Compass Community School Wheatley Park

School material change inspection report

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Compass Community School Wheatley Park 25–27 Moredon Road, Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon SN25 3DF

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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), 11, 12, 14, 16 to 16(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c )  The proprietor has ensured that there is a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. It is available to view on the school’s website. A paper copy is available on request. The policy reflects the latest statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education (DfE). A range of other school policies and documents underpin the safeguarding policy. These include health and safety policies and detailed risk assessments.  The proprietor has ensured that current staff have received relevant safeguarding training. The school intends for new staff to receive appropriate training prior to their employment with the school.  There is currently a high ratio of staff to pupils at the school. Staff supervise pupils effectively and behaviour around the school is well-supported.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor demonstrates a commitment to maintaining current staffing levels. There are appropriate plans to increase the number of staff in line with the proposed increase in pupil numbers to a maximum of 15.  Risk assessments of the premises, trips and individual pupils’ needs are thorough. The school intends to use the procedures already in place to mitigate risk to staff and pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the building is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the building. All exits are signposted and clear from clutter.  The proprietor has ensured that arrangements are in place to support pupils’ welfare, health and safety.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 18(2)-18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20 (6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(c ), 21(1) to 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6), 21(7)(a) and (b)  The single central record (SCR) meets statutory requirements. Appropriate recruitment and suitability checks are completed for all staff, including supply staff, and members of the governing and proprietor body before they begin working with pupils.  Leaders have completed suitable training in safer recruitment procedures. They regularly check the accuracy of the SCR to assure themselves it is up to date and complete.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.

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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(1)(b), 25to 29(1)(b)  The current premises are large enough to accommodate the proposed new maximum number of pupils. There is space in the existing classrooms to meet this increase.  Teaching spaces and communal spaces are suitably decorated and furnished. The classrooms are well ventilated, bright and light. The acoustics are well-balanced. Windows have appropriate safety guards in place.  The proprietor has ensured that hand washing and toilet facilities are available to pupils. They offer suitable shower facilities. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and does not pose a scolding risk. The number of toilets and showers is sufficient for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Pupils will continue to access local leisure facilities for physical education lessons, where changing rooms and showers are

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Main inspection findings

available.  The school ensures that drinking water is always available for existing pupils. It will be readily available for the number of proposed new pupils.  The school has a designated medical room exclusively for pupils’ use if they are unwell. This room contains a bed and a lockable medicine cabinet. Adjacent to the medical room is a toilet and appropriate washing facilities.  The outdoor space available to pupils is suitable for pupils to be able to socialise. The area has sufficient boundary fencing and external lighting.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(2)  The proprietor and those responsible for governance ensure they have a detailed understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. Its comprehensive quality assurance checks are completed regularly to make sure the standards are maintained.  The proprietor has the knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of pupils are maintained should the proposed changes be granted.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate accessibility plan in place. The school has ensured that the requirements are likely to continue to be 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

Email address jane.cordes@compass-schools.org

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 26 to 28 November 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 17 7 to 17 7 to 17

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 12 15 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 12 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 12 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 12 15

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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 12 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 5

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Information about this school

 The school opened in September 2023. It is located at 25–27 Moredon Road, Rodbourne Cheney, Swindon SN25 3DF.  The school’s most recent standard inspection was in November 2024.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Pupils have social, emotional and mental health needs, autism spectrum disorder and/ or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Their places are funded by several local authorities.  The school uses one unregistered alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first material change inspection commissioned by the DfE to consider Compass Community School Wheatley Park’s application to make a change to its registration agreement. The requested change was to increase the number of pupils on roll from 12 to 15.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The DfE requested that the inspector consider whether independent school standards contained within parts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.  The inspector visited the premises and conducted a tour of the school with the headteacher. The inspector met with the proprietor, governors and school leaders with responsibility for safeguarding. She also met with some pupils and staff. The inspector also examined several documents and policies related to the material change request.

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Inspection team

Marie Thomas, 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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