Hawley Woods School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hawley Woods School Fernhill Road, Blackwater, Camberley, Hampshire GU17 9HU

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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)(g) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 to 4  The proprietor body intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), aged between seven and 17 years. Pupils who attend the school will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Some pupils may not have attended school for extended periods prior to joining.  Leaders have planned an ambitious curriculum which is likely to provide suitable breadth of learning as required by the independent school standards (the standards). Pupils will study a broad range of subjects, in line with those covered by the national curriculum. Pupils will work towards achieving external accreditations, including in English and mathematics, by the end of Year 11.  Appropriate curriculum and assessment policies are in place. The curriculum is

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Main inspection findings

designed to be flexible, with content adapted according to pupils’ individual requirements and EHC plan targets. Leaders plan to identify pupils’ starting points when they join the school and tailor the curriculum accordingly. They have the knowledge and expertise required to ensure that this is done well.  Curriculum information shows pupils will revisit key themes year on year, term by term. This is intended to give pupils the chance to secure what they have learned previously and understand how to apply their learning to real-life situations. This approach looks likely to be a manageable way of working with mixed-age classes, where pupils may have different learning priorities.  Plans for supporting pupils in the early stages of reading have been thoughtfully considered, incorporating the teaching of systematic synthetic phonics. Leaders will prioritise staff training to ensure that they have the required expertise to deliver the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school’s phonics programme effectively.  Other aspects of the curriculum, such as personal, social and health education (PSHE), will be delivered through timetabled lessons. Leaders plan to build on learning from these formal sessions during assemblies, trips and visits. The PSHE curriculum is well thought out, incorporating relevant and age-appropriate topics in a coherent way.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to provide pupils with good quality careers advice and guidance. The careers programme develops sequentially through key stages 3 and 4. Pupils will access impartial advice, and leaders have planned opportunities for pupils to experience the world of work.  The proposed school’s relationships and sex education programme covers all the required content from the statutory guidance. Pupils will learn about positive relationships and about sex and health education in an age-appropriate way. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

intend to consult with parents and carers about this policy if the school is granted permission to open.  The proprietor body has thought carefully about how and when staff will assess pupils. This looks likely to give them accurate and useful information about how well pupils are learning. This information will be evaluated and shared with parents, as appropriate.  Leaders intend to grow the school gradually over time. Plans for staffing reflect this intention. Several staff have already been appointed to work at the proposed school. They bring relevant experience and expertise to their roles. Training for staff will be a routine and regular part of school life. Leaders will 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)  Leaders have given careful thought to pupils’ personal development. They plan to offer a wide range of clubs and visits which will be informed by pupils’ interests. The activities are likely to include outdoor learning, sports activities and trips to the local area. These opportunities are likely to support pupils to become active young citizens.  The proposed school will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through both the taught curriculum and by establishing a strong, nurturing ethos. Curriculum plans ensure that pupils will learn about fundamental British values and actively promote an understanding of equality and diversity. The school will use a tailored PSHE programme as a starting point for this work.  Pupils will learn about different faiths and religions through the proposed school’s

