The Universal Farm

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Universal Farm Manor Farm, Millards Hill, Midsomer Norton, Banes BA3 2BW

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(i)  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide an outdoor learning environment for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor has prepared a curriculum policy. It specifies that the school will foster pupils’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical development across a broad range of subjects that meet the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). Pupils of all ages will be taught in one class. However, the policy does not make clear how the curriculum will consider pupils’ age, needs and starting points sufficiently well.  During the initial admissions process, leaders will review any additional support pupils with SEND need. The proprietor has developed a therapeutic curriculum to help pupils overcome any barriers to their learning. This includes horticultural, equine and music

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Main inspection findings

therapy.  Leaders recognise that some pupils may have gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Current schemes of work do not account for pupils at the early stage of reading. For example, an agreed approach to the teaching of phonics and reading has not been developed. The proposed school has yet to purchase resources to teach the reading curriculum, which is likely to make it difficult for pupils to learn to read successfully.  The school intend to provide pupils with personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. However, the scheme of work does not make clear how pupils of different age groups will build their knowledge year after year.  Many of the schemes of work are underdeveloped. They do not set out the important knowledge that pupils will be expected to learn and revisit. Furthermore, there is insufficient time for pupils to develop a deep body of knowledge in each subject. Leaders shared with the inspector a new scheme of work they plan to adopt. It is

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Main inspection findings

based on learning in the outdoors. However, leaders’ work to tailor this curriculum to meet the needs of the mixed-age class is at an early stage of development. Paragraph 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The proposed school has not developed a policy or scheme of work for relationships and sex education. Leaders are unaware of their duty to consult parents and carers regarding content choices and the requirement to add the policy statement on the school’s website. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The proprietor has recruited staff with the necessary skills and primary education experience to teach the curriculum successfully. However, current policies do not specify how the curriculum will be implemented or strategies for managing pupils’ behaviour. It is also unclear what teaching methods will be selected to teach the intended curriculum effectively. Furthermore, current guidance for staff lacks clarity about how the curriculum will be adapted for pupils with SEND.

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Main inspection findings

 A learning and assessment policy sets out how the curriculum will be assessed. The school plans to use floor books to enable pupils to reflect and engage with their learning. However, agreed procedures are not in place to check what pupils know and understand on entry. As schemes of work do not identify specific end points, it is unclear what criteria the school will use to demonstrate how well pupils progress through the curriculum.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor has integrated pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development into curriculum projects. These will be enhanced by developing strong relationships with the local community and public institutions. For example, the school intends to visit local care homes and liaise with parish councillors.  Cultural understanding will be developed through projects, books, visits, studying

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Main inspection findings

different festivals and by meaningful and memorable experiences. The curriculum includes learning about fundamental British values, such as democracy, and building an understanding of acceptance and respect, including for those with protected characteristics.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  The proprietor has written a safeguarding and child protection policy. It reflects the most recent statutory guidance. The policy is available on the school’s website.  A dedicated and experienced safeguarding team is in place. The special educational needs coordinator will be the school’s designated safeguarding lead (DSL). She will be supported by the headteacher/chair of the proprietor body, who will be the deputy designated safeguarding lead. Leaders demonstrate a secure knowledge of their duties to keep pupils safe. Both leaders have completed safeguarding training,

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Main inspection findings

including safer recruitment.  An appropriate induction programme for new staff will include safeguarding arrangements such as reporting concerns and managing allegations against staff.  The school proposes to use a paper-based system to record concerns about pupils’ welfare and safety. The system will include an individual chronology for each pupil. The DSL will use this information to monitor safeguarding incidents closely. Paragraph 14  The proprietor intends that pupils will be supervised closely, including at break times. Staff will greet pupils when they arrive each morning. The proprietor proposes to gradually increase pupil numbers to ensure a high staff-to-pupil ratio. Paragraph 16  Risk assessments are in place for specific activities on site. For example, a daily risk assessment shows how staff will consider all risks that could arise from the woodland site such as trip hazards, wood burners and animal faeces. Control measures are

