Hambling View Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hambling View Independent School Lime Yard, Claverton Down Road, Bath BA2 7AE

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 3, 4  Hambling View Independent School is proposed to be a special school for pupils with a range of complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including pupils with moderate learning difficulties, autism and/or social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  Very recently, the proprietor has appointed a director of education who will oversee the quality of education the proposed school provides. She has strong specialist knowledge of SEND, including working with local authority commissioning bodies and other schools. The proprietor anticipates that this expertise will ensure that pupils’ induction into school is successful and their specific needs are met.  In addition, the proprietor has appointed a headteacher who is an experienced leader of specialist education. The proprietor has already appointed a special educational

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Main inspection findings

needs coordinator, qualified teachers and support staff. The induction programme for staff is already being implemented. The proprietor intends that this will enable all staff to follow the agreed curriculum policies and to be equipped with effective teaching approaches that consider pupils’ needs and prior attainment.  The curriculum policy sets out how the proposed school will provide a curriculum that meets pupils’ individual needs. When pupils arrive, staff will complete a strengths and needs assessment. Each pupil will have an academic and a personal development plan. These will include individual targets to meet pupils’ specific needs.  There is an assessment framework in place. The assessment policy describes how staff will check what pupils know and understand. The proprietor has plans to support teachers to cater for pupils’ individual needs as set out in their EHC plans. During this inspection, staff spoke convincingly about how they will adapt schemes of work and

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Main inspection findings

use assessment strategies to check pupils’ progress and plan learning that builds on what pupils already know.  Leaders have prepared schemes of work that incorporate all aspects of the curriculum required by the independent school standards (the standards). Leaders have draft timetables that confirm how these schemes of work will be implemented for pupils from Years 7 to 11.  The documentation for this proposed school provides for a range of functional skills qualifications at levels 1 and 2, entry-level courses and BTEC National Diploma qualifications. Further discussions with the proprietor on site confirm that the proposed school also intends to provide GCSEs.  A relationships and sex education and health education policy is in place and will be published on the proposed school’s website. The curriculum to implement this policy includes all statutory content. The proprietor intends to hold staff to account for

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Main inspection findings

ensuring that all pupils access this age-appropriate curriculum and that it meets pupils’ individual needs.  The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme is comprehensive. In addition to increasing pupils’ knowledge, for example about the misuse of drugs and online safety, the proprietor intends that the PSHE curriculum will build pupils’ self-confidence, self-esteem and independence over time.  The proprietor intends for staff to hold termly meetings with parents and carers to review pupils’ progress against their individual targets.  Appropriate plans are in place to provide impartial careers education and guidance from Year 7 onwards.  The proprietor intends to provide the necessary resources so that staff are supported in teaching the intended schemes of work. The proprietor intends for all staff to be trained in the teaching of the school’s agreed programme for phonics and early

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Main inspection findings

reading.  The proprietor is committed to ensuring that plans to provide all pupils with high- quality physical education (PE) are implemented consistently. PE will take place off site at facilities that are also used by an alternative provision operated by the proprietor. When pupils from Hambling View receive PE at this site there will be no pupils attending from the alternative provision.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor aims that the school will put spiritual, moral, social and cultural development at the heart of its curriculum. There is a curriculum in place that specifies how the school will promote fundamental British values. This includes learning about right and wrong, individual liberty, criminal law and democracy.  There is a scheme of work which identifies how teaching will support pupils to be tolerant and polite and take responsibility for their actions.  In addition to timetabled lessons, whole-school events and enrichment activities are proposed which will allow students to value difference in the community, understand moral and ethical issues and learn to respect others, including people with protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has a health and safety policy. The proprietor is ensuring that appropriate checks take place. For example, regular testing of water supplies for legionella bacteria. A lockable cabinet for medicines is being purchased to ensure the safe storage of medicines should this be required. There is a lockable cupboard for the safe storage of hazardous substances.  There are systems in place to record the necessary health and safety checks. This means that the proprietor can have oversight in order to hold the school accountable.  The proprietor and director of education are convincing when describing how and when they intend to conduct safeguarding monitoring activities that will hold the proposed school to account for implementing of the guidance set out in ‘Keeping children safe in education’. They provided a convincing account of how and when they

