Three Bridges

School material change inspection report

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Three Bridges Kea Downs Road, Blackwater, Truro, Cornwall TR4 8EG

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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]  The recruitment and selection procedures for new staff are appropriate. Regular safeguarding training for staff ensures that they maintain their up-to-date knowledge of how to identify and report concerns regarding pupils’ welfare.  Detailed records indicate that safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly. The school works with external agencies to support pupils and their families. There is an established culture of vigilance, placing the needs and safety of the pupils at the heart of the school’s work.  The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the website. It shows due regard to the latest statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a detailed health and safety policy in place. The necessary checks take place frequently. For example, the school’s records

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Main inspection findings

confirm that the water temperature and fire alarms are tested regularly.  Appropriate systems and processes are in place to ensure that the school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor body ensures that all fire checks are routinely undertaken to maintain equipment. Regular fire drills take place to ensure that everyone knows the evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. Pupils have personal emergency evacuation plans as required.  The school has sufficient staff in place to ensure that pupils are well supervised at all times. The planned staff numbers would be appropriate to ensure suitable supervision of pupils if the increase in pupil numbers is granted.  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy in place. Risk assessments identify suitable measures to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. Detailed guidance is in place to support staff to complete risk assessments. These are updated regularly to

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Main inspection findings

ensure pupils are kept as safe as possible. Off-site visits are thoroughly risk-assessed.  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)  A detailed staff recruitment and induction checklist ensures the school undertakes a rigorous approach to safer recruitment procedures. All interview panels have members who have completed safer recruitment training. A central HR team supports and checks the school’s pre-employment and ongoing appraisal systems.  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.  The electronic single central record contains all the required information about appointed staff, governors and members of the proprietary body. This includes, where

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Main inspection findings

necessary, checks relevant to members of staff who may have worked in other countries and section 128 of the 2008 Act.  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)  The school occupies a former garden centre. The car park is accessed through its secure entrance. The school site has boundary fencing. The proprietor body maintains the school premises to a good standard.  Handwashing, toilet and shower facilities are accessible to pupils throughout the day. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and will not pose a scalding risk. Separate toilet facilities are available for adults. The facilities are suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The school has a medical area with appropriate facilities for short-term care if pupils

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Main inspection findings

are unwell or injured. First aid equipment is stored safely and is easily accessible. A toilet is located close by.  Classrooms and communal spaces are well decorated, furnished and maintained. All rooms have appropriate lighting, acoustics and ventilation. The school is creating additional learning spaces from repurposed and new modular buildings to cater for the proposed increase in numbers.  External lighting ensures that people can enter and leave the building safely during the hours of darkness.  The school ensures that drinking water is always available for pupils.  The school site has ample space outside for social and outdoor learning activities. The school’s hall and off-site facilities will continue to be used for physical education lessons.  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)

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Main inspection findings

 By working closely with local authorities, leaders have identified the need for additional capacity to support vulnerable pupils in the local area. The school’s principal and proprietary body demonstrate a measured approach to implementing the proposed changes. Leaders are mindful that any changes to capacity do not have an adverse impact on pupils currently at the school.  Leaders have invested in staff’s professional development to prepare and retain well- informed staff in anticipation of the increasing pupil numbers.  Clear lines of accountability are now in place. The chief executive officer, chair of the advisory school panel and principal demonstrate a clear understanding of the independent school standards. They are committed to ensuring the standards are consistently met.  The school is likely to meet the standards in part 8 if the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Proprietor Three Bridges Education Limited

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £44,000 - £89,000

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School details

Email address lisa.smith@threebridgeseducation.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 29 November to 1 December 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 19 11 to 19 11 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 15 33 33

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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 15 33

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 15 33

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 15 33

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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 15 33

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 25 32

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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 proprietor of the school is Three Bridges Education Ltd. In June 2023, Melrose Education Ltd acquired the school. Melrose Education Ltd owns seven other special needs independent school settings.  The school is a specialist provision for pupils with autism. All pupils on roll have education, health and care plans. The majority of placements are funded by Cornwall local authority.  The school does not use alternative provision.

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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 15 to 33.  During the inspection, the inspector met with the principal and other school staff. She also met with the chief executive officer. The inspector held a telephone call with the chair of the advisory school panel and the commissioning officer for Cornwall local authority.  The inspector toured the site with the principal and school finance and business administrator to check the suitability and safety of the premises for increased pupil numbers and the relevant standards.  The inspector observed pupils during morning drop-off and spoke with staff and pupils.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the school, including risk assessments, site plans, policies and documents relating to safeguarding.

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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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