Robins Way School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Robins Way School High Street, Figheldean SP4 8JT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 to 4  The proposed school will form part of the Outcomes First Group Limited (OFG) should it be registered. The proprietor has consistent procedures to check the quality of education that is provided for the pupils in its schools. Regional and national directors are convincing when explaining these systems and the comprehensive induction training that they intend to deliver to ensure that all staff have the subject knowledge and skills they need to teach effectively.  There is a curriculum policy in place. The proposed school has prepared detailed schemes of work that incorporate all the aspects of the curriculum required by the independent school standards (the standards) for pupils who are aged seven to 11. They have purchased a range of teaching resources so that staff will be supported in

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Main inspection findings

teaching the intended schemes of work, for example for the teaching of early reading and mathematics. The proposed school has draft timetables in place that confirm how the schemes of work will be implemented for pupils. These are suitable for pupils aged seven to 11. However, the proposed curriculum does not give adequate consideration for pupils aged five and six. There is important subject content missing to develop pupils’ oracy, writing and physical development.  There is a detailed assessment framework in place. In addition, pupils’ education, health and care plan (EHC plan) targets will inform the school’s assessments of pupils’ academic and personal progress.  A relationships and health education policy is in place. The proprietor intends to publish this on the school’s website. The curriculum to implement this policy includes everything it should.  This proposed school has organised a well-thought-out personal, social, health and

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Main inspection findings

economic (PSHE) education programme. The curriculum teaches about protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. It will also teach pupils about risks such as online safety. Leaders intend that the content in the PSHE education curriculum will build pupils’ self-confidence, self-esteem and independence over time.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(ii)  The proposed school has well-considered plans in place that specify how the school will promote fundamental British values. This includes learning about right and wrong, individual liberty, criminal law and democracy. A calendar of events is in place to provide pupils with an extensive range of knowledge about the world beyond school.  The school intends to provide teaching that will support pupils to be tolerant, polite and to take responsibility for their actions. It also intends to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills of how to build independence and become resilient.  In addition, the curriculum will teach pupils to value difference, understand moral and ethical issues and learn to respect others, including people with protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 9 to 16(b)  The proprietor is convincing when describing how and when they intend to conduct safeguarding monitoring activities that will hold the proposed school to account for implementing of the guidance set out in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2024’.  The proprietor has ensured that there will be an effective recording system in place to report safeguarding concerns. The school has already appointed a designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead. The proprietor intends to implement a comprehensive programme of safeguarding training for all staff.  The proprietor completed a fire risk assessment on 27 March 2025, before all the building and refurbishment works were completed. A few aspects of the necessary works to get the school ready to open, should it be registered, are at the final stages of completion. For example, the kitchen is not fully assembled. All works are due to be

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Main inspection findings

completed by 11 April 2025. The proprietor knows that once all work is completed, the main kitchen will need to be assessed as part of the school’s second fire-risk assessment. This is due to take place on 29 April 2025 by a competent person.  All fire doors are in good order. There are adequate fire extinguishers and equipment in place, with the exception of the kitchen, where these are waiting to be fitted. The school’s induction process will include fire safety training. Fire wardens will be appointed. There are routines and a system in place to support ongoing fire safety, for example checks on fire alarm call points, fire doors and emergency lighting. Assuming that the kitchen is completed to a high standard and the fire risk assessment is carried out, the proposed school is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has a health and safety policy.

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Main inspection findings

There are systems in place to record the necessary health and safety checks. This means that the proprietor can have oversight to hold the school accountable, for example regular testing of water supplies for legionella bacteria and external lighting.  There is a first-aid policy. It provides appropriate guidance for staff to administer first aid. It is intended that staff will receive first-aid training as part of their induction. First-aid boxes are well stocked.  There is a suitable behaviour policy and anti-bullying strategy. The proprietor has purchased software to keep records of any misbehaviour or sanctions. Staff will receive specific training to ensure that if restrictive physical intervention (RPI) is required, it is done safely and in line with OFG policies. The proprietor intends for RPI to be used as a last resort. Any RPI will be recorded and monitored at national director level.  There is an electronic admissions register. Leaders understand how to maintain the

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Main inspection findings

school’s admission and attendance registers. The regional director and the headteacher have significant experience of working with commissioning bodies and ensuring that the admission process considers pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor intends that the headteacher and those staff who will manage the admissions and attendance registers will be provided with training to ensure and assure their understanding of legislative requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. There are detailed risk assessments in place for the school site. During this inspection, a few risk assessments were refined to reflect the context of this proposed school. For example, the risk assessment relating to the taxi arrangements was amended to include the proposed school’s plans of supervision at this time. In addition, the main site risk assessment now includes any associated risks regarding the sloping grass

