Compass Community School Wheatley Park

School pre-registration inspection report

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Compass Community School Wheatley Park 25-27 Moredon Road, Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon SN25 3DF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a)–(b), 2(2), 2(2)(a)–(i), 2A, 2A(1)(a)–(g), 2A(2), 2A(3), 3, 3(a)– (g), 4  Leaders anticipate that pupils are likely to arrive at the proposed school with varying degrees of academic success and previous trauma. They intend for pupils to receive high-quality pastoral and therapeutic support so they build strong and trusting relationships with adults.  Leaders expect most pupils to have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). They propose to assess pupils’ academic, social and emotional starting points. Teachers will use this information to plan one of four curriculum pathways based on pupils’ needs and EHC plan targets. For example, pathway two focuses on a blend of academic subjects and building pupils’ resilience and confidence.  The proprietor body has written a curriculum policy to cover both primary and secondary phases. Pupils will study a broad range of subjects based on the national

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Main inspection findings

curriculum and the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards), including religious education. Schemes of work for each subject specify what leaders intend pupils to learn lesson by lesson and from term to term.  A validated and well-sequenced phonics programme is in place for pupils who find learning to read difficult. Leaders will train all staff to be early reading experts. The proposed timetable shows that pupils will read and listen to stories daily. Leaders have already invested in various fiction and non-fiction texts to engage pupils.  Leaders have adopted a carefully sequenced programme for personal, social, health and economic education, including relationships and sex education (RSE). They plan to tailor their approaches to pupils’ individual needs. Leaders intend to consult parents on the RSE content once the school opens.  The planned core curriculum will support pupils to study a range of qualifications,

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Main inspection findings

including English, mathematics and science, to entry-level, functional skills levels or GCSEs. The school intends to offer other accreditations, ranging from BTEC National Diplomas to Assessment and Qualification Alliance and Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network awards. Post-16 students will continue to follow individualised programmes of study. Leaders aim for all pupils to achieve relevant qualifications by the time they leave the school.  Leaders’ plans ensure that teachers have the subject knowledge they need to teach the intended curriculum well. For example, experts across Compass schools have prepared subject knowledge guides. Staff will be able to join weekly subject- specialism training as part of their wider professional development.  Leaders have put clear procedures in place to assess pupils’ learning continuously. For example, lessons will include quizzes and checkpoints to determine what pupils know

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Main inspection findings

and remember. Leaders plan for staff to provide additional interventions for pupils at risk of falling behind.  From Year 7, all pupils will receive impartial career guidance. Leaders intend to provide pupils with the information and experience needed to make informed choices about their future careers. For example, pupils will visit career fairs and apprenticeship providers. The school’s careers programme is in line with the Gatsby benchmarks. It is designed to harness pupils’ skills and talents.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)  The proposed curriculum will place a significant focus on promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The schemes of work specify how pupils will learn about different faiths, cultures and religions.  Leaders and staff will promote fundamental British values. Through assemblies,

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Main inspection findings

lessons, visits and enrichment activities, pupils will learn about democracy, right from wrong, responsibility and respect for individual differences. Leaders intend teachers to model positive behaviour values in their interactions with pupils. They will encourage pupils to make up their own minds and be ready to accept responsibility for what they do.  Leaders have ensured that policies are in place for staff. These include details on preventing the promotion of partisan political views. Teachers will offer pupils a balance of opposing viewpoints.  The proprietor has formed central and regional ambassadors committed to equality. They recognise the need to teach pupils about the importance of respect for all, including those with protected characteristics, as specified in the Equality Act 2010.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a)–7(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor and leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding. The safeguarding and child protection policy considers the most recent guidance in ‘Keeping children safe in education, 2023’. It is published on the school’s website. A dedicated safeguarding team is in place. Staff have completed statutory training. A comprehensive induction programme for new staff includes information about local safeguarding procedures, the staff code of conduct, whistleblowing and managing allegations against staff.  Leaders anticipate that if the school is approved to open, it will likely educate pupils living in different local authorities. Leaders have considerable experience with the additional safeguarding challenges this may pose. Leaders intend to hold daily briefings to ensure that all staff are well informed of any safeguarding risks pupils may face.  School staff will use an electronic system to record any safeguarding concerns. The

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Main inspection findings

regional executive headteacher and governors will monitor safeguarding incidents closely. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–(b), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a)–16(b)  Leaders have developed behaviour and countering bullying policies. These set out the school’s approach and expectations. For example, staff will actively address and challenge any form of bullying. Pupils will follow a behaviour grade system. Staff will celebrate positive behaviours, such as following instructions and good listening, by giving pupils merit points. The policy sets out how staff will record and deal with poor behaviour.  Leaders endeavour to create a calm environment based on mutual respect. The staff induction programme includes training in de-escalation and physical intervention techniques. The policy is clear that it will only be used as a last resort. All pupils will have an individual risk assessment. Staff will review these at least every term.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s health and safety, first-aid and risk assessment policies are fit for purpose. All staff will be trained in first aid. There is a suitable stock of first-aid supplies for staff to use as necessary. Leaders have completed a local risk assessment of the school site and surrounding premises. They have identified potential risks and appropriate control measures. A systematic programme of daily, weekly and monthly checks will help maintain the good condition of the proposed premises.  The proprietor has quickly rectified the areas identified as ‘high priority’ on the external fire risk assessment. One task remains incomplete. Leaders are waiting for new fire extinguishers to be installed. The proprietor has booked this work to be completed before the end of August 2023. If the proposed school is approved, the proprietor will ensure that they comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

