Elmtree Grove School Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Elmtree Grove School Ltd 266 Overndale Road, Bristol BS16 2RG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii) 2(2f), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 to 4  The proprietor has ensured that a curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place. The proposed school will give pupils experience of a wide range of subjects. These include linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative education. Commercial schemes of work support the policy suitably from early years to Year 7. The policies and schemes of work contribute effectively to the promotion of fundamental British values. Leaders have thought carefully about the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) of the pupils who they intend to admit. They will adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with education health care (EHC) plans and those on the SEND assessment pathway. The school will also provide extra activities and strategies to

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Main inspection findings

support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).  Pupils are likely to have a wide range of needs including SEMH and autism. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, with content and delivery adapted according to pupils’ individual requirements. Each pupil’s EHC plan will provide the starting point for teaching. These, combined with discussions with parents and teachers’ checks of pupils’ knowledge and skills, will be used to target specific areas of need.  The proprietor has identified a phonics programme to support early reading. Staff will be trained to use the programme. The proprietor understands the importance of pupils learning to read well. Many of the pupils who will attend the school may have been out of education for long periods of time before joining the school.  The scheme of work that relates to personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education reflects the proposed school’s aims and ethos. When pupils first join the

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Main inspection findings

school, there will be a sharp focus on the development of pupils’ life skills and well-being.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school’s relationships and sex education programme covers all the required areas of statutory guidance. This includes learning about consent and healthy relationships. Leaders plan to consult with parents and carers. The proposed policy provides clear guidance to parents about the possibility of withdrawing their children from sex education.  Pupils will receive careers education. The school intends to offer information, advice and guidance impartially. This will be tailored to the individual needs and interests of pupils.  In preparation for when the school opens, the proprietor has employed qualified teachers with experience working with pupils with SEND.  Many of the resources needed to implement the curriculum have been purchased already. Others will be purchased depending on pupils’ needs.  Frequent checks will identify whether pupils’ knowledge is secure. Frequent staff meetings will ensure that any pupils needing extra help with their learning are

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Main inspection findings

identified quickly and modifications to the curriculum agreed, if necessary.  An online system will help staff track pupils’ progress through the curriculum, however small. Pupils’ progress and attainment will be shared with parents and carers and those responsible for governance.  Where appropriate, pupils will complete end-of-key stage 2 assessments.  All the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Developing strong relationships between staff and pupils will be a priority. Staff will use suitable praise and rewards to build pupils’ self-confidence and help them become more independent.  Through the timetabled pastoral programme, pupils are likely to be well supported to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. The proposed PSHE education curriculum includes coverage of physical and mental health, keeping safe and healthy

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Main inspection findings

relationships.  Pupils will meet people who work for public institutions who can help them, including from the police and fire services. Leaders have already built positive inks with the local police force.  Staff will teach pupils about right and wrong and model positive behaviours. Following an incident, staff will help pupils understand what happened and how they might respond differently next time.  The proprietor will ensure that adults always present pupils with a balanced range of viewpoints so that pupils can make up their own minds about issues.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6 to 7(b), 9 to 16(b)  The safeguarding policy provides clear guidance about the school’s safeguarding practices and procedures. It recognises that pupils with SEND can be more vulnerable to safeguarding risks than their peers. The policy will be available on the school’s

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Main inspection findings

website.  The proprietor will ensure that all new staff will receive appropriate induction, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation, extremism, sexual exploitation, e-safety and local safeguarding issues.  Suitable systems are in place to monitor and filter pupils’ use of the proposed school’s online systems.  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities if an allegation is made about the behaviour of an adult towards a pupil.  The school’s behaviour and bullying policies are likely to be suitable. The proprietor has prepared a suitable log for recording any incidents of serious misbehaviour and the sanctions imposed as a result.  The proprietor will make sure that staff understand the triggers that affect how well each pupil regulates their emotions and feelings. Pupils’ individual risk assessments will help staff manage each pupil’s behaviour consistently. Regular meetings will keep

