Meadows View School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Meadows View School Tinwell Road, Stamford PE9 2JL

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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)(f), 2(2(h) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(a), 2(A)(1)(c) to 2A(3), 3 to 3(j), 4  The proposed school has a clear policy that reflects the curriculum pupils will follow. The school has designed programmes of study that will meet the needs of the pupils who will attend the school. These study programmes are broad and meet the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). The school has developed schemes of work for a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, art and design and physical education (PE). The school has designed a curriculum for the early years foundation stage that covers all seven areas of learning and development. The school has invested in suitable learning resources to support the delivery of its intended curriculum.  The school’s intended curriculum considers pupils’ different ages and abilities well.

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Main inspection findings

This includes provision for pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as stated in their education, health and care plans (EHC plan). The school intends to deliver their curriculum through three pathways that reflect pupils’ abilities and needs. The school will use considered systems to assess pupils’ prior knowledge when they join the school. It will use this information to decide the correct pathway for each pupil. It will then adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of individual pupils. The school has developed an appropriate assessment policy and systems to check pupils’ knowledge and skills as they progress through the curriculum. The school plans to use these systems to update pupils’ EHC plans in annual review meetings. The school has also designed a suitable format to report pupils’ progress to parents and carers.  The school is in a strong position to deliver its planned curriculum. The proprietor

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Main inspection findings

body has appointed an experienced headteacher and deputy headteacher. These staff are already in post. They are qualified teachers, and they have considerable experience working with pupils with SEND. These school leaders have completed their induction training with the proprietor body and are in the process of recruiting teaching staff. Classrooms are well equipped to allow teachers to deliver the intended curriculum, and the school has invested in suitable resources to support learning. For example, there is a specialist food technology classroom and dedicated outdoor space for PE and outdoor learning. The school intends to expand to its maximum capacity of 30 pupils gradually. This will allow the school to recruit the right staff, so it can meet the needs of its pupils.  The school has planned a suitable curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This includes age-appropriate relationships and sex

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Main inspection findings

education. The school’s relationships and health policy is in line with government guidance. There are plans to consult parents about the content of the relationships and health curriculum. The policy is clear about parents’ rights to withdraw their children from sex education, but not relationships education.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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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 has a well-planned curriculum to promote pupils’ personal development. This includes PSHE lessons that will be enhanced with assemblies, visits from guest speakers and a range of educational visits. Through these activities, the school aims to encourage pupils to respect people’s differences and be prepared well for their next stage of education and future life in modern Britain.  The school is aware of its duty to ensure teachers, guests and visitors do not present partisan political views, either in school or on educational visits. This is clearly stated in the school’s policies. Staff and guests will be made aware of these requirements.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6 to 7(b), 9 to 16(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy, which will be available to parents via the school’s website, reflects the most up-to-date statutory guidance. Leaders have given careful consideration to the different needs and vulnerabilities of pupils joining the school from several local authority areas. The proposed processes to identify, track and manage safeguarding concerns are likely to be effective when implemented. The school has invested in an electronic system to record and monitor concerns.  The school has ensured that those who will hold the responsibility for safeguarding have completed appropriate training. All staff will receive safeguarding training as part of their induction to the Acorn Care and Education Limited group. The school plans to deliver regular safeguarding training to staff once the school opens. This will include

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Main inspection findings

regular updates during daily staff briefings. There is a clear management structure, from the regional group, to oversee the work of the safeguarding team in school.  The school’s admission and attendance registers are likely to be compliant with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are clear and, if implemented well, are likely to be effective. The school has set up systems to record instances of poor behaviour and/or bullying and sanctions imposed. Staff will receive physical restraint training, including how to de-escalate situations so that physical restraint is not required. The school’s aim is that physical restraint is used seldomly. The school has a restrictive physical intervention policy, and it has set up systems to record incidents should they occur. The school’s plans to supervise pupils outside of lessons are likely

