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(1) to (2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(2), 3 to 4  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to educate pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  During the initial admissions process, staff will complete an ‘individual needs assessment’ for each pupil. This will determine which learning pathway pupils will follow. Additionally, each pupil will have a personalised learning plan. These will include targets and support strategies to meet pupils’ specific needs. The school intends to provide additional interventions and therapies to help pupils overcome any barriers to their learning.  The proprietor has prepared a curriculum policy. It specifies that the school aims to instil a love of learning in all pupils. Pupils will study a broad range of subjects that

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Main inspection findings

include the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). Schemes of work are well-considered. They outline the sequences of learning, and the important knowledge and vocabulary pupils will learn. Draft timetables show how staff will implement the curriculum for pupils from Years 7 to 11. They provide sufficient time for pupils to develop a deep body of knowledge in each subject.  Leaders anticipate that some pupils may have gaps in their knowledge and understanding. The school places sufficient importance on teaching reading, writing and mathematics. It has purchased a phonics programme. This is likely to help pupils to learn to read successfully.  The curriculum shows how pupils will have the opportunity to gain accreditations and qualifications. These include academic qualifications, such as functional skills and GCSEs, and a range of vocational courses, including hospitality, sports and leisure.

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Main inspection findings

 The school intends to provide pupils with personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and relationships and sex education (RSE). The scheme of work clarifies how pupils of different age groups will build their knowledge year after year. Specific topics include keeping healthy, discrimination, puberty and mental health. The headteacher intends to consult with parents during the induction process about the content of the proposed RSE curriculum.  The proprietor has recruited a director of education, a headteacher and qualified teachers. Together, they exhibit a strong understanding of how to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. A rigorous quality assurance cycle, consisting of subject reviews, will ensure that the curriculum is taught to a consistently high standard.  The school intends to offer a comprehensive careers education programme as part of the PSHE curriculum. For example, pupils will receive impartial advice and attend

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Main inspection findings

options events. In Year 11, pupils will take part in work experience.  Teachers will use a coherent framework to check that pupils acquire the knowledge and skills set out in the curriculum. For example, they will complete ‘end of block’ assessments and a termly tracking document to capture what pupils know and remember. Teachers will adapt schemes of work and use strategies to plan learning that builds on what pupils already know. High staff-to-pupil ratios will allow staff to provide personalised feedback in lessons so that pupils can progress.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have carefully considered pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, assemblies and whole-school events, such as Black History

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Main inspection findings

Month and African drumming workshops, will add to pupils’ cultural awareness. Through local trips and visits, pupils will explore themes of diversity and differences. These and other experiences will give pupils the chance to be active and responsible citizens.  A well-considered tutoring programme will enable pupils to learn about fundamental British values, anti-bullying, human rights and online safety. The curriculum aims to build an understanding of tolerance and respect, including for those with characteristics that are protected by law. Furthermore, the school intends to provide pupils with individual or small group mentoring with specialist staff to aid their social and emotional learning.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 9(a) to 16(b)  Comprehensive safeguarding arrangements are in place for the proposed school. The

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding and child protection policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance. The policy is available on the school’s website. Existing staff have been trained on the school’s procedures to keep pupils safe. New staff will complete a thorough induction programme before working with pupils. This will include how to report concerns and manage allegations against staff.  The school proposes to use an electronic system to record concerns about pupils’ welfare and safety. The system will include an individual chronology for each pupil. The proprietor and leaders will use this information to monitor safeguarding incidents closely.  The school has developed behaviour and anti-bullying policies. Its approach will focus on building strong relationships and positive social interactions. It is clear how the school expects pupils to behave and the strategies it proposes to implement to tackle bullying and misbehaviour. Leaders plan to celebrate and reward positive behaviour

