Lord Gowthorpe's Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School 45 Common Road, Dunnington, North Yorkshire YO19 5PA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2(A)(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proposed school has a written curriculum policy. It is broad and ambitious. It is supported by schemes of work for different subjects. The curriculum is structured to build pupils’ knowledge and skills coherently. It takes into account the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) of pupils. It is in line with the national curriculum.  The vocational curriculum is designed to cater for pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils will learn life skills and the enjoyment of working with and caring for animals. They will learn the skills needed for horse riding. The proprietor aims for

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Main inspection findings

pupils to gain relevant qualifications in horsemanship and horticulture.  The proprietor has identified that most pupils will have had significant periods of absence before coming to the proposed school. Many will be at different stages in their learning. The proprietor intends that teachers will personalise learning to meet the individual needs of each pupil. Pupils will be able to gain qualifications in different subjects. When needed, the school will facilitate GCSE examinations.  The proprietor demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs of the pupils who will be in its care. The proprietor has relevant professional and personal experience of working with pupils with SEND. It intends to appoint qualified teachers who will have the necessary expertise to meet pupils’ needs.  The proprietor understands the process to ensure pupils who have education, health and care plans (EHC plan), including children looked after, receive timely reviews of

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Main inspection findings

their personal targets and provision.  There is a suitable system to assess pupils’ progress across academic and vocational curriculum subjects. Staff will be able to use this information to plan pupils’ next steps.  The proposed school can demonstrate how it will place a high priority on the importance of reading. The proprietor proposes that the school will have a culture of reading for pleasure. Phonics will be taught to pupils in the early stages of learning to read. Extra reading support will be provided to pupils when necessary.  The independent school standards (the standards) for this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is supported by a suitable scheme of work which teachers will adapt to the needs of individual pupils. Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of healthy relationships, fundamental British values, equality and protected characteristics. They will learn about potential risks to their safety and how to manage them. When necessary, pupils will receive one-to-one teaching linked to their targets in their EHC plans.  The proposed school will provide careers advice and guidance to pupils. Visiting speakers will help pupils to consider their future education and career options. The proprietor intends to establish purposeful links with local businesses to support work

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Main inspection findings

experience for pupils.  The proprietor is ambitious for the school to offer a caring and supportive environment where pupils can feel safe and make a successful and new start to their education. The proprietor has a firm belief in the school’s ethos of ‘respect, kindness, individuality, aspiration and independence’. These values permeate the school’s policies and curriculum schemes of work.  The curriculum promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Explicit teaching will also take place through the school’s religious education and PSHE curriculum subjects.  Pupils will learn about relationships and sex education (RSE). Leaders plan to consult with parents about the content of the curriculum. A policy which details the school’s approach to RSE is suitable and considers statutory guidance.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 15  The proprietor understands its responsibility to establish an effective culture for safeguarding. There is a suitable policy in place. It is in line with current statutory guidance. It will be published on the school’s website.  The proprietor and chair of governors have received pertinent safeguarding training. Staff will be trained to understand the school’s safeguarding arrangements. Designated safeguarding leads have been identified.  The proprietor is aware of the vulnerability of the pupils who will attend the school. The school will work closely with external professionals when needed to keep pupils safe.  The school’s policies for managing pupils’ behaviour and incidents of bullying are suitable. The proprietor has ensured that these policies support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs. Staff will be trained in strategies to help pupils to

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Main inspection findings

understand and manage their behaviour and emotions.  Admission and attendance registers meet the requirements. Leaders intend to monitor attendance closely and follow up on any absences promptly.  The proprietor has relevant experience of working with different local authorities and health and social care professionals. These connections will be valuable for the school to support the well-being of pupils. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has implemented appropriate health and safety and risk assessment policies. There are suitable systems in place to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. The proprietor intends to complete comprehensive risk assessments to keep pupils safe. Risk assessments identify risks and the actions staff should take to mitigate them.  The first-aid policy outlines how staff will care for pupils who may need first aid or basic medical care while at school. Staff will have relevant qualifications to administer

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Main inspection findings

first aid. Medication will be stored securely.  The proprietor understands the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire risk assessments have been completed for both sites. These will be updated on a regular basis. Fire extinguishers and emergency escape routes are checked regularly.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7)  The proprietor has an appropriate understanding of the safer recruitment requirements. It has begun to appoint some staff. The necessary checks have been carried out to ensure that these staff are suitable to work with children.

