Sycamore Meadow Outdoor Learning Centre

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Sycamore Meadow Outdoor Learning Centre Draycott Cross, Cheadle, The Sycamores, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 2NT

p.1

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(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school intends to open to provide education for pupils with autism. All pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The proposed school has put in place a well-considered curriculum that ensures pupils will have a broad education. The curriculum ensures that there are opportunities for pupils to develop their linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative education. The proprietor has added two additional strands of vocational and enrichment learning. Pupils will be able to gain vocational skills that will support them in the future. The curriculum meets the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards).  Curriculum plans are in place for each subject. Leaders have ensured that the plans

p.1

Main inspection findings

are detailed. The plans carefully identify the sequenced steps of learning that pupils need to help them to achieve the planned objectives. Plans are appropriate for all intended year groups. The curriculum has considerations in place for the planned age ranges of pupils in the school.  Through the admissions and induction process, the proprietor intends to ensure that all staff have a comprehensive understanding of the pupils new to the school. This includes a thorough EHC plan ‘dissection’ and a comprehensive baseline of the pupils. Through this, the proposed school intends to construct individualised programmes of learning and therapeutic needs for each pupil.  The school has put in place a validated phonics scheme for pupils at the early stages of reading. All staff across the company have been trained in this approach, and leaders plan to ensure that all newly appointed staff will receive the same training.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Reading books have been purchased to support the phonics scheme. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The scheme of work for personal, social and health education (PSHE) includes relationships and sex education (RSE). Specific topics include healthy relationships, personal safety and consent. The proprietor intends to consult with parents and carers during the induction process about the content of the proposed RSE curriculum. The school intends to offer high-quality careers education for all pupils. The school will measure itself against the Gatsby benchmarks.  The PSHE curriculum is well adapted to the age ranges and needs of the pupils at the proposed school. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j), 4  There is a comprehensive training package in place for all staff. This includes training on pedagogical approaches, staff subject knowledge and specific training relevant to the pupils’ needs. The proprietor plans to give staff time to receive training before

p.1

Main inspection findings

opening the school to pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that all leaders and staff have relevant experience and understanding of working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff have significant experience of working in special schools. They show a secure understanding of how teaching should be adapted to meet pupils’ needs.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The curriculum makes provision for promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Along with the PSHE education curriculum, the school intends to enrich these aspects of the curriculum through a range of wider opportunities, planned throughout the year.  The PSHE curriculum includes coverage of fundamental British values and the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. Opportunities to discuss and

p.2

Main inspection findings

debate topical issues are planned through the ‘Let’s CHAT’ (consistency, humility, authenticity and transparency) sessions.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has written a safeguarding and child protection policy that reflects the most recent statutory guidance. It details the arrangements for making local authority referrals specific to the school’s location. The policy is available on the school’s website.  The proprietor has detailed induction systems in place for all new staff. This includes training in first aid, safeguarding and in regard to the ‘Prevent’ duty. When the new headteacher is appointed, they will be named as the designated safeguarding lead. A deputy designated safeguarding lead will also be appointed.  The proprietor intends to use ‘safeguarding snippets’ with all staff to keep all staff

p.2

Main inspection findings

abreast of safeguarding issues and updates. These will allow staff to look at different scenarios and consider their responses as appropriate.  The proprietor is planning to use an electronic system for staff to record concerns about pupils’ welfare. Executive leaders will be able to access these records to monitor leaders’ actions. Paragraphs 9 to 9(c), 10  The school has a behaviour and anti-bullying policy that details the school’s approach to managing behaviour incidents. Leaders are aware that pupils may arrive at the school after periods of interrupted schooling. The school’s behaviour policy is clear and reflects the needs of the pupils at the school. Leaders have ensured that the policy focuses on reinforcing positive messages and praises good behaviour, in addition to identifying clear sanctions.  There is a system in place to record any incidents of poor behaviour. School and executive leaders plan to regularly review the incidents to identify any patterns and

