Compass Community School Lincolnshire

School material change inspection report

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Compass Community School Lincolnshire Thornbrook, 1 London Road, Osbournby, Lincolnshire NG34 0DG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3(j)  The school provides a curriculum that is broad and balanced. There is an emphasis on speaking and listening, reading, writing and mathematics. Additionally, pupils study a wide range of other subjects that are appropriate for pupils in key stage 2, key stage 3 and key stage 4.  The curriculum policy reflects the aims of the curriculum. It is supported by schemes of work for each subject and clearly identifies what pupils will learn during their time at the school.  Pupils who attend the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school has given careful consideration to all pupils’ needs, ages and abilities. The curriculum is planned with these needs in mind.  The special educational needs coordinator supports staff to plan for each pupil. The school provides therapeutic practice that sits alongside and complements the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum.  The school has plans in place to ensure that older pupils have the opportunity to take GCSE, functional skills and vocational qualifications.  The school makes regular checks to ensure that all pupils learn and make progress. Paragraph 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(3)  The school recognises that pupils have complex emotional needs. They have placed an emphasis on personal, social and health education (PSHE). Pupils have regular lessons. The topics they cover are wide ranging and suitable for their age. Pupils have plenty of opportunities to discuss questions that may arise as the result of PSHE lessons, or personal issues. The school intends to introduce ‘Thoughtful Thursday’, during which pupils have the opportunity to further develop personal skills that will support them in life.  The PSHE curriculum educates pupils about diversity. The topics include those who pay particular regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act

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Main inspection findings

2010.  Pupils learn about the importance of fundamental British values through the PSHE curriculum. The school intends to introduce ‘Media Monday’ and ‘World Wednesday’, during which pupils will discuss and debate current affairs and relate this to values such as individual liberty, freedom of speech and democracy.  The school provides pupils with relationship, sex and health education (RSHE) in line with statutory requirements. There are arrangements in place to make this policy available to parents and carers if requested. This policy will be placed on the school’s website when it is established.  The school has considered how the delivery of the RSHE curriculum may need to be adapted in light of the material change requested. It has made arrangements for the therapeutic lead to provide additional support where certain topics may be identified as ‘sensitive’ or ‘triggering’ for an individual pupil.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has identified ‘careers champions’. These members of staff support pupils to think about possible careers in an impartial manner. The school has developed relationships with a local Royal Air Force base and a bank to support this work.  The school is likely to meet the independent school standards (the standards) in this part if the request for the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5(b)  The curriculum actively promotes pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values. These values, such as tolerance and respect, support pupils’ preparation for life in modern Britain.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7(a), 7(b)  The school has made robust arrangements to ensure that pupils are safe and their welfare is considered. Safeguarding is prioritised. The school has considered the specific context of the school and the additional vulnerabilities that pupils may have.  The school’s designated safeguarding leader is knowledgeable about his safeguarding role. Safeguarding training is provided for all staff. New staff complete a comprehensive safeguarding training programme. Staff understand well their safeguarding responsibilities across a wide range of areas, including radicalisation, extremism, county lines and online safety. They understand how to identify the signs that a pupil may be at risk of harm. They know how to report their concerns. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16(a), 16(b)  The school has written a health and safety policy which is tailored to the school’s

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Main inspection findings

premises. Staff have been identified with specific responsibilities, for example fire warden and first aider. These staff have received additional training. All staff have received fire training and further staff have been trained to fulfil their role as first aiders. The school has established systems to identify and respond to any health and safety concerns.  The school complies with the regulatory requirements for fire safety. A thorough fire risk assessment has been completed. A fire detection system is in place and regularly tested. There are clear arrangements for fire evacuation. Signs around the school alert staff, pupils and visitors to these arrangements. Fire exits, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment are in place.  The school provides appropriate supervision for pupils throughout the school day. Further plans are in place to supervise the proposed increase in pupil numbers, should

