Hera House

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hera House Broughton Road, Appleby, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 0DA

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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)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school ‘Hera House’ is one of two school sites currently open and operating under the registration of the ‘Demeter House’ registration. The pre- registration visit for this inspection relates specifically to the separation of the school into two separate and distinct entities. This pre-registration visit was conducted at the same time as the standard independent school inspection of Demeter House in June 2023.  Following the standard inspection on 27 to 29 June 2023, all independent school standards (the standards) in part 1 of the standards are met at Demeter House.  Hera House has a policy in place for the curriculum. Much of this is currently being delivered in Demeter House. Leaders have spent recent months preparing for a

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Main inspection findings

revised curriculum which will be implemented from September 2023. Curriculum plans provide clarity on what pupils can expect to learn, when and why. In addition, the new curriculum distinguishes learning into separate pathways. Additional resources have been purchased to prepare for this. Leaders are confident that this curriculum will meet the needs of pupils at Hera House well.  As part of the separation of schools, the staff at the proposed school, Hera House, will deliver this refined curriculum. Leaders have a focused professional development plan in place which aims to deliver the necessary staff training for this curriculum to be fully implemented from September 2023. Further curriculum monitoring has been scheduled to identify and support any further subject-specific training that is needed throughout the next academic year while the new curriculum is embedded.  The standards in part 1 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone

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Main inspection findings

school. 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), 5(d)(iii)  Currently, all standards in part 2 are met at Demeter House.  Leaders have an appropriate policy for pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) development. This is in place currently at Demeter House and will transfer to Hera House as this school opens. Staff ensure this policy is followed and have high expectations of pupils.  Some learning opportunities from trips and visits have stalled since the disruption to learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders have plans to implement these again in the near future. The quality of life curriculum currently delivered in Demeter House offers pupils bespoke opportunities to develop their SMSC. Leaders are proud of this curriculum offer and intend that this will also be delivered in the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school.  The standards in part 2 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Currently, the standards in part 3, paragraph 7 are met at Demeter House.  The school’s safeguarding policy is fit for purpose and adheres to statutory guidance from the government. The policy, for example, explains reporting processes and what staff should be alert to. Staff at Demeter House currently receive appropriate training and are aware of pupils’ vulnerabilities. Pupils feel safe at the school and have plenty of adults who they can talk to. There is an effective culture of safeguarding. A new electronic system for recording safeguarding concerns is being introduced from September 2023. There are no plans for any of this to change should Hera House become a separate entity.  There is a safer recruitment policy in place which ensures the right checks are made

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Main inspection findings

on staff who work at the school. These checks are made when new staff join the school. There are plans to train additional leaders as designated safeguarding leads at Hera House, should Hera House open as a standalone school. This is because some safeguarding leaders currently work across both Demeter House sites.  The standards in part 3, paragraph 7 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Currently, the standards in part 3, paragraphs 9 and 10 are met at Demeter House.  Policies are in place for behaviour and anti-bullying. Incidents of poor behaviour are recorded and followed up appropriately. The behaviour of pupils across the site is appropriate. There are some ‘worry boxes’ in school where pupils can anonymously share any concerns they have. The proposed school will continue to use these policies.  The standards in part 3, paragraphs 9 and 10 are likely to be met if Hera House

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Main inspection findings

operates as a standalone school. Paragraphs 11, 12  Currently, the standards in part 3, paragraphs 11 and 12 are not met at Demeter House.  A health and safety policy is in place and makes reference to the responsibilities of leaders and staff in keeping themselves and pupils safe.  The policy is not being followed to an extent that can be reasonably expected. During this visit to the school, several minor issues were identified with the school site which need to be addressed. These issues did not impact the safety of pupils. However, the number of matters needing to be addressed were indicative of the amount of work the proprietor and leaders have to do on the site where Hera House is located.  Leaders acquired the Hera House site in March 2020 and moved to the site in September 2021. Since then, some of the site has been modernised and in many ways improved, for example through the installation of an external multi-use games

