Three Chestnuts

School pre-registration inspection report

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Three Chestnuts Fen Road, Holbeach, Spalding PE12 8QD

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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)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has a suitable curriculum policy. The curriculum is sequenced appropriately and is designed to ensure that pupils are likely to know more over time. The content of the curriculum aligns to the national curriculum.  The school recognises that pupils who attend the school may have had negative experiences of education previously. The school aims to address this by providing a curriculum that is bespoke to pupils’ individual needs. Some of this curriculum is in place already. Other aspects will be developed as each pupil’s needs are assessed.  The proprietor intends for pupils to learn a broad curriculum. There are schemes of work in place that set out what pupils will learn in mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. The

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Main inspection findings

school aims to enhance its curriculum offer by considering pupils’ interests, such as learning about horticulture or coastal studies.  The proprietor intends that pupils will be able to access nationally accredited qualification courses, such as functional skills, BTEC National Diplomas and GCSEs.  Physical education will be delivered on site and at local leisure facilities. An appropriate programme of work is in place for this subject.  The proposed school intends to assess pupils as soon as they join the school. The school’s curriculum will consider pupils’ starting points, aptitudes, ages and, when relevant, information on pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans.  The proposed school will use a published scheme to deliver its personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum. This will be taught through timetabled lessons, as well as through daily routines. Aspects of PSHE education will also be woven into the

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Main inspection findings

whole-school curriculum, including careers education. Pupils will learn how different subjects link to various professions and roles in wider society.  Pupils will receive independent and impartial careers advice. Pupils in key stage 4 will have opportunities to participate in work experience. Paragraphs 2A(1)(b) to 2A(3)  The school proposes to use a published scheme to teach relationship and sex education (RSE) and health education to pupils. The proprietor has ensured that the RSE curriculum is detailed and reflects the required curriculum content set out by the Department for Education (DfE).  The proposed school intends to consult parents and carers on its current RSE policy. It will ensure that the necessary information about relationships education is made available to parents. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The proprietor intends to implement rigorous systems to train new staff in the proposed school’s procedures for implementing the curriculum. This will include how

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Main inspection findings

to adapt the curriculum to meet the specific needs of pupils that attend the school.  Staff will receive training to offer specialist support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.  The proposed school intends to help pupils to develop positive learning habits by promoting communication, developing compassion and nurturing confidence. Pupils will develop an understanding of emotions and how their behaviour affects themselves, as well as others around them.  Pupils who need help to catch up with their reading will learn a bespoke phonics programme. Staff who teach this programme will receive training to help them deliver it as intended.  The proprietor has ensured that there is an assessment framework in place. Staff will use these assessments to inform their teaching and to understand pupils’ progress through the curriculum. The proprietor will verify and review how well each pupil is

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Main inspection findings

learning the intended curriculum. Pupils’ achievements and next steps will be communicated to parents using various methods.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.

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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 PSHE curriculum will pay particular regard to the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010. It will enable pupils to learn about different communities in contemporary British society.  The proprietor stipulates that checks will be made to ensure that the proposed school’s curriculum, resources, teachers and visitors present balanced views that uphold the values of modern British society.  The proposed school will ensure that the curriculum enables pupils to understand and respect other cultures and beliefs. For example, pupils will explore significant festivals from different faiths and will visit places of worship.  Pupils will learn about moral and ethical choices. Through the enquiry-based curriculum, they will learn about different perspectives and viewpoints.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will be encouraged to be active members of the local community. This will include selling produce they have grown in local markets and fundraising for events.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor has clear policies and processes in place to establish a strong safeguarding culture at the school. There is a detailed induction process for staff. As such, staff will receive specific safeguarding training, including how to use the school’s electronic system for recording safeguarding concerns.  The proposed school has purchased a system for the recording of safeguarding concerns. This system will also log pupils’ attendance and behaviours. This will provide the school with a holistic overview of each pupil’s needs.  The school, alongside the central team, will analyse information it gathers for safeguarding and behaviour. It will use this information to understand trends and patterns in the school so it can make further improvements.  Suitable systems are in place to monitor and filter pupils’ online activity in school.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders will take appropriate and timely action should a pupil not attend school and the reason for the absence is unknown.  The school’s curriculum has a strong focus on providing pupils with opportunities to learn about safety, including online.  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities should an allegation be made about the behaviour of an adult towards a pupil. Paragraphs 9 to 9(c), 10  Appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place. Staff will use the guidance in the policies to ensure that good behaviour is promoted, and appropriate routines are established and maintained.  The proposed school recognises that some of the pupils it will admit may need support to manage their behaviour. The school intends to deploy appropriate therapeutic strategies to support these pupils so that they learn how to communicate their needs in positive ways.  All staff will receive training in how to use the school’s agreed systems for managing

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Main inspection findings

behaviour, including de-escalation techniques and behavioural intervention strategies.  Pupils will learn about the impact of bullying on physical and mental health. They will be taught how to report any incidents they experience. Paragraphs 11 to 13  Leaders have put suitable policies in place for managing health and safety, fire risk and first aid. Fire risk assessments of the site and buildings have been completed recently. Procedures to evacuate the buildings are in place.  The proprietor has comprehensive systems in place to ensure that there are accurate and appropriate records of health and safety, fire checks and accident reporting. The proprietor’s central team will have oversight of these checks so that any issues identified can be dealt with quickly.  Staff will complete health and safety, fire safety and first-aid training as part of their induction when they join the school. Paragraph 14