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Main inspection findings

staff informed if a pupil’s circumstances change.  Admission and attendance registers will be maintained in accordance with paragraph 15 of the standards. Pupils will be expected to attend regularly. The school will monitor pupils’ attendance closely. The school intends to work constructively with parents and agencies to support pupils’ welfare.  Leaders have considered the supervision of pupils carefully. The proprietor plans to admit a smaller number of pupils in the first instance, gradually increasing the number of pupils on roll over time.  Staff will have training so that they know how to complete risk assessments and implement them effectively.  There are suitable policies and procedures concerning health and safety, fire safety, first aid and risk assessments. Premises are well-maintained. Safety items, such as first aid kits, are readily available.  A central team will review records of health and safety checks. Any issues identified

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Main inspection findings

will be dealt with quickly. External professionals will complete some of these checks as necessary.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor has suitable processes for checking the suitability of staff and members of the governing body. The electronic single central record contains all relevant information. The same document will be used to record checks on future staff before they take up their position.  The school does not intend to use the services of supply staff. However, the proprietor knows the information they require to confirm that a supply member of staff is suitable to work with children.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The building is suitable for the proposed number of pupils. The premises are of an appropriate standard and meet all requirements for health, safety and the welfare of pupils. This includes appropriate acoustics and lighting. Exterior and interior lighting is of an appropriate standard.  At the time of the inspections, three windows with safety glass were due to be replaced to create suitable ventilation in each room. This will enhance each room’s facilities further.  There are appropriate toilet facilities including a ground floor accessible toilet. These can be secured from the inside. There is hot and cold water. The hot water is at an appropriate temperature. Pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day.  There are currently no showers on the school site. Until the purpose-built modular building with a wet room and accessible toilet facilities are installed, pupils over 11

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Main inspection findings

years old will use the local leisure centre showers after physical education (PE) lessons.  A bed, medical kit and locked medication cupboard are located in the main office. There is easy access to a toilet. The medical room will be moved to the modular building.  The pupils will have access to a small outdoor area that is safe. It will be an appropriate space for pupils to play in when not in lessons or small group PE lessons. The proposed school will have risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety when moving to and from external venues for PE and outdoor learning opportunities.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(e)  The proprietor has prepared and intends to publish all the required policies and information on the proposed school’s website, including a prospectus.

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Main inspection findings

 A statement of the school’s ethos and aims is available on the proposed school’s website.  Annual EHC plan reviews, written reports as well as parent and teacher meetings will provide parents with detailed information about their child’s progress through the curriculum, towards their EHC plan targets and attainment.  The proprietor knows they must provide information, when requested, about pupils who are wholly or partly funded by a local authority.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3)(f), 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy reflects the requirements set out in the standards. For example, it is in writing and allows for an informal procedure before progressing to a formal procedure. The proprietor body will make the policy available on request.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that leaders have appropriate skills and knowledge for their roles. This is likely to ensure that the standards are consistently met.  The proposed school’s policies and procedures pay due regard to the equality duty. Systems to keep pupils safe and promote their well-being are secure.  Staff will benefit from a programme of professional development and support for their well-being. Staff will be able to contact an external organisation for advice about any professional or personal concerns.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a suitable accessibility plan in place. The proprietor intends to update the plan at appropriate intervals and as required to take account of the school’s staff and pupils. The school is likely to meet schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured there are suitable policies and documentation in place to enable leaders to ensure that safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) are likely to be met.  A commercial scheme of work will be adapted to support the delivery of the proposed school’s EYFS curriculum according to childrens’ individual requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that these requirements are likely to be met when the school opens.

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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.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £36,000 to £48,500

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Proposed school details

Email address s.morrision@elmtree-learning.org.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 4 to 12 4 to 12 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 40 40

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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 40

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School's current position School's proposal

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 40 40

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School's current position School's proposal

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

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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 known Not known

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School’s current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 8

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Information about this proposed school

 Elmtree Grove School is proposed to be an independent special school based in the city of Bristol. The school will admit pupils from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset local authorities.  The school will cater for pupils with autism spectrum disorder.  Some of the pupils who will attend this school may have an EHC plan.  It is not proposed that the school will cater for pupils who have complex medical needs.  Pupil places are offered full-time over 39 weeks of the year.  The proprietor intends to develop a governing body to have oversight of the school when it opens. The chair of governors has already been appointed and other suitable governors have been identified.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, the head of school, the designated safeguarding leader and operations leader.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector also looked at a wide range of documentation and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. She also checked documentation relating to safeguarding.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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