The Haven School Wolston

School material change inspection report

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The Haven School Wolston The Stables at the Hall, Rugby Road, Wolston, Rugby CV8 3FZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  There is a suitable safeguarding policy in place. It pays due regard to the latest guidance issued by the Secretary of State. It is published on the school’s website.  The school has a designated safeguarding lead and a deputy designated safeguarding lead who have completed appropriate training. All other staff are well trained and regularly discuss relevant safeguarding issues.  Leaders demonstrate a good understanding of the potential risks that pupils face. They know how to spot the signs that a pupil might be at risk of harm. Staff record any concerns in a timely manner. Records show that leaders respond swiftly to any issues raised. They make appropriate referrals to external agencies and follow up on concerns.  Pupils learn about how to keep themselves safe in a range of situations, including when online, through the curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) approves the material change. Paragraphs 11, 12, 16(a), 16(b)  There is a comprehensive health and safety policy that is fit for purpose. Leaders ensure that the appropriate checks on the condition of the building, including checks on water, electrics and fire safety are carried out and logged on a weekly basis.  The proprietor body engages the services of expert external companies to carry out relevant audits and make regular maintenance checks on the building. This includes a company to carry out fire risk assessments.  An initial assessment of the new premises has been carried out and a final fire risk assessment is due to take place when the refurbishment work has been completed.  Current staff have been appropriately trained for the purpose of fire safety. Regular fire drills take place currently in the existing premises. Leaders have taken appropriate

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Main inspection findings

action to ensure that the additional premises are likely to meet the requirements of the Regulatory (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The health and safety policy includes the process for risk assessment. There are a wide range of risk assessments in place. These demonstrate that staff have a clear understanding of potential hazards and the appropriate control measures required.  These standards are likely to be met if the DfE approves the material change. Paragraph 14  There is a high ratio of staff to pupils currently. More staff have been appointed to start in September to accommodate the requested increase. Leaders have a sensible plan for the gradual increase of pupils so that these high ratios can be maintained.  These standards are likely to be met if the DfE approves the material change. 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(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(6)  Leaders have a thorough approach to the recruitment of staff and ensure that all of the necessary pre-employment checks are undertaken. This includes relevant checks on staff who have worked in other countries, supply staff and those who are in management positions.  The single central record details all of the required information.  Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. A trained person will sit on every recruitment panel.  These standards are likely to be met if the DfE approves the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 25, 26, 27(a), 27(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has secured the use of additional premises located next to the current school building. They were previously two separate bungalows.  The additional premises are currently undergoing refurbishment and, when complete, will create significant extra space and facilities. This will include several teaching spaces, a science laboratory, a cooking kitchen for pupils to use, a shared space suitable for eating in, a sensory room, shower and changing facilities, a staffroom, office space and meeting rooms.  The additional premises will also have separate unisex toilets available to pupils, with hot and cold running water and handwashing facilities. There are separate toilets for staff located next to the staff facilities. There will also be an additional toilet for pupils who are disabled.  The parts of the building already completed have been refurbished to a very high standard.  All teaching spaces have a good source of natural light and are ready for suitable

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Main inspection findings

artificial lighting to be installed. The acoustics throughout the premises are suitable for the intended use. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  A room has been designated as a medical room. It will have running water and is located near a toilet facility. There is already a bed and appropriate first-aid equipment ready for when the refurbishment is complete. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The additional premises has a kitchen area that the pupils will use for cooking activities. This is where pupils will have access to drinking-water. Leaders will ensure that drinking-water is available throughout the day. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is an existing outdoor area that will be extended. It is suitable for pupils to play and socialise. There is a wooded area and a field located beside the school which are also used for outdoor activities.

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Main inspection findings

 Physical education lessons take place off site at a local sports centre. Pupils are transported by minibus to the facilities which are located less than a mile from the school. Appropriate risk assessments are in place for this activity.  These standards are likely to be met if the DfE approves the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has a clear rationale for wanting to expand the number of pupils at the school. Their aim is to meet a growing need in the area for providing a suitable education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are struggling in mainstream education.  The proprietor body has carefully considered the proposed increase in numbers. They aim to increase capacity gradually over time so that the quality of education is maintained for existing pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has extensive experience in education and in meeting the needs of pupils with SEND. The established systems for monitoring the work of leaders and ensuring the independent school standards are consistently met are rigorous.  Leaders demonstrate a good understanding of the independent school standards and meeting the needs of pupils with SEND.  These standards are likely to be met if the DfE approves the material change.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Proprietor The Haven School Wolston Limited

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School details

Email address Anna.Besley@thehavenwolston.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 7 to 9 March 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 11 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 13 40 40

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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 10 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 13 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 13 40

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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 13 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 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 4 To meet pupils’ needs

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Information about this school

 The Haven School Wolston is located in a building that was previously a stable block on a wider estate. The additional premises are beside the current school building and are former bungalows. The buildings sit within extensive grounds.  The school is registered to admit 20 pupils between the ages of 11 and 18. At the time of the inspection, there were 13 pupils on roll. Leaders’ current request is to admit up to 40 pupils.  The school caters for pupils with SEND. All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Pupils typically have autism and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  Pupils can be placed in the school by a range of local authorities.  Leaders use two unregistered alternative provision placements.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to establish if the school would be likely to meet all of the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change, to increase the number of pupils in the school to 40, is implemented. This is the school’s first material change inspection.  The inspection focused on some of the welfare, health and safety standards in part 3, including the supervision of pupils and appropriate deployment of staff; all of the standards in part 4 about the suitability of staff; all of the standards in part 5, premises and accommodation and the standards in part 8, quality of leadership and management of schools.  The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also the designated safeguarding lead and the school business manager who carries out some of the day-to-day duties in relation to health and safety. She also met with the chair of the board and the

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Information about this inspection

proprietor.  The inspector toured the additional premises with the school business manager and the headteacher.  The inspector scrutinised several documents relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The inspector reviewed safeguarding documents and the single central record.  The inspector spoke to pupils about how they feel safe in school and how they are taught about keeping themselves safe.

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Inspection team

Helen Forrest, 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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