Manor House School

School material change inspection report

p.1

Manor House School Stane Street, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0QX

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3, 4  The school has had a recent successful full standard inspection. The inspection took place in June 2023 and found the school to be good in all areas. The report talks about the high expectations of pupils, the school’s secure curriculum framework and a carefully thought-out staff training programme. It also describes the effective support given for pupils’ particular special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and the priority given to early reading. All of the independent school standards (the standards) were met securely at this time.  The school intends that the proposed extension to the lower age range of pupils will very much build on the school’s existing and recognised effective practice. If granted, it will enable the school to cater for pupils who are at the earlier stage of their

p.1

Main inspection findings

educational experience. This shift to cater for key stage 1 pupils will support the proprietor body’s ambition to provide pupils with an all-though educational experience. The school also intends to increase pupil registration numbers across all key stages.  The written curriculum policy outlines clearly how the school’s curriculum will work for the proposed new key stage. Pupils will study a range of subjects which match the ambition of the national curriculum. The policy articulates precisely how the proposed key stage 1 curriculum intends to build pupils’ knowledge in the different subjects. The curriculum will be personalised to include pupils’ interests and their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs should the material change be approved.  The key stage 1 curriculum sets out precisely the essential knowledge pupils will learn in each subject, supported by detailed schemes of work. Leaders aim for all pupils to

p.1

Main inspection findings

develop their basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics through the other subjects that they learn. The school’s curriculum policy sets out clearly what is expected from teachers in relation to planning and delivering the curriculum effectively. For example, there is an emphasis on the importance of being flexible and responsive to pupils’ individual needs and their education, health and care plan (EHC plan) targets when deciding what will be taught and how.  A suitable and appropriate range of therapies and specialist interventions will be delivered in lessons and throughout the school day. There is a strong curriculum emphasis on enabling pupils to take greater ownership of their learning, as well as on developing their confidence and self-esteem.  The proposed curriculum in key stage 1 has been designed to support pupils’ wider development as well as their academic achievement. This includes ensuring that

p.1

Main inspection findings

supporting pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values is given a high priority.  The school intends to use the existing assessment strategies and systems to check and review the progress pupils are making in key stage 1. Additionally, staff are well aware of the barriers younger pupils with SEND may have to making progress.  Physical education is taught on the school’s extensive grounds and in the sports hall facilities. Key stage 1 pupils will take part in lessons on site and using local leisure facilities.  The school has appointed some well-qualified teachers to work in key stage 1. These members of staff will take up their posts in May 2024. They will oversee teaching and learning for pupils as they join in key stage 1.  The school’s well-established personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme has been extended to provide suitable content for the additional phase. It includes a

p.2

Main inspection findings

range of topics such as how to manage complex emotions, different relationships and people we trust. Relationships education forms a key part of the PSHE curriculum. Safety issues, such as how to use the internet safely, are also taught throughout the curriculum.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the material change is approved.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor body and school leaders see pupils’ emotional and social development as an essential component to enable successful academic learning. They are experienced in working with pupils who have complex SEMH needs as well as autism. The recent standard inspection found that the promotion of pupils’ wider development was embedded throughout the work of the school. It also highlighted the wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their individual talents and interests. Leaders intend any new pupils to continue to benefit from the range of enrichment opportunities available to existing pupils.  The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is a priority. The school’s ethos underpins every element of this. Pupils in key stage 1 will learn about British values, such as democracy, individual liberty and mutual respect, through the

p.2

Main inspection findings

curriculum and other activities. The school’s promotion of equality and consideration of those with protected characteristics are threaded through the wider curriculum.  Building pupils’ resilience and developing self-confidence as learners are seen as fundamental to enabling pupils to enjoy success here. High adult-to-pupil ratios and small classes help with this, as do well-trained and experienced staff who understand the complex needs of pupils. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to understand the impact this may have on others.  The school and proprietor body have carefully considered the impact of increasing pupil numbers and extending the lower phase of the school, especially when pupils’ SEMH and their SEND are taken into account. They have ensured that all standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16 to 16(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school has an open and transparent culture of safeguarding, which was judged to be effective at the last standard inspection. Well-trained staff understand the additional vulnerabilities that pupils who already attend the school may face. The proprietor body has considered the potential additional demands on staff’s work to keep pupils safe linked to the proposed increased number and lower age range of pupils.  The culture to promote the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff continues to be given a high priority by designated safeguarding leads. Systems to record and escalate safeguarding concerns are secure. Leaders are aware of their responsibilities to refer concerns to the appropriate external agencies when required.  The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website and takes current

p.3

Main inspection findings

statutory guidance into account. Staff are aware of the school’s policies linked to the welfare, health and safety of pupils. Safeguarding training for staff, including those with additional responsibilities linked to safeguarding, is up to date.  The school fully complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The site has clear fire signage for fire procedures, locations of fire exits and assembly points. Detailed records show that fire equipment is checked regularly and that fire evacuation drills take place as required.  Levels of supervision are high. Much of the teaching is carried out on a two-to-one basis or in very small groups. The school has employed well-qualified staff. This means that there are far more staff than are required to meet the school’s stated staffing requirements. When the additional 18 pupils join, there is unlikely to be a need for further staff appointments.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The school has put in place a range of appropriate written risk assessments. These documents reflect current legislation and are reviewed regularly by school leaders and the proprietor body. There are risk assessments in place for each pupil. Staff monitor the individual pupil risk assessments closely and change them as required.  The standards in part 3 are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved.

