Oak Cottage

School pre-registration inspection report

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Oak Cottage London Road, Allostock, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9LUT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(a), and 2A(1)(d) to 2(A)2  The proposed school intends to provide full-time education for pupils. It has designed a curriculum to meet pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  There is a clear curriculum policy. The proprietor intends that pupils will gain experience in linguistic, technological, human, social, aesthetic and creative subjects. The curriculum includes the full range of national curriculum subjects, including English, mathematics and science. Pupils at the early stages of reading will follow a recognised phonics programme.  The schemes of work show the knowledge and skills that the school intends to teach for the proposed age range of pupils. The school intends to personalise the curriculum. It plans to match approaches and topics to the individual interests,

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Main inspection findings

aptitudes and abilities of each pupil, who will all have SEND.  The proprietor places a strong emphasis on the development of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Leaders have also ensured that there is suitable provision for the development of pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.  Pupils’ PSHE education will be taught through timetabled lessons. Aspects of PSHE education will also be woven into the whole-school curriculum, including humanities and social well-being sessions. The development of pupils’ life skills and their emotional and well-being skills are considered an essential part of the curriculum by leaders. The topics to be covered are suitably wide ranging and include all of those that pay particular regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j)  The proprietor has already appointed some experienced staff to deliver the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum. The proprietor is in the process of recruiting others. Leaders have a clear idea of the calibre and expertise they are looking for in their new teachers and other staff.  Teaching in the proposed school is likely to enable pupils to make strong progress. Evidence from the school’s intended curriculum documents supports this. Staff will be expected to match their subject teaching strategies to pupils’ needs.  The school is well resourced, with a range of appropriate educational materials and equipment that will be appealing to the proposed age range of pupils. The school has installed a library, a role-play room and an outdoor learning area. Pupils will have access to computers.  In classrooms, furniture is of a high quality. Whiteboards are installed in each classroom. Plans are in place to install projectors in all classrooms. This work can be completed swiftly if the proposed school opens. In addition, some classrooms have

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Main inspection findings

been furnished with equipment and resources to support pupils’ additional sensory needs.  The proprietor and leaders are committed to providing a high-quality education for pupils. Their knowledge, skills and experience will enable them to guide and support teachers, so they can provide a suitable quality of education when the school opens. Paragraph 4  The proposed school has a suitable assessment policy in place. This sets out how staff will use information from a variety of assessments when pupils join the school. This is likely to help the school to plan pupils’ learning in detail. Staff will use continuous assessment of pupils’ learning to ensure that pupils make progress towards the targets in their education, health and care (EHC) plans.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s schemes of work indicate that pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is a thread that runs throughout the curriculum for the proposed provision. Pupils’ SMSC development is central to the school’s aims, policies and plans for enrichment activities. For example, proposed twice-weekly circle time sessions support this aim.  Curriculum plans also show that the active promotion of fundamental British values will be an important part of the school’s work. This includes values such as tolerance and respect, together with the development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of being a British citizen.  The proposed curriculum also shows how pupils will learn about different faiths, cultures and religions.  The proposed school intends to provide activities to support pupils’ social development

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Main inspection findings

such as outdoor learning in the local area. Leaders’ plans set out how pupils will contribute to their local and wider community through horticultural initiatives, for example, planting trees and growing vegetables at a nearby farm.  The proposed school’s policies include appropriate references to all the protected characteristics set out in legislation.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor and leaders have paid careful attention to the most current statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils. A suitable and up-to-date policy is in place. Leaders have introduced all the necessary arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the proposed school.  The proprietor has appointed a suitably qualified designated safeguarding lead (DSL). In addition, other senior staff have been trained to DSL level. Furthermore, all new staff will receive appropriate induction, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism, sexual exploitation, and online safety. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The proprietor has ensured that the policy on behaviour and the anti-bullying strategy pay appropriate attention to the needs of pupils likely to be admitted to the school. It is intended that any incidents of poor behaviour and any sanctions imposed on pupils

