Skip to content

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Schools & FE · Independent school inspection

Include Suffolk

Inspected 20 Oct 2023 · published 4 Dec 2023 · URN 138877

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Original PDF ↗

Summary

No overall grade in this framework

Michael Williams

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Inspection date verified

    20 Oct 2023

  • Inspectors verified

    Michael Williams

  • Postcode verified

    IP8 3AS

  • Name on report verified

    Include Suffolk

  • URN verified

    138877

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+15Mostly positivemore positive than 30% of reports of this type

In line with other reports of this type.

Praiseconsistentlyindependenteffectivelymake good progresswell plannedrobusteffectivepromptly
Criticismnot metconcernsat riskharmlimited

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsWhat needs to improveLeadershipAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings1149w−4
  • Leadership69w+67
  • What needs to improve61w+33

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

No standout praise found.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Next steps

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
8
Words of findings
1,222
shorter than usual (typical 1813)
Reading level
Fairly hard
Flesch 52, typical 49
Average sentence
17 words
Next steps
3
typical 8
Hedged sentences
0%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 57%Leadership 3%What needs to improve 3%About the inspection 37%

Full report text

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Include Suffolk Springvale Court, Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3AS

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 3(a) to 3(f)  This independent school standard (the standard) was not met at the inspection in February 2023. The inspection report stated that the curriculum did not identify how knowledge will build over a term or an academic year. The inspection also found that the activities that the school chose for pupils to complete were not well matched to the intended learning. The teaching of phonics was also identified as an area for improvement as staff did not implement the approach to phonics well enough. Also, pupils struggled to read the books they received because these were not well matched to the sounds they had learned.  In the evaluation of the action plan in June 2023, the school stated they would create progression maps to show how learning would build on prior knowledge. There would also be investment in a new phonics programme, with training for staff on this approach.

p.1

Main inspection findings

The school also planned to invest in new reading books to match closely to the sounds pupils were learning.  There is now a coherent curriculum in place that identifies how pupils will build on their knowledge over time. The school’s progression maps show how learning will build each term and each year.  The school has adopted schemes for teaching mathematics and phonics. Staff have been trained in how to teach these schemes.  The school has also used externally published resources to support the design of other curriculum areas.  The school has rigorously assessed pupils’ phonics knowledge to ensure they provide reading books for pupils that match the sounds they have learned and should know.  Work in mathematics books reflects the planned curriculum and shows the school is implementing plans more consistently than previously.  There are plans in place to monitor the effectiveness of the teaching of the curriculum

p.1

Main inspection findings

and provide further staff training where required.  This standard is now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school ensures that the safety of pupils is of the highest priority. Staff understand how to identify the signs a pupil may be at risk of harm. They record concerns promptly using the procedures agreed at school.  The school takes action on concerns quickly. Where required, additional support is provided to pupils and families.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and remains met. Paragraph 11  The school has relevant and updated health and safety policies in place. These are implemented appropriately by staff.  The school completes necessary health and safety checks at appropriate intervals. Paragraph 12  There is an appropriate fire risk assessment in place. The school ensures this risk assessment is regularly reviewed and updated. For example, where building work has

p.1

Main inspection findings

happened, the school has reviewed evacuation procedures.  The school ensures that checks on emergency lighting, fire alarms and fire extinguishers are completed. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There are relevant risk assessments in place. The school regularly reviews these risk assessments to ensure the implications of any changes to the school site are well considered. Risk assessments set out what the dangers are, what the impact might be and how the school will manage the risk. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18 to 21  The school has maintained the robust procedures they had in place at the previous inspection for the safer recruitment of staff.  Leaders regularly quality assure the school’s single central record of background checks on adults to ensure it is accurate.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and remains met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 23 to 31  The premises are well maintained and conducive to use as a place of learning. This includes pupils’ access to suitable toileting facilities, drinking-water and a medical room.  There is outside space for pupils to play and to take part in physical education lessons.  The school has sensible plans in place to enhance the premises at Ashley House. The development of a library space, for example, will further improve the learning environment for pupils. The school also plans to utilise space in the local community to enhance the physical education provision on offer.  The new building, as well as the existing school premises, meet the standards outlined in part 5 of the standards. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects relevant statutory guidance and is available on the school’s website.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and remains met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  This standard was not met at the inspection in February 2023. The inspection report stated that the school had limited capacity to improve provision.  In the evaluation of the action plan in June 2023, the school stated they would restructure the leadership team and provide external support and coaching to add capacity to leadership.  The school has built increased capacity in the leadership team through new appointments. There is also increased capacity across the Include Schools with central staff supporting the monitoring and quality assurance of provision.  The school has ensured that the action plan has been well implemented. This includes prioritising improvement work appropriately. For example, using staff training to upskill staff in how to teach phonics, knowing the ability to read improves pupils’ access to the

p.3

Main inspection findings

wider curriculum.  There are clear systems in place to monitor the quality of education pupils receive. A focus on coaching, mentoring and modelling of best practice has been established to develop staff across the three school sites.  This standard is now met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has ensured it continues to meet schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.3

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.4

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitude, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) Demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) Utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

p.4

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership 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.

p.4

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.5

School details

Email address daryl.bates@catch-22.org.uk

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 21 to 23 February 2023

p.5

Information about this school

 The school is split over three sites. These are the registered Ipswich site; the Old Kingdom Hall, Short Bracklands, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1EL; and Ashley House, Ashley Downs, Lowestoft, NR32 4EX.  The school moved to the Ashley House site in Lowestoft from another premises in Lowestoft in September 2023.  The school has a contract with Suffolk local authority to provide 66 alternative provision places for pupils in key stages 1 and 2. Some pupils are on a dual roll with their home school. Others have been permanently excluded from their last school.  Most pupils have an education, health and care plan. Many pupils have a diagnosis of autism.  The school uses two unregistered alternative providers to enhance the curriculum for a small number of learners.  There is currently no local governing body, although there are plans in place to establish one.  The most recent inspection of the school was in February 2023. During this inspection,

p.5

Information about this school

the school was judged as requires improvement and did not meet all of the standards. The school submitted an action plan which was judged to be likely to meet standards with modifications in June 2023.

p.6

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The registration authority for independent schools approved the use of the new Lowestoft site in August 2023. They requested this inspection to also check that the new school site met the requirements set out in paragraphs 11, 12, 16(a) and 16(b) and part 5 of the standards.  The inspector spoke to a representative of the proprietor body, the headteacher and other senior leaders.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation relating to the curriculum. This included curriculum planning guidance, assessment procedures and records of staff training. He also reviewed evidence of pupils’ work in mathematics.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 The inspector reviewed the single central record and a sample of records relating to safeguarding.  The inspector toured the new school site at Ashley House in Lowestoft, reviewed a range of documentation relating to health and safety and sampled a range of risk assessments.

p.7

Inspection team

Michael Williams, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website:. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection team

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.

p.8

Inspection team

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 .

p.8

Inspection team

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.

p.8

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8

Discuss this inspection

Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.

Join the discussion