p.3

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(7)(b)  The school’s single central record of recruitment checks is maintained well. It contains all the required information to evidence the different checks that have been carried out on teaching and support staff, supply agency staff, contractors and members of the governing board and proprietor body.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the material change is approved.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proprietor body has fully refurbished and repurposed a vacant children’s residential care home on the school site. The accommodation provides comfortably for the additional 18 pupils and lower key stage the proprietor body is applying for. The building is designated into the ‘Turin Block’ and the ‘Watson Block’. Pupils in key stages 4 and 5 will study in the Turin Block. It includes facilities such as a large fully fitted ‘Life Skills’ area and shared spaces for these pupils to relax in during breaktimes. Key stage 1 pupils will work in the Watson Block which is furnished specifically to accommodate pupils aged five to seven years.  The new classrooms have been adapted and finished to a high standard. They provide suitable accommodation to cater for the proposed increase in pupil numbers and

p.4

Main inspection findings

lower key stage. Classrooms are well ventilated, bright and airy. They have suitable heating, lighting and acoustics. Fire escape routes are signposted clearly. Internal and external lighting is in place throughout.  The refurbished building includes offices and additional spaces for therapy sessions, one-to-one work and breakout areas.  There are suitable toilet facilities throughout, with hot and cold running water for handwashing. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk. Drinking-water is readily available and is labelled as such. Current pupils also have their own water bottles which are refilled as required.  The existing school building has shower and changing facilities to cater for the needs of pupils attending the school. An additional medical room is being installed in the refurbished block. Plans show that it will be suitably equipped, including a bed, a locked cabinet for medication and first-aid kits to cater for pupils in the Watson Block.

p.4

Main inspection findings

A toilet is located close by.  The school’s spacious play areas provide ample space for physical education. The recently turfed outdoor spaces provide pupils with plenty of space to relax, play and socialise in a peaceful rural setting.  Outdoor spaces are well maintained and secure. The proprietor body has installed a substantial gate which prevents anyone from entering or leaving the premises without permission.  The standards in part 5 are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has extensive expertise and experience of working with pupils with SEND and managing specialist settings, including for pupils with autism.  The school has drawn on this experience to identify effectively what needs to be done and how to ensure that pupils are successful in all aspects of their education. The

p.4

Main inspection findings

proprietor body and school leaders have a secure understanding of the standards.  The school places a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ confidence, self-worth and independence in readiness for the next stage of their education. This is reflected in the school’s aims and vision as well as in the curriculum they have planned for the proposed new stage.  School leaders and staff have knowledge and experience of meeting pupils’ academic needs as well as their SEMH needs. They have drawn on this experience to create plans for the curriculum with a suitable balance of academic, pastoral and therapeutic provision in key stage 1. This underpins their rationale for their request for a material change.  The refurbished and repurposed building is likely to be able to safely accommodate the additional 18 pupils and younger age range proposed as part of this material change inspection.  Designated safeguarding leads understand their responsibility to ensure that all staff

p.5

Main inspection findings

work to keep pupils safe.  The standards in part 8 are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body pays close regard to the Equality Act 2010. An appropriate accessibility plan outlines how pupils in all phases will access the curriculum and premises. The PSHE curriculum supports pupils’ knowledge of the protected characteristics.  All requirements are likely to be met.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

School details

School status Independent special school

p.7

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £58,150 to £82,395

p.7

School details

Email address manorhouse@acornmanorhouseschool.co.u k Date of previous standard inspection 13 to 15 June 2023

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 18 5 to 18 5 to 18

p.7

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 50 Up to 71 Up to 71

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 50 Up to 71

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 50 Up to 71

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 50 Up to 71

p.8

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 50 Up to 71

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 13 22

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 12 20

p.8

Information about this school

 Manor House School provides education for boys and girls with SEMH. Many have been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit disorder. All pupils have an EHC plan. Pupils often display challenging behaviours and require a high level of support. Most have significant gaps in their education, and some have been excluded from their previous schools.  The school’s last standard inspection took place on 13 to 15 June 2023 when its overall effectiveness was judged to be good and all relevant standards were found to be met.  The school does not use alternative provision.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor has applied to make a change to the school’s registration. The proprietor body wishes to increase the number of pupils on roll and lower the age range in order to accept pupils from age five upwards. This was the first inspection regarding this particular material change.  The inspector met with the headteacher, senior leaders and staff. The inspector also met with the chair of governors, the regional director and the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents prior to the inspection, including information provided on the school’s website.  Since the last standard inspection, the building has undergone renovation work, including the refurbishment of classrooms for the material change. The inspector toured the school premises, including the refurbished classrooms, with the headteacher.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 The inspector checked policies, records and documentation relating to the specific standards in scope for this inspection, including the single central record and the safeguarding policy.

p.9

Inspection team

Shazia Akram, 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 .

p.9

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.10

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.10

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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.10