Bushbury School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Bushbury School Hellier Road, Bushbury, Wolverhampton WV10 8ED

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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)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i) and 2(2)(d)(ii)  The proposed school will mainly cater for pupils with autism and speech, language and communication needs. All pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  The school has developed a curriculum to enable pupils aged seven to 19 to make progress. Pupils will study a broad range of subjects. Each subject is broken down into units and topics. These build logically and progressively over time. Teachers will adapt the planned curriculum to make sure that it suits pupils’ needs.  The school proposes to use a strengths-based framework that uses a shared language to assess barriers to learning, identify starting points and engage in meaningful discussions with pupils about their strengths and areas for development. From this

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Main inspection findings

framework, staff will create a portfolio and action plan that is aligned with pupil’s needs as specified in their EHC plan. Staff will then use the portfolio and action plan to create an individual classroom plan aimed at ensuring that pupils receive the support they need to achieve their goals.  The school intends to employ staff who have experience of working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The school will use a phonics programme to support pupils who are at the early stages of reading. All staff will receive training to help them to deliver the programme.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part. Paragraphs 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  There is an appropriate scheme of work in place that outlines pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The PSHE curriculum includes suitable

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Main inspection findings

coverage of equality, fundamental British values and relationships.  Leaders intend to offer pupils impartial careers information, advice and guidance. This will be tailored to the individual needs and interests of pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2) and 2A(3)  Pupils will learn about relationships and sex education (RSE) as part of the PSHE curriculum. The school’s RSE policy will be made available and discussed with parents. The RSE policy references the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child fully, or partly, from sex education lessons.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Leaders intend to appoint appropriately qualified teachers and support staff with experience in working with pupils with SEND. Staff will have a good understanding of

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Main inspection findings

pupil’s aptitudes and needs when preparing lessons.  Leaders have put in place a schedule of staff training, monitoring and review so that they will be able to assure themselves of the quality of education that pupils receive.  There is an appropriate policy in place setting out leaders’ expectations for pupils’ behaviour. The policy provides information about how leaders and staff will promote pupils’ ownership of responsible behaviour in the proposed school.  The school has developed a suitable anti-bullying policy. This policy states that bullying will not be tolerated in the proposed school. Leaders have set out in the policy their intended strategies for preventing and responding swiftly to any bullying.  There is an assessment policy in place. The policy provides information about how leaders and staff will use assessment to understand and address pupils’ learning needs.  Pupils’ progress will be shared regularly with parents and carers and with those

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Main inspection findings

responsible for governance.  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) and 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have thought carefully about how they intend to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Leaders intend that pupils will be taught about a range of religions, faiths and cultures. The curriculum includes suitable coverage of British values and all the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010.  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 Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance, is available on request and will be made available on the school’s website.  Leaders have completed appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment training. They are aware of their duties and the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture. Leaders have an understanding of the needs and challenges their pupils are likely to present.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  The school has put together a detailed behaviour and anti-bullying policy.  Leaders will ensure that staff receive appropriate and regular training so that these policies are implemented as leaders intend.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 A detailed health and safety policy and other related policies are in place.  Pupils will receive any required first aid and further treatment from the qualified medical staff on site.  The school complies with the fire safety regulations. Fire safety checks are undertaken regularly. Records are completed in detail and confirm that actions are taken promptly following identification of any concerns.  Leaders have established a rigorous and robust approach to assessing risk that supports the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. Detailed and purposeful risk assessments clearly identify the risks associated with specific locations and activities. Risk assessments are carried out by suitable experienced and knowledgeable staff. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated promptly and as necessary.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraphs 14 and 15  There are currently no pupils attending the school. The information that the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school plans to include on the admissions register is in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance.  The school is taking account of how best to support the needs of individual pupils when determining the level of supervision that is required. An appropriate number of staff will be appointed to support the smaller pupil numbers who will be admitted initially to the school. Leaders have planned the gradual increase in staff numbers together with their plan for gradually increasing the number of pupils who are admitted to the school.  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(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(1), 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  Leaders are knowledgeable about requirements for completion of suitability checks on staff. Leaders demonstrate understanding of the requirements of part 4.  The format of the single central record contains the full range of pre-employment

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Main inspection findings

checks. It is stored centrally in an electronic format.  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) and 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is located on the outskirts of Wolverhampton next door to another Horizon Group school. The proposed school is housed in a recently refurbished, two-storey, former community building. There are four classrooms and three co-regulation spaces on the ground floor and on the first floor there are three classrooms and a co-regulation space. On both floors, there is a common room space.  The school has designed colour palettes for reception areas, classrooms, co-regulation spaces and social areas to match the purpose of the room. The purpose of this is to allow pupils to function optimally within these areas as they will have visual cues of

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Main inspection findings

the use of space, considered activity to support use of the area and stimulus to match the task.  All classrooms have suitable acoustic conditions. The school has provided lighting options that are variable to the needs of pupils, including blinds, LED lighting and dimmer switches. There is also external lighting to allow safe entry to and exit from the building.  There are suitable toilet facilities for pupils. These are individual toilet cubicles for both male and female pupils that are lockable from the inside. There is an adequate supply of cold and hot water for handwashing. The temperature of the hot water is unlikely to pose a scalding risk to pupils.  There is an appropriate room for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. It contains suitable washing facilities. A toilet is close to this room.  There is sufficient space for pupils to play and socialise outside. The school plans to

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Main inspection findings

develop the outdoor area further with input from the pupils. The school’s building and outdoor areas are secure.  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(1)(j), 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) and 32(3)(g)  All policies, documents and information required for the pre-registration inspection were provided in a timely manner. Where relevant, policies reflect the fact that the proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND.  Leaders are clear about the range of information they are required to make available to pupils and parents or carers to ensure compliance with the standards.  The proprietor body has established processes for sharing income and expenditure of funding that the proposed school will receive from local authorities.  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) and 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy complies with statutory requirements and is available on request. The complaints policy gives clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint. It includes the opportunity to consider any complaints informally in the first instance.  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) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body and school leaders have a detailed understanding of the standards. The proprietor body has established clear procedures for assuring itself the proposed school consistently meets the standards.  The proprietor body has appointed a senior executive team that has considerable expertise of working in special schools. As a result of this, leaders demonstrate a secure knowledge of how to cater for the wide and varied needs of pupils with SEND.  The proprietor has established multi-layered monitoring systems to check that the headteacher and other staff fulfil their responsibilities effectively.  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 school has ensured that it has a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The proposed school considers and plans for the needs of pupils with SEND.

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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 Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £72,000

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Proposed school details

Website horizoncare.co.uk/schools/bushbury-school/

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Proposed school details

Email address andrew.kitterick@horizoncare.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 19 7 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 40 40

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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 40

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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 40

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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 40

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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 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 26

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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 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor body is Horizon Care and Education Group Ltd.  The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls from ages seven to 19. The school will mainly cater for pupils with autism and speech, language and communication needs.  It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan. Pupils will be placed in the school by local authorities.  The school will have a governing body.  The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the standards, as well as safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector met with the education director, the headteacher, representatives of the proprietor body and representatives from the senior executive team.  The inspector scrutinised the information and policies provided by the school.  The inspector reviewed the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils and staff. The inspector looked at the school’s single central record of the checks that leaders carry out before staff are employed to work at the school.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor

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Inspection team

Emma Gater, 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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