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Main inspection findings

intend to monitor the arrangements for safeguarding in the proposed school.  The proprietor has ensured that there will be an effective recording system in place to report safeguarding concerns. Appointed staff have completed necessary safeguarding training so that they have the skills and knowledge to keep pupils safe.  There is a suitable behaviour policy and anti-bullying strategy. Staff spoken to during the inspection understand the agreed procedures and how to implement these policies. The proprietor has purchased software to keep records of any misbehaviour or sanctions.  The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for the intended premises of the school. A fire risk assessment was completed in April 2024. Fire safety equipment is installed around the building and is checked regularly. Fire doors, external lighting and the fire alarm are checked and

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Main inspection findings

recorded routinely.  There is a first-aid policy. It provides appropriate guidance for staff to administer first aid. Staff have received first-aid training as part of their induction. First-aid boxes are well stocked.  There is an electronic admissions register. Leaders understand how to maintain the school’s admission and attendance registers. The director of education has significant experience working with commissioning bodies and ensuring that the admission process considers pupils’ SEND. The proprietor, headteacher and staff who will be managing the admissions and attendance registers understand the legislative requirements set out in ‘Working together to improve pupils’ attendance’.  The proprietor has appointed sufficient staff for the effective supervision of pupils during the school day and at social times. There is already a timetable in place. Leaders know that this may need to be amended to take account of before- and after-

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Main inspection findings

school supervision.  These standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 16  The proprietor has ensured that there is a risk assessment policy.  During this pre-registration inspection, the proprietor did not have sufficient oversight of risk assessments. There are a range of risk assessments in place. However, some of these lack detail. For example, some do not state the measures that the proposed school intends to implement to mitigate risk as set out in the school’s policy.  The newly appointed director of education has a strong understanding of the requirements for risk assessments. However, there has not been enough time to make changes and have an impact.  This standard is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.  Overall, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18–21  There is a single central record (SCR) in place. It includes the staff that have been appointed. Leaders do not intend to use supply staff. However, staff responsible for recruitment understand the checks that they would need to apply if supply staff were used.  The newly appointed director of education has strong skills and knowledge. She will provide regular checks on the SCR on behalf of the proprietor. She has a strong understanding of safer recruitment processes as set out in statutory guidance. Therefore, there is capacity to monitor recruitment checks and their recording on the SCR.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31  The proprietor has recently constructed a medical room. This has a sink and a toilet close by.  The building is in good order. Classrooms and breakout rooms are newly decorated and well lit. Acoustics in all rooms are suitable. Emergency lighting is in place. External lighting is provided to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises. Windows are double-glazed. The proprietor has fitted restrictors on all windows for pupils’ safety.  The multipurpose classroom for science and design and technology is now furnished and has suitable storage for tools. The kitchen area is fitted with ovens and hobs. There is lockable storage for knives. Hot water in the kitchen area does not present a scalding risk.  Drinking-water is readily available from the mains supply and labelled clearly.  There are sufficient toilets for pupils, staff and visitors. Hot water in washbasins does

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Main inspection findings

not present a scalding risk.  There are no showers on site. The proprietor does not intend for pupils to have PE on site. The proprietor has arranged for PE provision at local facilities where showers are available.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 25, 29  There is insufficient space for recreation for the number of pupils that the proprietor intends to admit. The very small area at the back of the premises has restricted access and is not suitable for wheelchair users. The area to the side is suitable for wheelchair users and is big enough to house one piece of equipment, for example a table tennis table or a bench for up to six pupils. The proprietor has cordoned off a five metres by five metres space with fencing at the front of the premises. This area is suitable for a maximum of eight pupils. There is artificial grass but no furniture or resources.  The day before the inspection, the proprietor secured the use of a large field across

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Main inspection findings

the road from the proposed school for recreational purposes. At the point of this pre- registration inspection, there was no risk assessment in place for this recreational space and it was not included in the supervision rota for the school.  The front of the proposed school site remains open to a busy road. There are double yellow lines on both sides of the road. At a previous pre-registration inspection for this site in July 2024, the proprietor was in the process of seeking advice about the parking and turning area that will be required so that school transport can drop off pupils safely on the forecourt of the school site. The forecourt has shared access with a neighbouring property. Some necessary meetings with relevant bodies and persons to secure agreement about the proposed layout of the front of the school are yet to take place. At the point of this pre-registration inspection, plans were not finalised.

