High Trees

School pre-registration inspection report

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High Trees 85 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LT

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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)(g) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The proposed school will cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is anticipated that pupils will have education, health and care (EHC) plans. Typically, pupils will have cognitive and learning needs, autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). All will be looked- after children. Pupils will have experienced significant disruption to their education prior to joining the school.  The curriculum policy reflects the school’s aims to build pupils’ resilience, provide therapeutic support and help prepare pupils for their next steps in education, training or employment. All pupils will follow a curriculum that gives them access to the full range of linguistic, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic

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Main inspection findings

and creative education. Older pupils will gain vocational qualifications as well as functional skills qualifications in English and mathematics. Other accreditations, such as ASDAN and AQA unit awards, will be bespoke according to pupils’ needs.  Post-16 students will have a further year to complete qualifications that they began in key stage 4. The proposed school does not currently have plans to offer a programme of activities beyond this which is appropriate to students’ needs.  The proposed school has bought commercial curriculums to support the implementation of the curriculum. They want to offer phonics tuition to those pupils who require it. However, as yet, the phonics programme has not been purchased or designed or resourced. Pupils will have access to a book club, digital library and the local library.  Pupils will access 26 hours of teaching a week. This includes an afternoon of sport and therapeutic sessions.

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Main inspection findings

 The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum is in development for the proposed age range of the pupils. The school plans to use a commercial scheme as well as a programme on harmful sexual behaviour and consent and an ASDAN accreditation. There is some work to do to make the overall curriculum cohesive and sequential. There is also work to do for relationships and sex education (RSE). The required policy for RSE has not been written. While there is a careers programme, this is geared only to Year 11 pupils and does not cover the requirements from Year 8 upwards. The proposed school intends to offer impartial careers guidance to pupils through the virtual schools. Paragraph 3 to 3j  The proprietor intends to appoint teachers who will have qualified teacher status and good subject knowledge. The proprietor also seeks to appoint higher-level teaching assistants who have experience of working with the designated needs of pupils and

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Main inspection findings

this type of setting. The intention is for staff to receive regular training opportunities to develop their knowledge of subjects and classroom practice. As part of their induction, staff will receive training on fundamental British values and how to ensure schemes of work do not undermine these.  The curriculums that are complete set out the essential knowledge that pupils will be taught. However, the proposed school has not yet considered how these curriculums will be adapted for the teaching of pupils with SEND. The proposed school intends to do this once they have the admissions information for the pupils and have liaised with the virtual schools.  The behaviour policy and systems are designed to support staff in promoting positive behaviour for learning in their lessons. Paragraph 4  On arrival at the school, pupils’ attainment and specific needs will be checked. The proposed school will use a range of ongoing checks to keep abreast of pupils’

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Main inspection findings

progression through the curriculum. Staff will use this information to make suitable adaptations to pupils’ learning and therapies.  The independent school standards (the standards) are unlikely to be met in this part if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s curriculum policy includes aims to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. The curriculum policy also outlines the outcomes the school wants pupils to achieve.  To ensure pupils learn right from wrong, and respect civil and criminal law, the school will liaise with the local police so that pupils have access to relevant content and community programmes. In addition, pupils will benefit from external speakers and trips to places of worship to understand other faiths and beliefs.  The proposed school’s timetable includes tutorial sessions where pupils’ SMSC development will be explored. The content for these sessions is in development. There is a school calendar in place which details the cultural and social events to be celebrated throughout the year.

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Main inspection findings

 While the school has bought commercial curriculums, there has not yet been scrutiny to see how pupils’ SMSC development and understanding of British values will be catered for through the schemes of work. At this stage, it has also not been decided as to how SMSC development will occur through extra-curricular activities.  The standard is unlikely to be met in this part if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has a safeguarding policy in place which covers some aspects of the current requirements for safeguarding arrangements. There is not much information to guide staff with regards to how to recognise causes for concern and how to report these.  The headteacher will be the designated lead for safeguarding. Current certification for this role is out of date. She is, however, booked to complete a refresher course.  The proprietor has run advertisements and interviews for posts in the proposed school. However, the proprietor has not ensured that staff involved in these processes have undertaken Safer Recruitment in Education training. Therefore, there has not been due regard for ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, Department for Education, September 2024. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The behaviour and anti-bullying policies of the proposed school espouse a trauma-

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Main inspection findings

informed approach to practices to cater for the needs of the pupils. The documents set out clearly the responsibilities of staff and the expectations of pupils so that pupils behave well.  There are suitable procedures detailed in the documentation for positive handling, managing exclusions and preventing bullying.  There will be an electronic system in place to record and monitor behaviour patterns. The proposed school aims to use this information to provide support for pupils and to secure continuous improvement in pupils’ behaviour over time. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  There is a suitable health and safety policy in place. Within this there is a first aid section which details the arrangements for the effective management of first-aid procedures. The proprietor intends for all staff to be trained in first aid.  The proprietor has ensured that there are robust arrangements for the necessary health and safety checks to be made.

