Heathermount School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Heathermount School Devenish Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 9PG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g)–2A(1)(b)), 2A(1)(d)–2(A)(2)  The proprietor aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which is consistent with the national curriculum. Planning and schemes of work provide comprehensive information about what will be taught, and why.  The curriculum is organised into three ‘pathways’. Each pathway is designed to provide a programme of learning for pupils at different stages of development and learning.  Pupils will learn an appropriately broad range of subjects. The school’s ‘core curriculum’ will include English, mathematics, science, personal, social and health education (PSHE), and physical education (PE). The older pupils will have options to study subjects, such as art, business administration, computer science, drama, hospitality and catering.  The process of making sure that pupils are as well prepared for the next stage of their

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Main inspection findings

education will be an ongoing priority and will underpin the curriculum. The school’s key aim will be to equip pupils with nationally accredited qualifications in a range of subjects, including ASDANs, Functional Skills, BTECs and GCSEs as appropriate.  Leaders will give learning to read a high priority. The school already has a well- established phonics programme in place, which includes specialist support for pupils who need extra help with their reading. Pupils will be able to choose from a wide range of good quality books and regular opportunities to read will be built into the school’s timetable.  The proprietor does not intend to offer a traditional sixth-form experience. Pupils will be given the opportunity to complete course work and to secure qualifications, where this is appropriate. Leaders intend to work with individual pupils and their parents in deciding whether this is the best option.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s curriculum already includes an extensive range of activities and experiences to enrich pupils’ learning, including theatre visits, residential trips, and Duke of Edinburgh courses. Leaders intend to provide a similarly broad range of enrichment activities in the future.  Each pupil will be supported to develop a personalised career plan. The school’s careers programme will include independent and impartial guidance for the older pupils. Activities such as attending careers fairs and college open days will be used to supplement the programme.  Often pupils will have had extended periods of time outside formal education before joining the school and may have negative attitudes to education. Leaders are knowledgeable about how to support pupils as they adjust to school life and re- engage with learning. The school has a proven track record in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3–4  The school already has an established, successful and well-qualified staff team, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, both of whom are experienced in providing special needs education.  Leaders aim to ensure that the quality of the school’s current provision is maintained as the school transitions from being a non-maintained special school to becoming an independent special school.  The school’s current well-established admission and assessment procedures will be used to evaluate pupils’ personal and academic needs when they join the school. Leaders will use these assessments to place pupils on the most appropriate curriculum pathway. Flexibility is built into the curriculum, enabling movement between the pathways as pupils move up through the school.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  The school’s aims of ‘building confidence and preparing students for life’, are threaded throughout its policies and procedures. Leaders intend that these aims will continue to be central to the school’s work in the future.  The school’s personal, social, health and education (PSHE) programme incorporates an appropriate range of topics and will play an important part in supporting pupils’ personal development. The programme will be supplemented with practical activities to promote pupils’ confidence and independence, such as visiting the local high street and ordering food in a café.  Fundamental British values are embedded in the school’s PSHE programme and promoted throughout school life. For instance, assemblies will be used to consider particular themes and the work of the school council will help to promote values, such as democracy and mutual respect.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b), 9–10, 32(1)(c)  Safeguarding leads are suitably trained to carry out their role. A comprehensive programme of training will ensure that all staff are suitably qualified to spot and report concerns about pupils’ welfare. Additional training will be provided in response to local contextual issues as they arise.  Leaders intend to use a range of approaches to check staff understanding of safeguarding procedures. The school’s emphasis on building strong relationships with pupils and their parents will play a key role in enabling staff to spot indicators that pupils may be at risk of harm.  Robust procedures will be used to manage and oversee safeguarding arrangements. The school’s well-established central record system will be used to log and monitor any safeguarding incidents. Safeguarding leads will meet regularly to review records and actions taken. Leaders articulate a clear understanding of when and how to

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Main inspection findings

contact agencies, such as social care and the local authority designated officer to seek advice and report concerns.  An independent safeguarding audit was completed earlier this year. Leaders have taken suitable steps to address each of the recommendations. An action plan is in place to ensure that all recommendations are addressed in a timely manner.  The school’s safeguarding policy complies with statutory guidance and is published on the website.  The school’s behaviour policy emphasises the importance of helping pupils to, ‘recognise the impact of their behaviour on themselves, other students, the staff supporting them and on the wider Heathermount community’.  The school’s aim will be to teach pupils constructive ways of expressing themselves. Behaviour management will focus on helping pupils to stay safe and become calm when their anxiety or frustration risks leading to more extreme behaviour. Positive

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Main inspection findings

handling will only be used as a last resort. The school’s records indicate their success in keeping incidents of positive handling to a minimum in the past.  All pupils will have a ‘behaviour risk assessment’. These will be used to collate information about pupils’ individual needs and circumstances and to identify strategies that support pupils to behave well. Leaders will use the school’s existing record system to log poor behaviour and to monitor behaviour patterns over time.  Pupils will be able to earn bronze, silver and gold awards for good behaviour. Leaders report that this is already a popular and successful part of the school’s work. Individual thresholds for earning rewards points will be set for each pupil, so that all have equal opportunity to succeed. Paragraphs 11–16(b)  Leaders understand their obligations in relation to health and safety. They have relevant written policies in place, which provide a secure framework for the school’s

