Hawthorn

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hawthorn Chalkhill Farm, New House Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7BF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) – 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g)–2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(2), 3, 4.  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is expected that all pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Leaders recognise that pupils who will attend the proposed school may have experienced prolonged disruption to their education. They place building trusting relationships and providing pupils with a nurturing environment at the centre of their vision.  The proposed curriculum is based on the national curriculum and relevant examination specifications. The curriculum policy sets out a clear aim to combine academic learning with animal and equine therapy in ways that help pupils to develop their self- confidence and self-esteem.  The proposed school intends to teach a broad range of subjects including English,

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Main inspection findings

mathematics, science, art and design, personal, social and health education (PSHE), history, geography and information and communication technology. Older pupils will have the opportunity to gain functional skills qualifications in English and mathematics. Leaders have ensured that appropriate schemes of work are in place for most subjects. However, leaders have not developed the scheme of work for the intended curriculum for physical education. Their plans in this subject are limited to the physical activities that pupils will undertake when working with the farm animals and horses.  Leaders plan to adapt the curriculum to meet the individual needs, interests, and aspirations of each pupil. The assessment policy shows that leaders understand the importance of promptly identifying gaps in pupils’ knowledge. This is likely to help staff to adapt their plans, so that they meet pupils’ learning, behaviour and pastoral

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Main inspection findings

needs well.  The proprietor has recruited teaching and support staff for the intended school. Some staff are due to take up their posts in January 2024, whereas others work at the existing youth activity centre. Nevertheless, leaders have not given enough thought to an induction and professional development process that will help staff to promote the proposed school’s aims and intended curriculum successfully through their work.  Leaders plan to establish a sixth-form provision because a small number of pupils may not be ready to move into other post-16 settings. However, leaders have not considered any alternative post-16 options for those pupils who may be ready to access them. Additionally, they do not have suitable plans to provide pupils with regular, impartial and up-to-date careers information, advice and guidance.  Leaders have planned the programme for PSHE. It includes a range of topics, such as

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Main inspection findings

learning about sexual orientation, gender identity, life skills and independence, healthy relationships and managing complex emotions effectively. The curriculum includes suitable coverage of fundamental British values.  The proposed school’s relationships and sex education (RSE) programme covers all the required content from the statutory guidance. Leaders plan to consult with parents and carers about this policy when the school opens. The RSE policy references the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child fully, or partly, from sex education lessons.  Some the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are not likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  Leaders have given careful thought to pupils’ personal development. Leaders intend to offer a range of trips and visits to pupils. Proposed visits include trips to museums, art

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Main inspection findings

galleries, parks, places of historical significance and the local community. These activities are likely to support pupils to become active young citizens.  Leaders intend for pupils to learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy, individual liberty and mutual respect, through the curriculum and other activities. For example, leaders propose visits to local places of worship to develop pupils’ understanding and appreciations of different religions and festivals. Their promotion of equality and consideration of those with protected characteristics are threaded through the wider curriculum.  The planned life skills curriculum is designed to help pupils to understand their own feelings. By understanding the reasons behind their actions, pupils will be encouraged to learn about how to manage their own emotions successfully.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b), 9–16(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders have not ensured that the welfare and safety standards are likely to be met should the proposed school be opened. For example, the school’s safeguarding policy is not compliant with the government’s latest guidance. The proprietor is not trained in safer recruitment. Additionally, leaders have not completed all required checks to ensure that staff and managers are qualified to work with children. The gaps in the single central record for the proposed school are noted below in part 4.  Arrangements for safeguarding training and staff induction are likely to be suitable. The school’s online system for tracking safeguarding concerns and referrals is likely to be used effectively. Leaders demonstrate that they are vigilant about signs that pupils may be at risk of harm, and know how to involve external agencies promptly.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to be implemented well. Leaders will use their online system to record any incidents of serious misbehaviour and any sanctions imposed as a result. Leaders are trained in specialist therapeutic approaches to help support pupils’ behaviour and additional social, emotional, mental health needs.  The proposed school’s health and safety policy is not suitable. For instance, leaders have not ensured that there are shower and changing facilities for pupils. Leaders have not carried out suitable risk assessments to reduce the risks faced by pupils when on site. Some of their suggested actions to reduce risks are not appropriate.  All fire risk assessments and checks have been completed, and leaders have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However, signs for evacuation routes and fire assembly points are not yet fully in place in all areas.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have written a suitable first-aid policy and existing staff are first-aid trained. However, the processes and proposed templates for documenting accidents and injuries and for managing pupils’ medication are not likely to be suitable.  Leaders have planned thoughtfully the staff-to-pupil ratios throughout the school day. This means that pupils will be supervised appropriately during breaktimes and lunchtimes.  Admission and attendance registers will be kept using the proposed school’s online system. They include all the required information and so are likely to be suitable.  Some of the standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2)–18(e), 18(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(3)(b), 21(7)–21(7)(b)  Leaders have established a single central record. However, this does not contain all of the required information. This is because leaders are unclear about all the checks that

