Park School

School material change inspection report

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Park School Southcombe, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX7 5QH

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16 to 16(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The written safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website and is compliant with statutory guidance. The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate number of staff with responsibility for safeguarding. Leaders intend to use the safeguarding policy, and the existing effective procedures, to keep pupils safe. They have ensured that the mandatory induction process for new staff includes training linked to safeguarding and welfare. There is also suitable training on how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively.  Leaders have a clear understanding of the latest statutory safeguarding requirements. They have made sure that staff training reflects this updated statutory guidance. Staff benefit from twice-daily briefings and regular updates. Safeguarding records show that the school follows up concerns appropriately and record their actions thoroughly.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders work well with a range of external agencies to ensure that pupils and their families have the help they need.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a detailed health and safety policy in place. Current staff have received appropriate training. It is intended that this training will form part of the induction process for any new staff.  Levels of supervision are high. Much of the teaching is carried out in small groups. The school has employed well-qualified staff to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers. This means that there are far more staff than are required to meet the school’s stated staffing requirements.  The proprietor body has ensured that the new building will be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Leaders have established robust fire safety procedures in partnership with external specialist assessors. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the main building and in the new

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Main inspection findings

classrooms. Regular fire drills take place to ensure that everyone knows the evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. All exits are signposted and clear from clutter.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. Leaders intend to use the procedures already in place in order to mitigate risk to staff and pupils in the new building. There is useful guidance for staff on how to complete risk assessments for a range of activities. There are bespoke risk assessments in place for each pupil. Staff monitor and adapt these as required. The procedures would be suitable if the proposed changes are approved.  The associated independent school standards (the standards) in part 3 are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved. 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)

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Main inspection findings

 The single central record contains all the required checks on adults connected with the school. The school has appointed new teachers and support staff for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Appropriate recruitment and suitability checks have been completed for all staff, the proprietor body and members of the governing body.  The proprietor body regularly assures itself that the single central record is accurate and compliant with current guidelines. It is checked by a representative of the proprietor body at regular intervals and by an external improvement partner.  Leaders are aware of the procedures that they should follow if they employ agency staff or accept volunteers in school. However, they do not currently use agency staff.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The school is located on a large, secure site. The proprietor body has overseen the installation of an additional purpose-built block close to the main building. The new building includes two large classrooms, suitable toilet facilities and a spacious well- furnished breakout area. Careful thought has been given to pupils’ individual behavioural, emotional and sensory needs. Leaders intend to initially use the new building for key stage 4 pupils. The accommodation is appropriate for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The standards of accommodation and facilities in the main school and additional new building are of a high quality. There are many well-resourced classrooms, a sensory room and purpose-built therapy rooms. The school also has several specialist classrooms for the teaching of subjects such as design and technology, food technology, science and art. Facilities also include a well-equipped gym. All rooms are

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Main inspection findings

light, bright, spacious and comfortable. The furnishings are appropriate for the purpose of the rooms. Regular premises checks identify potential hazards and action is taken swiftly to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety.  Appropriate toilet facilities are provided in the main school and the new building, with hot and cold running water. Hot water is at an appropriate temperature. Pupils have access to shower and changing facilities in the main school.  There is a dedicated medical room in the main school building. It provides suitable space and facilities for the care of any pupil who becomes ill during the day. Controlled medicines are stored securely, with appropriate arrangements in place for administering them safely. First aid equipment is stored safely and is easily accessible in the new building. A bed and washing facilities are also available in the new building.  Lighting and acoustics in the new building are all fit for purpose. External lighting is in

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Main inspection findings

place at the main school site and the proposed new building.  The school’s extensive and well-maintained site provides plenty of space for pupils to play, learn and socialise. This space includes a high-quality multi-sports area where pupils play football and other games during breaktimes and physical education sessions.  The standards in part 5 are likely to be met if the proposed material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has proven experience in providing education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It ensures that pupils benefit from appropriate provision, care and safety. The proposed increase in the school’s capacity has been carefully planned, with consideration of pupils’ needs at the forefront of decision-making.  Equally, leaders are highly knowledgeable about teaching pupils with SEND. They are

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Main inspection findings

ambitious for pupils and have an in-depth understanding of their needs. They routinely check and evaluate the impact of their work and make sure that pupils meet their individual needs and their education, health and care (EHC) plan targets.  Leaders and the regional director bring a wide range of skills and expertise to their roles. The regional director and governors conduct regular audits to review the school’s work. They use this information to ensure that the standards are met securely.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards if the material change is agreed. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body is committed to ensuring that all pupils have access to a high- quality education. The school’s accessibility plan reflects leaders’ consideration of pupils’ needs and the reasonable adaptations made to accommodate these.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £60,564 to £86,909

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School details

Email address office@parkschooloxfordshire.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 15 to 17 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 18 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 49 64 64

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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 49 64

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 49 64

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 49 64

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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 49 64

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 19 21

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 22 24

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Information about this school

 Park School is an independent special school for day pupils. It is registered for up to 54 pupils aged seven to 18 years who have social, emotional and other needs.  All pupils have an EHC plan and some are looked after by local authorities. Most pupils are placed in the school by local authorities, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.  Pupils have often spent considerable periods of time outside formal education prior to joining the school.  The school does not currently use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor has applied to make a change to the school’s registration. The proprietor body wishes to increase the number of pupils on roll from 45 to 54. This was the first inspection regarding this particular material change.  The inspector met with the headteacher, senior leaders and staff. She also met with the regional director who is also the chair of governors and held an online meeting with the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents prior to the inspection, including information provided on the school’s website.  Since the last standard inspection, the premises has undergone building work, including the installation of the new classroom bock for the material change. The inspector toured the school premises including the proposed classrooms with the headteacher and the regional director.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector checked policies, records and documentation relating to the specific independent school standards in scope for this inspection, including the single central record and the safeguarding policy.

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Inspection team

Shazia Akram, 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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