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Main inspection findings

area at the back of the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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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), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  There is a single central record (SCR). This includes all the staff that have been appointed and necessary central staff employed by the OFG. The proprietor has ensured that staff responsible for undertaking staff vetting checks have a strong working knowledge of safer recruitment.  A headteacher and deputy headteacher have been appointed. They both have significant experience in specialist education and leading schools. The proprietor is in the process of recruiting a qualified leader of SEND, teachers and support staff.  The proposed school does not intend to use supply staff. However, staff responsible for safer recruitment know the checks they would need to apply if supply staff were used.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The original building of this proposed school has been used as a primary school in the past. The proprietor has built a small extension to house additional offices and therapy rooms and has refurbished the classrooms extensively. The main building now includes administration offices, therapy rooms, a large hall and kitchen and one classroom. In addition, there are three external buildings containing five classrooms. All buildings are in good order. All rooms in this proposed school are newly decorated and well lit. Acoustics in all rooms are suitable.  There is a medical room. This has a sink and there is a toilet close by. There is a lockable cabinet for the safe storage of medicines.  Drinking water is readily available from the mains supply and labelled clearly. There are sufficient toilets for pupils, staff and visitors. There is an accessible toilet. Hot

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Main inspection findings

water in washbasins does not present a scalding risk. There is one shower on site. One staff toilet is yet to be fitted but the plumbing is already in place. This will be completed by 11 April 2025.  The proprietor intends for physical education (PE) to be completed on site in the hall. The space is suitable for this use. In addition, the school intends to use the playground area and an off-site location nearby for outside PE. The proprietor knows that, should the school be registered, any additional sites for PE will need to be risk assessed for their suitability.  Most windows are double glazed. Where this is not the case, this is because these windows are part of the historic building. New bespoke secondary glazing for these arched windows has been purchased. At the time of this inspection, the secondary double glazing had arrived at the proposed school, but it had not been fitted. The proprietor knows that this needs to be fitted before the school opens should it be

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Main inspection findings

registered.  There is a central kitchen area. This will provide hot meals for pupils. It is not for the use of pupils. The proprietor is at the final stages of fitting out the kitchen. All equipment has been purchased, including lockable storage for knives. The fire blankets and extinguishers are ready to be fitted. However, this room has not yet been signed off as complete. The proprietor knows that this will need to be completed and risk assessed before the school opens, should it be registered.  There is a sloped area of grass at the back of the school. The proprietor intends to use this as an outdoor education study area. It is suitable for this use. In addition, there is a well-organised area between the main building and external classrooms. This provides a range of seating and space for landscaping. All classrooms and outside spaces are suitable for pupils aged seven to 11.  At the time of this inspection, there was no outside learning area for pupils aged five

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Main inspection findings

and six. Considering the needs of the pupils the proprietor intends to admit, the proprietor accepts that a suitable outside learning environment is necessary. There is space on the school site to establish this. However, it has not been planned or built. At this time, the school buildings and landscape do not support the implementation of the breadth of curriculum that will be required for the youngest pupils they intend to admit.  Emergency lighting is in place. There is ample external lighting fitted across the site of this proposed school.  The perimeter of the whole site has suitable fencing in place. The front of the proposed school site has a metal fence and two double gates. These gates allow for a one-way entry system for the safe entry and egress of taxis at the beginning and end of the school day. There is a clear procedure in place for this to happen safely.  At the time of this inspection, the proprietor was waiting for contractors to lay new

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Main inspection findings

tarmacadam (tarmac) at the front of the school and on the playground areas. This is booked for 8 April 2025. As a result, one internal fence, between the parking area and the playgrounds, is still to be erected. The fence has been purchased. The proprietor intends for this to be fitted by 11 April 2025. As a result, it was not possible to see the playgrounds in their finished state. Assuming that works are completed in line with the detailed site plans, there will be a suitable space for recreation and ball games.  Suitable plans are in place for the effective supervision of pupils across the school day.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the works be finished in line with the site plans, and should be done to a high standard.