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Main inspection findings

the material change be approved.  A risk assessment policy sets out the school’s approach to assessing risk and the actions taken to minimise risk to pupils. Risk assessments are completed which include the school building and trips and visits. Each pupil has a secure, electronic file which includes any specific risk assessment that relates to the individual.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(6)  Safeguarding leaders are knowledgeable about their duty to ensure that the adults in school are safe to work with children. They have completed safer recruitment training to fulfil this role. They are familiar with the checks they need to make when recruiting new staff. These checks are completed prior to new staff taking up their post at the school.  The single central record is in place. It includes all of the information required relating to the suitability of staff, including agency staff, to work with children. Suitability checks are also made for the proprietor body and governors.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(2), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 25, 25 to 27(b)  The proposed school site has been refurbished to a high standard. The school includes classrooms, a kitchen with dining facilities, therapy rooms and an outdoor area.  The proposed site has been developed to support the school’s material change for an increase in pupil numbers. This request is the result of an identified need in the local area for school places for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  Toilet facilities are appropriate given the age and number of pupils. These are for the sole use of pupils. A separate disabled toilet is available. All sinks have an adequate supply of hot and cold running water. The hot water taps do not pose a risk of scalding.  Pupils have a private area in which to change. Showering facilities are available.  Pupils are able to access drinking water from a clearly marked water dispenser in the

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Main inspection findings

kitchen area.  Internal spaces are well lit. External lighting is in place. The school has installed ‘sound clouds’ to ensure that the acoustic conditions in classrooms are suitable. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(2)  A medical room is available for the treatment of sick and injured pupils. The room is situated beside a toilet and washing facilities are easily accessible. A bed, bedding and a first-aid kit are provided. A locked cabinet is available for the storage of medicines. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  Pupils can access a safe and attractive outdoor area to play and socialise in. The school has also made arrangements to use a community space for physical education. This area is only a few minutes’ walk from the school.  The standards in these parts are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school belongs to a company which has a website. The school also has plans to develop its own school website. They are aware of the range of documents and information that they should publish on this website.  Until the website is established, the school will provide the required information to parents on request. If the material change is approved, parents of pupils who join the school will be provided an induction pack which will include the relevant documents.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 32(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders have a broad range of skills and professional knowledge to fulfil their roles. They have had significant experience of managing independent special schools. They are highly motivated to provide vulnerable pupils with an ambitious curriculum and prepare them for life beyond school.  Leaders have established clear lines of accountability to ensure that the independent school standards are consistently met. The school is well supported by a range of services whose practitioners assist school leaders to effectively fulfil their responsibilities.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders actively promote the well-being of all pupils. They are fully aware of their responsibilities to pay regard to schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. They have written an appropriate equality statement and have identified their own equality objectives. They have produced an accessibility plan, which will be regularly reviewed.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Email address education.compliance@compass- schools.org Dates of previous standard inspection 16 to 18 April 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 10 to 17 10 to 17 10 to 17

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 30 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Boys Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Up to 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Up to 30

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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 Up to 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 18

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this school

 The proprietor of the school is Compass Community Limited.  The school is proposing additional premises which enable the school to accommodate up to 30 pupils. This site will be at Fen Park, School Lane, Bicker, Lincolnshire PE20 3DW.  The school intends to admit both girls and boys.  Pupils who attend the school will have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Almost all pupils are likely to have education, health and care plans.  The school’s last inspection was in April 2024, when it was judged to be good.  The school does not make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in response to the school’s request for a material change to open a further school site and to provide education for both boys and girls.  This is the school’s first material change inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher and deputy headteacher. She also met remotely with representatives of the proprietor and the chair of governors.  The inspector visited the school’s prospective site and carried out all checks relating to part 5 of the standards.  The inspector considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements. She met with the school’s designated safeguarding leader and spoke with members of staff regarding their understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents relating to the safeguarding of children and the school’s arrangements for health and safety. These included the single central record, the school’s fire regulations and its risk assessments.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector reviewed a range of documents and policies that relate to part 1 of the standards. She visited a personal, social and health education lesson.

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Inspection team

Caroline Poole, 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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