Holton Sleaford Independent School

School material change inspection report

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Holton Sleaford Independent School Westgate House, Westgate, Sleaford NG34 7RJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i), 2(A)1 to 2(A)2  The school has in place a curriculum policy that sets out an overview of learning at each key stage. This policy includes the intent and overview of the proposed curriculum it will provide to pupils aged nine to 11 years, if the proposed change to the age range is approved.  The proposed curriculum that pupils aged nine to 11 will study matches the school’s aims and ethos, as well as the content of the national curriculum in the range of subjects that the school intends to teach. It will take into account these pupils’ ages, aptitudes and needs. There are structured schemes of work in a range of subjects, including mathematics, science, art and geography.  The proposed curriculum will include outdoor education, reflecting one of the school’s key learning priorities for all pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has considered the communication, literacy and numeracy skills of any pupils aged nine to 11. The school plans to provide phonics teaching for any of these pupils who are at an early stage of reading.  The proposed curriculum will provide pupils aged nine to 11 with personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and relationships education. The PSHE and relationships and sex education (RSE) provision will give these pupils the opportunity to learn about diversity, equality, fundamental British values and RSE that is age appropriate.  The curriculum that the school has developed for pupils aged nine to 11 will ensure that they are able to learn and make progress and prepare well for future learning and their next steps. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j), 4  The school has considered the staffing needed if the proposed age range change is approved. The school employs several staff with the relevant qualifications and

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Main inspection findings

experience. The school will appoint additional staff as the number of pupils on roll increases. This will increase the capacity to teach pupils aged nine to 11.  Leaders have secure subject knowledge and pedagogical understanding. They currently identify and assess well the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders know how to adapt curriculum plans to meet pupils’ specific needs. The school has the capacity to teach and meet pupils’ needs across the proposed age range.  There is an established assessment framework in place to assess, monitor and track pupils’ learning and progress, as well as their behavioural and social development. The school has plans to extend this framework to include younger pupils.  The school is likely to meet the independent school standards (the standards) in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school plans to provide rich opportunities for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils aged nine to 11. These will include, for example, the planned tutor time programme of activities and discussions based on a structured PSHE curriculum.  The opportunities to develop these younger pupils’ understanding of British values are planned across the proposed curriculum. These will include opportunities to learn about diversity and equality, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and respect. Staff will teach pupils to value and respect the opinions of others. Pupils will have the opportunity to appreciate different faiths and cultures. This will prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  There is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school.  The school has a safeguarding policy that reflects the latest guidance provided by the Secretary of State. The policy is implemented consistently and effectively. Staff receive regular training and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.  Leaders know pupils and their backgrounds very well. The school works with external agencies to provide additional support when needed. Safeguarding records are appropriate.  Pupils learn how to be safe in different situations, for example when in the community and when online. The school ensures that pupils are kept safe.  The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. Paragraph 11  The school has an appropriate health and safety policy. This is published on the school’s website.  The school ensures that safety checks take place regularly. For example, the school’s

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Main inspection findings

records show that managers undertake premises checks. Health and safety audits have been undertaken for the school. Leaders have responded to recommendations from these audits and completed necessary actions in a timely manner. Such measures ensure pupils’ safety and welfare. Paragraph 12  The school complies with the relevant fire safety regulations. Leaders ensure that checks on fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment, take place regularly. Fire drills happen regularly and there is clear fire exit signage. Paragraph 14  The school ensures that there are appropriate levels of staff supervision in place. Leaders have clear plans in place to increase teaching, welfare and support staff as numbers of pupils increase, subject to approval of the material change. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  The school has an appropriate risk assessment policy. There is a range of written risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments. Each risk assessment includes an evaluation of potential hazards and risks with control measures identified to reduce the risk.  Pupils have individual risk assessments. The school regularly reviews these to make sure that they are up to date and identify all known risks. Many of these risk assessments are linked to pupils’ individual behaviour management plans.  Risk assessments are written for a range of educational visits and trips. Risk assessments for outdoor education visits are updated daily.  The school makes sure that staff understand risk assessments that are relevant to their work.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  Leaders, including the proprietor, have experience and secure understanding of safer recruitment procedures. The school undertakes all the necessary pre-employment checks on members of the proprietor body, governors, senior leaders and staff.  The school does not employ supply teachers.  The school has a single central record that includes the full range of checks required before an individual starts working with pupils.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material changes. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 25, 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The proposed premises which will accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers are self-contained. The accommodation is secure and suitable for the needs