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Main inspection findings

world studies curriculum, its PSHE curriculum and through regular school events, such as assemblies.  The headteacher understands the importance of developing pupils’ self-esteem, independence and resilience. It is intended that pupils will benefit from a culture that promotes respect for others and for themselves. Leaders are mindful that most pupils will need additional support to develop their interpersonal and positive communication skills. They will do this through social skills and life skills lessons.  All staff will be expected to be positive role models for pupils. This includes ensuring that pupils are not exposed to partisan political or religious opinions .  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school’s policies, written guidance and procedures to assure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff are in place. The written safeguarding policy is published on the proposed school’s website. The policy accurately reflects current legislation and aligns with local authority arrangements.  The headteacher will undertake the role of designated safeguarding lead. She will be supported by the deputy headteacher. They have undertaken relevant training and are suitably knowledgeable about the roles and responsibilities involved.  Staff will complete relevant training linked to safeguarding and pupils’ welfare as part of their induction. In addition, leaders plan to provide regular training to ensure that staff are knowledgeable about safeguarding, including any updates to statutory guidance.  Procedures to share relevant information about safeguarding concerns are sound.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders are knowledgeable about how to manage any safeguarding concerns that might arise. They intend to meet with staff twice daily to discuss and share pertinent safeguarding and welfare information. Leaders have identified appropriate systems to record and share information with relevant authorities to help keep pupils safe.  The proprietor body has well-considered plans for monitoring the quality of the school’s work to keep pupils safe. They have set up suitable reporting systems which are likely to help them maintain careful oversight of the proposed school’s safeguarding practice and procedures. Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are fit for purpose and reflect leaders’ intentions to promote pupils’ positive behaviour. Expectations for pupils and staff are clearly laid out, along with how positive choices will be celebrated and rewarded. There is a strong emphasis on helping pupils make the right choice about how to

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Main inspection findings

behave and on supporting staff in understanding how to use de-escalation strategies should the need arise. Leaders plan to monitor behaviour records carefully to spot and respond to any patterns that emerge.  The restrictive physical intervention policy is fit for purpose. Leaders intend physical intervention will be used as a last resort and only where a pupil’s behaviour is creating a risk for pupils or staff or the risk of serious damage to property. Staff will be trained in its use, although the emphasis will be on intervening at an early stage to avoid its use wherever possible.  Leaders have a good understanding of health and safety requirements, including the need for comprehensive risk assessments and ongoing monitoring and action needed to keep the school safe. Appropriate health and safety, risk assessment and first-aid policies are in place and comply with relevant statutory requirements. These are

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Main inspection findings

supported by policy and practice which have been implemented successfully in other schools operated by the proprietor body. As such, roles, responsibilities and routines are well defined and appropriate.  Knowledgeable leaders are ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment has been carried out by the Kedleston Group health and safety manager, providing assurance that fire safety arrangements are suitable. A further fire risk assessment by an external company is also scheduled to take place in September 2024. Appropriate firefighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in place. Safety logs have been set up for the regular checking of all equipment, and leaders intend to hold regular fire drills.  Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure that the admissions register contains all the required information about pupils.  Plans for the effective supervision of pupils are in place. Initially, leaders intend to

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Main inspection findings

open the proposed school with a small number of pupils. As such, the number of staff planned for September 2024 is sufficiently high to provide good levels of supervision. As the school grows over time, there are suitable plans in place to expand the workforce to ensure safe oversight of pupils.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(6)  The single central record of recruitment checks is fit for purpose. It is set up in a way which is likely to ensure that it will meet the statutory requirements when staff recruitment has been completed.  Leaders are knowledgeable about safer recruitment and the checks which must be carried out on adults working at the proposed school. They have completed these checks for staff who have already been employed. It is not leaders’ intention to use supply staff in the school. However, they are knowledgeable about the checks required should this change.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

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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 is set in extensive grounds and is based in several buildings which have refurbished to a high standard throughout. Classrooms are bright, airy and well equipped and are well designed to consider pupils’ sensory needs. Seating arrangements ensure that pupils can concentrate with minimal distraction. Acoustic conditions of classrooms and specialist rooms look set to provide appropriate facilities for the subjects they are intended for. There is ample space to accommodate the 90 pupils proposed.  The site and grounds are well maintained. The extensive outdoor area will be used to facilitate different aspects of the curriculum, as well as provide suitable space for pupils to play and take breaks from learning. There is sufficient lighting around the buildings and in the grounds to ensure safe passage in the dark.

