Open Air Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Open Air Education Oakerside Lodge, Castle Eden Dene, Stanhope Chase, Peterlee SR8 1NJ

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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)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 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 proprietor has thought carefully about the curriculum for the proposed new school. Leaders have clearly identified the knowledge and skills that they want pupils to learn in different subjects such as English, mathematics, music and art. The curriculum is clearly planned and sequenced. It is strongly focused on outdoor education and enhancing pupils’ appreciation of the global environment.  The school’s location at Castle Eden Dene nature reserve means that it is well placed to support outdoor education. Pupils will spend parts of each day learning about the environment. Staff will teach pupils about the vast array of nature that surrounds the

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Main inspection findings

school. Pupils will benefit from learning in outdoor classrooms and enjoy activities such as pond dipping, bushcraft and wood whittling.  The written policy for the curriculum is based on the schemes of work and strategies that leaders have identified to support their vision for the school. Pupils will develop a deep understanding of ‘environmental responsibility’. Environmental studies will be threaded throughout different curriculum subjects. Leaders aim for pupils to develop their ‘passion for sustainability and an understanding of the importance of conservation’.  Leaders propose for the curriculum to be adapted to the individual needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers will assess pupils on entry to determine their most appropriate next steps in learning. Provision and support will be planned in line with pupils’ needs and, when needed, the requirements

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Main inspection findings

stated in pupils’ education, health and care plans.  Leaders recognise the importance of reading. They want pupils to develop a sense of joy in reading. They have identified a suitable approach to the teaching of phonics. Staff will be trained to teach phonics and help pupils develop their reading skills.  The proprietor intends to work closely with other schools to support the development of staff expertise. The school will utilise the many successful links already established through the proprietor’s early years provisions to enrich the curriculum and support pupils’ individual needs.  A framework for assessment is in place. Leaders will check regularly on the progress that pupils make in each subject. Teachers will use this information to identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge and to plan their next steps. Pupils will practise and apply their knowledge and skills through focused independent project work.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders are ambitious for pupils. They recognise the importance of continued professional development for staff. They will train staff to deliver the curriculum, including outdoor education activities.  Leaders propose to teach pupils about relationships education. Leaders plan to consult with parents about the content of the curriculum. A policy which details the school’s approach to relationships education is in place.  The independent school standards (the standards) in 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 school’s planned curriculum for personal, social, health and economic education is appropriate. It is supported by a suitable scheme of work. The school aims to educate pupils in a caring and stimulating environment that encourages them to ‘explore the wonders of nature, engage with their studies and develop into well-rounded individuals’.  Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of healthy relationships, fundamental British values, equality and diversity. Leaders know that the safety of pupils is the highest priority for this school because pupils will be engaging in outdoor education. Pupils will learn about potential risks to their safety and how to manage them. They will learn about safeguarding. For example, the proprietor identifies that

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Main inspection findings

she wants pupils to develop resilience to deal with harmful online challenges.  The school intends to offer pupils the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Themed project work will support pupils to explore what it means to be a global citizen.  Leaders intend to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the curriculum. Leaders have plans that promote respect and tolerance for other people, including those with protected characteristics. These plans are based on the school’s aims and expectations for the school to foster in pupils a sense of ‘community, collaboration, and responsibility’.  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 has a strong understanding of the requirements to establish an effective culture for safeguarding. There is a suitable policy for safeguarding which is in line with current statutory guidance. It will be published on the school’s website.  The school has suitable policies for managing pupils’ behaviour and incidents of bullying. These reflect the context of the school. The proprietor intends to set high expectations for pupils’ behaviour in a supportive and inclusive environment.  There are suitable arrangements in place for the reporting and recording of safeguarding concerns and incidents of poor behaviour and bullying. Leaders understand the importance of recording concerns accurately. The proprietor has established a system that will enable the school to track and analyse incidents

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Main inspection findings

effectively to keep pupils safe.  Admission and attendance registers meet the requirements. Leaders intend to check the attendance of pupils closely. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is a suitable and comprehensive health and safety policy in place. The policy outlines the systems and procedures to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. The proprietor intends to conduct regular health and safety checks.  The first-aid policy states clearly how staff will care for pupils who may need basic first aid and medical care while at school. Staff will be equipped with necessary first- aid equipment when teaching outdoor education. A policy for the administration of medication provides sufficient detail for staff for when this may be necessary. Staff will have relevant qualifications to administer first aid, including paediatric first aid.  The school has a comprehensive risk assessment policy. Leaders complete thorough

