Wyelands Creek Outdoor Learning Centre

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Wyelands Creek Outdoor Learning Centre Bishopwood, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire GL17 9NY

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with autism. All pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Most will likely have gaps in their learning. A thorough admissions process will include a review of pupils’ EHC plans and a range of baseline assessments for pupils to complete when they arrive at the school. Staff plan to use this information to construct a relevant and ambitious curriculum for each pupil based on their needs and personal ambitions.  The school intends to provide a broad and relevant curriculum based on 10 strands, including English, mathematics, physical education, technology, humanities and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Therapeutic and vocational strands are part of the wider offer. The curriculum meets the requirements of the

p.1

Main inspection findings

independent school standards (the standards).  Schemes of work set out the knowledge and skills pupils will learn. They show how lessons build sequentially. Daily ‘session contracts’ for pupils will show the knowledge to be gained in lessons, what successful behaviour looks like and any pastoral support. The school has designed a ‘reintegration tool’ to track pupils’ progress through the curriculum. The overall curriculum will likely enable pupils to make progress and work towards academic qualifications, such as functional skills and GCSEs.  The proposed curriculum prioritises pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills. The school intends to encourage pupils to read for pleasure. A validated phonics programme will be in place for pupils who find learning to read difficult. All staff will be trained in how the agreed scheme helps pupils learn to read. The proposed timetable shows pupils will have four English and mathematics lessons each week.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The school intends to offer a well-considered careers education programme as part of the PSHE curriculum. For instance, pupils will receive impartial advice, help to write a curriculum vitae and attend work placements. The school aims to use sensory risk assessments to ensure that work placements consider the needs of pupils with autism. The school will measure itself against the Gatsby benchmarks.  The scheme of work for PSHE includes relationships and sex education (RSE). Specific topics include healthy relationships, personal safety and consent. The proprietor intends to consult with parents during the induction process about the content of the proposed RSE curriculum. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j)  The proprietor has significant expertise and experience leading independent special schools. Along with the executive headteacher and the director of education, they demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to adapt the curriculum to meet the

p.1

Main inspection findings

needs of pupils with autism. The proprietor plans to recruit staff with the necessary skills and expertise to implement the curriculum successfully. A rigorous quality assurance cycle will ensure that the curriculum is taught to a consistently high standard. Paragraph 4  Clear procedures are in place to help staff accurately assess pupils’ learning. Staff will hold regular discussions with pupils to capture progress towards academic and personal targets. Furthermore, staff will use ‘re-explore’ time in lessons to allow pupils to show how well they are learning the curriculum.  If the curriculum is implemented effectively, the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has carefully considered pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, through ‘Let’s CHAT’ (Consistency, Humility, Authenticity

p.2

Main inspection findings

and Transparency) sessions, pupils will learn to debate and discuss topical themes such as respect and unconscious bias. Fundamental British values are woven throughout curriculum plans. Pupils will be encouraged to develop their character by considering opposing views.  The proposed ‘Enrichment Friday’ curriculum provides relevant opportunities for pupils’ personal development. The curriculum includes elements of public service, well-being and religious studies such as visiting local places of worship. The curriculum aims to build an understanding of tolerance and respect, including for those with characteristics that are protected by law.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  The proprietor has written a safeguarding and child protection policy that reflects the most recent statutory guidance. It includes the necessary local arrangements to

p.2

Main inspection findings

safeguard pupils and promote their well-being. The policy is available on the school’s website.  Leaders, including those responsible for safeguarding, demonstrate a secure knowledge of their duties to keep pupils safe. The school has considered contextual safeguarding themes across the region they intend to serve such as county lines. Leaders have completed designated safeguarding training, including safer recruitment. The head of compliance proposes to carry out focused audits each term to ensure that agreed procedures are followed. Furthermore, the executive headteacher will complete ‘dip checks’ against the relevant standards.  An induction programme will take place to ensure that staff have the necessary safeguarding knowledge to keep pupils safe. This will include information about whistleblowing and managing allegations against staff.  Leaders intend to share ‘safeguarding snippets’ with all staff to create a culture where

p.2

Main inspection findings

safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. They will also hold meetings at the start and end of each school day to share relevant safeguarding information.  The proprietor is moving to a new electronic system for staff to record concerns about pupils’ welfare. Executive leaders and the head of compliance will use this information to monitor safeguarding incidents closely. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proprietor has developed appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies for the specific needs of pupils who attend the school. These set out the school’s approach and expectations of staff in managing pupils’ behaviour. For example, pupils will earn ‘awesome points’ for working well in lessons and taking care of property. Staff will use an online log to record any inappropriate behaviour or bullying. The school plans to take a restorative approach in order to improve pupils’ behaviour.  Through the curriculum, pupils will be taught what bullying means. Staff are expected

p.3

Main inspection findings

not to tolerate it. All cases of bullying will be reported to the proprietor.  The staff induction programme will focus on building positive relationships and understanding de-escalation techniques. The policy makes clear that physical interventions will only be used as a last resort. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The proprietor has the necessary policies and procedures in place for health and safety requirements. All staff will complete a comprehensive suite of health and safety courses as part of their induction programme. This includes writing risk assessments, learning how to report and log accidents or near misses and first-aid training. All staff will carry first-aid equipment on any external trips. Appropriate systems are set up to record any accidents where first aid is used.  An external professional completed a fire risk assessment in April 2024. The proprietor has responded to all of the high-priority actions. A systematic programme of checks