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Main inspection findings

that aligns with the school’s values.  An electronic system has been purchased to record incidents of poor behaviour and sanctions imposed for serious misbehaviour. This should enable leaders to track patterns and respond appropriately to emerging needs. Physical restraint will be a last resort and part of a staged approach to managing pupils’ behaviour. Leaders intend to train staff in this approach.  The proprietor has the necessary policies in place to meet health and safety requirements. Appointed staff have completed a suite of training as part of their induction, including working at heights and food preparation.  A fire risk assessment has been carried out. The premises complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor has created a programme of checks to reduce the risk of fire. For example, a dedicated staff member checks fire extinguishers routinely and performs weekly fire alarms tests. Leaders intend to hold

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Main inspection findings

regular fire drills for staff and pupils.  An appropriate first-aid policy is in place. Several staff have already been trained in administering first aid. Medicines will be kept in a lockable cabinet in the medical room. The school has appointed a member of staff to carry out frequent checks on the content of first-aid boxes.  The school has set up an electronic attendance register to record and monitor pupils’ attendance. Staff who oversee admissions and attendance understand the latest statutory guidance.  The proprietor has secured sufficient staffing to ensure high staff-to-pupil ratios. A staffing rota shows how adults will supervise pupils closely and greet them when they arrive each morning. Where necessary, the school plans to write individualised risk assessments for pupils once they are admitted.  At the previous pre-registration inspection in October 2024, paragraph 16 of this part was judged as not likely to be met. Since then, the proprietor has commissioned an

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Main inspection findings

external expert to review the school’s risk assessments. Risk assessments viewed are suitable. They show how the proprietor has considered control measures to minimise risks that could arise from the nearby main road and car park. Leaders intend to use the same detailed template to create further risk assessments, including for off-site shower facilities.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) 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(5)(c), 21(6) to 21(6)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that a single central record (SCR) is in place. The school has already carried out checks on appointed staff, members of the proprietor body and governors.  Those responsible for maintaining the SCR understand the required checks that they

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Main inspection findings

must complete before employment commences. These include the right to work in the UK and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Prohibition checks have been completed for all teaching staff. At the time of the pre-registration inspection, some support staff working in a teaching capacity had not been checked. The proprietor will ensure that these checks are completed if the school is permitted to open.  The director of education plans to monitor the SCR regularly to ensure that it meets requirements.  Leaders do not intend to employ agency staff to work at the school. However, they know the necessary checks to carry out if they need to.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b), 31  The proposed school will occupy a three-storey building formerly used as offices. It is

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Main inspection findings

located in between residential houses on a main road outside Bath. The school shares the forecourt entrance with a neighbouring property. An agreement between the school and neighbours shows how all parties will facilitate safe arrival and departure of the premises during the school day.  The school building is maintained to a high standard. There are three classrooms, a design technology and science room, an open-plan kitchen area and a small breakout space on the ground floor. There is lockable storage for knives and tools. A further large classroom and staffroom are located on the first floor. The headteacher’s office is on the top floor. The spaces are suitable for educating the proposed number of pupils.  Classrooms and breakout spaces are well lit for the activities that will take place. Acoustic panels have been added to classrooms with high ceilings. All windows have locks and are fitted with restrictors for pupils’ safety.

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Main inspection findings

 A dedicated medical room is in place. It has a bed, appropriate washing facilities and is close to a toilet. The proprietor has installed a lockable cabinet to store medication.  The school has separate toilets for pupils, staff and visitors. Hot water does not scald. Pupils will have access to drinking-water throughout the day from a mains supply.  The school has three outdoor places for pupils to socialise at break times. The proprietor has purchased picnic benches and a basketball hoop for pupils to use. Outdoor spaces are small but suitable for up to 14 pupils aged 11 to 16.  At the second pre-registration inspection, the proprietor had secured the use of a large field across the road from the proposed school for recreational purposes. However, there was no risk assessment in place for this space and it was not included in the supervision rota for the school. Since then, the proprietor has written a