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Main inspection findings

area (MUGA) and new playground equipment. Some rooms in the school have been refurbished.  Since moving into the site, some of the other maintenance issues that leaders had planned to address still require work. During this inspection, for example, a large exposed electrical cable was identified in an area of the school grounds that is accessible to pupils. Although it was identified as not being live, some staff were unclear about why the wire was there and/or if it was live. Although efforts have been made to secure the school site, such as by erecting a large fence around most of the school, there is an area in the playground by some bushes where a temporary fence has started to deteriorate. Additional staff are deployed to this area at social times to ensure pupils are kept safe.  Elsewhere, some of the rooms in Hera House need attention to bring them up to acceptable standards. For example, in a first-floor visitors’ toilet (not accessible to

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Main inspection findings

pupils), there is an unlocked cupboard in which there is a large hole which could cause harm. In a ground-floor pupil toilet, there is an old electrical wire hanging from the ceiling. Although this wire, again, was not live (and not dangerous), it is indicative of a lack of care and attention to a small number of areas used by pupils. Some classrooms have ‘safe spaces’ in the corners of the rooms. There is variability in the quality and appearance of these spaces.  Further work is necessary to ensure the premises at Hera House are compliant with all aspects of fire regulations. Although, throughout the site, there are an appropriate number of fire extinguishers, some of these are not placed at the designated locations. There were some discrepancies between school records and the actual date of checks made on some fire extinguishers. Some of the fire signage relates to the building’s previous use (as a care home). The school uses magnetic locks on doors to

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Main inspection findings

help keep pupils safe. These automatically unlock when the fire alarm is sounded. However, during a test of the fire alarm system during this inspection, one of the doors did not open. This was not in an area currently accessible to pupils. However, this is in an area that will be accessible to pupils when the school reopens as Hera House.  On the school site, for necessary reasons, some education takes place in a separate building known as the bungalow. This building houses a small kitchen. There is further work to be completed in this building to ensure it meets the expectations of school premises.  Leaders have recently appointed an external health and safety company to conduct a complete audit of the site. They intend to identify and address all maintenance and premises issues as a matter of urgency. Leaders anticipated that these issues will be fully addressed in the next three to four months. Some of the more pressing issues

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Main inspection findings

were addressed during this inspection.  The standards in part 3, paragraphs 11 and 12 are not currently met at Demeter House and are unlikely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school until the above remedial work has been done. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Currently, the standards in part 3 paragraphs 13 to 16 are met at Demeter House.  The first-aid policy and provision are appropriate. There is a clear understanding of the purpose and importance of an admissions log. Attendance registers are taken and maintained to an appropriate standard. A risk assessment policy is in place. Samples of risk assessments show that leaders appropriately identify and manage risks, for example in the outdoor areas at breaktimes and lunchtimes. The same systems and provision will be delivered by the proposed school.  The standards in part 3, paragraphs 13 to 16 are likely to be met if Hera House

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Main inspection findings

operates as a standalone school. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 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(2)(f), 18(3)  Currently, all standards in part 4 are met at Demeter House.  Checks are made on all adults who work in the school as required by government guidance. Checks are carried out prior to the person’s appointment. The proposed school will continue to use this system for staff recruitment. Paragraph 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)  There is a well-maintained, electronic single central record. All necessary checks are recorded on this. The proposed school will continue to operate this single central record.  The standards in part 4 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone

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Main inspection findings

school. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 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)  Currently, the above standards in part 5 are met at Demeter House.  The building at Hera House has suitable washing and toilet facilities for pupils to use. There are individual cubicles with full-length doors which can be used by both boys and girls. There are separate toilets for staff. There is a shower and changing accommodation available for physical education sessions.  First-aid facilities are in place and suitable. Classrooms and other spaces have suitable lighting and acoustics. There are projectors in most teaching rooms. Pupils have access to drinking-water.  The above standards in part 5 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 25  Currently, the standard in paragraph 25 of part 5 is not met at Demeter House.  As outlined in the commentary above linked to paragraphs 11 and 12 (part 3), there were some maintenance issues identified during this inspection. These had been identified by leaders at the time of moving onto the site in September 2021 and they still need to be addressed at the time of the pre-registration visit and standard inspection.  The standards in part 5, paragraph 25 are not currently met at Demeter House and are unlikely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Currently, the standards in part 5, paragraph 29 are met at Demeter House.  At the proposed Hera House site, there is extensive space for pupils to socialise and be taught physical education outside. They have access to a MUGA and other playground equipment. They are supervised at all times by staff.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in part 5, paragraph 29 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(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), 32(3)(g)  Currently, all standards in part 6 are met at Demeter House.  Leaders have ensured that all necessary policies are available to parents. The majority of these are available on the website of Demeter House. These are being adapted and prepared to be used at Hera House. A new Hera House website is being designed and will be online in the summer of 2023. Leaders are aware of, and fulfil, all other standards in this part.  The standards in part 6 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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Main inspection findings

