The Wildings

School material change inspection report

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The Wildings Royston Farm, Talaton, Exeter EX5 2RR

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a)-7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16(a)-16(b), 32(1)(c) [Part 6. Provision of information]  Leaders have created an effective culture of safeguarding. The school’s comprehensive safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. Staff regularly complete training in safeguarding, including specific training in the ‘Prevent’ duty and online safety.  Staff know how to identify and report concerns on the school’s secure electronic system. Detailed records indicate that safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly. The school works proactively with external agencies to safeguard the welfare of pupils.  The senior leadership team meet regularly to monitor ongoing safeguarding concerns. They understand the vulnerabilities of pupils at the school and adapt the range of support provided accordingly. Leaders keep the governors informed about all safeguarding matters. The school has secure safeguarding procedures in place to deal

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Main inspection findings

with the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The school has an effective health and safety policy in place. Leaders ensure that the schedule of maintenance checks complies with the health and safety policy. The school rectifies any issues promptly.  The school complies with the relevant fire safety regulations. Leaders ensure that checks on fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, take place regularly. Trained staff carry out termly fire drills. They record how well staff and pupils evacuate the building. Evacuation points are clearly signed.  The proprietor body and governors have appropriate plans in place to increase the school’s accommodation.  There are effective supervision routines in place to prioritise pupils’ safety. High staff- to-pupil ratios mean that pupils are adequately supervised in class and at social times. The proposals for staff deployment and supervision are likely to be appropriate should

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Main inspection findings

the material change be approved.  The school keeps detailed risk assessments that identify suitable measures to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. The school regularly reviews and updates risk assessments and pupil safety plans to ensure that they are relevant to each activity and individual pupil.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)-18(3), 20(6)-20(6)(c), 21(1)-21(4), 21(6)-21(7)(b)  The school has a thorough and detailed approach to recruitment of staff that ensures the necessary checks are undertaken and recorded. Senior leaders, including the chair of governors, have undertaken safer recruitment training. Appropriate pre- employment checks, including checks of written references, are undertaken before staff begin working at the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The school does not employ supply staff. However, they know what checks need to be carried out should it become necessary to do so in the future.  Members of the proprietor body, MiMe Heuristics CIC, have all had the statutory checks to determine their suitability in their roles, including section 128 checks.  The school maintain a well-organised electronic single central record. It is compliant with current guidance. The headteacher and designated safeguarding lead check the record regularly to ensure that it is accurate and complete.  The proprietor body ensures that all confidential information about staff is stored securely. Checks ensure the safety and welfare of pupils and the suitability of staff.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)(a)-23(1)(c), 24(1)-24(1)(b), 24(2), 25-29(1)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The school has ensured suitable handwashing, toilet, shower and changing facilities are available to pupils. There is access to warm water, with no risk of scalding. The number of toilets and showers is sufficient for the proposed increase in pupil numbers as additional facilities will be recommissioned for pupils’ use.  Pupils have access to suitable drinking facilities throughout the day.  The school has appropriate first aid and medical facilities, including a bed and privacy screen. There is access to a toilet and washing facilities close by.  Classrooms are well ventilated and benefit from natural light. Windows on the first floor have appropriate safety guards in place. The acoustic conditions of classrooms are suitable for the activities that take place in them.  Pupils benefit from a range of outdoor spaces, including gardens, woodland, grass and concrete areas for learning, team sports and areas to socialise. Physical education

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Main inspection findings

such as paddle boarding activities will continue to take place off site.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 31(1)(a)-34(1)(c)  The school is committed to ensuring pupils are safe and ready to learn. It will increase pupil numbers slowly to help pupils and staff build positive connections based on care and respect for each other. By working closely with local authorities, the school has identified the need for additional capacity to support vulnerable pupils in the local area. The school has given considerable thought to the extra staffing, training and learning spaces on the site to manage the growth in pupil numbers successfully.  The proprietor body, governors and school leaders oversee the school’s work effectively. The governing body monitors the quality of the school’s work through

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Main inspection findings

regular visits. They report their findings to prioritise actions and hold leaders to account, providing appropriate challenge and support.  Leaders at all levels demonstrate secure knowledge and understanding of the standards. Those standards considered as part of this material change inspection are likely to be met if approved by the Department for Education.  The school is likely to meet the standard in part 8 if the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school ensures it meets 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 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

Date of previous standard inspection 28 to 30 June 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 6 to 18 6 to 18 6 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 5 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 5 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 5 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 5 10

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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 5 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this school

 The Wildings school provides places for pupils with a range of special educational needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder, or cognitive and learning needs. The school offers specialist provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.  All pupils who attend the school have an education, health and care plan. Pupils are placed at the school by their representative local authorities.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school is owned by MiMe Heuristics, a not-for-profit community interest company. The school principal is also a director of MiMe Heuristics. The school is managed by directors with key responsibilities for the running of the company. There is also a separate governing body.  A full standard inspection took place in June 2022, when the school was judged to require improvement.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned the inspection in response to the proprietor’s request to increase the maximum pupil capacity from 5 to 10. This is the first material change to the school’s registration since its opening in 2021.  During the inspection, the inspector met with pupils, the directors of the proprietor body, the headteacher and school staff. The inspector held a meeting with representatives from the governing body, including the chair of governors.  The inspector toured the school site with the headteacher to check the suitability and safety of the premises for increased pupil numbers and the relevant standards.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the school, including risk assessments, health and safety records, the single central record and safeguarding information.

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Inspection team

Marie Thomas, 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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