Compass Community School Boleyn Park

School material change inspection report

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Compass Community School Boleyn Park 8 Trinity Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7PU

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school has a well-developed safeguarding policy that follows statutory guidance and takes a proactive approach to pupil welfare. Safeguarding arrangements for the proposed expansion are carefully planned. A trained designated safeguarding lead will always be present on each site, with support from external experts and clear reporting processes. Staff training includes a full induction, regular meetings and ongoing supervision to maintain high standards. Information-sharing and record-keeping are well established, with clear processes to track concerns, audit records and identify trends. The school has also assessed potential safeguarding risks linked to expansion, such as site security and online safety, and has put clear measures in place to protect pupils. Paragraph 11  The health and safety policy is clear and meets statutory requirements. It sets out

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Main inspection findings

responsibilities for staff, the governing body, and leaders. Staff complete training through an online platform and in-school sessions to help them respond to issues. Accidents are recorded centrally and reviewed to identify patterns and prevent future incidents. Equipment is checked regularly, with visual inspections by trained staff and testing by certified professionals to ensure compliance. Paragraph 12  A fire risk assessment initially identified issues at the proposed additional premises, including an insufficient fire alarm system, deficient compartmentation and non- compliant fire doors. Since then, the school has rectified issues, including replacing fire doors, installing contrasting stair nosings and having a certified fire alarm system fitted. Though the required made-to-measure fire-resistant glazing is on order and expected to be installed within six weeks, a certified professional has signed off the

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Main inspection findings

premises as being compliant. This is based on the presence of sufficient evacuation procedures, competent staff trained in fire safety and the fact that the premises is not used for accommodation. Paragraph 14  The school has carefully planned pupil supervision on its current site and will apply these arrangements to the proposed site. A teacher, a higher-level teaching assistant and a teaching assistant staff each class. Additional staff support can be provided based on pupils' needs, ensuring the school remains a safe and supportive environment. Leaders knowingly manage their schedules to ensure one is always available for potential crisis situations.  Break and lunchtime supervision is well-organised, with staggered staff schedules and a strong emphasis on staff modelling positive behaviours to help pupils develop socially. As the school looks to expand to two sites, pupils and staff will need to move

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Main inspection findings

between them more frequently during the day. To support this, clear routines and risk assessments are in place to ensure pupils' safety while crossing the road, interacting with the public and travelling in school vehicles. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school has a strong risk assessment policy, with reviews and updates at least once a half-term or after significant incidents. Risk assessments are created collaboratively to gather different perspectives and increase ownership. Leaders incorporate findings from child-focused meetings and safety specialists into their reviews. Staff are kept well-informed about risk assessments and control measures, with key information shared through daily and weekly briefings.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1) to 18(3), 19(2) to 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(b)(iii), 21(1) to 21(8)

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Main inspection findings

 The school ensures that all necessary checks are carried out on staff, leaders, governors and members of the proprietor body before they begin work. These checks include verifying identity, confirming the right to work in the UK, reviewing criminal record history and carrying out further checks for anyone who has lived overseas. Leaders also review previous employment history and update criminal record checks regularly to ensure ongoing suitability.  A single central record is maintained with details of all staff checks, which is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy and compliance. Leaders meet weekly with the central recruitment team to monitor processes and discuss any updates or concerns. Staff involved in hiring decisions complete appropriate training to support safe and effective recruitment practices.  Clear procedures are in place for managing supply staff. The school works with trusted agencies and reviews profiles before confirming appointments. On arrival, identity and

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Main inspection findings

criminal record details are checked, and records are updated to ensure all required information is in place.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(2), 25 to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school building has been designed to provide a calm and focused learning environment. Acoustic panelling helps to reduce noise levels, aiding pupils’ concentration during lessons. Lighting is appropriate for all activities, with external lighting in place to allow safe entry and exit from the premises. To support privacy and minimise distractions, frosted film has been applied to the windows, preventing pupils from being disturbed by movement outside.  The additional facilities in the proposed school building have been designed with current and future pupils in mind. For example, the sensory room includes soft

