Physis Academy

School material change inspection report

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Physis Academy P.O. Box 179, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 1QR

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  There is a safeguarding policy in place that adheres to current government guidance, as issued by the Secretary of State. It is published on the school’s website. The school provides parents and carers with a copy of the policy on request.  The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is suitably trained and knowledgeable in all safeguarding matters. There are two additional DSL trained staff. Protocols in place for staff recruitment and staff induction are clear.  School leaders have a strong understanding of how to keep pupils safe. Staff record concerns in a timely manner. Records show that leaders respond swiftly when concerns are raised. They refer to external agencies when appropriate and liaise with them closely to ensure that pupils are given appropriate support. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16(a), 16(b)  A health and safety policy is in place. It is suitable and fit for purpose. The school

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Main inspection findings

liaises well with external consultants to help them carry out the required checks. Appropriate risk assessments for the premises have been completed and emerging recommendations acted on.  The school’s written risk assessment policy is implemented well. The school has carried out several risk assessments to ensure that risks to pupils and staff are reduced. For example, there is a detailed risk assessment completed for all pupils attending the school.  Appropriate supervision of all pupils has been arranged. The current staffing structure ensures that pupils’ needs are adequately met. There are appropriate plans to increase staffing levels to accommodate the proposed higher pupil numbers.  The school has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) to 20(6)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The school completes the required pre-employment checks on all new staff. They make sure that all staff are suitable to work with children. Checks on school leaders, proprietors and governors have been carried out to ensure that they have not been barred from running a school.  The school completes relevant overseas checks on any staff who have worked or lived outside of the United Kingdom.  The school has a clear understanding of the documentation required and checks they must complete when they use supply teachers.  These checks are all completed before an individual begins working at the school. Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(7)(b)  The school operates an online single central record. The register meets the requirements of the independent school standards. It includes all staff, proprietors and governors and is checked by leaders on a regular basis.  The school goes above and beyond to check that all staff continue to be suitable to

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Main inspection findings

work in their school by completing additional checks on them throughout the school year.  The school has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material changes are granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 25, 26, 27(a), 27(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school proposes to move to a new building, a few minutes’ drive away from their current location. The new premises consists of a three-storey building and an outbuilding. There is ample space outside for pupils to play and for pupils to do physical education.  The premises are in a good state of repair. The proposed new site would provide suitable accommodation for the extra pupils the school wishes to admit.  The new premises have recently been refurbished to a high standard. They include suitable classrooms, breakout spaces, a science laboratory, an art room, an information and communication technology suite, cooking facilities, a large hall and a hair and beauty salon. All teaching rooms will have a good source of natural light and suitable acoustics. There will be appropriate external lighting.

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Main inspection findings

 The new premises will have appropriate and sufficient toilets and suitable washing facilities with running hot and cold water for pupils.  The site will also benefit from suitable shower and changing facilities. They are sufficiently generous to accommodate the proposed extra pupils. Paragraph 24(1), to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The new premises has a dedicated medical room. It has running water and is located near to a toilet facility. It includes a foldable bed and appropriate first-aid equipment. Paragraph 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to drinking water in the kitchen. The proprietor also supplies bottled drinking water for pupils. Plans are in place to install water fountains for pupils to use in the new premises.  The toilet facilities are appropriate. There is safe access to hot water which does not pose a risk of scalding.  The school has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders have secure knowledge of the independent school standards and how to meet them consistently and continually over time. They have used their skills and knowledge to propose this expansion to increase the number of admitted pupils and change school premises to accommodate this increase. Together, they have devised clear plans and policies for this expansion and plan to employ more staff as the school grows.  The proprietor, along with the director and headteacher, demonstrate suitable knowledge, skills and expertise as well as high ambitions for every pupil. They are committed to providing a strong quality of education and pastoral care to vulnerable pupils with a range of special needs.  Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to actively promote pupils’ well-being and welfare as well as their safety.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in scope for this

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Main inspection findings

inspection are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are approved.

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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 changes.

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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 changes 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £45,042 to £56,422

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 21 to 23 November 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 11 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 45 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 9 45 Number of part-time pupils 2 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 9 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 3 45

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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 3 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 17 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 5

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Information about this school

 Physis Academy is an independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is part of the Physis Group (GB) Limited.  The school provides education for girls who have been victims of trauma. Some pupils have an education, health and care plan. Many live in the company’s care homes.  Pupils are referred to the school by a range of local authorities.  The school uses four unregistered alternative providers to support their curriculum offer.  The school’s last standard inspection was in November 2023, when it was judged to be good.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to establish whether the school would be likely to meet all of the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material changes to increase the number of pupils on roll from 11 to 45 and a move to new premises were to be implemented.  The school is proposing to move to larger premises, near the town of Whitchurch.  This was the first material change inspection since the school’s previous standard inspection.  The inspection focused on some of the welfare, health and safety standards in part 3; all of the standards in part 4 for the suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors; all of the standards in part 5 for premises and accommodation and the standards in part 8 for the quality of leadership in and management of schools.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the proprietor, the company’s director and the safeguarding officer for the company.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector toured the proposed new school site with the headteacher and safeguarding officer.  The inspector scrutinised documents relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The inspector reviewed safeguarding documents.

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Inspection team

Bianka Zemke, 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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