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Main inspection findings

 A risk assessment relating to the forecourt was updated during this pre-registration inspection and a visual plan drawn up to consider parking and turning on the site. However, the inspector found inconsistencies in the content of these documents.  These standards are unlikely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The proposed school has a website. It is easy to navigate for parents. For example, it includes policies describing the school’s approach to managing behaviour, reducing bullying and admission arrangements and the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy.  Arrangements are in place to provide registered parents with an annual written report of their child’s progress and attainment in the main subject areas taught.  Contact details for the proprietor and headteacher are on the website. Information about the newly formed governing body will be published on the website.  A record of the number of complaints is now on the website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The complaints policy sets out clearly the timescales in which complaints will be dealt with. This includes ensuring that complaints can be considered on an informal basis at

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Main inspection findings

the first stage.  The complaints policy sets out how complaints can be considered on a formal basis. This includes a panel hearing if a parent is not satisfied. Leaders know that it is a requirement for one member of any panel hearing to be independent of the management of the school and that a parent can be accompanied at a hearing should they wish.  Leaders know to store records of complaints and any actions taken securely.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has not ensured that some of the standards in parts 3 and 5 are likely to be met. The arrangements for the safe entry and exit of pupils from the premises and school transport are not finalised. This could compromise pupils’ safety and well- being.  The proprietor has recently employed a director of education to increase the accountability structures in the proposed school. The new incumbent has significant prior experience in commissioning arrangements for pupils with SEND and a strong understanding of the statutory requirements that are set out in the standards. However, she has only been in post for two weeks. There has not been enough time to support leaders in the school to have the necessary impact.  There is a chair of governors in place. The proprietor intends to recruit more governors should the proposed school be registered.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that there will be child protection arrangements in place that are in line with current legislation. The proprietor is committed to achieving a positive and open culture of safeguarding.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is an accessibility plan in place. The school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 25 14

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recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  The proprietor has fenced off an area for recreation at the front of the premises. This area is approximately five metres by five metres. It is too small to allow for recreation for the number of pupils the proposed school intends to admit. This area is only suitable for up to eight pupils. There is no outdoor furniture or play equipment. At the back of the premises, there are two small, enclosed areas. One is a very small semi-circular area. Its access is narrow and not suitable for wheelchair users. The other area is suitable for wheelchair users and is big enough to house one piece of equipment, for example a table tennis table or a bench for up to six pupils. This limits the number to a maximum of 14.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 25

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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 0 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor of this proposed school is Mentoring, Information, Advice and Guidance (MIAG) Independent Schools LTD. The chair of the proprietor board also operates MIAG Limited and MIAG Education LTD. MIAG Education LTD operates three unregistered alternative provisions: The Beeches at Brislington, Failand Forest School and Hawthorns Farm.  MIAG Independent Schools LTD has applied to register a school at this address previously. Therefore, this was the second pre-registration inspection at this address.  The proposed school is located in between residential houses on a main road outside Bath. There is an area in front of the school that the proprietor intends to use both for pupils’ recreation and as an area for taxis to drop off pupils at the school. At this pre- registration inspection, the plans for safe entry and egress to the school were not finalised. The site is open to the main road.  The school intends to admit pupils with a range of complex SEND, including pupils with

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Information about this proposed school

moderate learning difficulties, autism and/or social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have an EHC plan.  The leadership structure has changed recently. There is now a director of education who has oversight of this proposed school and other MIAG settings. The proposed school is expected to operate with a governing body. A chair of governors has already been appointed.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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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. The inspector checked all relevant standards, including parts 1 to 8.  This is the second pre-registration inspection at this address.  There was a previous pre-registration in July 2024 at this address. At this inspection, the proposed school was unlikely to meet some of the standards in parts 3, 5, 7 and 8.  The inspector evaluated a range of evidence, including policies and plans relating to each part of the standards. The inspector scrutinised health and safety documentation, including the safeguarding and child protection policy. The inspector checked the school’s staff recruitment and vetting processes and the SCR.  The inspector met with the proprietor, chair of governors, director of education and headteacher to establish the accountability structures that they plan to implement. In

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Information about this inspection

addition, the inspector held a telephone conversation with the director of education.  The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed site with the proprietor and headteacher to evaluate the suitability of the school’s premises for the purposes of being an independent special school.

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Inspection team

Julie Carrington, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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. 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

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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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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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