Courtlands Independent Special School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Courtlands Independent Special School 37 Parklands Avenue, Goring, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 4NG

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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)(h)–2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(2), 3, 4  Leaders have planned an ambitious curriculum which is likely to provide suitable breadth of learning as required by the independent school standards. Appropriate curriculum and assessment policies are in place. These give suitable consideration to provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.  All pupils who attend will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Some pupils may not have attended school for extended periods prior to joining so may have significant gaps in learning. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, with content adapted according to pupils’ individual requirements. Each pupil’s EHC plan will provide the starting point for teaching. Leaders plan to identify pupils’ starting points when they join the school and tailor the curriculum accordingly. Leaders have

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Main inspection findings

the knowledge and expertise required to ensure that this is done well.  Leaders see developing pupils’ reading skills as a key component of the curriculum. They anticipate that some pupils will be in the early stages of learning to read when they arrive at the school. They have made suitable plans for how these pupils will be supported, including through access to an appropriate phonics programme. Leaders intend that staff will be trained to use the programme and be able to access suitable resources.  Other aspects of the curriculum, such as personal, social and health education and relationships and sex education (RSE) will be delivered through timetabled lessons. The school’s RSE policy is suitable, and leaders intend to consult with parents about it as part of pupils’ induction to the school.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to provide pupils with good quality careers information, education, advice and guidance. They intend to provide pupils with

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Main inspection findings

opportunities to have meaningful encounters with apprenticeship and training providers.  Leaders are at the very early stages of appointing staff. They intend to employ well- qualified and experienced staff who will be able to support pupils to acquire the knowledge and skills required for future education or employment. It is planned that training for staff will be a routine and regular part of school life.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met if the school is granted permission to register. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5–5(d)(iii)  Leaders intend that pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development will be woven through day-to-day life at the school. They wish to create a caring ethos founded on the school’s ‘CORE’ values of ‘celebrate, opportunity, reflection and encouragement’. All staff and pupils will be expected to uphold these values.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff will be expected to be positive role models for pupils. This includes ensuring that pupils are not exposed to partisan political or religious views.  The curriculums for life skills and religious education include opportunities for pupils to learn about equality, protected characteristics and other faiths. Lessons, assemblies, tutor times and other opportunities will be used to promote fundamental British values and pupils’ understanding of life in modern Britain. For instance, activities such as electing pupils to be on the school council aim to encourage respect for democracy and promote participation in the democratic process.  The school timetable is planned to include opportunities for enrichment to support pupils’ wider development. Leaders intend to be influenced by pupils’ interests, but the activities are likely to include outdoor learning, sports activities and visits to the local area.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b)  The proposed school has policies, written guidance and procedures in place to assure the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The safeguarding policy is compliant with the latest government guidance. It is available on the school’s website and upon request.  The headteacher will take the role of designated safeguarding lead. She has carried out suitable training and is knowledgeable about what the role involves. There are suitable plans in place to ensure that all staff receive ongoing safeguarding training.  The school plans to use an appropriate electronic system to record and monitor any behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Staff will be trained in how to use the system. Paragraphs 9–16(b)  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are fit for purpose. They set out clear

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Main inspection findings

procedures, with an emphasis on the use of preventative and de-escalation strategies.  Suitable health and safety and risk assessment policies are in place. Leaders have a firm understanding of health and safety requirements, including the need for comprehensive risk assessments and ongoing monitoring and action needed to keep the school safe. As part of pupils’ induction, individual risk assessments will be created.  Arrangements for providing first aid are fit for purpose. It is intended that key staff will be suitably trained to deliver first aid.  Admission and attendance registers will be maintained in accordance with paragraph 15 of the independent school standards. Pupils will be expected to attend regularly, and leaders will monitor their attendance closely.  Knowledgeable leaders are ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. To ensure fire safety arrangements are suitable, they have taken

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Main inspection findings

action to address the recommendations from an independent fire risk assessment.  Leaders intend there to be high staff-to-pupil ratios to ensure pupils will be closely supervised during the day. They propose to admit a small number of pupils in the first instance, gradually increasing the number of pupils on roll over time.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. 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)(b)(ii), 20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(6)  Leaders understand their duty to make comprehensive recruitment checks on staff and those responsible for governance. It is not leaders’ intention to use supply staff in the school.  The single central record of pre-appointment checks is in place. It is set up in a way which is likely to ensure that it will meet the statutory requirements when staff

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Main inspection findings

recruitment has been completed. The proprietor intends to recruit a governor with responsibility for scrutinising safeguarding processes.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The school will operate from a single site that is located on a quiet residential road. It has its own secure entrance leading to a sizable car park. There are suitable arrangements in place for pupils to arrive and depart the school safely.  The school building has been refurbished to a high standard. It is a welcoming and inviting school environment. Large windows admit plenty of natural light to the building. They have been fitted with window restrictors to ensure safe use. Outside, there is sufficient lighting around the building to make it safe for pupils and adults in the evenings.