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Main inspection findings

comprehensive risk assessment, including how staff will supervise pupils when crossing the road. It shows how the school has taken steps to mitigate any risks. Consequently, this requirement is now likely to be met.  The school does not have any showers on site. It intends for physical education to take place off site at local sports facilities. Showers and changing facilities will be available at these sites for pupils to use.  At the second pre-registration inspection, the proprietor had not secured the entrance to the forecourt. This posed a risk to pupils. This part of the standard was judged as not likely to be met. Since then, the proprietor has installed wooden gates to secure entrance to the forecourt and reviewed arrival and departure transport arrangements and associated risks. These show how the school will stagger the start and end of day procedures to prioritise pupils’ safety. For example, only two cars will be permitted to

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Main inspection findings

enter the forecourt at any one time. A member of staff will control the gates to prevent pupils from leaving the school grounds unattended.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f) to (i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  The proposed school has published a website. It provides parents and carers with the relevant policies required to meet the standards, such as anti-bullying and health and safety. Parents will be able to request paper copies of any policy. The website contains the contact details of the headteacher, the chair of governors and the proprietor.  The school plans to provide parents with an annual written report on pupils’ attainment, progress, attitudes to learning, behaviour and attendance.  Leaders understand what needs to be provided to the local authority with respect to

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Main inspection findings

income and expenditure for pupils funded with an EHC plan.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  A copy of the complaints policy is available through the school website. It details clear timescales for managing any complaint, including how complaints can be considered initially on an informal basis.  The complaints policy specifies how a parent can request a panel hearing. 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 will keep records of any complaints received. These will be stored securely and made available for inspection.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. 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 positively addressed the standards that were unlikely to be met at the previous pre-registration inspection. This is reflected in the improved risk assessments, plans for the supervision of pupils and transport arrangements. The actions taken no longer compromise pupils’ safety and well-being.  The proprietor and those responsible for the leadership and management of the school demonstrate a clear mission for wanting to register as an independent school. They aim to create a culture where positive relationships exist and staff place safety, care and pupils’ well-being at the centre of all they do. The main commissioning local authority supports the registration of the proposed school. It has identified a need in the local area to reduce alternative learning packages for some of the most vulnerable pupils.  The director of education and the headteacher have knowledge and experience of

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Main inspection findings

how to cater for pupils with SEND, including autism. They are committed to providing a high-quality education for pupils. Work completed to date, including the development of curriculum arrangements, is effective.  The proprietor has formed a governing body to oversee the school’s work. This consists of a newly appointed safeguarding governor. The proprietor has systems for quality assurance to ensure that the school complies with the standards consistently. These include reviewing the headteacher’s report and focused visits to the school.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has written a suitable accessibility plan. The plan indicates how the school will consider access to the premises, the curriculum and school life for pupils with a disability. The school is likely to meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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n

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

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 14

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 14

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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 14

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 9

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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 Ltd 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 previously applied to register a school at this address. Therefore, this was the third pre-registration inspection at this address.  The school intends to admit pupils with a range of complex SEND, including pupils with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have an EHC plan.  The leadership structure includes a headteacher and a director of education who has oversight of this proposed school and other MIAG settings. The proposed school has a governing body.  The proprietor intends to grow pupil numbers gradually.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school does not plan to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned the inspection. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 to determine whether the proposed school will likely meet the standards if approved to open.  This was the third pre-registration inspection for the proposed school. There were previous pre-registration inspections in July 2024 and October 2024 at this address.  The inspector checked all relevant standards, including parts 1 to 8.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the chair of governors, the director of education, the headteacher and some teaching staff to discuss the proposed school.  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 reviewed and evaluated documents provided by the school, including

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Information about this inspection

the SCR, vetting processes and safeguarding information.  The inspector toured the school site to check the suitability and safety of the proposed premises. He reviewed the risk assessments carried out by the school and external specialists.

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Inspection team

Dale Burr, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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