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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)(j), 32(2) to 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(f)  The proprietor is at the final stages of building a website. It will be accessible to prospective parents. It is easy to navigate. The proprietor is at the final stages of adding all the relevant policies and documentation. For example, it already includes policies describing the school’s approach to managing behaviour, reducing bullying, admission arrangements and the school’s child protection policy. The proprietor has ensured that all the relevant policies have been written and refer to up to date legislation when necessary.  Contact details for the proprietor, headteacher and how to contact the proprietor are already on the website. Information about the proposed local governance arrangements will be published on the website.  The proprietor intends to work closely with appropriate external agencies to review

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ EHC plans. It will provide information to local authorities about looked-after children and pupils with an EHC plan, when requested.  The proprietor intends to hold the school to account for providing parents with an annual report with information about their children’s progress.  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 sets out clearly the timescales in which complaints will be dealt with. This includes ensuring that complaints can be considered on an informal basis at the first stage.  The complaints policy sets out how complaints can be considered on a formal basis. This includes a panel hearing if a parent is not satisfied. 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 and carer can be accompanied at a

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Main inspection findings

hearing should they wish.  The school knows to store records of complaints and any actions taken securely. It is aware of the need to publicise the number of complaints from the previous year on its website should the school be registered.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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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 is committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing education for the pupils the school aims to admit. The proprietor has appointed a headteacher with proven experience and knowledge of leading a special school.  OFG has almost completed a detailed refurbishment of the proposed school. It is not yet ready to admit pupils. However, all construction works are due to be completed imminently and by 11 April 2025. A second fire risk assessment is booked on 29 April 2025.  OFG has a detailed education leadership structure in place to support the proposed school. There are well-defined accountability systems to ensure oversight of the school’s work. For example, it is intended that the headteacher will report to a regional director, who, in turn, reports to the proprietor body. Well-tested systems will

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Main inspection findings

hold leaders accountable for the provision pupils receive and compliance with the standards. In addition, in line with company policy, the proprietor intends to appoint an external school improvement adviser to provide the independent evaluation of the school’s effectiveness.  Staff in the central team are knowledgeable of the independent school standards. For example, regional and national directors bring a wide range of skills and expertise to the school. They have ensured that the school is likely to meet Parts 1 to 8 of the standards for the age range of seven to 11. However, they do not demonstrate the same detailed knowledge of implementing curriculums for the age range of five to six.  The proposed school has ensured that there will be child protection arrangements in place that are in line with current legislation. The proprietor is committed to the training of all staff to ensure that they meet the requirements set out in current

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Main inspection findings

legislation and there is a positive and open culture of safeguarding. For example, there is a detailed staff induction programme, which will be mandatory for all staff to complete. This includes training on RPI and adhering to school policies.  There is a governing body being set up. The regional director will become the chairperson. Planning for this is at an early stage but will follow the same structure as other schools in the group.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor is fully aware of the proposed school’s duties under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. There is an accessibility plan which is fit for purpose. The school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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) £62,777 to £72,777

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 0 5 to 11 7 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 42 25

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recommendation

 The curriculum, learning spaces and outdoor environment are suitable for pupils between seven and 11. The standards are likely to be met for this age range.  The proprietor has not ensured that there is an adequate curriculum in place for pupils aged five and six. There is no provision for outdoor learning for the youngest pupils. The environment at the moment is not suitable for five- and six-year-olds.  At the point of this inspection, the area for playgrounds and front forecourt did not have the tarmac in place. There was no internal fence to confirm the size of the play areas. One of these play areas is due to include play equipment. However, this is not yet in place. No seating is erected. While the tarmac work and fencing are due to be completed imminently, during the inspection it was not possible to assess the space available for safe play. Therefore, a smaller number of pupils is recommended.

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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 42

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 42

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 42

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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 42

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 Robins Way School is proposed as a new independent special school for up to 42 pupils aged from five to 11 years old. The Proprietor is P Bloom Limited. This is part of the OFG.  The proposed school aims to provide education for pupils who have complex social, emotional and mental health needs and/or autism.  All pupils are likely to have an EHC plan from Wiltshire, Dorset or Somerset local authorities.  A headteacher, deputy headteacher and one qualified teacher have already been recruited with more teachers, teaching assistants and support staff currently being recruited.  The proposed school is situated centrally on the High Street in the centre of Figheldean village, SP4 8JT. The proposed school is in a building that has previously been used as a school. Extensive refurbishment is nearing completion. All works, including a fire risk assessment by a competent person, should be completed by 29 April 2025.

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Information about this proposed school

 A regional director of education for the OFG will be chair of the proposed governing body and will directly oversee the quality of education provided by the school.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  School leaders do not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to evaluate the provider’s readiness to open as a school. The inspector checked all relevant independent school standards, including Parts 1 to 8.  This is the first pre-registration inspection at this address.  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 checked the school’s staff recruitment and vetting processes, and the SCR.  The inspector met with the proprietor’s representatives, including a managing director of OFG, a regional director and two national directors, to establish the accountability structures that they plan to implement. The inspector was unable to meet the headteacher because she does not take up her appointment until 22 April 2025.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed site with the proprietor and headteacher to evaluate the suitability of the school’s premises for the purposes of being an independent special school.

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Inspection team

Julie Carrington, 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 looked-after children, 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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