a medical room, a kitchen that can be used to teach cooking, a shared communal space and several classrooms. It is located next to a working farm.  There is a toilet solely for the use of pupils that can be secured from the inside and is intended for use by one pupil at a time.  There is a shower in a room that is also suitable for changing accommodation.  The medical room has suitable washing facilities and is located close to a toilet.  All rooms have suitable natural daylight as well as adequate artificial lighting. The acoustics in all rooms are suitable for learning.  Cold water, suitable for drinking, will be supplied and will be clearly marked. The cold- water supplies are in a separate area to the toilet facilities.  There is outdoor space that is suitable for pupils to play outside.  The proprietor intends for physical education to be delivered at a local leisure centre.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 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 proprietor has ensured that all the information that should be made available to ensure compliance with the independent school standards is available. This includes a detailed admissions policy.  The proprietor intends for parents to receive a written report twice per year. The report will include information about pupils’ behaviour and their progress towards meeting their targets, including those contained in their EHC plans.  The proprietor has established processes for sharing information on the income and expenditure of funding that the proposed school will receive from local authorities.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part 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), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k)  There is a written complaints policy that will be on the school website when the school opens.  The policy outlines clear stages for making a complaint. Stage one is an informal stage. Stage three includes a panel hearing with an independent member on the panel. The timescales for responding to complaints are clear.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear rationale for why he wants to register this school. He also has a track record for running effective independent special schools that cater for the

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Main inspection findings

needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder.  The proprietor and central staff have a secure understanding of the independent school standards.  The proprietor and central staff have the relevant experience in teaching and leadership to meet the individual needs of the intended pupils and to meet the independent school standards consistently.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is 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

Email address jonny@woodsidelodgeolc.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age N/A Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority N/A

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week N/A

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week N/A

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 8 to 19 8 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 15 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 15

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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 N/A 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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Information about this proposed school

 Salford Farm Outdoor Learning Centre proposes to be a school for pupils with autism spectrum disorder.  The proposed school intends to cater for pupils aged eight to 19. It is expected that all pupils at the school will have an EHC plan. Pupils will be placed in the school by local authorities.  The proposed school will have a sole proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the 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 independent school standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, as well as safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector met with the proprietor and the director of education. The inspector also spoke to the compliance officer.  The inspector considered a range of documents provided by the proprietor.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including the outside space.

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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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Inspection team

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