Thorneberry School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Thorneberry School 36 Ellison Street, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5LH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has a written curriculum policy. The intended curriculum is broad and ambitious. It is supported by schemes of work for different subjects. The curriculum is structured to build pupils’ knowledge and skills coherently across the proposed age range. It takes pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) into account. It is in line with the national curriculum.  The proposed school recognises that many of the pupils it intends to admit will have experienced significant trauma. Leaders have considered how the curriculum will be adapted to meet the individual needs of pupils.  Schemes of work to support the intended curriculum have been well thought out for all subjects to be delivered. These include English, mathematics and science, as well as wider curriculum subjects such as personal, social, health and economic (PSHE)

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Main inspection findings

education, which includes suitable relationships education for younger pupils.  The proprietor body demonstrates a thorough understanding of the needs of the pupils who will be in its care. Leaders have relevant experience of working with pupils with SEND. They intend to appoint staff with the necessary expertise to meet pupils’ needs.  The proprietor understands the process for ensuring pupils who have education, health and care plans (EHC plan), including looked-after children, receive timely reviews of their personal targets and provision.  Leaders intend to provide opportunities for pupils to access independent careers advice and guidance. They plan to invite representatives from different professions into the school to provide advice for careers, including the police and the Armed Forces. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proposed school has considered what pupils will learn in the relationships and sex

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Main inspection findings

education and health education curriculum. The content of the intended curriculum is in line with statutory guidance. Arrangements are in place to consult with parents and carers on the content of the curriculum. Leaders have thought carefully about how the relationships and sex education curriculum will be taught to pupils who are working at an academic level below their chronological age. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j)  The proposed curriculum is designed around a thematic approach. Leaders intend teachers will adapt learning to support pupils in accessing the curriculum when necessary. This will suitably ensure that pupils working in mixed-ability classes access the same theme or topic but at a level that matches their ability.  The proprietor has ensured that schemes of work will support the teaching of well- planned lessons. For example, pupils will have opportunities to revisit prior learning. The intention is to help pupils build their knowledge steadily through an inter-linked

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Main inspection findings

curriculum where knowledge is taught across curriculum areas.  The proprietor has invested in a suitable range of resources to support pupils to learn effectively. For example, the proprietor has invested in commercial curriculum programmes and resources to support the planned curriculum. Interactive television screens have been purchased to support teaching and learning.  Leaders intend to use regular procedures to check the quality of education pupils receive. This includes leaders’ quality assurance of pupils’ work and learning walks to monitor how well the curriculum is implemented.  An effective induction process is planned for new staff. This includes specific training to support staff to manage pupils’ behaviour. Behaviour management procedures, rewards and sanctions are appropriately designed with the social, emotional and mental health needs of pupils in mind. Paragraph 4  The proposed school has an appropriate framework for assessing pupils’ progress.

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Main inspection findings

This takes the form of a commercial scheme. Staff will check what pupils know and remember in each subject. This approach will be adapted when pupils join the school according to their age, stage and SEND.  Leaders intend for teachers to consider pupils’ specific SEND or EHC plan targets to inform their lesson delivery and ongoing assessment of pupils’ academic and personal progress.  The independent school standards (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, 5(a) to 5(d)  The proposed school has carefully considered the curriculum for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Curriculum plans across a range of subjects aim to enhance aspects of pupils’ SMSC development, most prominently in discrete PSHE education lessons.  Leaders intend to actively promote fundamental British values through the PSHE curriculum, as well as through assemblies and classroom learning. Assemblies will consistently have a moral element and celebrate world faiths.  The proposed school has designed the curriculum to support pupils in developing their understanding of protected characteristics through focused lessons and assembly themes. These include learning about wider aspects of prejudice and discrimination, such as misogyny, and the impact on different groups of people.