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Main inspection findings

work.  Rigorous procedures to oversee and manage the school site, including risk management procedures, are in place and operating well. At the time of the inspection, the school premises and grounds were safe and well maintained, with routine maintenance work underway during the summer break, such as the resurfacing of some of the school’s footpaths.  Suitable arrangements have been made to ensure that the school conforms with the Regulatory (Fire Safety) Order 2005. An independent fire risk assessment is completed annually, the most recent having taken place in April this year, with any issues arising addressed. An additional independent fire risk assessment was taking place at the time of this inspection. Firefighting equipment is located throughout the premises and has been serviced recently. Fire exit routes are clear with suitable signage in place.  The proprietor has sensible plans in place to ensure that pupils are supervised

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Main inspection findings

properly at all times.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)- 21(3)(b), 21(5)–21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders are knowledgeable about the requirements of part 4 of the independent school standards. A single central record of recruitment checks is already in place. All required checks have been completed for current staff and governors. Leaders do not anticipate using supply staff but are aware of the written confirmations they would need to secure from relevant agencies if this becomes necessary.  The headteacher and business administrator maintain oversight of the single central record to ensure that it is up to date and complete.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The proposed school will occupy premises which are already used as a school for pupils with SEND. The premises comprise a series of buildings set in the school’s extensive grounds. The buildings and grounds provide ample space for the proposed number of pupils.  All buildings are well maintained and fit for purpose. Rooms are bright, airy and suitably equipped for use as classrooms, including specialist rooms for the teaching of subjects, such as a science. Leaders have rightly identified the need to refurbish a small number of rooms in an older part of the premises, so that these are as attractive and welcoming as the rest of the school.  The school has an extensive range of sports facilities, including a purpose-built sports hall, a fully equipped gym, good quality play equipment, and extensive grounds with a range of sports pitches. All are carefully maintained to a high standard. There are

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Main inspection findings

many mature trees in the school grounds. A tree survey is completed annually, and any required tree maintenance carried out.  The school’s grounds provide pupils with plenty of space to relax, socialise, and enjoy the fresh air. Leaders have taken great care to develop a series of outdoor areas for pupils to use, including a sensory garden, outdoor seating, allotments, and a forest school.  Suitable toilet and shower facilities are provided throughout. The temperature of the tap water is regulated to ensure that there is no risk of scalding. Drinking water will be freely available. This is usually labelled as such although, in some cases, the drinking water signs have come adrift. These will be replaced during the summer break with more reliable fixtures.  The medical room is fit for purpose, with a sink, lockable cupboard and fridge. It provides a clean and quiet place for pupils who are unwell. A toilet is located nearby.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii)–32(2)(c), 32(2)(d)–32(4)(c)  The school is already operating as a non-maintained special school and so its website is in place. It provides parents with a clear and helpful point of reference. Leaders know what information they are required to publish, in line with the independent school standards, should the proposal for registration be approved.  Leaders have established suitable arrangements for reporting to parents. They are proud of the strength of communication between school and parents and intend to maintain this in the future.  Leaders have ensured that all the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of part 7 of the independent

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Main inspection findings

school standards and is published on the school’s website. It sets out clear timescales for the management of complaints.  Leaders value parents’ views and intend to take appropriate action where any concerns are raised. They will aim to resolve any complaints informally wherever possible.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34–34(1)(c)  Leaders are highly knowledgeable about providing education for pupils with SEND and have a proven track record of success in special education. They intend to use the same approach in the new school, with a focus on ensuring consistency during the transition period from non-maintained special school to independent special school status.  The proprietor owns and runs several special schools already. They have clear systems in place to ensure oversight of the proposed school. A governing body will meet

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Main inspection findings

regularly to receive and consider reports provided by the headteacher. An external organisation has been commissioned to provide additional independent monitoring for the school.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have produced an accessibility plan which is published on the school’s website. The plan states leaders’ intention to maintain ‘uncompromising aspirations for every individual. Students will be nurtured and supported to achieve their very best and leave Heathermount equipped to face life’s journey in the most positive way possible.’

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £63,000 to £74,000

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Proposed school details

Email address david.stewart@heathermount.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 18 5 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 90 90

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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 90

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 90

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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 90

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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 90

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 17 17

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is currently operating as a non-maintained special school. It comprises a number of buildings located in its own extensive grounds near Ascot.  The proprietor is Cavendish Education Ltd, a company registered at Companies House and with seven directors. The proprietor currently runs seven other independent special schools.  The school proposes to cater wholly for pupils with SEND. Leaders intend to specialise in providing education for pupils with autism spectrum condition. All pupils will have an education, health and care plan and their places will be funded by a local authority.

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Information about this inspection

 The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 if the DfE decides to register it. This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector discussed and reviewed all relevant proposals and plans for the new school with the headteacher, deputy headteacher and other senior leaders. She also had a telephone discussion with a representative of the proprietor.  The inspector toured the school site during the inspection. She also scrutinised a wide range of policies, documents and records presented by the proprietor as evidence of the school’s likelihood to meet the standards, including the single central record.

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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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Inspection team

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