Grove Road School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Grove Road School 36-46 Grove Road, Sutton SM1 1BS

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has ensured that the range of the required policies and schemes of work in relation to the curriculum are likely to meet the requirements of the independent school standards. Leaders know that some of the pupils who are likely to attend the school may have been out of education for a long time. They have appropriate plans to check on pupils’ different academic starting points and assess any gaps in their knowledge. Leaders also plan to make sure that they carefully consider the content of each pupil’s education, health and care plan (EHC plan) in the design of each pupil’s curriculum.  The proposed school plans to offer a broad curriculum that covers the required areas of learning. Leaders’ plans include offering pupils flexible opportunities to gain qualifications in a range of GCSE, functional and/or work-related courses.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 Leaders will be supported with the delivery of the school’s careers curriculum through the careers specialist who works as part of the central team at the proprietor body. The school’s plans for careers, work experience and the curriculum are likely to combine well in helping pupils to prepare effectively for adulthood.  The therapeutic team from the proprietor body will also work closely with the proposed school in making sure that pupils are supported with their therapy needs, such as speech and language or those related to their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.  The requirements for relationships and sex education (RSE) are likely to be met. Leaders have plans to consult with parents and carers on the RSE policy and curriculum in September 2024. RSE will be delivered as part of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and includes a wide range of age-appropriate

p.1

Main inspection findings

content that will help to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j) and 4  The proposed school has recruited well-qualified and experienced staff who have the knowledge of working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The proposed school has planned an approach to help identify and close any gaps in pupils’ reading fluency. Leaders’ plans include using a range of age-appropriate resources that will aim to help motivate weaker readers. Leaders’ investment in the school includes a well-equipped teaching space for food technology so that pupils have access to the resources needed to learn the practical elements of the curriculum.  As well as recording pupils’ progress and attainment, the proposed school’s assessment framework is likely to help adults monitor pupils’ progress effectively against the outcomes that are set out in their EHC plans.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The PSHE curriculum is likely to ensure that pupils learn a wide range of age- appropriate content that supports their moral development. This includes content about learning right from wrong and how to keep themselves safe from harm. Leaders also plan for pupils to be taught about a range of different religions as part of their humanities and wider curriculum experiences.  As well as timetabled lessons in PSHE, RSE and humanities, the school plans to use other ways such as assemblies and educational trips to teach pupils about the range of fundamental British values, for example mutual respect.  Leaders intend for pupils to develop an understanding of active citizenship through initiatives such as fundraising for a nominated charity, volunteering and pupil voice activities.  The proposed school’s curriculum policy makes clear that staff must not promote any

p.2

Main inspection findings

partisan political views in any aspect of their work with pupils.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  Leaders have completed a range of safeguarding training that is commensurate with their different roles. Leaders have a wide range of experience from their prior roles in working to keep pupils safe.  Collectively, leaders have a detailed understanding of the risks that pupils might face from living in and around the local area, for example in relation to knife crime. Leaders’ planned approaches to safeguarding include building positive relationships with families and gathering accurate information about pupils’ past experiences.  The proprietor body has clear systems in place that operate across all its schools, for example how safeguarding concerns will be reported through an online system. These systems are supported with a range of training modules that staff are expected to complete. The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory

p.2

Main inspection findings

guidance. It was readily available for this inspection. It will be made available on the school’s website when the policies section goes live. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The proposed school’s approaches to behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to create a positive environment for learning. All staff will have dedicated training on positive behaviour support, which includes restraint and de-escalation techniques.  The proposed school’s therapeutic approaches include the use of an art psychotherapist and educational psychologist. Leaders’ plans for these staff include helping to train staff and support pupils with learning how to adapt and regulate their behaviour. Paragraphs 11 to 16  The proposed school is likely to be well supported by the central estates team of the proprietor body in making sure that it complies with legislation such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The central team has also supported the school in

p.3

Main inspection findings

completing the recommendations that arose from the recent external fire risk assessment.  A risk assessment policy, supported by appropriate risk assessments, demonstrates that school leaders can identify risks and go on to put in place suitable control measures.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The required pre-employment checks, for example on staff and members of the proprietor body, have all been completed in line with requirements. The proposed school is supported by the central human resources (HR) team of the proprietor body which takes responsibility for the ‘onboarding’ of staff, for example in checking staff qualifications and their medical fitness. The HR team shares information with school leaders during the onboarding process so that they know when staff can commence their employment.  The single central record contains the required information.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school has been extensively refurbished. Leaders have carefully considered the SEND needs of pupils in the design of the school building, for example in relation to lighting, acoustics and therapy spaces.  The therapy spaces and the proposed plans for their use are likely to support pupils effectively with the development of their sensory and SEMH needs.  The medical room is likely to meet requirements, for example it has a sink and its own secure toilet. The design of the building has also considered pupils’ safety, for example by using window restrictors and electronic access to school spaces. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is suitable outdoor space for play and physical education (PE). While able to deliver the PE curriculum within the school premises, leaders have plans to use additional outdoor spaces in the local community once the school is more established.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school already provides some of the required information through its website, for example in relation to the contact details of the proprietor body. The central team will support leaders with certain requirements in relation to the provision of information, such as the income and expenditure data that is to be shared with the different placing authorities on an annual basis.  The central team provides templates that the proposed school will adapt, such as those to record annual reviews and report pupils’ progress and attainment to parents.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy gives confidence that any complaint will be taken seriously and managed in line with requirements. The timescales as to how any complaint will be processed are clearly outlined.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The central teams at the proprietor body are heavily involved in supporting all its schools in relation to the independent school standards. For example, this includes external checks on compliance through an allocated school improvement partner and the support of an operations director.  The proprietor body has set out ways to check that the proposed school will continually meet the requirements of the independent school standards. This includes premises and health and safety compliance. There is regular information sharing and networking for senior staff that include information in relation to the independent school standards.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have prepared an accessibility plan that proposes appropriate actions to increase accessibility to the required areas of the curriculum, physical environment and written information.  This requirement is likely to be met.

p.5

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.

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

Type of school Other independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

Proprietor Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

p.7

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £72,050 to £102,000

p.7

Proposed school details

Website www.horizoncare.co.uk/schools/grove-road/

p.7

Proposed school details

Email address enquiries@horizoncare.co.uk

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 19 11 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 45 45

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 45

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time Not applicable 0 pupils Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 45

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 45

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 Not applicable 45

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 8

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 5

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is part of the proprietor body called Horizon Care and Education Group Limited. The proprietor body includes other independent special schools. It is planned for the school to work collaboratively with the other schools, for example in supporting curriculum development.  The headteacher took up their post in February 2024.  The school plans to cater for pupils with an EHC plan for their SEND. Pupils are likely to have predominantly needs in relation to autism and SEMH.  The school plans to open in September 2024 with two classes of a maximum of five pupils in each class. Pupil numbers will increase to a planned maximum of 22 pupils by the end of the first year of opening. In time, the school’s total proposed capacity is 45 pupils.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 The 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.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and senior leaders from the proprietor body, including the chair. The inspector also met a range of other staff who work for the central teams of the proprietor body. The staff met with included operations and curriculum directors and staff who oversee estates management.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all the independent school standards. This included a tour of the premises and review of key documents and policies alongside consideration of the

p.9

Inspection team

Sam Hainey, 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 .

p.9

Inspection team

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.10

Inspection team

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.10

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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.10

Inspection team

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.10

Inspection team

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

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10