Oakwood House Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Oakwood House Independent School Oakwood House (Woodlands Court), Boston Road, Kirton, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 1DS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3 to 3(g), 3(i), 4  The school has designed a curriculum that considers the likely needs of pupils who will attend the school. The curriculum is based on six key principles. These include the clarity of knowledge and sequencing, accessibility, and memory and cognition. The school has a written policy which underpins an ambitious and broad curriculum for all pupils. The intended curriculum is likely to support a positive integration back into mainstream school, should any pupils reach a stage to do so.  The proposed schemes of work consider the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those with education, health and care (EHC) plans. The school will consider the targets on the EHC plans to help ensure that the pupils can access the learning. Additional adults will provide extra classroom support as and when required.

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Main inspection findings

 After a period of settling in, pupils’ attainment will be assessed. The school will use this information to deliver bespoke interventions and teaching to pupils.  The school has a set termly assessment programme to check that pupils are on track to achieve the qualifications that they need to progress to the next stage. The progress will be tracked and used to inform parents and carers of how their children are progressing.  Pupils will acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read will be supported to develop their knowledge and application of phonics.  The school has a clear plan of how lessons will be structured. This is outlined in all planning materials and staff are trained to use these methods to help pupils connect new learning to what they already know. Pupils will also have weekly opportunities to show their understanding of learning through ‘Fun Friday’ quizzes during tutor times.

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Main inspection findings

 The school intends to ensure that each pupil has appropriate, accurate and up-to-date careers guidance. This will be organised through an impartial careers service. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has a carefully constructed personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) curriculum. This will include topics that will support pupils’ personal development and help them to stay safe. This will be supported by additional sessions in tutor times.  Pupils will learn about relationships and sex education (RSE). This is planned for within the PSHE curriculum. Pupils will learn how to stay fit and healthy, with an additional focus on mindfulness and pupils’ mental health. The school’s RSE policy will be available to parents. They will be consulted and will be able to view the resources used to teach the curriculum.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in

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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 will actively promote British values through many aspects of the curriculum. Proposed tutor times, assemblies and ‘theme Thursdays’ will give pupils opportunities to discuss and debate various issues and key questions. ‘World Wednesday’ tutor times will provide pupils with opportunities to learn about different countries, faiths and cultures. Pupils will also learn about democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty. The curriculum will help to ensure that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.  Pupils will learn about people who are different to them, including those whose differences fall under the protected characteristics as defined by the 2010 Equality Act.  The school has planned activities with the nearby residential home so that pupils can make a positive contribution to people who live in the local community. The school

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Main inspection findings

plans to hold fundraising events for charities.  The school proposes to hold elections for pupils to become school councillors and hold positions of responsibility in school. This will help pupils to develop their self- confidence and self-esteem.  The school plans to invite visiting speakers from public institutions into the school to talk to pupils. This will ensure that pupils develop a knowledge of, and respect for, public institutions and services in England.  The school understands that it must ensure that teachers and visitors present balanced views so that pupils can form their own opinions.  The school intends to offer extra-curricular activities, such as learning in the outdoor woodland area and sporting activities.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  The school understands the importance of safeguarding and has rightly prioritised it.

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Main inspection findings

Staff have completed appropriate training to manage safeguarding concerns. There is an appropriate system in place for staff to record concerns, allowing the school to act swiftly to keep pupils safe.  Daily safeguarding meetings will allow staff to share any safeguarding concerns in addition to the use of the electronic system. The school is aware of the relevant external agencies to contact should specialist advice or a referral be needed.  The school will ensure that staff know how to raise a concern about adults’ actions towards pupils.  The proprietors are aware of all safeguarding concerns that may affect their pupils. Regular checks are made on the school’s single central record. The school intends to undertake an annual safeguarding audit with an external agency.  The safeguarding policy pays due regard to the latest government guidance and will be available on the school’s proposed website.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9 to 9(c), 10  The school has a well understood behaviour policy which considers pupils’ additional needs. Staff will reward pupils with ‘bonuses’ and pupils will have the opportunity to earn money to save up for a chosen treat.  Individual pupil profiles and risk assessments will help to identify pupils’ individual needs, including behavioural needs. This will help the school to foster better relationships between pupils and with staff and to help manage behaviour.  Expectations of how pupils should behave and raise concerns is outlined in the school’s behaviour policy.  The school has a robust incident logging procedure to track pupils’ behaviour. This will allow the school to identify, and act on, any trends and patterns in behaviour, and support pupils in managing their own behaviour.  ‘Target Tuesdays’ will provide pupils with opportunities to review their own behaviour.

