Options Trent Acres School

School material change inspection report

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Options Trent Acres School Alrewas Road, Kings Bromley, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE13 7HR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Senior leaders and the proprietor have put in place well-thought-through and considered plans for students aged 19 years. They have written plans that allow students to gain further qualifications that prepare them for the world of work and further education.  All plans have been carefully adapted to support students who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Consideration has also been given to those students who need further stretch and challenge.  School leaders have ensured that the staff who have been appointed to deliver the

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Main inspection findings

courses are highly qualified and experts in their subjects. Leaders plan to continue their well-planned monitoring processes to ensure rigorous quality assurance.  The resources in place to support learning are of a very high quality. Leaders have ensured that pupils have access to the most up-to-date equipment to support their learning. For example, leaders have installed an industry-quality hair salon to support pupils studying hair and beauty.  The school provides a planned programme of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in all years. The PSHE education programme includes units focused on careers education. Leaders have implemented a comprehensive careers programme. This programme has been updated to reflect the needs of the older students. Starting in the primary phase, all pupils are given a range of opportunities to take part in a range of activities that support them to make informed choices about

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Main inspection findings

further education and the world of work.  Leaders have ensured that older students have access to appropriate relationships and sex education.  These independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) approves the implementation of the material change. 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)  School leaders have put plans in place to ensure there are opportunities for pupils’ and students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. They have worked with a range of agencies from the local community, including local businesses and the police, to ensure that pupils receive high-quality SMSC opportunities. These have already been mapped out on the school’s calendar.  These standards are likely to be met if the DfE approves the implementation of the

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Main inspection findings

material change. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 14 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 ensure that all staff are well trained and receive regular updates on safeguarding issues. All staff have had training in areas such as child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and extremism and e-safety. Leaders are extremely vigilant and keep abreast of any safeguarding concerns that arise in the local area. They adapt the curriculum to reflect this. Paragraph 11  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place at the school. Leaders ensure that appropriately trained staff carry out regular and detailed checks to ensure that the policy is implemented effectively. Paragraph 12  A detailed fire risk assessment for the proposed additional premises has been carried

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Main inspection findings

out. Leaders have drawn up evacuation procedures. A fire safety logbook is in place, and leaders have already started to carry out the appropriate checks and tests. Leaders have a plan for carrying out fire drills when students start to attend. Paragraph 14  Leaders have carefully considered the supervision of pupils and have set in place an appropriate staffing structure in readiness for an increase in capacity should the material change be granted. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A written risk assessment policy is in place. Leaders shared a range of risk assessments that have already been carried out. This includes transport to and from the school sites, using specific equipment and outdoor spaces. Leaders have a clear understanding of identifying and mitigating risks and hazards.  Leaders have ensured that each pupil has a written risk assessment linked to their education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Leaders have considered the pupils’

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Main inspection findings

needs, including their behaviour, when considering the design of the building.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. 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), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 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), 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)  The single central record contains the full range of pre-employment checks. It is

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Main inspection findings

stored centrally in an electronic format. The school has appropriate recruitment procedures in place. This includes obtaining two references and carrying out a medical check prior to appointment. Leaders make sure that they complete all recruitment checks before any new staff take up their post at the school. Leaders are also aware of the checks that need to be made on supply staff.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 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)  Leaders propose to open a new site, situated in an industrial estate in Cannock. The new school site will provide pupils and students with the opportunity to study

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Main inspection findings

vocational courses, such as hair and beauty, health and social care and hospitality. The site has been equipped with industry-standard equipment. Leaders have also installed additional classrooms that are well equipped to accommodate the increase in student numbers.  Leaders have consciously given the new building a ‘college feel’, with a well-presented cafeteria and break-out spaces. This is to support the older students to transition from a more traditional school-based setting to a college setting.  Leaders have ensured that the site is secure. There is a small outdoor space for use by the pupils or students. Physical education will be carried out at the other school site.  In the new site, there are appropriate toilets and washing facilities available for the sole use of pupils or students. A well-equipped medical room is available, with a sink and close proximity to a toilet facility.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is

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Main inspection findings

approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and school leaders demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the standards. Leaders and the proprietor have clear procedures for assuring themselves that the standards are consistently met.  Leaders have already developed the school site and educational provision to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers. At the time of the material change inspection, there were places for 100 full-time pupils and students on roll. Leaders propose to increase this number to 141 full-time pupils and students. They propose to increase capacity slowly over time.  Leaders have demonstrated a clear understanding of how to support 19-year-old students, both academically and pastorally.  All of the standards checked are likely to be met if the proposed material change is

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £59,285 to £88,945

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School details

Website www.optionsautism.co.uk/school_home/opt ions-trent-acres/ Email address melanie.callaghan-lewis@optionsautism- ld.co.uk Date of previous standard inspection 24 to 26 January 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 18 5 to 19 5 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 100 141 141

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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 100 141

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 100 141

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 100 141

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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 100 141

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 23 33

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The school caters for pupils with specific needs linked to autism, learning difficulties or social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an EHC plan.  The school is currently registered to take 100 pupils and students from five to 18 years.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to consider the school’s request for a material change. The purpose of the inspection was to establish whether the school is likely to meet the relevant standards if the registration authority granted the requested material change.  The proprietor body initially wanted to increase the maximum permitted number of pupils on the school roll from 100 to 135 pupils and students. However, this was reviewed during the inspection and leaders asked to increase to 141 pupils. The school contacted the DfE who agreed that the inspector could consider this. The school also applied to increase the age range from five to 18 to five to 19.  The inspector toured the new school site with the headteacher to check that it is compliant with the standards.  The inspector met with a representative of the proprietor body and the chair of governors.  The inspector scrutinised the information and policies that are published on the school

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Information about this inspection

website. The inspector met with the designated safeguarding lead to review the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils and staff. The inspector looked at the school’s single central record of the checks that leaders carry out before staff are employed to work at the school. The inspector reviewed additional documentation, including the school’s health and safety policy, risk assessments and fire safety checks.

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Inspection team

Eve Morris, 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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