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Main inspection findings

 Staffing levels will allow for the appropriate supervision of pupils, both during the school day and when pupils take part in off-site visits. Paragraph 15  The admission register will contain all the information required about pupils who are on the school’s roll. A system is in place to record and track pupils’ attendance. Staff at the school demonstrate the knowledge and skills to manage the admission register and attendance reporting. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There is an appropriate risk assessment policy available. Risk assessments for the site and for activities contain clear control measures to mitigate any identified risks. Specific, suitable risk assessments are in place for the school site, educational trips and visits, and for individual pupils.  Risk assessments will be updated whenever necessary to ensure that they remain relevant and reflect the current circumstances.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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), 21(5)(c), 21(6) to 21(6)(c)  Appropriate staff, including representatives of the proprietor body, have undertaken training in safer recruitment. They understand their duty to carry out the necessary recruitment checks to ensure that new staff are suitable to work with pupils.  Appropriate recruitment checks are undertaken on members of the proprietor body.  The school does not intend to use supply staff. However, the school understands its responsibilities should it need to do so.  Recruitment checks are recorded appropriately on the school’s single central record (SCR).  The SCR will be overseen by the school, as well as the proprietor’s central support team.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  There are suitable toilets and handwashing facilities for the sole use of the pupils. Wash basins have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. There are appropriate changing facilities and a shower for pupils to use.  There is an accessible toilet that can also be used by staff and visitors. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The school will have a medical facility on each floor of the building. These facilities are well equipped to care for pupils who require first-aid treatment. Toilet facilities and a sink are located nearby. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The building has been suitably prepared for teaching. There is ample space in the classrooms for the number of pupils the proposed school intends to admit, should it be registered. Each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard. Pupils will have

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Main inspection findings

access to science, art and sensory rooms. Some rooms will be used for one -to-one teaching or interventions.  The proposed school has a well-resourced library. Most classrooms have a reading area with books that link to the subject being taught.  Internal and external lighting are appropriate. Classrooms have suitable acoustics and are well ventilated.  There are sufficient indoor and outdoor spaces to provide education for the proposed number of pupils.  The school grounds are enclosed with perimeter fencing to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c)  Drinking water is labelled as such. Pupils on the first floor of the building will also have access to bottled water. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a zoned, secure outside area where pupils can play, exercise and socialise. This will also be accessible for pupils during recreation times. Some areas are designated as quieter spaces. Pupils will also have access to a horticultural area to

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Main inspection findings

grow produce.  The school will provide physical education using local sports facilities.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(g)  The school will not have a website. It will provide parents the necessary information, including contact details for the proprietor and policies, on admission and on request.  The school understands its responsibilities to provide information to local authorities about looked after children and pupils with an EHC plan, when requested. The school is likely to admit pupils from multiple local authorities.  There is a system in place that will provide parents with an annual written record of each registered pupil’s progress.  The proposed school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy clearly sets out how grievances will be handled, including timescales for investigation. This includes the option of a panel hearing for parents. The school will ensure that one member of the panel will be impartial and independent of the school.  The proprietor recognises that it will need to retain a written record of all complaints and any subsequent actions required as a result.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part

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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 a comprehensive understanding of the standards. It has appointed leaders with experience of working in specialist settings and with pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.  The proprietor has ensured that the school has designed a suitable learning environment and a curriculum to meet the needs of the pupils it intends to admit.  The proprietor operates a significant number of other special schools. It has an extensive support team that brings expertise to areas, such as health and safety, recruitment and facilities management. This has enabled the school building to be compliant with all the standards.  The proprietor will make rigorous checks and have continuous oversight of the school to ensure that all standards are consistently met. These checks will include site visits from the proprietor’s central team and gathering information to analyse patterns and

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Main inspection findings

trends in all aspects of the school’s work.  The policies, planned curriculum, safeguarding arrangements and the quality of the school site provide confidence that the proprietor will actively promote pupils’ well- being.  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 proposed school has a written accessibility plan. The accessibility policy fully reflects how the proposed school will fulfil its statutory responsibilities under 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

Proprietor Hexagon Care Services Limited

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £53,602 to £76,412

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Proposed school details

Email address threechestnuts.headteacher@hexagoncare. com

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 36 36

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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 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 36

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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 Not known

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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 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 6

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor of the proposed school is Hexagon Care Services Limited. This company operates other independent special schools and children’s homes nationally.  The proposed school is located near Holbeach, Lincolnshire on the site of a former children’s home.  The proposed school’s address is Fen Road, Holbeach, Spalding PE12 8QD.  The proposed school intends to be an independent special day school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils may have an EHC plan. Some school places will be commissioned by the local authority where a pupil resides.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 36, mixed- gender pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years. Should the school be registered, it intends to gradually increase its pupil numbers until it reaches its capacity.  The proprietor has appointed a headteacher and a deputy headteacher.  For the safety of the pupils at the school, the school will not have a website.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school may use the services of alternative provisions.

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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 considered whether the proposed school is likely to meet all the relevant independent school standards by evaluating a range of evidence, including the school’s proposed curriculum, safeguarding arrangements and health and safety policies related to each part of the standards.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the representatives of the proprietor body, the headteacher and deputy headteacher of the proposed school.  The inspector evaluated a range of evidence, including policies and plans relating to each part of the standards. The inspector scrutinised health and safety documents, including the safeguarding and child protection policy. The inspector checked the school’s staff recruitment and vetting processes, and the SCR.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed school building, as well as the outside areas, to evaluate the suitability of the premises for the purposes of being an independent special school.

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Inspection team

Shaheen Hussain, 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

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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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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