Brickyard Barn Outdoor Learning Centre

School material change inspection report

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Brickyard Barn Outdoor Learning Centre Brickyard Barn, Mallory Road, Bishops Tachbrook CV33 9QD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy that takes account of the latest government guidance. A copy of the policy is published on the school’s website which is accessible to parents and carers.  The school has effective safeguarding systems and processes to protect pupils from harm. Staff receive thorough training so they are well equipped to spot signs that a pupil may be at risk of harm. When concerns are raised, staff deal with them promptly to ensure that pupils are kept safe. The school works collaboratively with other agencies to support pupils’ well-being and safety.  Pupils are taught how to stay safe and manage risk through the school’s curriculum. Topics covered in personal, social and health education lessons include how to stay safe online and how to recognise misinformation. When the need arises, the school

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Main inspection findings

organises bespoke units of work for individual pupils to address specific safeguarding issues. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 and 16 to 16(b)  The school’s management of health and safety is robust. The school has a suitable health and safety policy that is implemented effectively. Staff have considered the potential health and safety risks of the new building and put in place appropriate mitigation measures to minimise risk. The school also commissions external support from health and safety consultants. The additional new building is in a very good state of repair.  The school commissioned a fire risk assessment from an external company and addressed all risks identified. The school has ensured that the new building has been fitted with appropriate firefighting equipment and signage. The school has considered evacuation routes and installed fire evacuation units to raise the alarm in the event of a fire.  The school has ensured that there will be sufficient staffing and levels of supervision

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Main inspection findings

for the proposed increase in the number of pupils should the material change be granted.  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy. The school’s risk assessments demonstrate that staff identify risks to pupils and others and take appropriate action to reduce the likelihood of an accident or incident occurring.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(3), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The school has an appropriate single central record of all required pre-employment checks. The school ensures these checks are completed before a person takes up post. The school has an effective safer recruitment process, which includes gaining satisfactory references and undertaking medical fitness checks.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The additional building – Cedars Barn - is a former five-bedroom residential home situated less than 100 meters from the original school building. It contains ample space and rooms for the planned expansion of pupil numbers. The building also contains additional toilets and showers for pupils’ use. There is suitable hot and cold running water. Pupils will be able to access drinking-water from a free-standing water dispenser.  The additional building is maintained to a high standard. The building is light and airy with good acoustic conditions. The building has external lighting to enable ease of access during hours of darkness.  The grounds include ample grassed expanses of land for outdoor play and physical education. There is also a hard-surface paved area to the side of the Brickyard Barn building. However, the proprietor is aware that this surface is uneven in places and

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Main inspection findings

requires some attention.  The school has a current medical room situated in the Brickyard Barn building which also serves as the headteacher’s office. It is close to a toilet. However, the medical room’s portable sink is currently located in another nearby room. The new building allows leaders to move the medical room to a new location with a permanent sink.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has given careful thought and consideration to this material change for an increase in pupil numbers. They have invested significant resources into purchasing a building that should meet the requirements for accommodating additional pupils in small groups or on a one-to-one basis in the teaching rooms. The space should comfortably accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils. The school

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Main inspection findings

has a realistic growth plan and, if the material change is granted, intends to admit new pupils gradually. Leaders understand the needs of pupils with autism well. They have considered the staffing requirements for the proposed increase in pupils. The school intends to employ a further three teaching staff over time if the material change is granted.  The proprietor and school leaders demonstrate a continued, secure understanding of the standards. They have good quality assurance processes in place to ensure smooth and effective implementation of any planned change, alongside ongoing monitoring of the school’s performance.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved and implemented.

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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 Independent special school

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Email address woodsidemail@woodsidelodgeolc.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 31 January to 2 February 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 8 to 19 8 to 19 8 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 21 31 31

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 21 31 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 21 31

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 21 31

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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 21 31

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 13 16

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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

 Brickyard Barn Outdoor Learning Centre is a school for pupils who have autism. The school is part of the Woodside Group.  The school operates from two separate premises. Starbold Farm Outdoor Learning Centre amalgamated with Brickyard Barn Outdoor Learning Centre on 14 December 2023 to form one school. The Starbold Farm site is located at The Stone House, Starbold Farm, Banbury Road, Southam, CV47 2BL.  All the pupils at the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities and an education, health and care plan.  The school uses one unregistered alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the school’s request to increase the maximum number of pupils from 23 to 31. This is the school’s first material change application.  The inspector checked the aspects of safeguarding that linked directly to the material change application.  The inspector met with the headteacher (who is also the designated safeguarding lead), the director of education and the head of compliance. They also met with the proprietor of Woodside Group.  The inspector looked at a range of documents and policies relevant to the material change application. This included health and safety information, the fire risk assessment and risk assessment documentation. The inspector also checked documents relating to safeguarding, including the single central record.  The inspector completed a tour of the two school buildings and grounds to check the

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Information about this inspection

suitability of the premises against the relevant standards. The inspector did not visit the Starbold Farm school premises.  The inspector spoke with a group of pupils and some staff.

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Inspection team

Tim Hill, 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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