The Amicus School

School material change inspection report

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The Amicus School The Coach House, Arundel Road, Fontwell, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0SX

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b) 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  Leaders are highly knowledgeable about all aspects of safeguarding. The members of the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) team have completed suitable training that equips them well for their roles. Leaders have developed robust systems and processes that allow staff to report concerns easily. These processes are well established and staff follow them consistently.  Safeguarding represents an important part of induction training when staff first join the school. This is supplemented by ongoing guidance and updates, including regular staff briefings. The training staff receive ensures they continuously develop their knowledge and understanding of the vulnerabilities and safeguarding risks of the pupils in their care.  The safeguarding policy complies with current guidance and is published on the school’s website. Paragraphs 11 and 16

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Main inspection findings

 There is a comprehensive health and safety policy in place, which includes a thorough schedule of checks to be made on buildings and facilities. Regular audits of the premises are completed to ensure that the school continues to provide a safe environment for pupils and staff. The proprietor retains clear oversight of this process.  Leaders have carried out a full suite of risk assessments. These include for the school’s range of play areas, including the forest school. Risk assessments for the school’s therapeutic animals are detailed and include welfare and handling arrangements. There is an appropriate policy in place to reduce levels of risk presented by trips, visits and the site.  All pupils have detailed risk assessments in place for them which link closely to their education, health and care (EHC) plan. Risks are further mitigated by separate planned play times and small class sizes. When pupils do interact with each other,

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Main inspection findings

close supervision ensures that these interactions are positive and appropriate. Paragraph 12  There are suitable fire safety arrangements in place that have been extended to the school’s newly built facilities. Fire evacuation routes have been clearly indicated in all spaces. Fire safety equipment is appropriately located around the site, including in the school food preparation areas. All fire equipment is serviced and maintained properly. A comprehensive schedule of checks and tests, including for fire alarms and emergency lighting, is rigorously maintained. Fire drills are completed regularly to ensure that everyone is familiar with procedures. Paragraph 14  Pupils are properly supervised at all times. Leaders have thought carefully about how they will increase the number of staff in line with the possible increase in the number of pupils.  Leaders intend to grow the school one class at a time, to manage the impact on other

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Main inspection findings

pupils. Staff have already been appointed for the initial phased opening in September 2024. The appointment process for the second phase, in January 2025, has started. Leaders intend to appoint a new teacher and at least one teaching assistant for every four extra pupils as the school expands.  The school is likely to meet the requirements checked in this part of the independent school standards (the standards) if the material change is agreed. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(4), 21(6) to 21(7)(b)  The school’s single central record is complete and up to date. All the appropriate checks have been completed on adults connected to the school. The proprietor has reliable arrangements in place to ensure that this continues to be the case. The school does not employ agency staff.  Safer recruitment checking processes are appropriate and are followed rigorously. An

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Main inspection findings

appropriate number of leaders have completed safer recruitment training and sit on interview panels for new appointments.  The school is likely to meet the requirements checked in this part of the independent school standards (the standards) if the material change is agreed. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The new facilities which include three classrooms, a quiet room and appropriate toilet and washing facilities, have been built to a high standard. These new premises provide clean, bright and well-resourced accommodation for pupils and staff. Learning spaces are well resourced with sufficient space to accommodate the proposed increase in the school’s capacity comfortably. Large windows throughout the new building admit lots of natural light, ensuring classrooms are suitably lit and well ventilated.  The school buildings are equipped with suitable toilets and washing facilities for pupils

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Main inspection findings

and staff. Shower facilities are also available in each building. There is drinking water available for pupils. There is a medical room available which is fit for purpose.  The school’s external learning spaces are well maintained. These provide plenty of space for pupils to play and learn. These include a large forest school area, an adventure play area, outdoor sensory garden and an artificially grassed games area.  The school is likely to meet the requirements checked in this part of the independent school standards (the standards) if the material change is agreed. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34 to 34(1)(c)  Leaders have a shared vision for what excellence looks like. They have a deep understanding of pupils’ specific needs and how to meet them successfully. The proprietor has developed a robust framework of checks, balances and accountability measures, including clear reporting systems. They have high expectations of

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Main inspection findings

themselves, their staff and pupils.  The school’s advisory board consists of members with a range of expertise across the education and care sector. This group provides leaders with advice and challenge. Effective systems are in place to ensure that the independent school standards are met continuously.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the independent school standards (the standards) if the material change is agreed.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Proprietor The Amicus Community Arundel Limited

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School details

Email address info@theamicuscommunity.com

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 8 to 10 November 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 16 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 25 36 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 25 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 25 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 25 36

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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 25 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 19 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The school is currently registered to have 28 pupils. At the time of the inspection, 25 pupils were attending. The school requested an increase of eight pupils, taking the maximum number of permitted pupils to 36.  The Amicus school is an independent special school. The proprietor body chair is the strategic and clinical director of The Amicus Community, an independent children’s therapeutic community accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It caters for pupils who have complex social, emotional and/or mental health needs.  All pupils have an EHC plan. They have suffered significant trauma in their early family life. Pupils are referred to the school by local authorities.  The school has an advisory board which fulfils a governance role.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor has applied to make changes to the school’s registration. The proprietor wishes to increase the number of pupils permitted to be on roll.  This was the first inspection regarding this particular material change.  The inspector met with the headteacher and had brief discussions with staff as she toured the school. She also met with the proprietor body chair.  The inspector toured the school site.  The inspector met with leaders to discuss a range of the school’s work, particularly with a focus on increasing the number of pupils who attend the school.  The inspector checked a wide range of policies, records and documentation in relation to the specific independent school standards that were checked at this inspection.

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Inspection team

Laura James, 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 looked after children, 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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