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Main inspection findings

 Plans for fire safety, such as the regular practice of fire evacuation, are appropriate. Fire equipment is installed, and the required external checks have taken place. Fire exits are clearly labelled. The school meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The proposed school will open at capacity. There are plans for an appropriate staff-to- pupil ratio. This is to enable effective supervision.  The proposed school’s procedures for recording attendance are appropriate. There is an admissions register which records the necessary information.  There is an appropriate risk assessment policy with comprehensive risk assessments in place. For example, the documents outline the transportation of pupils as well as the delivery of some areas of the curriculum, such as arts and crafts.  The standards are unlikely to be met in this part if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(d), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The single central record is maintained electronically. It contains the different types of checks required about the suitability of staff prior to appointment. The required checks have been carried out on the proprietor body and the headteacher.  The proposed school does not intend to use agency staff. However, the proprietor is aware of the checks that they need to carry out should they need to do so.  The standards are likely to be met in this part if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The school site is in residential accommodation which has a dual purpose. There is a dedicated classroom which is large enough to accommodate all the pupils when the school is at capacity. The ground floor of the building includes a kitchen and two large lounges which will be shared space with occupants who do not attend the school. There has been appropriate consideration of how the spaces will be managed so that the school remains separate, and learning continues uninterrupted.  The building has suitable lighting and ventilation. Fire doors and water sources are labelled throughout. The building has been well maintained. It is freshly decorated and is equipped with modern appliances. External and emergency lighting are in place and suitably checked.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for staff and pupils. The temperature of

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Main inspection findings

the water does not pose a scalding risk to users.  The designated medical room is also an office. It has a collapsible bed and is well stocked with medical supplies which are in date. It is adjacent to a toilet. However, it does not include a washing facility.  The proposed school plans to run sports education off site. The leisure centre designated for use will provide the shower accommodation.  There is a large outside area which is fenced off. There is equipment for pupils to use such as a basketball hoop and a trampoline. There is also a dedicated gardening area.  The standards are unlikely to be met in this part if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(f)  There is a website which outlines some key information regarding the proposed school. For example, the inclusion of the school’s aims and values and a profile of the headteacher. It includes the contact information for the proprietor and the chair of governors. Parents and carers can request the required policies, including that for safeguarding, via the website. In addition, paper copies can be provided by the school office. On enrolment, parents will be sent a range of information about the school’s policies and procedures.  The proposed school understands its responsibility to provide information to local authorities about looked-after children and pupils with an EHC plan when requested.  This standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  There is a suitable complaints policy in place. The policy sets out the procedures to follow should a parent wish to make a complaint. It provides clear guidance on the procedures, timescales, composition of the panel, representation and confidentiality. Records will be kept in the proposed school’s electronic system.  The standard in this part is 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 Paragraph 34 (1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor is SV Care Services Limited. The proprietor does not operate any schools.  There are two directors that make up the proprietor body. Neither has experience of setting up schools or running them. One of the directors will serve as the chair of governors for the proposed school’s governing body. The governing body has not yet been formally constituted. The directors recognise they require educational experience on the governing body to help hold the school to account. They have also recently sought the services of an educational consultant to help provide advice and support to set up the school.  A headteacher for the setting has been appointed. This person has worked in independent school settings previously. However, the recent audit has not provided an accurate and full picture of what actions need to take place for the standards to be

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Main inspection findings

met. For example, the proprietor did not know that the proposed school should have an equalities policy and accessibility plan.  The quality assurance procedures to check the quality of the school’s work once it opens are not in place. The proprietor is considering the use of key performance indicators to help measure school performance and inform future actions.  The proprietor intends to work closely with referring local authorities and virtual schools, as well as provide the necessary training for staff so they are suitably equipped to work with pupils with SEND.  The standard in this part is unlikely 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 does not have an equalities policy or an accessibility plan in place.  The proposed school is unlikely to fulfil its duty under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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 day special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £70,000 to £90,000

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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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 4

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 4 Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 4

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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 4

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 2

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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 As required

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Information about this proposed school

 It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to four pupils, aged between seven and seventeen years.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND. All will be pupils with SEMH needs and typically will have other associated needs. It is anticipated that many of the pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proposed school is situated in a residential setting which has two storeys.  The proprietor has put in place a chair of governors to oversee the governing body. The proprietor intends for this to be in place by the time the school is registered and open to pupils.  The proprietor intends to make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE registers the school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The proposed school is not yet operating.  The inspector visited the school site and met with the proprietor, the operations manager and the headteacher. The inspector toured the premises, scrutinised the single central record and reviewed safeguarding arrangements.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including the proposed school’s curriculum, policies and procedures, and other information provided by the proprietor.

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Inspection team

Liz Smith, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil's parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons;

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school, or

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 Arrangements to fulfil duties under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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