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Main inspection findings

risk assessments to keep pupils safe. Examples of completed risk assessments show the risks and the actions staff should take to reduce them. Pupils will be highly supervised while participating in outdoor education activities.  The proprietor understands the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. An external professional has completed a fire risk assessment. This will be updated on a regular basis. The fire alarm system is in working order. Emergency lighting is in place. Evacuation procedures are to be practised with pupils 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), 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that leaders are appropriately trained and have a secure grasp of safer recruitment procedures. Leaders know what checks need to be carried out on all staff including the proprietor. They know what to do if the school employs supply staff or agency staff to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a suitable single central record in place. This details the range of necessary safety checks that the school intends to carry out before staff are appointed.  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)  Pupils will benefit from the extensive woodland, meadows and ponds that surround the school. The proprietor works closely with Natural England. There are established systems to monitor and maintain the premises to ensure the health, safety and well- being of pupils and staff.  The premises is currently used by the proprietor as a nursery school. The proprietor proposes to use the same robust procedures that are currently in place to ensure the safety of pupils. Leaders intend to further enhance the security of the site through the building of a fence to separate the path from the school to the outdoor classroom and the nature reserve’s café. This work is planned to take place at the end of June so

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Main inspection findings

that it will be ready for when the school proposes to open in September.  The proprietor has ensured that there are suitable washing and toilet facilities for pupils. An accessible toilet is provided. 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. Pupils will use refillable bottles so that they can access drinking-water across the school site.  The outdoor spaces provide wonderful opportunities for pupils to play, explore nature and take part in outdoor educational activities. The proprietor intends to utilise a range of off-site facilities for physical education.  The accommodation has two classrooms and an additional outdoor classroom area, as well as mobile outdoor classrooms. The school has suitable lighting and acoustics. External lighting is appropriate.  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)  The proprietor is in the process of creating a website for the school. The website is ready to go live if the school is approved by the Department for Education (DfE). It contains the necessary information. This includes the school’s aims, ethos and vision, as well as the proprietor’s contact details.  All pertinent policies will be published on the school’s website, including the safeguarding and SEND policies. The curriculum policy outlines leaders’ ambitious vision to ensure teaching and learning supports pupils to become ‘lifelong learners, ready to embrace the challenges of a rapidly changing world’.  Leaders have a framework in place to track the progress of pupils across the different

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Main inspection findings

aspects of the curriculum. Parents and carers will be provided with annual written reports of their child’s progress.  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)  There is a written complaints policy for the school. It sets out clearly the process the school will follow to address complaints. The different stages of the complaints procedure are outlined.  The policy details the timescales for managing complaints and how complainants will be informed of the outcome of the school’s investigation into complaints.  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 is aspirational for the quality of education that the school will provide. Leaders have relevant experience working with pupils with SEND and working in primary education. They are established early years practitioners.  Leaders intend to work with local area partners to support pupils and their families when necessary. They plan for the school to take an active part in the local community.  Leaders have a secure understanding of the standards. The proprietor is seeking external professional guidance to provide additional challenge and support to the school.  The proprietor plans to appoint an advisory body to support school development and oversight.  There are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that regular checks are made on pupils’ safety and that they are well cared for and make good progress with their

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Main inspection findings

learning and personal development.  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 developed an accessibility plan for the proposed school. It outlines how the school will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that pupils can access the curriculum as well as the physical environment. Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  Suitably qualified and experienced staff will be appointed to work in the school with children in the early years.  The proprietor has the necessary expertise to oversee work in the early years. The relevant policies and schemes of work are in place. The curriculum for all aspects of the whole-school curriculum is designed to build on children’s learning in the early years.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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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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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 4 to 11 4 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 70 30

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The school does not currently have sufficient indoor space to accommodate the proprietor’s original proposal for the number of pupils on the school roll.

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 8

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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 4

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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 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is located within a lodge on the edge of Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve which is owned by Natural England. The school shares the site with a café and an education centre. Currently, one of the proprietor’s early years settings uses part of the same site. The name of this provider is Playology Forest School.  The school intends to open on 1 September 2024.  The proprietor proposes to admit pupils with SEND, including pupils with cognitive and learning needs, speech, language and communication needs, autism, social emotional and mental health needs and visual and hearing impairments.  The school is not likely to use the services of alternative provisions.

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE 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 and a senior leader who is also the designated safeguarding lead. The inspector met with the proposed governor with responsibility for the oversight of safeguarding.  The inspector toured the school site to check the suitability of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including schemes of work, policies and procedures related to safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment, administration of first aid, complaints and fire safety.  The inspector checked the arrangements for staff recruitment, scrutinised various risk assessments, 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

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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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