p.3

Main inspection findings

trends. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The proposed school has ensured that suitable policies for health and safety, fire safety, first aid and risk assessing are in place. The proprietor employs external companies to carry out the relevant checks on the building’s safety and suitability. This includes checks on water supplies, electrics, fire safety and external grounds.  Leaders have ensured that appropriate safety equipment is in place and maintained regularly and to an appropriate standard, for example first aid kits and fire extinguishers.  Leaders intend that the proposed school will be staffed to a high level. They will ensure that there is a high ratio of staff to pupils. The school plans to increase pupil numbers gradually, to ensure pupils settle well. The plans to supervise pupils seem well considered and appropriate.  Leaders have established suitable electronic admission and attendance registers to

p.3

Main inspection findings

record the information needed as pupils join the school.  The proprietor has written a suitable risk assessment policy. A risk assessment for the premises is appropriate. Control measures are appropriate to minimise risk.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are 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), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  The proprietor ensures that recruitment processes are thorough and bespoke to the needs of the school. For example, interview questions reflect the potential needs that the pupils in the school may have. Appropriate recruitment checks are recorded on the school’s single central record.  Leaders do not intend to make use of supply staff at the school. However, they are knowledgeable about the procedures to follow should they wish to use supply staff in

p.3

Main inspection findings

the future.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(2)  The proprietor has commissioned and overseen a complete refurbishment of the proposed school building. The building is a two-storey house that has been adapted to provide an office, a medical room, a kitchen that can be used to teach cooking, a shared communal space and several classrooms. There is a toilet for the sole use of pupils. The building is finished to a high standard. All rooms are well-presented and are fit for purpose.  There is outdoor space that is suitable for pupils to play outside. However, due to recent floods the ground was muddy, with some areas of limited drainage. This was identified in the health and safety audit carried out by an external provider. The proprietor has acted on the recommendation to put bark down to address the issue.

p.4

Main inspection findings

The proprietor intends to monitor these areas and plans to put further drainage in place, if the issues persist.  There is a shower and a changing area for use by the pupils. The proprietor intends for physical education to be delivered at a local leisure centre. This centre has been visited and risk assessed by leaders.  All rooms have natural light and are maintained to a high standard. The furnishings, acoustics and heating are appropriate. Drinking water is available and is appropriately labelled.  The proposed school has a medical room that is situated in the headteacher’s office. It contains a bed and a washing facility and is close to a toilet. There is a lockable cabinet to store medication.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b),

p.4

Main inspection findings

32(3)(c) to 32(4)(c)  The school has published a website. It provides parents with the required information, including the necessary policies and contact details of the proprietor during term-time and holidays.  Leaders have put in place an annual written report format to share information about pupils’ progress with parents. The school will provide parents with two reports a year on pupils’ attainment, progress, attitudes to learning, behaviour and attendance.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy is in writing and is published on the website. The proprietor has ensured that the policy is clear and contains information about how to raise a complaint, as well as the timescales associated with each stage of the complaints process.  Leaders have put in place a system for recording and analysing complaints and

p.4

Main inspection findings

concerns.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(2)  The proprietor has a clear and ambitious vision for the school. All staff understand the needs of the pupils with autism. Leaders and staff have a wealth of experience from working with pupils with SEND and to ensure that everyone shares this expertise.  Leaders have effective quality assurance systems in place to ensure that their vision for the school is being enacted.  The proprietor has a secure understanding of the independent school standards and has systems in place to ensure that they would be consistently met if the school opens.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan in place that

p.5

Main inspection findings

meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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

Email address jonny@woodsidelodgeolc.co.uk

p.7

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 19 8 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 10 10

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 10

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 10

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 10

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 10

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 7

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to offer specialist provision for pupils with autism between the ages of eight and 19. It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan funded by Staffordshire local authority.  The proposed school will have a sole proprietor.  The proprietor intends to grow pupil numbers gradually.  The proposed school does not plan to use alternative provision.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. It was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the director of education and the director of schools.  The inspector considered a range of documents provided by the proprietor, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school curriculum.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including the outside space.  During the inspection the proprietor contacted the DfE to change the name on the application from The Sycamores to Sycamore Meadow Outdoor Learning Centre. This was agreed by the DfE.

p.10

Inspection team

Eve Morris, 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.10

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.11

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.11

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. 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-

p.11

Inspection team

government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

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

p.11

Inspection team

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

p.11