Overton School

School material change inspection report

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Overton School Hereford Road, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 4AD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)  The proprietor intends that the material change will enable school leaders to provide full-time education for pupils aged seven to 11 years with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is expected that all pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  The proprietor has ensured that there is a detailed curriculum plan in place, which identifies appropriate pathways for pupils according to their needs and abilities. Each pathway is supported by suitable schemes of work. Leaders have thought carefully about the range of needs that pupils are likely to have. All pupils will have individual learning plans which will take account of their EHC plan targets. Plans are in place to ensure that quality resources and expertise are available to support highly bespoke

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Main inspection findings

provision for each pupil.  The curriculum offers all pupils access to a range of subjects as well as numerous opportunities to experience learning in the outdoor world.  Leaders have ensured that these independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraphs 1, 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)(h)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that a programme of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is in place which reflects the aims and ethos of the school. Pupils are supported to experience and understand different cultures and beliefs. They are able to learn about equality, respect and tolerance, liberty, democracy and the law, and to practise these in their daily lives. The PSHE programme aims to prepare pupils for their next steps in education or their lives.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable, age-appropriate relationships and sex education policy is in place. The policy provides for consultation with parents annually and ensures that parents are informed of their right to withdraw pupils from sex education lessons.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders make sure that pupils are well supported to develop their self-esteem and motivation. Leaders also make sure that pupils develop the skills and knowledge they need to make good progress from their starting points, in line with their needs and abilities.

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Main inspection findings

 All teaching staff have qualified teacher status, appropriate additional training and experience in delivering the curriculum to pupils with a wide range of needs. This enables teachers to plan lessons effectively to meet the needs and aptitudes of pupils.  An assessment framework has been developed that enables teachers and leaders to track progress across all areas of the curriculum.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. 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)  The PSHE programme ensures that pupils are able to learn about different religions, cultures and beliefs. Pupils learn about fundamental British values and protected characteristics. In addition, leaders have identified where and when such learning can

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Main inspection findings

be extended and put into practice across all areas of the wider curriculum.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16  The proprietor has made suitable arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils at the school. The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy adheres to all statutory guidance. It is available on the school’s website and on request by parents.  The proprietor has drawn up and implemented an effective health and safety policy which includes the new areas of the school and considers the prospective new pupils. The policy reflects all relevant legislation.  A fire safety policy is in place. The proprietor has ensured that an annual fire safety audit is completed. There will be an interim fire safety audit when the new buildings

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Main inspection findings

have been signed off as complete to ensure that these also meet the required standards.  The proprietor intends to employ two additional qualified teachers and two teaching assistants to support the additional pupils in the classroom if the material change application is approved.  The risk assessment policy is comprehensive and ensures that the range of assessments carried out identify both the risks and the actions taken to reduce risks.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. 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),

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Main inspection findings

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)(c), 21(6), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The school has a single central record in place that meets all requirements. It is stored in electronic form. The school does not currently employ supply staff, and there are no plans to do so. However, leaders are fully aware of the checks that must be completed if they do use a supply agency in future.  Safer recruitment training has been completed by the headteacher and appropriate members of the proprietor body.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. 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)(b), 24(2), 25, 26,

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Main inspection findings

27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The existing premises are very well maintained. The new areas, which are very close to completion, have been constructed to a high standard and designed to meet the needs of the prospective new pupils. There are well-designed classrooms and break- out spaces, as well as a communal learning area, all of which have good lighting and acoustics. These provide suitable places to learn.  There are separate toilets for pupils which have internal locks. These are close to the medical room, which is always available for use and has its own washbasin.  There is an extensive area for outdoor play and room in the large communal space for indoor play on rainy or inclement days.  A separate building, adjacent to the main school building, has been constructed as a reception area for parents, visitors and contractors. There are facilities for electronic

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Main inspection findings

sign-in.  Suitable outdoor lighting is provided in all appropriate areas.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is available on the website but is also available on request in written form. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has made sure that school leaders have the skills and knowledge to ensure that the standards are met consistently.  The proprietor and school leaders are very clear that the prospective key stage 2 provision will meet a significant need in the local area. They are keen to ensure that younger pupils can benefit from the specialised curriculum on offer, which aims to support pupils’ personal and social development alongside their academic progress to

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Main inspection findings

prepare them for their next steps. Leaders have thought carefully about the range of needs that pupils may have and how they can meet these. They have planned the environment, curriculum and staffing accordingly.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to ensure that the well-being of pupils is actively and consistently promoted.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility policy in place that meets all 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 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

Email address nicola.chokkuea@overtonschool.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 13 to 15 September 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 7 to 18 7 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 30 45 45

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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 30 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 30 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 30 45

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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 30 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4.8 6.8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this school

 The school currently offers full-time education for key stage 4 pupils and key stage 5 students. All pupils and students have an EHC plan. Many have complex and multiple SEND.  Leaders propose to admit up to 15 key stage 2 pupils to the school from September 2023.  Pupils are admitted to the school through local authorities, including Shropshire and Herefordshire.  The school does not have a religious denomination.  The school does not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the relevant standards if the proposed material change is approved.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the headteacher, the head of service and two assistant headteachers, one of whom is also the special educational needs coordinator.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation and considered the school’s compliance with safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector visited and reviewed all internal and external areas of the proposed new section of the school.

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Inspection team

Mel Ford, 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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