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Main inspection findings

 Educational visits in the local area are intended to support pupils’ awareness of the wider world and develop their appreciation of the locality and diversity. For example, pupils will develop their inter-generational understanding through visits to local care homes. In addition, visits to places of worship are proposed to enrich pupils’ understanding of different faiths and cultures.  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, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor body understands its responsibility to establish an effective culture for safeguarding. There is a suitable policy in place. It is in line with current statutory guidance. It will be published on the school’s website.  The proprietor body has ensured that leaders for safeguarding are appropriately trained. It has a comprehensive training programme for staff to gain a secure understanding of policies and procedures for safeguarding at the proposed school.  Leaders are aware of the vulnerability of the pupils who will attend the school. The school intends to work closely with external professionals when needed to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  The proposed school’s policies for managing pupils’ behaviour and incidents of bullying are suitable. The proprietor has ensured that these policies support pupils’

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Main inspection findings

social, emotional and mental health needs. Staff will be trained in strategies to help pupils understand and manage their behaviour and emotions.  Leaders intend that school and care staff will work closely together to promote trusting relationships between staff and pupils and support high expectations for pupils’ behaviour in school and in the residence. Paragraphs 11, 13, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proposed school has created appropriate health and safety and risk assessment policies. Suitable systems are in place to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. The proprietor intends to complete comprehensive risk assessments to keep pupils safe. Examples of proposed risk assessments provided by leaders identify risks and the actions staff should take to mitigate them. This includes risks during off-site educational visits and using local amenities.  The first-aid policy outlines how staff will care for pupils who may need first aid or

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Main inspection findings

basic medical care while at school. The proprietor has identified that staff will receive relevant training to administer first aid. This includes paediatric first aid for the care of the youngest pupils. Suitable first-aid equipment has been purchased. Medication will be stored securely.  Leaders have begun to appoint staff for the proposed school. They have thought carefully about pupils’ SEND and the number of staff required to supervise pupils. The proposed number of staff will ensure pupils are adequately supervised. Paragraph 12  At the time of the inspection, building work was in progress. The proposed school’s compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 could not be assessed fully. However, the proprietor understands the requirements to comply with the order. The same approach will be used to keep pupils safe from fire that is implemented effectively in the proprietor’s other schools.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has carried out a fire risk assessment of the building and implemented an appropriate action plan, which is being addressed as the building work progresses. Another risk assessment is scheduled for the beginning of February 2025, when the building work is completed.  Leaders are putting in place suitable measures to keep pupils and staff safe in the event of a fire. For example, during the inspection, builders were fitting fire exit signs and fire doors. Leaders intend to use an external company to check firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers. Emergency lighting is in place. Fire assembly points have been identified. Staff are to receive fire safety training. The proprietor intends that fire drills and fire alarm testing will take place regularly. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has appropriate systems for admissions and for monitoring pupils’ attendance. The correct information will be collected about pupils on admission.

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Main inspection findings

Attendance registers meet the requirements.  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), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a) to 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) to 21(7)(b)  The proprietor body intends to use the same thorough procedures to check the suitability of staff it employs for the proposed school as it currently does for its other network of schools. These procedures follow safer recruitment guidance.  The proposed school has an electronic single central record. Leaders have begun to appoint some staff. The necessary checks have been carried out to ensure that these staff are suitable to work with children.  Leaders have procedures in place to quality assure the proposed school’s compliance with the statutory requirements for recruitment of staff, governors and members of

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Main inspection findings

the proprietor body.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a) to 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a) to 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) to 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) to 29(1)(b)  The proprietor is in the process of refurbishing the proposed school site, which was a former care home, so it is suitable for use as the proposed school. The refurbishments are delayed due to building regulation requirements. The building work is not finished. Leaders anticipate that the work will be finished by the end of January 2025. Work that has already taken place is of a high standard. If completed as planned, the proposed school is likely to offer a high-quality environment for pupils to learn.  Some plumbing work has yet to be completed, but suitable washing and toilet

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Main inspection findings

facilities, including an accessible toilet, are being created for pupils. These are lockable from the inside.  A suitable medical room has been identified for the short-term care or examination of ill or injured pupils. This is appropriately located near to toilets.  There is running water at the site. A new boiler is in place but was not operating at the time of the inspection. The proprietor has taken suitable measures to ensure that the hot water will not pose a risk of scalding. Temperature control valves have been fitted to hot water taps in each classroom. Drinking-water is provided for pupils. Leaders have purchased suitable labels to ensure that water suitable for drinking is clearly identified.  There are suitable indoor and outdoor spaces for physical education (PE) lessons to take place. Landscaping work is in progress. If completed as planned, the outdoor area will offer pupils appropriate areas to play and take part in sports. Leaders also