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Main inspection findings

 The accommodation comprises several bright, airy teaching spaces, a kitchen, and a large space for activities such as assembly or drama. There is also a staff room, meeting room, medical room and the headteacher’s office. The school building provides ample space to accommodate the 21 pupils proposed.  The attractive grounds provide plenty of scope for outdoor learning and socialising. Physical education will be provided off site at leisure or sports amenities in the local area. Leaders plan for pupils to use the changing and shower facilities at these sports centres.  The medical room is fit for purpose. There is access to running water in the room and the toilet facilities are nearby. There is a lockable cupboard for storing controlled medicines located just outside the medical room.  There are suitable toilets in place for boys and girls. There is a separate accessible toilet in the main reception area. All facilities have sufficient water supplies for

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Main inspection findings

handwashing, and the temperature of hot water is regulated appropriately.  Pupils and staff can access drinking-water through bottled water coolers which are located around the building.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii)–32(4)(c)  The school's website is in the process of being developed. It has already been populated with relevant documentation and information. Required policies, such as behaviour, complaints and safeguarding, are easy to locate and are up to date. Leaders also intend to provide parents with a collection of policies when their children join the school.  Leaders see high levels of communication between parents and school staff as a key aspect of the provision. Regular updates and written reports will be provided to parents or carers about pupils’ attainment and progress. Leaders are aware of the

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Main inspection findings

requirement to provide relevant local authorities with an annual account of how each pupil’s funding has been spent.  The requirements for this part of the independent school standards are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33–33(k)  The school’s complaints policy meets statutory requirements. It is published on the school’s website. This policy is clear, comprehensive and fit for purpose. It provides clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint.  Leaders demonstrate a commitment to listening to parents and working through any concerns in the first instance. They have appropriate plans to keep records of any complaints received by the school. Monitoring of complaints and any arising actions will be part of routine checks carried out by the governing body.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor’s rationale for the proposed school is sound. He has appointed an experienced headteacher with a background in special education. They, along with the advisory team, bring suitable knowledge and experience to their roles. Leaders demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements relating to the independent school standards.  The process of establishing a governing body has begun. The two members of the advisory team will form part of this and it is anticipated that one will be the chair of the governing body. Further appointments are planned to ensure a breadth of experience and specialist knowledge. This is likely to place them well to be able to support and challenge the school as it develops. The proprietor anticipates that the governing body will meet regularly and provide him with regular updates on what is happening in the school and the impact on pupils. The checks and balances in place

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Main inspection findings

are likely to be effective.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards if granted permission to open. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders are aware of their duties in relation to equality. A suitable accessibility plan is published on the school’s website. Leaders intend to update the plan at appropriate intervals and as required to take account of the school’s pupils and staff. The school is likely to meet 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

Email address head@courtlands-school.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 14 11 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 21 21

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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 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 21

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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 21

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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 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not appliable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

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Information about this proposed school

 Courtlands Independent Special School intends to cater for up to 21 mixed-gender pupils between the ages of 11 and 14. All pupils will have an EHC plan and their places will be funded by a local authority.  The school intend to specialise in providing education for pupils with communication and interaction difficulties. Pupils may also have cognition and learning difficulties.  The proposed school is situated on a residential street. It will be based in part of a listed building. The school will have sole occupancy of the refurbished premises. The accommodation will consist of a range of classrooms, break-out spaces, a kitchen area, toilet facilities and a secure outside space. Pupils will access off-site physical education at local facilities, including the leisure centre.  It is not intended that the school will use alternative provision.  The sole director intends that governance will be via a small governing body that will

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Information about this proposed school

provide a degree of independent oversight for the school.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the proprietor’s application to open an independent school. This was the school’s first pre- registration inspection.  The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  The inspector met with the headteacher and the proprietor. She also met the two members of the advisory board who will form part of the governing body once it is established. The inspector reviewed documents provided by the school and those available on the school’s website. She toured the school’s premises and checked the single central record of pre-appointment checks.

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Inspection team

Louise Walker, 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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