ISP School

School material change inspection report

p.1

ISP School Glengorse Estate, Glengorse, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0TX

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5–5(d)(iii)  The promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development plays a central role in school life. The school’s SMSC curriculum is underpinned by a commercial personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme, which provides a secure framework for teaching. Leaders have given careful thought to how and when different aspects of this programme are taught, to ensure it is appropriate and meaningful. The programme includes content relevant to the increase in age range proposed.  Leaders have extended the breadth of the curriculum since the last standard inspection. This has enriched learning with further opportunities for pupils to study English literature, history, drama and art. The school provides a range of extra- curricular activities, such as a music club and an information technology club, which

p.1

Main inspection findings

support pupils’ engagement and help to make learning meaningful.  Assemblies and community meetings are a key feature of school life. They are used to promote aspects of SMSC such as fundamental British values, to consider different beliefs, and to celebrate achievements. Pupils have regular opportunities to consider and discuss current affairs and thought-provoking issues, such as the war in Ukraine and the experiences and perceptions of refugees.  Pupils are expected to behave well and to be kind to each other. Special events such as ‘Kindness Week’ encourage them to think about the contribution they can make to the school and the wider community.  The school’s extensive grounds include mature gardens, lawned areas, an outdoor gym and a forest school. They provide an attractive and peaceful setting for school life. Pupils use facilities such as the outdoor gym, table tennis and dipping pond regularly. Activities such as these make a valuable contribution to pupils’ social,

p.1

Main inspection findings

spiritual and personal development and to their enjoyment of school.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the proposed material change is agreed. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b), 11–12, 14, 16(a)–16(b), 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy complies with current statutory guidance. It provides a comprehensive range of information, including the names and contact details for the designated safeguarding leads (DSLs). The policy is published on the school’s website.  Well-established safeguarding procedures ensure that the school runs smoothly and operates safely. Leaders take suitable steps to keep staff informed of safeguarding updates, such as daily briefings, regular training and weekly updates from the headteacher.  The school uses a centralised record system to log and monitor any safeguarding concerns. Members of the safeguarding team maintain a careful overview of any

p.1

Main inspection findings

concerns, actions taken and progress made. The DSLs work closely with agencies such as children’s services and the police, as appropriate.  Pupils are well supervised throughout the school day. Suitable arrangements have been made to ensure this continues to be the case if the proposed change is approved.  The proprietor ensures the school’s continuing compliance with fire safety legislation. Leaders maintain robust procedures to ensure that all checks and services on fire safety equipment are completed in a timely manner. A recent external audit of fire safety arrangements identified a few minor remedial actions required. All have been addressed.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the proposed material change is agreed. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–

p.2

Main inspection findings

21(7)(b)  The single central record meets statutory requirements. Robust procedures ensure that recruitment and suitability checks are completed appropriately.  Leaders have increased the number of pupils on roll gradually since the school opened and intend this to be the case in the coming months. This means that the proposed material change is unlikely to require an increase in staffing in the short term. Several current members of staff have experience and expertise relevant to teaching and supporting pupils in the proposed age range.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the proposed material change is agreed. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(2), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The school provides well-equipped accommodation, which is maintained to a high standard. The school’s existing accommodation includes a range of specialist teaching

p.2

Main inspection findings

rooms, such as a food technology room and an art room, which are suitable for delivery of the curriculum for the increased age range proposed. Existing accommodation also provides welcoming areas for pupils to use for relaxing and socialising.  The school’s medical room is appropriately equipped for purpose, including a bed, lockable cupboards and a fridge. Toilets are conveniently located next to the medical room.  The school’s outdoor areas are well maintained. Pupils have access to a range of high- quality equipment during the day, such as a trim trail, picnic tables and football goals.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the proposed material change is agreed. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(2)  Leaders are highly knowledgeable about teaching pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They maintain reliable procedures which ensure that the

p.3

Main inspection findings

independent school standards continue to be met.  The chief executive officer has taken the decision to apply for an increase in age range following direct requests from pupils. The rationale for the change is based firmly on pupils’ educational and personal development needs. Leaders are confident about the contribution the school can make to pupils’ ongoing engagement with education and to preparing them for future lives.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the proposed material change is agreed. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders and staff are committed to ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Equality of access lies at the heart of the school’s work. The curriculum promotes tolerance and respect for people from a range of backgrounds, contexts and beliefs, with close attention given to those with protected characteristics.

p.3

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.5

School details

Proprietor Integrated Services Programme

p.5

School details

Email address zena.maher@ispschools.org.uk

p.5

School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 1 to 3 November 2022

p.5

recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 16 7 to 18 7 to 18

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 17 Not applicable Not applicable

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 26 Not applicable

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 0 Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 26 Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 26 Not applicable

p.6

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 26 Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

p.6

Information about this school

 ISP School Battle is a special school providing education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, as well as communication and interaction, and cognition and learning needs. Pupils may well have associated conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and/or sensory or physical needs.  All pupils are placed by local authorities and have education, health and care plans. Many have been out of education for long periods before joining the school.  The school’s first standard inspection took place in November 2022.  The school does not currently use alternative provision.

p.6

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor had applied to make changes to the school’s registration. The proprietor wished to increase the school’s age range. This was the first material change inspection.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents prior to the inspection, including information provided on the school’s website.  The inspector met with the headteacher and deputy headteacher, and with other members of staff. She toured the school with school leaders and visited lunchtime arrangements.  The inspector checked policies, records and documentation relating to the specific independent school standards in scope for this inspection, including the single central record and the safeguarding policy.

p.7

Inspection team

Julie Sackett, 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.7

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.8

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.8

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.8

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.8

Inspection team

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

p.8

Inspection team

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

p.8