Willow Park School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Willow Park School Newbold-on-Avon Rfc, Parkfield Road, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 1EZ

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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) and 2(2)(d)(ii)  The proprietor body intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils will usually have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  The proprietor has ensured that a curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place. The curriculum is organised to ensure pupils learn a sufficiently broad range of subjects and promotes fundamental British values.  Following the last pre-registration inspection, leaders have ensured that they have a sound understanding of how reading will be taught. They will ensure that reading will be given an appropriately high priority within the curriculum. Leaders intend to provide a wide range of engaging texts to capture pupils’ interest. Leaders plan for

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Main inspection findings

staff to receive phonics training when they are appointed.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The school‘s personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme includes content likely to support pupils’ personal development.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g) and 2A(2)  Leaders have taken account of the most recent statutory guidance on relationships and sex education (RSE). The school’s RSE policy provides guidance about its approach to teaching this.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Leaders have procedures and policies in place to ensure that pupils will acquire new

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Main inspection findings

knowledge and make good progress. Leaders will ensure that teachers have good subject knowledge, present well-planned lessons and use effective teaching methods.  Leaders have 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)  The PSHE plans reflect the proposed school’s aims and ethos. Leaders intend to use a published PSHE curriculum, as well as adapt the curriculum to meet pupils’ developing needs.  Leaders intend that pupils will be taught about a range of religions, faiths and cultures. The PSHE education curriculum includes coverage of British values and protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to

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Main inspection findings

be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  Leaders have ensured that the safeguarding and child protection policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance. The policy is reviewed regularly and is published on the school’s website.  Leaders have completed appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment training. They are aware of their duties and the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture. Leaders understand the needs and challenges their pupils are likely to present.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  Leaders’ proposed behaviour policy is suitable. It considers the needs of pupils with SEND effectively. The policy outlines appropriate rewards and sanctions for pupils. All new staff will receive an induction to introduce them to the school’s behavioural

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Main inspection findings

approach. Ongoing training will keep staff knowledge up to date. Behavioural incidents will be recorded on the school‘s electronic recording system, which leaders will monitor.  Leaders have written a proposed anti-bullying policy that is appropriate. It explains the different types of bullying that pupils may face, including online bullying.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  Leaders have produced suitable policies for first aid, health and safety and risk assessments.  Leaders have the appropriate certification to demonstrate that fire safety checks are carried out by the relevant authority.  Leaders have produced a range of suitable risk assessments to reduce the risks posed to pupils.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 14 and 15

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have carefully considered the supervision of pupils and have set in place an appropriate staffing structure. Leaders plan to initially admit a small number of pupils. Leaders then plan to gradually increase staff numbers as they gradually increase the number of pupils who are admitted to the school.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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), 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),

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Main inspection findings

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)(b), 21(5)(c) and 21(6)  Leaders demonstrate understanding of the requirements of part 4.  Leaders ensure that that all the required checks are carried out before a member of staff is employed to work at the school.  The format of the single central record contains the full range of pre-employment checks. It is stored centrally in an electronic format.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 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 proposed school will be located in a purpose-built lodge on the grounds of a local rugby club. There is one main classroom and a number of smaller spaces that can be

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Main inspection findings

used for group work. There is suitable space for the proposed number of pupils to learn. All rooms are well lit and have good acoustics.  There are two separate unisex toilets available to pupils, with hot and cold running water and handwashing facilities. There is a shower in the accessible toilet. The temperature of the water is suitably regulated. Both toilets are close to the medical room. The medical room includes a washbasin and a bed.  There is an outdoor area that can be used for pupils to play and socialise. The area is suitably secure and well lit.  Leaders have 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)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 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 proposed school’s website provides access to key policies and the school’s

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Main inspection findings

prospectus.  All policies, documents and information required for the pre-registration inspection were provided in a timely manner. Where relevant, policies reflect the fact that the proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND.  An annual written report will provide parents and carers with a range of information about their child’s achievement. The report will include information about the pupil’s progress and achievements, behaviour and attitudes to learning. There will also be brief termly reports to ensure that parents are kept up to date with their child’s progress.  Leaders have 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)  The school’s complaints policy complies with statutory requirements and is available

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Main inspection findings

on the school website.  The policy sets out the timescales in which complaints should be considered, investigated and reported back to the complainant. This includes informal and formal proceedings.  Leaders have 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) and 34(1)(c)  Leaders have responded swiftly to the findings of the previous pre-registration inspection. They have ensured that they have received additional training and guidance. They are clear about the requirements of the independent school standards and have taken a well-informed and committed approach to completing the work needed.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets

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Main inspection findings

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

Website willowparkrugby.wixsite.com/website

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 11 5 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 20

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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 Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 8

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Information about this proposed school

 Willow Park School intends to cater for up to 20 mixed-gender pupils between the ages of five and 11.  The school will mainly cater for pupils with autism and communication difficulties.  It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan and will be placed in the school by local authorities.  The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s second 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 one of the proprietors who is also the headteacher.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor areas.

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Inspection team

Emma Gater, 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

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 .

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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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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