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Main inspection findings

Staff will support pupils in setting their own behaviour targets.  The PSHE curriculum will teach pupils about relationships and consent. It will also enable pupils to explore the impact of harmful sexual behaviour and bullying. This will help pupils to understand how to conduct themselves appropriately and how to protect themselves from such behaviour. Paragraphs 11 to 13  The school has ensured that there are appropriate first aid and health and safety policies in place. Staff will receive health and safety training. There is a robust system in place for checking all health and safety requirements and the condition of the premises. There will be regular checks undertaken to ensure that the premises are in good and safe working order.  The proprietors have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Oder 2005. Fire safety checks and procedures are appropriate. The school will conduct

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Main inspection findings

termly fire evacuation drills.  Most of the staff are first aid trained. There is an appropriate first aid policy in place. There are effective systems to report and respond to any incidents where first aid is required and administered. Paragraph 14  The school will ensure that there are appropriate levels of supervision. This will include extra adults for those pupils and classes that need it. Paragraph 15  The admission register will contain all the information required about pupils who are on the school’s roll.  There is already an electronic system used to record pupils’ attendance. This is used to identify patterns and trends of absence. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  There is an appropriate risk assessment policy in place. The school has risk assessments for each classroom, the premises, the use of the leisure centre and a fire risk assessment to name a few. The risk assessments all contain appropriate control

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Main inspection findings

measures to mitigate risk.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in these parts.

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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), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders have received appropriate safer recruitment training and ensure that all the necessary checks on current staff have been undertaken before staff work with pupils. The proprietors will also ensure that these checks are completed in a timely manner for any new member of staff.  The school has met with two supply agencies in preparation for the use of supply staff, should the need arise. Leaders know the information that they require if they need to use supply staff from an agency.  The single central record is compliant and has all the necessary statutory information.  The school is likely to meet all the relevant standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are suitable toilets and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of the pupils. The toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  There is an accessible toilet that can be used by staff and visitors.  Pupils will be able to use the changing rooms and showers at a nearby leisure centre when they are in receipt of physical education. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a medical room for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. There is a medical room that can be partitioned when the toilet, which is located in the room, is in use. The room contains a washing facility. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  There is still some work needed to fully complete the upstairs of the premises. However, work completed so far is of a good standard. Classrooms contain adequate

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Main inspection findings

lighting and appropriate acoustics. There is external lighting to help ensure that people can safely enter and leave the premises when it is dark. Work to complete the upstairs will be completed in advance of the premises being used as a school. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  Suitable drinking facilities are available for pupils in the classrooms and are marked as such. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a suitable and secure outside play area where pupils can play, exercise and socialise. This is accessible during lunch and break times. There is also a vast area of woodland for pupils to use, to play and learn in. There is a suitable risk assessment in place for this.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(b) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(e), 32(3)(g)  The school has a proposed website which is due to go live in the upcoming weeks. The proposed website contains all the required information including a behaviour policy, complaints policy and the school’s ethos and values. It also contains contact details for the proprietors and the headteacher.  There is a system in place which will provide parents with an annual written report of their children’s progress.  The school understands its responsibilities with regard to providing information to the local authority about pupils who are looked after and pupils with an EHC plan. Leaders will work with the local authority to facilitate this.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)

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Main inspection findings

 The complaints policy explains to parents the procedures to follow should they wish to make a complaint against the school. The policy outlines the process for both informal and formal complaints. The precise timing and steps that the school will take at each stage of the complaint are detailed.  The school will keep records of any complaints received and any subsequent actions taken by the school as a result of the complaints.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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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 proprietors have ensured that leaders demonstrate good knowledge and skills appropriate to their role. The school has a child-centred moral purpose. Staff want to give those pupils who have been disengaged with mainstream education, through persistent absence and/or lack of self-regulation, the support and education to re- integrate successfully back into mainstream school.  The school has taken appropriate and effective action to ensure that the standards are likely to be met, including in relation to pupils’ safety and to their safeguarding.  The proprietors will undertake checks to ensure that the quality of the school’s provision continues to meet all the standards. Visits to the school will be made. The school will use an external consultant to provide additional quality assurance of the school’s provision, including the manner in which the school keeps pupils safe.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietors will regularly speak with staff and pupils, visit lessons and look at data and pupils’ books as part of their quality assurance.  The proprietors are experienced and demonstrate the knowledge and understanding needed to ensure that the standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan contains up-to-date statutory guidance. It explains how the school will ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can access the school site, information about the school and the curriculum.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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 Julie Smith and Natasha Cornell

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 7 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 15

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 13.5

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 7 40 40

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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 0 Up to 40

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils 7 To be confirmed

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 7 40

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 7 40

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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 7 40

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 10 19

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in Kirton, Lincolnshire.  The school will cater for up to 40 pupils aged 11 to 16. Pupils will have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Pupils will have EHC plans. Some pupils might be looked after by Lincolnshire local authority.  The school is unlikely to use the services of any alternative provision.  The school is currently operating, without registration, as an alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspector met with the proprietors, the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and a range of staff.  The inspector met with the designated safeguarding leader, who is also one of the proprietors.  The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed school’s site to check the premises against Part 5 of the standards. She met with leaders to discuss the school’s health and safety arrangements.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and risk assessments.  The inspector checked the arrangements for staff recruitment. She discussed with leaders the school’s proposed approach to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the pupils.

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Inspection team

Kirsty Norbury, 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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