The Oaks

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Active Wellbeing School Phoenix House, Scotia Road, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6FF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e) and 3(g)  At the time of the last inspection, the curriculum was not broken down into manageable steps to secure good learning. Leaders had not supported staff to organise pupils’ work in a way that built systematically on what they could already do. In addition to this, leaders had not helped staff to make the most appropriate teaching choices when deciding how to deliver the curriculum, and as a result pupils struggled to complete the planned activities without significant support.  The drive and ambition of the executive headteacher and head of school has reaped positive change in a relatively short period of time. All staff have received training to understand what a ‘small steps’ approach to teaching and learning is and how to use the new lesson planning format that is designed to support this. Staff have also received training in understanding how to plan lessons so that learning is undertaken in

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Main inspection findings

manageable chunks that better meets the individual needs of pupils. Evidence from lesson visits, planning documents and leaders’ monitoring shows that significant progress has been made with this standard and this is having a positive impact on outcomes for pupils.  Leaders have introduced a new approach to assessment. They have ensured that all staff have had training and guidance in this approach. As a result of this approach, staff are now adapting learning according to what pupils can and cannot do. In addition, staff are now planning activities to address any gaps or misconceptions pupils may have.  The inspector made visits to all classes in the school. In all lessons, pupils were engaged in their learning. Teachers were adhering to the curriculum plans, as evidenced by pupils’ workbooks.  The previously unmet independent school standards (the standards) in this part are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) b) and 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding requirements relating to this standard were met at the last full inspection in October 2023.  The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective. The safeguarding policy has been updated to reflect most recent guidance and is published on the school’s website. Staff are vigilant and are clear about what actions to take to protect vulnerable pupils.  These standards continue to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a) and 34(1)(b)  At the time of the last inspection, leaders did not systematically check that the school’s policy around a few aspects of safety resulted in secure and consistent practice. This meant that they were not always clear enough on what was working well or what needed improving.  Since the last inspection, there have been a number of staff changes, including the recruitment of a new head of school who has significant experience of working in special

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Main inspection findings

schools.  The school has worked with an external education consultant who has carried out a full review of teaching and learning and safeguarding. This means that the proprietor and leaders have a more accurate picture of the school’s effectiveness.  A significant amount of staff training has been carried out and staff are positive about the impact that this is having. Staff feel well supported and optimistic about the future.  The previously unmet independent school standards in this part are now met.

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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.

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 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 pupil’s self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and 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 aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

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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.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Email address head@activewellbeing.school

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 17 to 19 October 2023

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Information about this school

 All pupils have an education, health and care plan. The main area of need is communication and interaction.  The school uses no alternative provision.  The school’s previous standard inspection was in November 2023, when it was judged as requires improvement.

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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 inspection was carried out without notice.  This was the school’s first progress monitoring inspection following the full standard inspection that took place on 17 to 19 October 2023.  During the inspection, the inspector met with the executive headteacher, head of school and the proprietor. The inspector scrutinised safeguarding policies and procedures, including the school’s single central record. The inspector visited lessons and spoke to pupils and staff.

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Inspection team

Emma Gater, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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