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Main inspection findings

intend to utilise local amenities for sports activities, including swimming.  The proprietor is fitting new ceilings to most rooms in the school. Acoustics are suitable, particularly for pupils with sensory needs. Heat and smoke sensors have been fitted to alert the school to a risk of fire.  Suitable changing accommodation and showering facilities are provided for pupils for PE lessons.  There is effective internal and external lighting, including emergency lighting.  The proprietor proposes to maintain the premises to the same good standard as the existing schools in The Roaches School Network. Regular checks will be carried out to ensure the health and safety of staff and pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if leaders complete the school building work as planned.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school has a website. This is linked to relevant information for procedures and policies that the proprietor has in place across The Roaches School Network. The proprietor is aware of the information that it needs to make available to parents. The website contains the statutory information required if the school is approved to open.  The proprietor understands the requirement to provide the necessary details to the responsible local authorities for pupils who are looked-after children and those who have an EHC plan.  Leaders have ensured that there are suitable policies in place for the proposed school. Policies, including those for safeguarding, admissions and the management of pupils’ behaviour, consider pupils’ needs.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has a framework to track the progress and attainment of pupils. Reports of pupils’ progress and attainment will be provided to parents informally on a regular basis and through an annual written report.  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, 33(a) to 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has a complaints policy that sets out clearly how complaints will be managed. It includes appropriate timescales for responding to complaints. The process parents can follow at each stage of the complaints process is transparent. The policy will be published on the proposed school’s website.  Leaders are aware of the requirement to publish the number of complaints that the proposed school may receive.  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), 34(1)(a) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body is aspirational for the quality of education that it wants to provide for pupils. There is a genuine determination to help pupils progress in the best possible way from residential care to foster care and mainstream education.  Leaders have relevant experience of working with pupils with SEND and looked-after children. They have established purposeful relationships with the local authorities that are likely to place pupils at the school. Leaders intend to work with local area partners to support pupils and their families.  Members of the proprietor body have relevant experience of working in education. Leaders and staff for the school will be able to collaborate with colleagues from other schools also owned by the proprietor. The school intends to establish purposeful partnerships with these and other local schools and external professionals to develop

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Main inspection findings

staff expertise and to share effective practice.  Leaders have a secure understanding of the standards. They understand what needs to be done to ensure that the school building meets the standards. They have taken appropriate action to ensure that the standards will be consistently met for the proposed school.  The proprietor body has a secure grasp of what is needed to promote pupils’ well- being. It understands its statutory duties.  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 proprietor body has a suitable accessibility policy and statement for the proposed school. Leaders have a written an accessibility plan that they intend to review when the current renovation work on the premises is completed.  The proposed school is likely to meet the requirements of 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

Email address mattw@caretodayparallelparents.net

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 16 5 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 12 12

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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 12

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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 12

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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 12

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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 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable To be confirmed

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located at 36 Ellison Street, Thorne, Doncaster, DN8 5LH. It is situated on the site of a former care home.  At the time of the inspection, the proprietor was in the process of renovating part of the site to create a children’s home. The children’s home will have a separate registration with Ofsted.  The proposed school intends to admit pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and autism. Most pupils will have an EHC plan. All will be looked-after children.  The proposed school aims to support the process of pupils ‘stepping-down’ from residential education to fostering and mainstream school.  The proposed school intends to open at the end of January 2025.  The proposed school is a member of The Roaches School Network.  The proposed school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine whether the school is likely to meet the standards should the DfE decide to register the proposed school.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspectors held meetings with the headteacher, the registered manager of the residential provision and the building development manager for The Roaches School Network.  The lead inspector spoke on the telephone with a representative of the proprietor body.  Inspectors toured the proposed school site with leaders to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised and evaluated documentation provided by leaders of the proposed school and information published on the school’s website. This included schemes of work, policies and procedures related to health and safety, risk assessment, administration of first aid, complaints and fire safety.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspectors checked the arrangements for staff recruitment, scrutinised various safeguarding documents, viewed the single central record and discussed the school’s arrangements for the safeguarding of pupils.  Following the inspection on 17 December 2024, the lead inspector made a further review of the progress made on the premises of the proposed school to ensure that the work had been completed as planned.

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Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

David Mills 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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