The Poplars

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Poplars Miners Lodge, Market Crescent, New Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7AP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b) 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The school has set out clear aims for the curriculum. The curriculum policy is accompanied by schemes of work for pupils from the age of eight to 18. The curriculum planning takes into account the needs of the pupils and can be adapted to suit. There is a broad range of subjects available. These align with the requirements of the national curriculum.  The school staff have a variety of experience within the education sector. This includes a working with pupils with a range of special educational needs. All staff complete autism training.  Pupils will have physical education (PE) lessons off site. Leaders have brokered the use of local facilities and local coaches to implement their PE curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a programme for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Resources are from a commercial source and will be adapted to meet the needs of pupils who attend this school.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a comprehensive careers programme in place. Pupils of all ages will have access to a careers platform that allows them to input their interests and aspirations as they progress through the school. There are external providers who provide impartial careers advice. College visits are arranged for older pupils. The subject of careers is taught though the PSHE curriculum as well as through the English curriculum.  The curriculum policy details how pupils who speak English an additional language will receive support. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  There is a relationships and sex education (RSE) policy in place which meets statutory

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Main inspection findings

requirements.  The policy sets out what pupils in the primary age phase and the secondary age phase will learn. It states how parents and/or carers can withdraw their child from aspects of sex education.  Parents and carers are consulted on the content of this policy. The policy is published and available to parents and carers upon request. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  School leaders are qualified teachers and have experience of monitoring the quality of teaching in schools.  There are plans in place to provide training for staff where needed. This includes training for special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), safeguarding and teaching the curriculum. There is a network of experts across the company who can be deployed to support when necessary.  Lessons will be planned by qualified teachers with experience of subjects in line with the schemes of work that are in place. The content is age appropriate and well-

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Main inspection findings

sequenced.  There is a framework for assessment in place across the company. There is regular opportunity for standardisation and moderation and the sharing of good practice. Pupils who take GCSE qualifications will be assessed using unit tests and mock examinations.  There is a template for reporting to parents and carers in place.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The PSHE programme is designed to teach pupils about life in modern Britain and also covers RSE, aspects of religious education and preparing for adulthood education. Pupils will be educated about the protected characteristics as defined by the 2010 Act.  The school has created opportunities throughout the school day to work on pupils

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Main inspection findings

spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. There are plans for regular reflection and this will build to some learning in the locality of the school, using resources such as Beamish Museum, the National Trust and the local coastline.  Leaders have a planned programme but have ensured there is time to build in activities that meet the needs of the pupils who will be at the school. There is a plan for developing social skills through group interactions with the headteacher for example.  Leaders intend to invite external speakers to the school. They have procedures in place to make appropriate checks and to ensure that any views represented are balanced. External speakers will always be accompanied by school staff.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  There is a safeguarding policy in place which is up to date with the latest statutory

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Main inspection findings

guidance from government. Staff have received training on this policy.  The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and the deputy designated safeguarding lead (DDSL) have undertaken relevant training. There is additional training available from the company. As well as child protection training, they have covered modules such as Prevent and safer recruitment.  There are regular updates regarding safeguarding from the company and from external sources. School leaders ensure that staff also receive these updates.  Systems for reporting any safeguarding concerns are clear and staff have received training on these. There is an induction process for all new staff which covers the importance of safeguarding and the additional vulnerabilities pupils with SEND may face.  All pupils will have a one-to-one mentor who will provide daily support. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The behaviour policy and anti-bullying policies set out what the school will do to deal

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Main inspection findings

with misbehaviour and bullying. There are clear sanctions. There is an electronic system for recording any incidents. School leaders will analyse any patterns that emerge. The school will not tolerate bullying. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is a health and safety policy which is in place. Accompanying documents show that the policy is being implemented. The school building is very well maintained.  The school complies with the requirements the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Firefighting equipment is available throughout the school. The equipment is new and has been checked on installation.  There are systems in place for making regular health and safety and fire checks. The school is not operational yet but these systems are in place. Weekly and monthly checks are happening.  There is a first aid policy which sets out how first aid will be administered. There is an