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Main inspection findings

will be recorded appropriately. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that suitable policies have been prepared for all the required aspects of health and safety, including fire safety. The proprietor has arranged for gas and electrical safety checks to be carried out by a competent person. The fire exits are clearly marked. Leaders have ensured that fire extinguishers are regularly serviced to ensure that they are in good condition.  The school’s projected staffing levels are sufficient to provide adequate supervision for pupils if the school opens to its maximum proposed capacity.  The proprietor has an appropriate first-aid policy in place. Several staff already appointed, have undergone first-aid training.  The proprietor has also ensured that detailed written risk assessments have been drawn up and appropriate actions have been taken to reduce identified risks. There are risk assessments in place to manage the risks associated with the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school’s location next to a busy road. This includes adequate risk assessments and appropriate supervision of pupils using transport to enter and exit the school site safely.  All of the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

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), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), and 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The single central record is in place and meets the requirements for the information it must contain. Leaders understand the need to complete all the required checks on the suitability of staff before they take up an appointment.  The proprietor, headteacher and two other leaders have completed appropriate training to support the appointment of suitable staff to work in a school. Two members of teaching staff have already been appointed. Plans to recruit additional teachers and support staff are in place. The induction documentation for new staff makes it clear that they will undergo a full suite of safeguarding, and other appropriate training, on appointment.  The proprietor understands their responsibility to seek the necessary assurances

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Main inspection findings

relating to overseas background checks.  The school does not intend to employ agency staff. Nor does it intend to use volunteers. Nevertheless, the school is clear about its responsibility to check the suitability of such people if this does occur.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is housed in a converted hotel. The building has been refurbished to a high standard. The accommodation comprises at least 12 teaching rooms, several breakout rooms, an area for continuous provision and a sensory room. In addition, the school has a dedicated kitchen, a large space suitable for indoor physical education and a reception area.  There are appropriate toilet facilities. These are housed in cubicles which are lockable from the inside. In addition, each classroom has an adjoining bathroom which is lockable from the inside and intended for sole use. All toilets have an adequate supply of running water. The hot water in the hand basins does not pose a risk of scalding to pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that drinking-water is clearly labelled and is available for

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Main inspection findings

the proposed pupils throughout the day.  A medical room has been set aside with suitable washing facilities in the room. There is easy access to a toilet. A bed, first-aid kit and lockable storage for medication were in the medical room at the time of the inspection.  The premises are safe, secure and well maintained. The acoustic features and sound insulation, together with internal and external lighting, are suitable throughout the building. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that pupils will have access to suitable indoor and outdoor spaces for physical education and play. At the time of the inspection, the proprietor provided plans of the imminent installation of additional outdoor play equipment and enhancements to be made to the playground. This work can be completed quickly if the proposed school opens.  The proposed school building is set back from a busy road. The proprietor has taken

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Main inspection findings

effective steps to mitigate the risk to pupils arriving and leaving the school site. In addition, the steps to secure the site mean that pupils are safe from the road when in the school building or playing on the school’s grounds.  All of the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), and 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(f)  The proprietor has set up a school website that contains all of the required information. The proprietor is fully aware of the requirements that a school should publish on its website.  There is a suitable range of information available for parents and carers and pupils when they join the school. A comprehensive range of policies for parents is in place, including information on admissions, behaviour, the curriculum and safeguarding. All documents will be made available for parents on request from the school office, as well as being available on the school’s website.  Leaders intend to provide half termly reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. They will also report on pupils’ personal development and emotional health and well-being.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy is comprehensive. The policy sets out all the necessary steps as well as timelines for the effective handling of complaints. The proposed school has ensured that copies of any findings and recommendations will be shared as required.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has an appropriate understanding of the standards. The proprietor has plans in place to monitor compliance with the standards regularly.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge required to set up and run this independent school successfully. They have experience of, and a commitment to, providing an effective quality of education for pupils. Their plans for the proposed school demonstrate that they are likely to fulfil their responsibilities to promote the well- being of pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan fully reflects statutory requirements.

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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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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £70,000 to £120,000

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 11 7 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 32 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 32

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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 Not applicable 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable As required

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will operate from a two-storey premises located at London Road, Allostock, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9LU. The building has been repurposed and refurbished. It will be used solely by the proposed school.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 32 pupils, aged between seven and 11 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who struggle to cope with mainstream education by providing them with a small, nurturing learning environment.  The school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and sensory needs. It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan. Places at the school will be mostly commissioned by local authorities.  The proprietor body is Oak Cottage Ltd. The proposed school is registered with Companies House. There are two directors, one of whom is the chair of the proprietor body. In addition, it is intended that the school will have an independent governing

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Information about this proposed school

body.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision for pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and one director of Oak Cottage Ltd.  The inspector made a tour of the school site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.

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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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Inspection team

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