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Main inspection findings

lighting, vibrant fibre optic displays, a light box, soothing sounds and tactile surfaces designed to help pupils relax and regulate their emotions.  Essential facilities are well provided for throughout the school. Drinking water stations are clearly marked and easily accessible, allowing pupils to refill their bottles throughout the day. Toilets are lockable for privacy, with separate facilities for boys and girls. There is a reliable supply of hot and cold water, with temperature controls in place to prevent scalding. The first-aid room is well-stocked and includes changing and showering facilities, ensuring pupils’ medical and personal care needs can be met. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The outdoor space offers a variety of opportunities for exercise and play. Facilities include a nest swing, climbing frame, football goal and a ‘tipping point’ game. There is also a covered area to support pupils with accessing the outdoors during inclement

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Main inspection findings

weather. While the space is well-equipped, the school has processes in place to enhance its physical education programme through off-site visits, ensuring pupils have access to a wider range of sports and activities.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  There is a clear structure of accountability, strategic oversight and a commitment to continuous improvement. Leaders effectively utilise expertise from across the wider organisation, including professionals in education, psychology and children's social care, to strengthen decision-making and drive school improvement.  Governance is proactive, with regular meetings that ensure transparency, challenge and informed decision-making, particularly in areas such as curriculum development, safeguarding and staff training.

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Main inspection findings

 The introduction of structured professional development opportunities, such as ‘leadership clinics’ and subject-specific collaboration, reflects a strong culture of ongoing learning and support.  The commitment to high expectations, fair accountability and the careful monitoring of school standards ensures that pupils receive high-quality provision tailored to their academic and well-being needs.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school's accessibility plan shows a commitment to inclusivity. It focuses on curriculum access, physical environment improvements, and accessible communication for disabled pupils. The plan outlines key priorities, but some targets are not specific or measurable. Leaders aim to review and update the plan before the school expands. They intend to consider the views of pupils, parents and staff, as well as ensure the

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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 change.

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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 change 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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Website www.compass- schools.org/schools/public/boleyn-park Email address chelle.booth@compass-schools.org

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 13 to 15 June 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 8 to 18 8 to 18 Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 5 24 Not applicable

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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 5 24

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 5 24

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 5 24

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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 5 24

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 6

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A N/A

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Information about this school

 The school opened in September 2022. It is run by Compass Community Schools Limited.  The current school address is 8 Trinity Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7PU and the address of the proposed additional school site is 258 Westborough Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 9PT.  The school’s most recent standard inspection took place in June 2023. The school was judged to be good for its overall effectiveness and the independent school standards were met.  The school primarily serves pupils with autism spectrum disorder, moderate learning difficulties and severe learning difficulties, though it is not limited to these needs. Most pupils have an education, health, and care plan. Many have experienced significant disruptions to their formal education or faced barriers to engagement before joining the school. Local authorities commission pupils’ places at the school.  The annual fees listed are a guide and may vary depending on the individual needs of

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Information about this school

each pupil. Additional costs may apply for therapeutic services, specialist support or other tailored interventions required in an effort to ensure the best possible provision for each pupil.  The proprietor body delegate some functions to a governing body to monitor aspects of school performance.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned this material change inspection in response to the school’s application to increase its pupil capacity from 5 to 24 and to operate as a split-site school. This was the school’s first material change inspection for the proposed expansion.  The inspector evaluated the school's compliance in key areas, including safeguarding and staff recruitment, health and safety arrangements, the quality of leadership and management and the suitability of the premises.  The inspector met with leaders, including the headteacher, senior director of education services, deputy director of education, the incumbent chief executive officer and the incoming chief executive officer.  The inspector scrutinised documentation, including policies, risk assessments and minutes of meetings, along with touring the school site. The inspector also scrutinised the school’s single central record of recruitment and vetting checks.

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Inspection team

Daniel Short, 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 children looked after, 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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