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Main inspection findings

electronic recording system for monitoring of incidents requiring first aid.  The risk assessment policy sets out how risks to pupils should be assessed and minimised. There are accompanying risk assessments in place, for example for moving between school and home and when cooking or going on school trips. The standards in this section are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 18(3)  All required checks for staff employed by the school have been completed. Paragraph 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b) (ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  There proprietor board consists of operational and non-operational directors. All operational directors have had the required checks to meet the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards (ISS). At the time of this inspection, the non-operational directors had not undergone all checks. The checks required were initiated during this inspection. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is an electronic single central register in place at the school and that the outcome of checks made on school staff are recorded on it.  The remaining checks for the non-operational members of the proprietor body were initiated and will be recorded on the single central record. During the inspection, an additional tab was created and checks that had been made for this group were added.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25,

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Main inspection findings

26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The school has been fully refurbished. It is exceptionally clean and well maintained. Drinking water is available and is clearly labelled.  There are suitable toilets and washing facilities that are for the sole use of pupils. There is changing accommodation and access to showering facilities.  The medical room at the time of the inspection was not close enough to a toilet. This was moved during the inspection to a room closer to a toilet and a mobile sink unit was ordered for the room to provide washing facilities. There is a foldable bed and a new first aid kit.  There are four teaching spaces. Each one has suitable lighting and acoustics. There are displays in place regarding British values and the curriculum. There is a lockable cabinet for chemical storage for science practical work.  External lighting is in place to support staff and pupils when they arrive or exit the

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Main inspection findings

school in the dark. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a large outdoor space at the back of the school. The space is suitable for socialising and playing. It is also suitable for some small-scale PE activities.  The school intends that the taught PE curriculum will take place off site with specialist coaches and instructors.  The outdoor area is to be further developed when the school opens. There are plans for a sensory area and an area to grow vegetables. This has not yet started as the school intends to seek pupils’ opinions in developing the area.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  The school does not have a website. An overview of the complaints policy, however, is

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Main inspection findings

available on the company’s website.  The school has a prospectus that is shared with local authorities that commission places. This contains a list of all policies, including the complaints policy, that are available upon request. It also contains all the contact details as required by the ISS.  School leaders are aware of the requirement to ensure that following an inspection, the report is made available to parents and carers.  The school will be part of and will attend annual reviews for pupils who have education, health and care plans.  There is a template that is ready for annual reporting of the progress pupils make. There is also a system in place for reporting expenditure to the local authorities who pay for pupils’ places.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i),

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Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  There is a complaints policy which is in place across all the company’s schools. It sets out clearly how to complain and provides a structure to do so.  There are three stages to the complaints process, as set out in the ISS. The policy allows for complaints to be kept confidential and for outcomes to be available for inspection.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders at the school and in the company have a wide range of educational experience and skills. This enables them to monitor and ensure that there is a quality education offer at the school.  The company has a strong understanding of the ISS and can demonstrate how they will ensure that the school continually meets the requirements of these standards.  Pupils’ wellbeing and safety are paramount to school leaders. They ensure that

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding is a priority and ensure staff training and the education of pupils is at the forefront.  Leaders are aware of the local safeguarding arrangements and when to involve social services or the local authority designated officer for example.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility plan in place in line with the requirements of this act.  This standard is 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.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Hexagon Care Services Limited

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Proposed school details

Email address headteacher@hexagoncare.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Age range of pupils Not applicable 8-18 8-18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 4 4

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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 4

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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 4

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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 Up to 4

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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 4

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in New Herrington, Houghton-le-Spring.  The school does not have a religious character.  The school proposes to cater for up to four pupils with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the school. It was commissioned by the DfE to check if the school is ready and equipped to open.  The inspector toured the school premises and checked records relating to health and safety.  The inspector reviewed policies and documents required to meet the ISS. This included a review of the safeguarding policy. She also checked the single central record.  The inspector met with the director of education, deputy director of education and the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Debbie Redshaw, lead inspector Ofsted 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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