On Track Education Mildenhall

School material change inspection report

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On Track Education Mildenhall 82e & F Fred Dannatt Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7RD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  Staff receive much useful training to ensure that they are well-versed in spotting the signs that a pupil may be at risk of harm. Staff report concerns or worries to senior staff without delay, using the school’s agreed procedures. There is a well-established culture of vigilance among staff across both sites.  Leaders of safeguarding are knowledgeable. They take prompt action when staff raise concerns. Where needed, the school works with other agencies to support pupils and their families. The school curriculum teaches pupils important content on how to keep themselves safe.  There is a safeguarding policy in place that adheres to current government guidance as issued by the Secretary of State. It is published on the school’s website. Paragraph 11  The school has appropriate health and safety policies in place. Staff apply these

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Main inspection findings

policies consistently well.  There are frequent checks on the premises. For example, the school regularly completes checks on electrical equipment and machinery used in the workshop areas. Paragraph 12  The school draws on external expertise to put in place fire risk assessments. These fire risk assessments cover both sites.  Regular fire drills are carried out. Fire exits are clearly demarcated. There are clear systems in place for the safe evacuation of both sites Paragraph 14  The school has taken a measured approach to the way that they have increased pupil numbers since the previous material change was approved by the Department for Education (DfE) in October 2023. The proprietor intends to use a similar approach this time around. Pupils will be taught in small classes, with similar staff-to-pupil ratios should the material change be approved. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There are suitable risk assessments in place. These risk assessments identify pertinent

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Main inspection findings

risks faced by pupils, staff and visitors. Sensible mitigations are in place to help reduce these risks. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly to take into account any new risks that emerge.  These independent school standards (the standards) in this part were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1) to 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(b)(iii), 21(1) to (21)(8)  The school has clear procedures in place for the recruitment of staff. School leaders have the knowledge and experience required to complete the necessary pre- employment checks on new staff. The proprietor ensures that the school accurately records in the single central record information on the checks it has completed. In doing so, all statutory guidance is followed.  The school use supply staff only on rare occasions. Leaders ensure that they complete

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Main inspection findings

appropriate checks when they do use them.  These standards were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to (24)(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The main school site, and the additional site at Swift House, are suitable if the material change is granted. Both sites have adequate space and facilities to accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  The renovation work at Swift House has been completed. This means that the whole building is now suitable to be utilised by pupils and staff. The renovation has been carried out to a high standard. Classrooms are spacious and provide a pleasant environment in which pupils can learn.  Essential facilities are well provided for, throughout the school. Drinking water stations are clearly marked and easily accessible, allowing pupils to refill their bottles

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Main inspection findings

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.  These standards were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body keeps a close eye on the work of the school. This ensures that it has an accurate view of the strengths of the school and where to target future improvement priorities.  There are well-established systems and processes in place to check that the school consistently meets the standards. Leaders have a strong understanding of the standards that are appropriate to their roles.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders understand the importance of managing any increase in pupil numbers carefully. They are committed to ensuring that any increase in pupils does not negatively impact on the quality of education pupils currently receive.  The proprietor body ensures that the school meets schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved.

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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

Proprietor On Track Education Services Ltd

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £38,665 to £90,359

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 7 to 9 March 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 11 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 43 60 60

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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 43 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 43 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 43 60

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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 43 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 23 29

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 On Track Education Mildenhall is an independent day special school which opened in April 2005.  The school operates on two sites; the main site in Mildenhall and a second site at Swift House, Quidenham, Norfolk, NR16 2PH. Both sites will cater for the increased number of pupils on roll if the material change is approved by the DfE.  On Track Education Services Limited run the school. The proprietor body provides the governance of the school.  Pupils are referred by local authorities, typically because they have been excluded from mainstream schools, special schools or pupil referral units. Most pupils have experienced significant disruption to their schooling.  Pupils have education, health and care plans relating to their social, emotional and mental health needs or for autism.  The current headteacher took up the post in November 2020.  The school uses seven providers of alternative provision, one of which is registered.

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Information about this school

 The last standard inspection took place in March 2023. At this time, the school was judged as good. All standards were met. In October 2023, the school receive a material change inspection. The DfE approved the school’s request to increase the number of registered pupils from 30 to 45.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in response to a request from the proprietor for a material change to be considered.  The school is currently registered for up to 45 pupils. The proprietor has requested that the DfE increase the school’s capacity to 60 pupils. This is the second time that the proprietor has requested an increase in the school’s capacity since the last standard inspection in March 2023.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the chair of the proprietor body and members of staff. The inspector checked the school’s single central record of background checks on adults working at the school. The inspector toured both school sites with leaders. A range of documents relating to safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and school development were scrutinised.

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Inspection team

Nathan Lowe, 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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