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Main inspection findings

 A single central record is in place. The statutory information for staff, governors and the proprietor will be recorded.  Leaders know the procedures to follow if they intend to employ agency or supply staff in the future.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The main school site is located at a premises which is new and suitable for the ages of the pupils who will attend. The environment is calm and welcoming. The farm site is secure and well maintained. The proprietor carries out frequent checks on both premises to ensure the health, safety and well-being of pupils and staff.  The proprietor has ensured that there are suitable washing and toilet facilities for pupils. A medical room and first-aid area are available at both school sites for the short-term care of ill or injured pupils.  There is hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding. Water that is suitable for drinking is available across both school sites. Pupils will have

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Main inspection findings

access to changing and showering facilities.  There is ample outdoor space for physical and outdoor education lessons to take place at the farm site. Most physical education lessons will be linked to the development of horsemanship skills. Pupils will also access sports facilities in the local area.  The school has suitable lighting and acoustics. External lighting is appropriate. Fire safety equipment is in place across the school. Two new fire doors are to be fitted shortly for two new classrooms.  The proprietor has carefully considered the provision offered at the farm site. Activities, including horse riding, have been carefully risk assessed. Pupils will be taught how to assess and manage potential risks and how to behave when working with the horses and moving around the farm.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  There is a website for the school. The proprietor is aware of the information that it needs to make available to parents. The website contains the statutory information required if the school is approved to open.  The proprietor intends to provide the necessary details to the responsible local authorities for pupils all of whom have an EHC plan, and for those who are children looked after.  The school has suitable policies in place. Policies, including those for safeguarding, admissions and the management of pupils’ behaviour, consider the needs of pupils. The curriculum policy outlines leaders’ ambition to ensure teaching and learning

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Main inspection findings

supports individual pupils and enables them to ‘experience success and flourish to fulfil their academic and personal potential’.  Leaders have a framework to track the progress and attainment of pupils. Reports of pupils’ progress and attainment will be provided to parents informally and through an annual written report.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The school has a suitable complaints policy. It includes appropriate timescales for responding to complaints. A flow chart illustrates the different stages the school will consider and makes the process for making complaints transparent. The policy will be published on the school’s website.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a genuine passion for what the school can provide for pupils. Both directors have deeply held beliefs that the school can make a positive difference to pupils’ lives. They intend that the school will have leaders and staff who have relevant experience working with pupils with SEND and share the proprietor’s aspirations.  The proprietor intends to work closely with parents and carers to ensure pupils attend school regularly and receive an education based on assessment of their needs.  The proprietor understands the requirements of the standards. It is appointing a governing body to provide additional challenge and support to the school. The directors understand their roles and responsibilities. They have provided policies which give appropriate guidance for the welfare, health and safety of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has an accessibility policy that states the reasonable adjustments that the school will make to ensure that the curriculum is accessible for all pupils. The policy explains clearly that accessibility for pupils with physical disabilities is limited at the main school site because the school is located on the second floor of a two-storey building and is accessible only by stairs.

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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

Chair Georgina Gowthorpe and Adele Lord- Laverick Headteacher Georgina Gowthorpe and Adele Lord- Laverick Annual fees (day pupils) £48,000

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 15 15

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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 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time Not applicable 0 pupils Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 15

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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 15

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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 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is located across two different sites approximately 13 miles apart. The main school site is in Dunnington. This site is located at the same address as the proprietor’s alternative provision, Teach Me Happy. The school occupies the second floor of a two- storey building. The first floor is occupied by an independent business. The second school site is located at Field House Farm, Harlthorpe, Bubwith, Selby, East Riding, YO8 6DW. At this site, the school will offer vocational courses and experiences in horse riding, horse therapy, horticulture and outdoor education.  The school intends to open in September 2024. This will initially be with up to five pupils on the school’s roll. The proprietor then intends to increase the number on roll over the next two years to 15.  The proprietor proposes to admit pupils with autism and associated cognitive and learning needs, speech language and communication needs and moderate and specific

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Information about this proposed school

learning difficulties. All will have an EHC plan.  At the time of the inspection, the alternative provision run by the proprietor offered education for 11 pupils on a part-time basis. The proprietor intends to run the proposed school separately from the alternative provision but from the same address.  The school may be likely to use the services of alternative provisions.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned the inspection to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the proprietor who will also be the joint headteachers. The inspector also met with the chair of the governing body.  The inspector toured both school sites to check the suitability of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including schemes of work, policies and procedures related to health and safety, risk assessment, administration of first aid, complaints and fire safety.  The inspector checked the arrangements for staff recruitment, scrutinised various safeguarding documents, viewed the single central record and discussed the school’s arrangements for the safeguarding of pupils.

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Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor, 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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