Emerald Place Clinic School (EPCS)

School pre-registration inspection report

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Emerald Place Clinic School Emerald Place, Farmfield Drive, Charlwood, Surrey RH6 0BN

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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)(h) to 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils are likely to be at the proposed school for a relatively short period while they receive treatment at the clinic. The majority will remain on roll at their home school during their stay. Leaders anticipate that where possible, pupils will continue with the learning that is taking place in their home school. Should this not be possible, leaders have planned a suitable curriculum for pupils to undertake.  An appropriate curriculum policy is in place. Leaders expect that most pupils may not have attended school for extended periods prior to joining the school. They intend to work closely with staff at pupils’ home schools to identify pupils’ individual requirements when they join the school and will tailor the curriculum accordingly, taking into account any gaps in learning. Leaders have the knowledge and expertise required to ensure that this is done successfully.  Pupils will follow a suitably broad curriculum that meets the requirements of the

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Main inspection findings

independent school standards (the standards). All pupils will study English, mathematics, science and personal, social and health education (PSHE). In key stage 3, they will study a broad range of other subjects before specialising in examination options in key stages 4 and 5. Leaders anticipate that programmes will reflect the demands of the national curriculum, helping pupils to work towards GCSEs, A levels or other relevant qualifications.  Some pupils are likely to have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Wherever possible, leaders intend to liaise with the home school during pupils’ induction to the school to identify any additional needs so that appropriate support strategies can be put in place. They will also utilise the support from special educational needs coordinators from other schools within the Elysium Healthcare Ltd group.  Students in key stage 5 will follow learning programmes set out by their home school

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Main inspection findings

or college wherever possible. This will be supplemented with learning about independent living and financial literacy, as well as other certificated courses and enrichment activities.  Leaders anticipate that some pupils will be in the early stages of learning to read when they arrive at the school. Where specific help is needed for pupils to learn phonics, leaders intend to buy in specialist support. They will also utilise expertise from other schools within the Elysium Healthcare Ltd group.  The proposed school’s relationships and sex education (RSE) programme covers all the required content from the statutory guidance. Leaders have constructed this programme carefully so that topics will be revisited frequently. This reduces the risk of pupils missing learning about important concepts when they leave the setting after a short period. Leaders intend to adopt a bespoke approach to teaching RSE to pupils

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Main inspection findings

as they are particularly mindful of the school’s context and the importance of aligning teaching and learning with pupils’ medical treatment.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to provide pupils with impartial, good-quality careers advice and guidance. They have given careful thought to how they can provide pupils with meaningful, work-related experiences, even though pupils will not be able to leave the school site. Their plans include working with a range of external providers to ensure that pupils are fully informed and supported to make appropriate choices for the next stage of their education.  Several teachers have already been appointed to work at the proposed school. They bring relevant experience and expertise to their roles. Leaders describe clear recruitment procedures to ensure that any further staff who are appointed are suitable. Training for staff will be a routine and regular part of school life. Leaders will

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Main inspection findings

use a range of activities to monitor the quality of curriculum delivery.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is granted permission to register.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Pupils’ personal development will be central to the school’s work and ethos. The PSHE curriculum has been personalised to the proposed school’s context. A comprehensive programme of themes and events indicates suitable coverage of topics such as equality, fundamental British values and safety.  Pupils will learn about different faiths and religions through the school’s humanities curriculum, its PSHE programme and regular school events such as the ‘drop-down weeks’.  Leaders are alert to pupils’ particular vulnerabilities caused by their medical conditions and realise that some pupils may need extra help in understanding some of the risks they face. Curriculum plans provide ongoing opportunities for pupils to learn about how to make sensible choices to help them stay safe. The focus on developing trusting relationships is intended to ensure that pupils will feel confident to tell an

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Main inspection findings

adult about any worries they have that potentially put them at risk.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The school’s written policy for safeguarding and child protection is published on the school’s website. It is fit for purpose, meeting requirements laid out in current statutory guidance. Leaders have an astute understanding of the potential vulnerabilities that pupils attending the school may have. Practices for identifying, recording and taking action in the event of any concerns are already in place. Plans to share relevant information with clinic staff are suitably rigorous.  The headteacher will undertake the role of designated safeguarding lead, supported by the deputy headteacher. Both have undertaken relevant training and are suitably knowledgeable about the role and responsibilities involved. There are appropriate

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Main inspection findings

plans in place to ensure that all staff receive ongoing safeguarding training. Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The written behaviour policy is published on the proposed school’s website. It sets out clear procedures, with an emphasis on the use of preventative and de-escalation strategies. Staff will be trained suitably to understand pupils’ additional and complex behaviour needs. Any instances when adults may need to physically intervene to keep pupils safe will be managed by clinical staff, who have received appropriate training.  An appropriate anti-bullying policy is also in place. This carefully considers pupils’ mental health vulnerabilities, linked to their medical conditions.  The proprietor body has ensured that an up-to-date fire risk assessment of the premises has been carried out, providing assurance that fire safety arrangements are suitable. Appropriate firefighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in

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Main inspection findings

place. Arrangements look set to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Leaders have a good understanding of health and safety requirements and the setting’s health and safety and risk assessment policies are suitable. Risk assessments already in position are comprehensive and relevant. Appropriate plans are in place for risk assessments to be reviewed in a timely way.  A suitable first-aid policy is in place. Key staff are appropriately trained to deliver first aid. However, leaders anticipate that administration of medication and first aid will be performed by clinical staff in the clinic.  Pupils will all reside in the clinic which is attached to the proposed school. Leaders have planned to ensure that staff-to-pupil ratios are always suitable. They have appropriate procedures in place for transferring responsibility for supervision between clinical staff and the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