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Main inspection findings

appropriate to minimise risk.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proprietor has developed behaviour and anti-bullying policies. However, they lack clarity for pupils and staff. For example, it is unclear how the school expects pupils to behave or the strategies the school proposes to implement to tackle bullying. The policies also contain contradictory messages about the use of mobile phones.  Incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded, with details of the type of behaviour and actions taken. Leaders intend for any significant incidents to result in an individual behaviour risk assessment and/or behaviour support plan. This should enable leaders to respond appropriately to any emerging needs.  Physical restraint is part of a staged approach to managing pupils’ behaviour. However, no staff are currently trained in this approach. Paragraph 11  The proprietor has written a health and safety policy. Staff will complete a suite of

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Main inspection findings

health and safety training as part of their induction programme, including food hygiene and manual handling. However, the policy does not provide detailed information about the procedures which the proprietor has put in place to manage risk. For example, the policy does not make clear the frequency of some checks or staff responsibilities relating to specific aspects of health and safety. Paragraph 12  The proprietor has implemented a range of measures to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, fire extinguishers are routinely checked, and fire blankets are appropriately located. Leaders intend to hold regular fire and lockdown drills for staff and pupils. However, the proprietor has not created a systematic programme of checks to help ensure that the proposed premises remain in good condition. Furthermore, the fire evacuation point does not have appropriate signage.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 13  There is a first-aid policy. Any staff who work in the outdoor provision will hold advanced qualifications. All staff will receive paediatric first-aid training. Medicines are kept in a lockable cabinet in the main classroom. However, the first-aid policy does not identify the appointed first aider or the frequency of checks on the content of first-aid boxes. Some proposed forms, such as medicine administration, are not personalised to the proposed school. Paragraph 15  Leaders plan to use an electronic attendance register to monitor any pupil absences. However, the attendance register does not follow the latest guidance from the Department for Education. Additionally, the school does not have an admissions policy, and the admissions register does not include the name and address of pupils’ previous schools.  These standards are unlikely to be met.  Overall, it is unlikely that all of the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  An electronic single central record is in place. It contains the statutory checks for appointed members of staff. These include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, as well as checks on identity and prohibition from teaching. The headteacher and senior leader have completed safer recruitment training. They understand the checks that must be completed before any staff member takes up employment.  The proposed school does not intend to use supply staff. However, the proprietor is aware of the procedures to follow to ensure that agency staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a)– (b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)–(b)  The proposed school will occupy a wooden cabin building. The building comprises an open-plan learning space. It has appropriate natural lighting, acoustics and ventilation. If required, additional lighting is available via battery storage. The building is suitable for educating 10 pupils. The proprietor intends to use the extensive woodland space to teach most aspects of the curriculum.  The school has one compost toilet exclusively for pupils. The toilet can be secured from the inside. Washing facilities are available in the nearby classroom. Staff members can access separate toilet facilities in the adjoining nursery school premises.  A supply of drinking-water is provided from a refillable flask in the classroom. It is available to pupils throughout the school day and labelled as such. Hot water is

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Main inspection findings

available via a separate pump system, and it is set at a safe temperature.  The proprietor expects the woodland site to operate during daylight hours. Plans are in place to provide lighting in the winter months.  The outdoor space is suitable for pupils to play and socialise. The school is close to a river. A fence has been installed to prevent pupils from accessing the river.  These standards are likely to be met. 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(c), 25, 27,  The proprietor has not yet ensured that accommodation is available to cater for pupils’ medical needs, including the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. A disabled toilet with additional provision to provide medical space has been purchased and is awaiting delivery and installation.  The proprietor has considered how the proposed site will keep pupils safe. However, at the time of the inspection, the proprietor is aware that some of the existing spaces,

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Main inspection findings

such as the hard standing area, include sharp metal beams. These are awaiting removal. Additionally, the school is waiting for the installation of a secure entrance gate to the proposed school and a fence to prevent pupils from accessing one of the nursery buildings.  These standards are unlikely to be met.  Overall, it is unlikely that all of the standards in this part will be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(4)(c)  The proprietor has set up a website. It provides parents with contact details of the headteacher, the values and aims of the proposed school and the current child protection and safeguarding policy. However, the proprietor is not fully aware of the information that should be published on the website. There is no information about how to contact the proprietor body during term time and holidays. Policies, such as admissions, exclusion and curriculum, are missing from the website.