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Main inspection findings

2005.  The supervision of pupils will be a priority for leaders. Staff-to-pupil ratios will be high. Staff will supervise pupils closely at all times. Leaders intend to gradually increase pupil numbers to ensure that appropriate staffing is in place.  Attendance and admissions registers follow the latest guidance from the Department for Education. They will allow leaders to spot emerging patterns of pupil absence.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)–(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor has effective systems in place to manage and oversee the safer recruitment of staff. A dedicated human resources team support school leaders in completing statutory checks.  An electronic single central record is in place. It is clearly organised and includes

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Main inspection findings

relevant information, such as barred list checks for staff working in regulated activity and reference checks. The executive headteacher monitors this regularly to ensure that it is accurate and complete. All of the required checks have been completed for the appointed headteacher.  Safeguarding leaders speak knowledgeably about the procedures to follow for the use of supply staff.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(c), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a)–(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)–(b)  The proposed school is set in a double-storey former office building. It has been refurbished to form five small classrooms, two downstairs for primary and three upstairs for secondary-age pupils. Other spaces include a therapy room, science laboratory, intervention room, dining area and office spaces. Many of these spaces

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Main inspection findings

can be used flexibly, depending on the pupils’ needs. The main reception is accessible via a secure entrance at the front of the school.  The classrooms are well lit. They have suitable acoustics and ventilation. Windows contain locks and are fitted with restrictors.  Single toilet facilities are available exclusively for pupils. There is a sufficient supply of cold and hot water. Hot water is set at a safe temperature. There is a dedicated medical room. It has a bed, washing facilities and a lockable cabinet to store medication and is next to a toilet.  Pupils will have access to drinking-water throughout the day from the dining room.  A small, outdoor asphalt area is suitable for pupils to play and socialise. There are no changing facilities as leaders plan to take pupils off site for physical education.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a)–(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)–(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)–(g)

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Main inspection findings

 The website for the proposed school provides parents with the required information, including policies and contact details of the headteacher, chair of governors and the proprietor body.  Leaders intend to provide parents with termly progress reports on pupils’ progress and attainment.  The proprietor has significant expertise in educating pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They plan to provide details of income and expenditure for pupils funded by the local authority, public funds or an EHC plan.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–(k)  The school’s complaints policy complies with the requirements of the standards. It includes how parents can raise concerns informally at the first stage. The policy details appropriate timescales for each step of the complaints procedure.  Leaders will keep records of any complaints received. These will be stored securely

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Main inspection findings

and made available for inspection.  An electronic copy of the complaints policy is available through the school website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a)–(c)  The proprietor body and directors have a strong background in setting up and leading specialist education schools. They aim to create a culture where positive relationships exist, and staff place safety, care and pupils’ well-being at the centre of all they do.  The proposed leadership structure of the school is well considered. The proprietor has appointed a headteacher with experience working with pupils with complex needs and trauma. There are clear lines of accountability. The regional executive headteacher will support and challenge leaders through on-site visits and monitoring. Governors and the director of education will provide an added layer of scrutiny and report to the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor body.  Leaders plan to provide all staff with a comprehensive 12-week induction programme. This will include mandatory training, curriculum development and support from specialist staff in the Compass network of schools. Leaders will ensure that all staff have the required knowledge and skills to support the pupils who attend.  Leaders have taken effective action in planning the opening of the proposed school. They have ensured that a suitable curriculum and associated policies are in place. Robust quality assurance systems will ensure that the standards are likely to be met.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have written a suitable accessibility plan. It outlines how leaders intend to consider the needs of pupils with SEND. This includes access to the curriculum and adaptations to lessons.  The school is likely to meet 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 www.compass- schools.org/featured_schools/our- schools/wheatley-park/ Email address jane.cordes@compasscommunity.co.uk

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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 7 to 17 7 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 18 12

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The proposed school building is next to a busy main road. Access to the school car park and pupil drop-off area is via a narrow drive off the main road. Leaders anticipate that most pupils will arrive by taxi. It is the inspector’s view that the current parking arrangements will not safely accommodate the arrival and departure of 18 pupils. Reducing the maximum number of pupils to 12 is recommended to minimise the risk of congestion at the start and end of the school day. The proprietor agreed that this was a reasonable adjustment to make while they explored other suitable parking arrangements.

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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 18

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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 18

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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 18

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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 18

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 7

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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 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor, Compass Community Ltd, runs 19 registered independent special schools. Compass Community Ltd has three directors, a chief executive officer (CEO), a finance director and a commercial director. A regional executive headteacher will oversee the leadership of the proposed school.  The proposed school intends to educate pupils between the ages of seven and 17 years with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs. Most pupils are expected to have an EHC plan funded by local authorities.  An experienced headteacher was appointed in June 2023. Two teachers, one higher- level teaching assistant and two teaching assistants have been recruited to start in September 2023.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The recently appointed headteacher was absent during this inspection due to a pre- planned absence.  The inspector discussed all parts of the standards with the regional executive headteacher. The inspector held a remote meeting with the CEO and director of education to consider plans for the proposed school.  The inspector toured the school site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school curriculum.

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Inspection team

Dale Burr, 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

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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