 An admissions register is in place that captures the required information about clinic residents who will join the proposed school. Arrangements for registering pupils during the school day are appropriate. They are set up in a way that should enable adults to keep oversight of pupils’ whereabouts when they go for medical or therapeutic treatment during the school day.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The headteacher is knowledgeable about the recruitment checks that need to be made for adults who are likely to have contact with pupils. These checks are carried out in a timely way. The proprietor body works closely with the headteacher when recruiting staff, supporting a vigilant approach. This includes checks on adults who

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Main inspection findings

work in the clinic who are not employed by the proposed school.  The single central record was in place and complete for the staff already employed at the time of the inspection. It is set up in a way which is likely to ensure that it will meet the statutory requirements when staff recruitment has been fully completed.  It is not leaders’ intention to use supply staff given the specialist knowledge that teachers will need to have about pupils’ needs and care.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school’s two main classrooms are situated towards one end of the clinic building. A separate room, currently not set up as a classroom, is available for pupils to use as needed and is close to the rest of the setting’s facilities. Pupils will also be able to access other rooms in the clinic, for example to carry out enrichment activities such as cooking and ‘diamond’ art.  The school provides a welcoming and inviting school environment. The classrooms are fit for purpose. Large windows admit plenty of natural light to the building. They have been fitted with window restrictors to ensure safe use. Suitable external lighting is in place around the buildings.  Pupils will have access to a suitable outside space for recreation. The larger classroom has a lockable door that opens onto a secure outdoor sports court. Pupils also have

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Main inspection findings

access to the clinic’s secure courtyard, enabling them to relax outside.  There are suitable toilets in place for pupils and staff. Facilities have sufficient water supplies for hand washing and the temperature of hot water is regulated appropriately. There is no dedicated shower in the proposed school’s facilities but pupils have access to showers in their own bedrooms, which are in the same building.  There is a room suitable for providing first aid, which meets the requirements of the standards. It does not contain hand washing facilities but is situated opposite the school’s toilet facility. Leaders anticipate that any pupils becoming unwell will be cared for in their bedrooms by clinical staff. Any medication will also be administered in the clinic.  Pupils and staff can access drinking-water through a bottled water cooler which is located just outside the classrooms.  This part of the standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  Leaders are knowledgeable about the requirements of the standards in relation to the publication of information on the school website. Required policies, such as behaviour, complaints and safeguarding, are already uploaded, in anticipation of the school being granted permission to open.  Leaders see high levels of communication between parents and school staff as a key aspect of the provision. Regular updates and written reports will be provided to parents or carers about pupils’ attainment and progress.  The proprietor body has already established procedures for providing relevant local authorities with accounts of how pupils’ funding has been spent in other schools. It intends to adopt the same approach for this setting.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The proposed school has a complaints policy which is available on the website. The policy sets out clear timescales for the management of complaints. There is provision for complaints to be considered on an informal basis at the first stage of the process.  The complaints policy details procedures for keeping copies of complaints and chronology records securely. It recognises that both must be made available for scrutiny if needed.  This part of the standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The headteacher and proprietor body bring suitable knowledge and expertise to their roles. Lines of accountability and oversight of statutory duties are clear. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements relating to the standards.  A management committee will fulfil the role of governance. It is made up of representatives of the school, clinic and proprietor body. Personnel have an appropriate and broad range of experience and expertise in managing this type of setting. This means they are well placed to be able to support and challenge the proposed school as it develops.  Procedures for monitoring the school seem suitably robust. Systems are already in place to keep the proprietor body informed about standards in the school. For instance, there are requirements for the headteacher to report to the head of

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Main inspection findings

education regularly about a range of aspects of school life, including safeguarding, educational standards and health and safety.  The proposed school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 Leaders are aware of their duties in relation to equality. The proprietor body has a suitable equality policy which includes an accessibility plan and meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Website www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/education/ emerald-place-clinic-school Email address info@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 12 to 18 12 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 12 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 12 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable Up to 12

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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 Not applicable 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 5

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Information about this proposed school

 Elysium Healthcare Limited proposes to open a mixed independent school within Emerald Place Clinic, which occupies the same site. The clinic provides medical care for 12 to 18-year-olds who have diagnosed mental health issues. Patients reside at the clinic for the duration of their treatment. They will join the school roll when they are admitted to the clinic. Most will also stay on roll at their home school. At the time of this inspection, four patients were resident at the clinic and being provided with study support, but the school was not operating.  Some pupils will have SEND. These are likely to be associated with pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs.  Elysium Healthcare Ltd will own and run the school. It operates several other specialist education and healthcare settings, including five other schools. It is intended that a management committee will fill the role of governance for the school. It is intended

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Information about this proposed school

that the head of education will provide a link between the school and proprietor body.  The proposed school’s facilities are contained in the building occupied by the clinic. The school and clinic will have sole use of these facilities. The school premises comprise two multi-purpose classrooms, another room suitable for teaching and a toilet for pupils. Pupils will also have access to outside space via a sports court.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provisions to supplement pupils’ education. It will not have any particular religious character.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the proprietor’s application to open an independent school. This was the school’s first pre- registration inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher, deputy headteacher and head of education to discuss a range of evidence relating to the standards. She also had a telephone discussion with the proprietor’s deputy director of policy and regulation.  The inspector and headteacher toured the school site together to check compliance with the standards. Other relevant evidence, submitted as part of the registration application and available on the proposed school’s website, was also considered.  The inspector considered the proposed school’s safeguarding arrangements by reviewing relevant policies and the single central record of recruitment checks. The inspector also explored arrangements for staff training and for planned actions and

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Information about this inspection

recording linked to potential safeguarding concerns.

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Inspection team

Louise Walker, 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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