The Bridge - Severn Centre

School pre-registration inspection report DRAFT - not for publication

p.1

DRAFT - not for publication The Bridge - Severn Centre The Bridge, Station Approach, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8BN

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2,3 and 4  The proprietor proposes to open an independent school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. The proprietor is operating as an alternative provision service. There are currently six pupils on roll. Places are commissioned by Wiltshire Council and by schools in the surrounding area. Pupils attend either 15 or 10 hours per week. It is planned that some of those who attend will join the school, should it achieve registration.  There is a suitable curriculum policy in place. It is in writing and specifies the proposed school’s approach to the curriculum.  The proprietor knows that curriculum plans will need to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge because pupils have missed significant parts of their early education, including early language development. Work to upgrade the current curriculum plans to ensure that pupils will learn from their starting points is in progress. This work is

p.1

Main inspection findings

being led by the recently appointed executive leaders who work across all three of the sites owned by Bridge Alternative Provision Ltd. On appointment, these leaders recognised that more work was required to achieve an appropriate curriculum for the pupils the proposed school intends to admit. Leaders have made positive inroads into compiling new schemes of work. However, some of these plans are not yet complete. For example, the content of the English curriculum does not take into account the age and needs of pupils sufficiently well.  The proprietor has ensured that there is an approved systematic synthetic phonics scheme. The proprietor intends to provide additional staff training before the school opens.  During the pre-registration visit, an inspector reviewed a range of documents about the mathematics curriculum. Some of these curriculum plans do not indicate how pupils’ understanding will develop. The proprietor has purchased a published

p.1

Main inspection findings

mathematics scheme to assist in this. However, the proposed school is yet to order important resources that are necessary to deliver the mathematics curriculum. DRAFT - not for publication  There is a suitable personal, social, health and education curriculum. It includes the requirements for relationship education as set out in legislation.  The proprietor has ensured that there is an assessment policy and agreed procedures to check what pupils know and understand on entry and over time. The proprietor is introducing new assessment tools to support staff in assessing what pupils know and remember.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor has ensured that there is a curriculum that specifies overtly how it will promote fundamental British values. This includes learning about democracy and learning to respect people, including those with protected characteristics as outlined in

p.1

Main inspection findings

the Equality Act 2010.  The curriculum will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The scheme of work identifies how teaching will support pupils to be tolerant, polite and caring towards one another. The proprietor has planned a ‘cultural calendar’ to ensure that pupils learn about different faiths, cultures and festivals.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 9–11, 12–14  The school’s behaviour policy is detailed and sets out the sanctions to be applied for serious misbehaviour. There is a detailed anti-bullying strategy in place.  As the school is already operating for pupils, inspectors were able to discuss the implementation of the school’s behaviour policy, anti-bullying strategy and review records pertaining to misbehaviour, suspensions, exclusions and restrictive interventions. These confirm that the proprietor is following their policies. Records are

p.2

Main inspection findings

detailed. The proprietor holds leaders to account for ensuring that patterns of pupils’ behaviour are analysed effectively.  Inspectors reviewed the current safeguarding arrangements in the school. There are detailed safeguarding records. Staff take appropriate action when pupils may be at risk of harm. They work with external agencies as necessary. Staff receive relevant training, for example learning about online safety, the ‘Prevent’ duty, female genital mutilation, child exploitation and harmful sexual behaviours.  There is a suitable health and safety policy. The required checks are in place. The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Regular checks of fire extinguishers, fire alarm call points, the fire alarm and fire door checks are in place. Records confirm that the proprietor ensures there are termly fire evacuation practices. Actions from the most recent fire risk assessment were

p.2

Main inspection findings

completed swiftly.  There is a first aid policy. It is being applied effectively. For example, first aid boxes are checked weekly and there is a record in place for the safe administration of medicines should this be required. Medicines are kept in a lockable cabinet. DRAFT - not for publication  There are plans in place to ensure that pupils are well supervised by staff. There is a high staff to pupil ratio which is appropriate for the needs and age of pupils that they intend to admit.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 15, 16  There is an admission register in place and a system to accurately record pupils’ attendance. However, there is not a sufficient admissions policy.  There is an exclusions policy. However, it refers to a leadership structure that does not exist. For example, it refers to the governing body, but there is no governing body. This shows a lack of understanding and oversight by the proprietor of the policies for

