PhoenixPlace

School material change inspection report

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PhoenixPlace Redcar Street, Camberwell, London SE5 0NA

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a),7(b) and 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Leaders have a strong understanding of statutory guidance, including ‘Keeping children safe in education 2022’. The school’s safeguarding policy reflects this guidance and is available online.  Leaders record and follow up concerns quickly and appropriately.  Arrangements for the training and induction of staff are suitable.  Pupils spoken to feel safe and well looked after at school.  Overall, the school’s arrangements for safeguarding continue to be effective. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 and 16  The external fire risk assessment of the additional premises identifies a few non- urgent actions that have either been completed or are being completed before the building is occupied. Fire safety infrastructure and equipment are new. Leaders are ready to carry out and record the required fire safety checks from September 2023.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s existing policies for health and safety and risk assessment have been appropriately adapted for the additional premises. The written risk assessment of the new building considers how to minimise any risks presented.  Staffing levels are likely to be sufficient for the supervision of up to 36 pupils from September 2023.  The independent school standards checked in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The single central record of pre-employment checks contains an accurate record of all the required vetting checks on the adults responsible for, and working at, the school.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed additional premises at 7a Badsworth Road, Camberwell, London SE5

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Main inspection findings

0JG consist of a large unit on the ground floor of an apartment building, just a few minutes’ walk from the school’s main premises. One half of the premises has been refurbished to a high specification. The other half’s refurbishment works are underway.  There are several classrooms, a multi-use room for teaching of the creative arts, and a large multi-use hall for dining, assemblies and recreation. There is also a new kitchen for the teaching of food technology and cooking skills.  Lighting, acoustics, toilets, washing and medical room facilities are all likely to be suitable.  Labelled drinking water supplies are available from a water cooler, and the hot water supply is safely regulated.  There is a suitable outdoor space for recreation. Once cleared and renovated, leaders intend to develop a sensory garden and a space for pupils to grow plants, fruit and vegetables.  Physical education will continue to be taught off site at the local leisure centre, where

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Main inspection findings

pupils also have exclusive access to changing and shower facilities.  The additional premises are large and well designed. When fully completed, they are likely to accommodate up to 60 pupils.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–(c)  Leaders have invested heavily in refurbishing the additional premises to a high standard. These premises are likely to be suitable to accommodate additional pupils from September 2023, and more over time. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the relevant independent school standards. They have planned thoroughly for this material change.  The independent school standard in this part is likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £42,900 to £79,000

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 22 to 24 November 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 No change Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 22 40

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Though the additional premises are likely to be able to physically accommodate up to 60 pupils once fully refurbished throughout, leaders’ current plans for staffing from September 2023 are only likely to be suitable in meeting the needs of up to a maximum of 36 pupils across both premises.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 25 Up to 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities All pupils No change

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 19 Up to 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 19 Up to 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 12 18

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Information about this school

 PhoenixPlace is an independent special secondary day school for girls.  The school does not currently meet the requirements of its registration agreement. It has a maximum capacity of 24 pupils but has 25 on roll.  Pupils join the school at different times during the year. Some pupils stay at the school for short-term placements before returning to their mainstream school.  The school’s last inspection was in November 2022, when it was judged to require improvement. Not all the independent school standards were met.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned this inspection to consider the school’s application to increase its maximum capacity to 40 pupils.  This was the school’s first inspection to consider the school’s material change application.  The inspection was announced with two days of notice.  The inspector considered whether some of the requirements in Parts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the independent school standards are met, and likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.  The inspector met with the proprietor and several senior leaders, including all those responsible for safeguarding. He toured the current and proposed additional premises and met with some pupils. The inspector considered a range of other evidence, including in relation to health and safety, safeguarding and risk assessment.

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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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