p.3

Main inspection findings

will help ensure that the proposed premises remain in safe condition. These include weekly testing of the fire alarm and half-termly fire drills.  The proprietor proposes high staff-to-pupil ratios. Staff will supervise pupils closely and greet them when they arrive each morning. Where necessary, the school plans to write individualised risk assessments for pupils once they are admitted. The proprietor intends to increase pupil numbers gradually to ensure that appropriate staffing is in place.  The proprietor has set up an electronic form to record pupils’ attendance. Systems will enable staff to put in place bespoke attendance plans for pupils with concerning patterns of absence.  The admissions register has been tested in other schools and follows the latest guidance from the Department for Education.  The proprietor has written a suitable risk assessment policy. A risk assessment has already been completed for the premises. It shows how the proprietor has considered

p.3

Main inspection findings

all risks that could arise from the nearby river and main road. Control measures are appropriate to minimise risk.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor has ensured that an electronic single central record (SCR) is in place. It contains the statutory checks for the current leader in post and central staff. The proprietor thoroughly understands the required checks that must be completed before any member of staff takes up employment, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  Staff personnel files are stored electronically and contain relevant information such as medical fitness, references and qualifications.  A central team monitors the SCR to ensure that it meets requirements. The school

p.4

Main inspection findings

does not intend to use supply staff. However, should this position change, the proprietor is knowledgeable about the procedures to follow.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(c), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a)–(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)–(b)  The proposed school will occupy a single-storey building that was formerly used as a private dwelling. The building comprises three learning rooms, an office space and a kitchen area. It is suitable to educate the proposed number of pupils. The proprietor intends to use the extensive grounds to teach aspects of the curriculum.  All learning rooms have appropriate lighting, acoustics and ventilation. Windows have locks, and some will be fitted with restrictors. Many rooms have furniture. Those spaces without furniture will be chosen by the pupils if the school is granted

p.4

Main inspection findings

permission to open.  The outdoor space is suitable for pupils to play and socialise. The school is next to a river. A six foot tall anti-climb fence has been installed to prevent pupils from accessing the river.  The school has one toilet and shower facility exclusively for pupils. The toilet can be secured from the inside.  There is a sufficient supply of hot water that does not scold. Pupils will have access to drinking-water from water dispensers.  The proposed school has a dedicated medical room. It contains a bed, a portable washing facility and is close to a toilet. There is a lockable cabinet to store medication.  At the time of the inspection, the school was in the final stages of refurbishing the site. It is not currently ready to admit pupils. For example, some of the grounds, including the fire evacuation point, are overgrown with weeds. Currently, there is no means to control sunlight in the classrooms to avoid glare. The proprietor has a

p.4

Main inspection findings

confirmed schedule of planned maintenance to ensure that unfinished work is completed and complies with the independent school standards before admitting pupils.  Once the remaining work has been completed, the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(4)(c)  The school has published a website. It provides parents with the required information, including the necessary policies and contact details of the headteacher and proprietor during term-time and holidays.  The school will provide parents with biannual reports on pupils’ attainment, progress, attitudes to learning, behaviour and attendance.  The proprietor has a process in place to provide details of income and expenditure for pupils funded with an EHC plan. This information will be available on request.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

p.5

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  A written complaints policy is published on the school’s website. The policy outlines the stages for complaints to be resolved. Each stage of the complaints process has a clear timescale for parents to understand.  The school will keep records of any complaints received. These will be stored securely and made available for inspection.  It is likely that the requirement of this standard will be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has proven expertise in opening and leading specialist provision for pupils with autism. Without a governing body, an experienced director of education and executive headteacher will provide an additional layer of quality assurance to the proprietor through regular on-site visits and monitoring.  The proprietor and those responsible for the leadership and management of the school demonstrate a clear mission for wanting to register as an independent school.

p.5

Main inspection findings

They aim ‘to enable pupils with autism to contribute to society independently, embrace lifelong learning and achieve without a ceiling’.  The executive headteacher and other central leaders have secure knowledge and experience of how to cater for pupils with autism. They have a positive track record for managing this successfully in other independent schools.  The proprietor has taken effective action to plan the opening of the proposed school. A broad and relevant curriculum and associated policies are in place, including those in relation to pupils’ safety and well-being. The proprietor has created a tracking document to show how the school plans to meet the standards consistently.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has written a suitable accessibility plan. The plan indicates how the school will consider access to the premises, the curriculum and school life for pupils with a

p.6

Main inspection findings

disability.  The school is likely to meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Email address jonny@woodsidelodgeolc.co.uk

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 19 8 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 15 15

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 15

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 15

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 15

p.9

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 15

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 10

p.10

School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to offer specialist provision for pupils with autism between the ages of eight and 19. It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan funded by Gloucestershire local authority.  The sole proprietor runs three registered independent special schools. A director of education, head of compliance and executive headteacher will provide strategic oversight.  The proposed school is located in Lydbrook, a village in Gloucestershire. The school is based in a former single-storey house. It is adjacent to a woodland area and the River Wye.  An experienced headteacher has been appointed to lead the school. If the proposed school is granted permission to open, further recruitment will take place.  The proprietor intends to grow pupil numbers gradually.  The proposed school does not plan to use alternative provision.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 to determine whether the proposed school will likely meet the standards if approved to open.  The inspector discussed parts of the standards with the proprietor, the executive headteacher and the director of education.  The inspector toured the school site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises. He reviewed the health and safety and fire risk assessments made by external specialists.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school curriculum.

p.11

Inspection team

Dale Burr, 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.11

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.12

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.12

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.12

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.12

Inspection team

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

p.12

Inspection team

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

p.12