p.2

Main inspection findings

this proposed school.  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The proprietor has considered a range of risk assessments, for example for offsite physical education activities.  The site risk assessment available during this pre-registration inspection was not fully reflective of the school site. It included general information and also information that was not relevant. For example, the site risk assessment included information about pupils receiving hot lunches when the proprietor does not intend to provide these. It did not provide information about how the school will mitigate any risks presented when arriving at the proposed school by taxi or car. Some amendments to the risk assessments were made during the inspection. However, the school is already operating and so the proprietor does not have sufficient oversight of these risk assessments.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Overall, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18–21  There is a single central record in place. It includes all staff who have been appointed. Safer recruitment checks are completed in line with legislation. The proprietor has ensured that all members of the executive leadership team, including the chief operating officer (COO), have all the necessary checks in place.  The proprietor has ensured that all staff who manage recruitment checks have a secure knowledge of the requirements set out in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.  The proprietor has a suitable induction process in place.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23–29  The proprietor operates the current provision from a one-storey building close to the railway station in Melksham. The building is in good order inside. There are three

p.3

Main inspection findings

teaching spaces. There are three breakout rooms that are not used as permanent teaching spaces. Acoustics in the rooms are suitable. Emergency lighting is in place to DRAFT - not for publication ensure the safe passage of pupils and school users. Lighting in classrooms and breakout rooms is suitable.  Drinking water is labelled and readily available from the mains supply.  The proprietor has secured locations for physical education (PE) provision locally where showers are available. The proprietor intends to admit pupils from aged five to seven. Therefore, it is not a requirement to have changing facilities on site.  There is a suitable medical room with a sink and a toilet close by.  There is one toilet for pupils which is lockable from the inside. There is a separate staff toilet that is not accessible to pupils. Both have an adequate supply of cold and hot water. The hot water does not present a scalding risk.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 There is a suitable kitchen area. There is a sink with hot and cold water. Current pupils do not have access to the kitchen unattended. The proprietor confirms that this will also be the case should the school be registered. There is a keypad lock on the door to prevent access. The two ovens have safety locks to prevent pupils tampering with the controls. There is a lockable box for the safe storage of knives.  The outdoor play space is secured by high fences and is regularly maintained. The outdoor area is a triangular shape and has a sail erected to provide shade on sunny days.  The entry system into the school is secure. The proprietor aims to fit an additional magnetic lock and buzzer system at the gate. This will increase security. However, the current system does not put pupils at risk of harm and is sufficient.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information

p.4

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 32  During the inspection inspectors reviewed several different versions of the proposed school policies. There were inaccuracies in policies. This is confusing for parents. For example, the proprietor provided three different versions of the complaints policy. Two of these policies referred to a governing body that does not exist. The proprietor, who is already operating, has not provided the number of complaints received on the school’s website. The exclusions policy is not on the website. It also refers to governors.  There is a current safeguarding and child protection policy on the school’s website as is required. It refers to up-to-date legislation. However, the versions received both on the website and in person during the inspection refer to trustees. There are no trustees for this proposed school.  The proprietor acknowledges that there is a defined process for admissions and referrals for the current alternative provision that is operating. However, there is not

p.4

Main inspection findings

yet a detailed admissions policy on the school’s website.  The proprietor already provides detailed termly reports for parents and regular weekly reports to the home school where pupils are currently dual registered.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met. DRAFT - not for publication Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  There is a complaints policy on the website. It is accessible to parents. Even so, the proprietor does not have sufficient oversight of the complaints policy. This is because it refers to proposed school structures that do not exist. For example, it refers to governors when there is no governing body.  During the inspection three different versions of the complaints policy were reviewed. Each holds different information. For example, one refers to governors and another refers to members of the alternative provider team. All three polices refer to different

p.4

Main inspection findings

make ups of the review panel at stage 3.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has effective arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the well-being of pupils. There is an open and secure culture of safeguarding. There are detailed records in place that confirm designated safeguarding leaders and school staff take swift and appropriate action when pupils may be at risk of harm. Staff work with external agencies as necessary.  The proprietor provides ongoing training of all staff to ensure that they meet the requirements set out in current legislation.  The proprietor has commissioned monitoring and evaluation of the school’s safeguarding processes to ensure that legislative requirements are met continually.  The requirement in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 34(1)  34(1)(b)