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), 33(k)  Currently, all standards in part 7 are met at Demeter House.  The proprietor has a suitable complaints policy in place. It outlines the stages of the complaints process, as well as the timescales for dealing with complaints. The proposed school will continue to use this policy.  The standards in part 7 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  Currently, the above standards in part 8 are not met at Demeter House.  Leaders are fully committed to helping pupils to achieve happiness and success in education.  The proprietor and leaders have demonstrated that they have sufficient knowledge of the vast majority of the standards to ensure that these are met consistently.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders wish to separate Demeter House into two entities, Hera House (the current lower school) and Hestia House (the current upper school). They consider that trying to operate a single school across both sites is not always in the best interests of pupils. As such, this application to open Hera House as a separate school was a sensible step in making this a reality.  Leaders recognise that further work is needed on the premises of Hera House to ensure all parts of the standards are met. They are fully committed to ensuring this is completed as a matter of urgency to ensure that their plan to operate as two schools can go ahead as soon as possible.  The above standards in part 8 are not currently met at Demeter House and are unlikely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Paragraph 34(1)(c)  Currently, the standards in this paragraph in part 8 are met at Demeter House.  Pupils’ pastoral care is a high priority at Demeter House. In spite of the

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Main inspection findings

aforementioned issues with the maintenance and upkeep of the premises, leaders have the welfare of pupils at the forefront of their minds. The PSHE curriculum is designed to promote pupils’ well-being and each pupil will have a key worker in the proposed school. This key worker will deliver the quality of life curriculum which aims to offer a carefully considered programme specifically designed for each child and their wider family to support their well-being.  The standards outlined in paragraph 34(1)(c) in part 8 are likely to be met if Hera House operates as a standalone school. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is an accessibility plan written for the proposed school. This will be regularly reviewed.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £32,400 to £38,000

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Proposed school details

Email address mel.marris@demeterhouseschool.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 14 5 to 14 5 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 50 50

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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 0 Up to 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 0 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 Up to 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Up to 50

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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 0 Up to 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 37

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Information about this proposed school

 The school that the proprietor wishes to open as Hera House currently operates as the lower school of Demeter House. Demeter House has the same proprietor as the proposed school. The executive headteacher of Demeter House will become the headteacher of the proposed school.  Demeter House’s URN is 135247 and its DfE registration number is 813/6005. Demeter House school operates over two sites. The lower school educates pupils from the ages of five to 14 years and is based in Appleby. The upper school takes pupils from 14 to 19 years and is based in Brigg.  This pre-registration visit was conducted as the proprietor has applied for the lower school and upper school to be de-amalgamated. It is proposed that Hera House operates as a school for 50 five to 14-year-olds on the Appleby site. Leaders plan for the other site, in Brigg, to continue to operate under the Demeter House registration. However, they plan to rename the Brigg Site as Hestia House and operate it as a school

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Information about this proposed school

for 50 14 to 19-year-olds.  This inspection was conducted at the same time as a full standard inspection of the existing Demeter School, across both sites. The inspection number for the standard inspection is 10286414. The standard inspection was led by another of His Majesty’s Inspectors.  The proprietor intends for Hera House to continue to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, particularly autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils are expected to have education, health and care plans.  The school does not have any religious character.

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Information about this inspection

 This is the first pre-registration inspection of the school. The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the standards if it opens.  The inspector met with the executive headteacher, the head of lower school, the wider leadership team and members of staff.  The inspector spoke with pupils throughout the day and had a tour of the premises.  The proprietor and several other stakeholders, including members of staff, pupils, parents and representatives from the local authority, were spoken with as part of the standard inspection of Demeter House which happened at the same time as this pre- registration inspection.

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Inspection team

James Duncan, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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