Hambrook School

School material change inspection report

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Hambrook School Marle Place, Leylands Road, Burgess Hill RH15 8HY

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b) 32(1)(c)  The school’s policies and procedures to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff are fully established. For instance, office staff give safeguarding a high priority when visitors arrive, following the school’s robust safeguarding policies and procedures closely and reminding visitors of the importance of checking that doors are closed behind them to keep pupils safe from uninvited visitors.  Safeguarding training represents an important element of induction training when staff first join the school. This is supplemented by ongoing guidance and updates, including regular staff briefings. Adults are encouraged to report and record any concerns, no matter how small, so that leaders can act swiftly when the need arises.  The identities of the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy DSL are clearly advertised in posters and pictures around the school so that staff, visitors and pupils

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Main inspection findings

know who to go to if they have a concern. Both the DSL and the deputy DSL have completed suitable training that equips them for their roles.  Each pupil is allocated a ‘student advocate’, a member of staff whose role is to provide a consistent point of contact for pupils, parents and external agencies, such as health professionals.  Strong relationships between staff and pupils ensure that pupils feel comfortable and secure. During the inspection, for instance, adults’ calm and kind support helped pupils to settle at the start of the school day.  The safeguarding policy complies with current guidance and is published on the school’s website. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 16–16(b)  Suitable fire safety arrangements are in place. Fire exit routes are clearly indicated and recently installed fire extinguishers are located throughout the school, including in the school’s commercial kitchen. Independent fire safety audits were carried out on

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Main inspection findings

completion of each phase of the building work with all required actions addressed. A comprehensive schedule of checks and tests has been established to ensure that equipment and systems, such as fire alarms and emergency lights, are functioning properly. Fire drills have been carried out this term to ensure that everyone is familiar with procedures.  The school’s health and safety policies include an appropriate range of information. Regular audits of the premises are completed to ensure that the school continues to provide a safe environment for pupils and staff. Leaders have completed a suite of risk assessments and have put appropriate measures in place to mitigate potential risks.  The proprietor has ensured sensible staffing arrangements to provide suitable supervision for pupils. Leaders are mindful of staffing considerations if the proposed material change is accepted by the Department for Education (DfE). The intention is

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Main inspection findings

to increase the number of pupils on roll gradually over time if the proposal is agreed.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change request to increase pupil numbers is granted. 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)(c), 21(1)– 21(3)(b), 21(5)–21(5)(c) 21(6)  The headteacher has completed safer recruitment training and is always on the interview panel for new staff appointments. He is knowledgeable about part 4 of the standards.  The school’s single central record is complete and up to date. The proprietor has reliable arrangements in place to ensure that this continues to be the case.  The school does not employ agency staff currently. However, the headteacher is clear about the checks required should this become necessary in the future.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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)  Refurbishment of the school building has been completed in two phases. The first phase was completed earlier this year. The second phase of the building work has now been completed and the accommodation is ready for use.  Refurbishment work has been completed to a high standard. The premises consist of clean, bright and well-resourced accommodation for pupils and staff. Classrooms and break-out spaces are well resourced with sufficient space to accommodate the proposed increase in the school’s capacity comfortably. Large windows throughout the school building admit lots of natural light with views of the school’s attractive grounds.  The school’s outside areas provides plenty of secure space for pupils to relax and play. The headteacher has ambitious plans to develop the garden area with games facilities

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Main inspection findings

and picnic benches. Work has already begun to prepare the groundwork. In the meantime, pupils have access to several other outdoor areas, including a separate garden area and play equipment.  The proprietor has ensured appropriate toilet and washing facilities. The water temperature is controlled to ensure there is no risk of scalding. Drinking water is labelled as such. The school’s medical room is clean, well maintained and suitably equipped with a toilet located nearby.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor has developed a robust framework of checks, balances and accountability measures, including clear reporting systems. An improvement partner is commissioned to provide guidance and support for schools in the Outcomes First Group.  The proposed increase in the school’s capacity has been made in response to high

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Main inspection findings

local demand for special school provision. The proprietor has taken a measured and proportionate approach to refurbishing the school, taking the time to ensure that building work has been completed properly.  The school has a local governing body, which currently comprises three governors, including the regional director, who is the chair. Effective systems are in place to ensure that the independent school standards are met continuously.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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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 likely 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) £65,000 to £85,000

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School details

Email address Emile.etheridge@hambrookschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 18 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 25 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 14 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 14 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 14 60

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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 14 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The school caters wholly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school specialises in providing education for pupils with autism. Pupils may also have a range of associated conditions such as learning difficulties, physical needs and social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school is located in a three-storey period building which was used previously as an adult education centre.  The school does not 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 should the school’s proposed increase in capacity be approved by the DfE. This was the school’s first material change inspection.  The inspector discussed and reviewed all relevant proposals and related documentation with the headteacher. She also met with the proprietor’s regional director and with the chief executive officer.  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.  The inspection also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central register of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the

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Inspection team

Julie Sackett, 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 looked after children, 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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