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Main inspection findings

and age ranges of the pupils currently at, and proposed to be admitted to, the school.  The accommodation is well maintained. Leaders make sure that the facilities are safe for pupils. For example, they ensure that water temperatures are appropriate and drinking water is suitably labelled. The school provides suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. Pupils have access to changing and showering facilities where they undertake physical education.  Classrooms are clean and tidy. The accommodation includes rooms for therapy, multi- sensory activity, break-out and reading areas. Regular premises checks identify potential hazards and steps are taken to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The school has suitable accommodation with appropriate facilities for the short-term care of pupils who are unwell or injured. First-aid equipment is stored safely and is

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Main inspection findings

easily accessible. Paragraphs 26 to 27(b)  Classrooms and social spaces are well lit. The acoustics in classrooms are suitable to enable effective learning. External lighting is in place. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school has sufficient space for pupils to play outside. The outdoor perimeters are secure.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders have given careful thought to the proposed changes to increase pupil numbers, extend the age range and use additional premises. They are committed to the school’s vision to provide high-quality education for all pupils. The proprietor and leaders are mindful that any changes do not have an adverse impact on pupils currently at the school. The school actively promotes pupils’ well-being. The plan is to increase gradually the number of pupils on roll.  The proprietor and leaders have a secure understanding of their responsibilities. They fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that the standards, relevant to the proposed changes, are met securely and consistently.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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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

Proprietor Holton Sleaford Independent School Ltd

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 15 to 17 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 12 to 20 9 to 20 9 to 20

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 44 82 82

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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 42 Up to 82

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 44 Up to 82

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 44 Up to 82

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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 44 Up to 82

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 17 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 12 21

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Information about this school

 Holton Sleaford Independent School caters for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Some secondary associated needs include behavioural and social difficulties and a diagnosis of autism.  The school is registered to provide education for up to 50 pupils. There are currently 44 pupils on the school’s roll.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan and are funded by various local authorities.  The school is based at Westgate House, Westgate, Sleaford NG34 7RJ. The school intends to use additional premises to provide education for up to 32 pupils aged nine to 12. These premises are located at Ensign House, High Street, Osbournby NG34 0DG.  The school does not use the services of any alternative provisions.  The previous standard inspection took place from 15 to 17 March 2022. The school was judged to be good.  An emergency inspection of the school took place on 18 July 2023. The school was

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Information about this school

judged to be meeting all of the standards that were checked as part of the inspection.  A material change inspection took place on 7 November 2023. Subsequently, the Department for Education (DfE) approved material changes to increase the school capacity to up to 50 pupils and extend the age range to 12 to 20 years.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, to check the school’s likely compliance with the standards relevant to the proposed changes to the age range, the maximum number of pupils that the school is permitted to have on roll and the suitability of additional premises.  This was the school’s first material change inspection for these proposed changes to the provision.  The DfE commissioned the inspector to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to policies and procedures relating to: safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment; the quality of education; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; supervision of pupils; recruitment of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietors, the chair of governors, the

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Information about this inspection

headteacher and other leaders.  The inspector undertook a tour of the school’s site and the proposed additional site.  The inspector reviewed documentation in relation to curriculum, teaching and learning, the provision for pupils with SEND, recruitment, safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.  The inspector looked at the school’s single central record and the system for undertaking checks on new staff.

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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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Inspection team

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