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Main inspection findings

 The school intends to provide parents with biannual reports on pupils’ attainment and progress. However, the format and content of these reports have not been agreed upon.  Leaders are still to decide on a process to provide the local authority with details of income and expenditure for pupils funded with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) and looked after children.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has prepared a complaints policy. It is published on the school’s website. The policy encourages concerns to be resolved informally at stage one of the process. However, the policy is not suitable. For example, the complaints review panel includes three members of the governing body, but the proposed school does not intend to open with a governing body. There is no opportunity for a parent to be

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Main inspection findings

accompanied at a panel if they wish. Some stages of the complaints process do not include sufficient timescales for responding to complaints. Furthermore, the policy indicates that Ofsted will complete an external review if the complainant is dissatisfied with the headteacher’s response. This is not within Ofsted’s remit.  It is unlikely that the requirement for this standard will be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)(c)  The proprietor demonstrates a clear vision for wanting to register as an independent school. Leaders have many years of experience in opening and leading successful provision for nursery-age children. A focus on developing pupils’ emotional well-being, spirituality and safeguarding is woven throughout the curriculum and daily learning routines.  The requirement in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraphs 34(1)–34(1)(b)  Leaders do not have sufficient knowledge of the standards and the implications that

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Main inspection findings

these have in a school setting. For example, the curriculum is underdeveloped, and many policies do not adhere to statutory guidance. Consequently, the proprietor has not ensured that all of the standards are likely to be met securely and consistently if the proposed school is granted permission to open.  Overall, the standard in this part is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has written a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Proprietor Free Rangers Forest Schools Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £30,000 to £120,000

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 7 5 to 7 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 10 10

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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 10 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 6

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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 2

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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 2

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on a former working farm site in Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset. Welton Free Rangers Forest School Nursery operates from the same site in separate buildings. The building for the proposed school is a large open- plan wooden cabin.  The proposed school intends to offer specialist outdoor provision for up to 10 mixed- gender pupils from the ages of five to seven. It is expected that the proposed school will admit some pupils with SEND, including social, emotional and mental health needs. Some are likely to have an EHC plan funded by local authorities.  The proprietor is Free Rangers Forest Schools Ltd. There is one member of the proprietor body, who is also the headteacher. A special educational needs coordinator will oversee the admissions process.  An experienced teacher and teaching assistant have been appointed to the school. If the proposed school is granted permission to open, further recruitment will take place.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor intends to grow pupil numbers gradually.  The proposed school does not plan to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Ofsted conducted the inspection at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 to determine whether the proposed school will likely meet the standards if approved to open.  The inspector discussed parts of the standards with the chair of the proprietor body and the special educational needs coordinator.  The inspector toured the school site to check the suitability and safety of the premises. He reviewed the health and safety and fire risk assessments made by external specialists.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school curriculum.

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Inspection team

Dale Burr, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(a) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with primary education at the school is provided with relationships education, – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil's parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils' work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

can progress; – 3(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly;  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school's own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that- – 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and  10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(f) an annual written report of each registered pupil's progress and attainment in the main subject areas taught is provided to the parents of that registered pupil except that no report need be provided where the parent has agreed otherwise; – 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty

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Part 6. Provision of information

contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006[16]) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of State; – 32(1)(i) where a pupil with an EHC plan wholly or partly funded by a local authority or other body through public funds is registered at the school, such information as may reasonably be required for the purpose of the annual review of the EHC plan is provided to the responsible local authority; and  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(b) either- – 32(2)(b)(ii) where the proprietor is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office;  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school's policy on and arrangements for admissions,

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Part 6. Provision of information

misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2; – 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13;

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(c) sets out clear time scales for the management of a complaint; – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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