3 Dimensions

School material change inspection report

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Chardleigh House, Chardleigh Green, Wadeford, Chard, Somerset TA20 3AJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Leaders deliver safeguarding training that enables staff to remain vigilant to any signs of concern. There is a strong culture of safeguarding.  Leaders have a secure understanding of the safeguarding risks to pupils at the school. The curriculum design ensures that pupils learn how to keep themselves safe. Paragraph 11, 12  Leaders have published a detailed health and safety policy on the school’s website. They make regular checks on the premises, such as water and electrical testing. Leaders maintain detailed records of their compliance checks.  The school complies with the fire safety regulations. Leaders make regular checks on the fire safety systems and equipment. They undertake any follow-up actions. The two new classrooms are included as part of the existing fire procedures, including in

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Main inspection findings

the provision of fire extinguishers and alarms. Leaders use an external company to audit the fire equipment and check compliance. Paragraph 14  Leaders consider the allocation of staffing to ensure that there is suitable supervision of pupils. Staff know pupils’ needs well. This helps them to evaluate risks appropriately so they can keep pupils safe. There are suitable plans in place to increase supervision levels in response to the increase in numbers requested in the material change. Paragraph 16  The risk assessment policy clearly sets out leaders’ approach to identifying and managing risks. Risk assessments for pupils and activities are comprehensive. Leaders regularly evaluate risk assessments to ensure that these are fit for purpose.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)– 21(7)(b)  Leaders make the necessary safeguarding checks on adults who work at the school. They record the checks with accuracy on the single central record. Safeguarding is considered at each stage of the recruitment process. The proprietor seeks regular assurance that there is a strong culture of safeguarding.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  Leaders have given careful consideration to the design of the two new classrooms. There are plans in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the acoustics once the building is in use by pupils. The new buildings provide light and inviting teaching spaces, suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The premises are well maintained and provide a safe environment for pupils to learn and play. The recent addition of outdoor apparatus has positively impacted pupils’ physical development. The space available for pupils during social times would accommodate the proposed increase in numbers, if agreed.  Emergency evacuation routes are clearly displayed in each area of the school. Leaders have ensured that the new buildings are accessible and have direct access to the outside spaces.  The school has an appropriate medical room situated in Chardleigh House. This room

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Main inspection findings

contains a bed and first-aid equipment and is next to a toilet with handwashing facilities.  There are suitable toilet facilities next to the new teaching spaces. Drinking water is clearly labelled throughout the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is granted. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  Leaders have already designed and overseen the building of the two purpose-built, additional teaching spaces that will allow for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  Leaders demonstrate secure skills and knowledge, appropriate to their role, to ensure that the independent school standards are met. There are rigorous systems in place to monitor compliance with the standards.  Leaders are vigilant in promoting the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the

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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 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £62,061 to £71,815

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School details

Email address caroline@3dimensions.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 15 to 18 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 25 7 to 25 7 to 25

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 36 40 40

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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 36 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 36 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 36 40

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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 36 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 28 31

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Information about this school

 3 Dimensions is an independent special school that is registered to provide education for boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder. The school operates on one site near the town of Chard.  The school is owned by Acorn Care and Education Ltd, which is part of Outcomes First Group.  All pupils who attend the school have an education, health and care plan.  The school is currently registered for 36 pupils aged seven to 25 years. There are currently 36 pupils on roll.  All pupils are placed at the school by their representative local authorities.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned Ofsted to carry out this inspection because the proprietor applied to make a material change to the school’s registration. The proprietor requested an increase in the maximum pupil capacity from 36 to 40.  This was the school’s second material change inspection in respect of the proposed increase in the maximum pupil capacity.  The inspector met with the headteacher, other senior leaders and the proprietor.  The inspector undertook a tour of the premises and school site to evaluate the school’s suitability to increase pupil numbers. She analysed a wide range of documents and school records, including those relating to safeguarding and welfare, and health and safety.  The inspector spoke with pupils and staff throughout the inspection in relation to safeguarding.

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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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