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Main inspection findings

need to be made before staff are employed. As a result, the single central record is not compliant.  The proprietor does not demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of how to maintain the single central record. Important checks such as making sure that managers are not subject to a section 128 direction have not been completed. Leaders lack understanding of the suitability checks required for any contractors or visitors. They have given too little consideration to ensuring pupils’ and staff’s safety.  The proprietor does not intend to use supply agency staff.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The proposed school is located on a five-acre farm which currently operates as a youth activity and equine therapy centre. It has its own secure entrance, office space and adequate toilet facilities. There are two main classrooms. Leaders have ensured

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Main inspection findings

that this accommodation is of a sound standard. For example, classrooms are fitted with suitable furniture for the proposed age and needs of pupils. Acoustic and indoor lighting conditions are suitable for the nature of the activities that will take place.  Leaders have not ensured that all satisfactory checks on the safety of the proposed school are complete. For example, they have not made sure that there is suitable external lighting around the buildings to ensure safe passage in the dark. Most of the large farming and construction equipment is not stored safely. Aerosols and hazardous liquids or substances are not stored securely and a broken glass panel on one of the classroom doors has not been replaced. Consequently, the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff cannot be assured.  The proposed school’s unique setting will provide plenty of space for pupils to relax and play. However, leaders have not carried out suitable risk assessments. For

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Main inspection findings

example, they have not taken steps to ensure that a large animal trailer which is parked in the play area will not pose a risk to staff or pupils. The extensive outdoor space has been organised into different areas, including an allotment, a quiet garden, a sensory space and several breakout areas which pupils will be able to access. Leaders have not completed suitable risk assessments for some of these spaces.  Leaders set up a suitably equipped medical room during the inspection.  There are separate toilet facilities for pupils and staff. These can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. The water temperature of hand-washing facilities is not controlled and therefore is too hot and poses a risk of scalding.  Pupils attending the proposed school will have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are clearly labelled and are available in both classrooms.  The school’s outdoor areas are securely fenced and gated. Leaders have not

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Main inspection findings

developed appropriate schemes of work for the physical education curriculum. As such, they have not considered a timetable or plan of which lessons will take place in the school grounds, which are also used for animal care including horse riding.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d)–32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website includes all the required information, including guidance, contact information and policies such as those for behaviour, curriculum and admissions. Leaders intend to provide parents with copies of policies on request.  Leaders are knowledgeable about the requirements of part 6 of the standards. They intend to provide regular updates and reports for parents, as well as for local authorities placing pupils at the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  Leaders have established a clear complaints policy. The policy allows the complainant to raise their concerns informally and sets out clear timescales for each stage of the process. This policy is available on the school’s 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)(c)  Leaders were not fully ready for this pre-registration inspection. Their collective understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards is not as strong as it should be.  The proprietor does not intend for there to be a governing body in the first instance. However, the proprietor does plan to employ independent consultants to advise her on the quality of education the proposed school will provide and for other aspects such as safeguarding.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have not ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. This means that Leaders have not given enough consideration to ensuring equality of access for all pupils.  The school is not likely to meet paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Proprietor Chalkhill Farm Youth Activities Limited

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Sarah Watson (Head of School)

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £45,000 to £65,000

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Proposed school details

Email address chalkhillfarm123@gmail.com

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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 11 to 18 11 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 8 8

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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 8

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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 8

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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 8

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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 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 3

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will operate on Chalkhill Farm, which is currently used as an outdoor youth activity centre which provides equine and animal therapy. Some pupils attend as part of an ‘education other than at school’ package commissioned by Kent local authority. These pupils receive most of their behaviour and therapy support from Chalkhill Farm.  The proposed school will offer education, equine therapy and mental health input to pupils aged 11 to 18. All pupils will have an EHC plan. Pupils’ needs will typically be associated with social, emotional and mental health issues, autism, and attachment and trauma difficulties. Some pupils may have speech, language and communication needs and cognition and learning difficulties. It is likely that some pupils will be looked after by local authorities.  The head of school, who will join the proposed school in January 2024, is also listed as one of the directors for Chalkhill Farm Youth Activities Limited.

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Information about this proposed school

 Places will primarily be commissioned by Kent local authority.  The proprietor body does not intend to use alternative provision.

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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 Department for Education decides to register it. This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection. The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector met with the proprietor, senior leaders and some staff. The inspector discussed and reviewed all relevant proposals and plans for the new school with the proprietor, the head of school and other staff who have already been appointed.  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

Shazia Akram, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that– – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; and – 20(6)(a) MB– – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question. – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable– – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school– – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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