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Main inspection findings

to be appropriate. There will be high staff-to-pupil ratios.  The school’s health and safety policy is fit for purpose. The building has been fully refurbished to a very high standard. The school has put in place necessary procedures to maintain a safe environment for its pupils. The school already undertakes regular health and safety checks, including for all fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The school has tested procedures for evacuating the building in the case of fire. The school has systems in place to record all planned fire drills.  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy and written risk assessments. The policy and exemplar risk assessments are detailed and fit for purpose. There is a suitable first-aid policy, and staff have already completed first-aid training. This includes paediatric first aid.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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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(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)  The proposed school’s single central record includes all required checks for staff working in schools. These checks have been completed on all staff already working at the school, and these are recorded accurately in the single central record. These records are checked by the safeguarding leader at the Acorn Care and Education Limited group on a regular basis.  Staff involved in recruitment have received appropriate training. These staff are directly involved in the recruitment of new staff, and they make sure that all required checks are completed and recorded accurately on the single central record.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(1)(b), 23(2) to 29(2)  The proposed school’s facilities are appropriate for their intended use. The building has been converted to a very high standard. Classrooms are of a good size and are well resourced. All classrooms benefit from natural light as well as lighting that can be adjusted to meet the sensory needs of pupils. There are sufficient classrooms and toilets to accommodate the proposed number of pupils.  Drinking-water is readily available throughout the building and it is clearly marked. The toilet facilities have hot and cold running water, with safeguards in place to prevent scalding. There is a dedicated medical room with access to its own toilet and washing facilities.  There is generous outside space. This space is well maintained and suitable for pupils at breaktimes and for their PE lessons.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(5)  The proposed school has a website, which will go live when the school is registered. This website includes all necessary information required by the standards, such as the names and contact details of both the headteacher, the chair of the governing body and the proprietor body.  The school is aware of its statutory duty to provide relevant information to placing local authorities and parents of pupils with EHC plans.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a comprehensive complaints policy that fulfils the requirements of this part. The school has prepared a log to record all complaints.  If implemented well, the school’s proposed procedure is likely to ensure that informal and formal complaints are managed appropriately.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(2)  The headteacher, deputy headteacher and leaders from Acorn Care and Education Limited have substantial experience in education. The group currently operates 42 schools across the country. Both the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and leaders from the group, demonstrate detailed knowledge of the standards. Leaders have documented the work of the school with care and precision to ensure that the standards are likely to be met consistently. The proprietor body has put in place robust procedures to ensure oversight of the work of the school.  The headteacher and the proprietor body also have a good understanding of their duties to promote the safety and well-being of pupils in their school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have a suitable accessibility policy in place.  As such, the school would meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if the proposed school is given permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The school has set up dedicated classrooms for the early years. These classrooms are equipped well to meet the needs of children with SEND. There is direct access to a secure, enclosed space for children to develop their learning outdoors. This space includes apparatus where children can develop their physical skills.  The school has designed an early years curriculum that covers all seven areas of learning and development. The school has given careful thought to the potential needs of the children when they join the school, in particular, regarding communication and language. As a result, the school intends to use a range of communication strategies with the children.  The school has paid due regard to the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the children in the early years. Staff-to-children ratios are high to ensure that children learn and play in a safe environment.

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Main inspection findings

 As such, the school would meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage if the proposed school is given permission to open.

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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

Proprietor Acorn Care and Education Limited

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £67,500 to £85,500

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Proposed school details

Email address admin@meadowsviewschool.org.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 4 to 11 4 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 30

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 30

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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 30

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 25

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will provide education for pupils with autism and pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have EHC plans and will be placed by local authorities. The school will provide education for boys and girls aged four to 11 years.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The school applied to register the school at Shires Lane, Stretton, Rutland, Leicestershire, LE15 7GT. However, the school will operate from Tinwell Road, Stamford, PE9 2JL. The inspector conducted all inspection activities at the proposed site in Tinwell Road, Stamford, PE9 2JL.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to consider the school’s request to register a new school.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and other school staff. He also met the regional director and the head of service of Acorn Care and Education Limited. The inspector also met with the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector reviewed evidence against the standards, including looking at the appropriateness of the planned curriculum, the quality of the proposed school site and policies and processes relating to safeguarding and health and safety.

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Inspection team

Mark Smith, 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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