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Main inspection findings

 Suitable toilet facilities are plentiful. There are separate facilities for use by adults. All facilities have sufficient water supplies for handwashing and the temperature of hot water is regulated appropriately. Drinking-water is clearly labelled as such and will be made readily available to pupils. There are also two changing rooms available for pupils to use for physical education, each of which has suitable shower facilities.  The school has a medical room with appropriate facilities for short-term care if pupils are unwell or injured. It is suitably equipped with a medical bed for pupils to rest on, handwashing facilities and a lockable medical cabinet, with toilets nearby.  There is ample outside space for outdoor play and physical education activities. These include a large playing field, multisport facilities and a trim trail. In addition, there is a dedicated space sectioned off outside the key stage 2 classrooms for younger pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a large secure car park that is well lit and accessible. Most pupils will arrive by taxi. Leaders have considered how they can manage pupils’ arrival and departure in a safe way. They have designed a ‘drop-off’ loop that will enable pupils to alight and be escorted safely into the building.  This part of the standards is likely to be met, should the school be granted permission to open.

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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)  The school has a website that has already been populated with relevant documents and information. Required policies, such as for safeguarding, behaviour and complaints, are easy to locate and are up to date.  Leaders view strong working relationships with parents as key to the school’s success. Regular updates and written reports will be provided to parents about pupils’ attainment and progress.  Leaders are clear about the requirements for making information available to pupils and parents to ensure compliance with the standards. For example, they are aware of the requirement to provide relevant local authorities with an annual account of how each pupil’s funding has been spent.  The requirements for this part of the standards are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The school’s complaints policy and procedures comply with statutory requirements and are published on the school’s website. It puts pupils’ views front and centre.  Arrangements for addressing concerns are appropriate and detailed. The policy gives clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint. It clearly identifies a staged approach for complainants to take in the event of having a concern. This includes the opportunity to consider complaints informally in the first instance.  Leaders demonstrate a commitment to listening to parents and working through any concerns in the first instance. They have appropriate plans to keep records of any complaints received. Monitoring of complaints and any arising actions will be part of routine checks carried out by those responsible for governance.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders and proprietor body representatives demonstrate a strong vision for the education that the proposed school intends to provide. They bring useful education and leadership expertise to their roles, as well as useful knowledge of the systems and structures that the proprietor body uses successfully in its other schools.  Arrangements for governance look likely to be effective. Routines are already in place to keep the proprietor body informed about standards in the school and for challenging leaders about the quality of what is on offer. Through this, the proprietor body has ensured that there are clear lines of accountability. Opportunities for networking with other independent school providers are already established, providing a potential source of information and support for leaders and staff.  Leaders are committed to providing a high-quality education for each pupil and

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Main inspection findings

propose to increase capacity gradually.  The proprietor body has devised suitable systems of checking that the standards are met as part of their routine monitoring of the proposed school, should it be granted permission to open.  The 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  The school’s equality policy states its commitment to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion. Its accessibility plan indicates suitable consideration of equality of access to the premises, the school’s curriculum and school life. The school is likely to meet 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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Kedleston Schools (London) Ltd

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Proposed school details

Website www.kedlestongroup.com/hawley-woods

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Proposed school details

Email address hawleywoods@kedlestongroup.com

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 17 7 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 90 90

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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 90

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 90

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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 90

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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 90

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 7

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Information about this proposed school

 Hawley Woods School intends to cater for up to 90 pupils between the ages of seven and 17. It intends to specialise in providing education for pupils who have autism and associated needs. All pupils will have an EHC plan and their places will be funded by a local authority.  The school is located off a main road, close to the borders of Surrey and Hampshire. The premises comprise several refurbished buildings that are set in extensive grounds.  The school does not intend to have a particular religious character.  It is not intended that the school will use alternative provision.  Kedleston Schools (London) Ltd is responsible for the school’s governance. It is the proprietor body for a group of schools and children’s homes across England. All of these settings cater for children and young people with autism and/or social, emotional and mental health needs.

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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 purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the standards to be registered.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the regional director, the chair of the proprietor body and other senior leaders. The inspector reviewed documents provided by the school and those available on the school’s website. She toured the school’s premises and checked the single central record of pre-appointment checks.

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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

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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