p.5

Main inspection findings

 Recently, the proprietor has strengthened the leadership team by appointing executive leaders with experience of leading the curriculum, monitoring the quality of education and the independent school standards. This work is building momentum and starting to improve the proposed curriculum and school policies. However, this work is not yet complete.  The proprietor has not ensured that all the standards in Parts 1, 3, 6 and 7 are likely to be met. As a result, the proprietor has not ensured that the proposed school is likely to meet all the independent school standards consistently were it to be registered. The proprietor has not ensured the accuracy of the content of some policies, for example the leadership structure in the proposed school.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor is fully aware of the proposed school’s duties under Schedule 10 of the

p.5

Main inspection findings

Equality Act 2010. There is an accessibility plan, which is fit for purpose. It is published on the school’s website. DRAFT - not for publication

p.5

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. DRAFT - not for publication

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

Proprietor The Bridge Alternative Provision Ltd

p.7

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.7

Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 6 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 0

p.7

Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week Two sessions of 10 or 15 hours (25 hours in total) DRAFT - not for publication

p.7

n

Age range of pupils 5–7 5–7 5–7 Number of pupils on the school roll 6 15 10

p.8

n

Reason for inspector's recommendations  There is one large teaching space and two smaller teaching spaces. Other rooms are not designed to be full-time teaching spaces. Due to the planned adult to pupil ratio, 10 pupils is the recommendation to allow for enough space for staff to work alongside pupils.

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 15

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 6 15

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 5 15

p.8

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 5 15 DRAFT - not for publication

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 4

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in an industrial estate close to Melksham railway station.  The proposed school intends to admit pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), for example pupils with SEMH difficulties or autism.  The Bridge – Severn Centre is currently operating for pupils aged five to seven. It opened in September 2023.  The Bridge – Severn Centre currently has six pupils on roll, five pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Wiltshire Council is currently using it as an alternative provider. Pupils attend either 15 or 10 hours per week.  The proposed school does not intend to have a governing body.  The Bridge Alternative Provision Ltd has one director. It also operates two other alternative providers called The Bridge Millennium Centre in Trowbridge for primary aged pupils and The Bridge Clifton Centre in Melksham for secondary aged pupils.

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The Bridge Alternative Provision Ltd has an executive leadership team. This structure operates across all three of the proprietor’s alternative provisions. There are executive leaders responsible for the curriculum, the quality of education and human resources. The COO works as a consultant one day a week.  Prior to opening The Bridge – Severn Centre, the Millennium Centre and the Clifton Centre the proprietor opened Project SEMH on 28 October 2019 for secondary aged pupils. DRAFT - not for publication

p.9

Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to evaluate the provider’s readiness to open as a school. Inspectors checked all relevant independent school standards, including Parts 1 to 8.  This is the second application to register under this name at this site, the first was withdrawn during the inspection in February 2024. No report was published.  The proprietor applied on three occasions to register under the name of Project SEMH. The first pre-registration was at this same address for secondary age pupils in June 2021. There were two more applications for different premises for secondary aged pupils in December 2021 and December 2022.  Inspectors evaluated a range of evidence, including policies and plans relating to each of the standards and the school development plan and self-evaluation documents. Inspectors scrutinised health and safety documentation, records relating to

p.10

Information about this inspection

safeguarding, child protection, pupils’ misbehaviour and physical restraint. An inspector also checked the school’s staff recruitment and vetting processes, and the single central record. No lesson visits took place as there were no pupils attending on the day of the inspection.  The proprietor or the head of centre undertook all activities relating to Parts 1 to 8 alongside the inspectors.  Inspectors held a conversation with members of the executive leadership team, and school leaders to establish the accountability structures that they plan to implement. Inspectors also discussed their current work to bring about necessary improvements to the curriculum.  Inspectors held a conversation with the proprietor and the COO, who works as a consultant to the three ‘Bridge’ centres one day per week.  The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed site with the proprietor and head of centre to evaluate the suitability of the school’s premises for the purposes of being an

p.10

Inspection team

Julie Carrington, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

p.10

Inspection team

Heather Barraclough His Majesty's Inspector DRAFT - not for publication

p.10

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

p.11

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills;

p.11

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 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(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

p.11

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

p.11

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)(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[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15];

p.11

Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school's policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; DRAFT - not for publication – 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year; and

p.11

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(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(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and-

p.12

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 DRAFT - not for publication 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 .

p.12

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.

p.13

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 .

p.13

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.

p.13

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.13

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.13

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.13