Orchard Manor School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Orchard Manor School The Old Rectory, Stow Bardolph, Nr King’s Lynn PE34 3HT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h), 2(2(i)  The intended curriculum is well designed. It will be broad, covering the full range of the national curriculum. The proposed curriculum identifies the key knowledge pupils need to gain to succeed. It will be sequenced to build up what pupils know over time. The curriculum is ambitious in terms of end points, such as allowing pupils to take a range of accredited qualifications.  The proposed school has thought carefully how it will adapt the curriculum to meet pupils’ needs. There is a clear and coherent pathways structure. Leaders will use baseline assessments to identify the correct pathway for pupils. Within pathways, the curriculum will be adapted according to the needs specified in pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans. There will be flexibility within pathways. For example, pupils who can will move forwards quicker in one subject, while developing

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Main inspection findings

foundational skills in another.  The school has a precise vision for the range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) it aims to support. This relates to autism and associated needs. The school has a strong understanding of how to identify and support these needs. For example, leaders intend to use a range of assessment processes to identify any sensory or emotional challenges that may act as barriers to learning. The proposed school means to build up pupils’ emotional readiness to learn as a consequence. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The proposed school has designed a well-considered personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme. Leaders intend that pupils will learn this in a way that is appropriate to their age, cognitive ability and SEND. The relationships and sex education (RSE) policy is integrated with the PSHE policy and associated schemes

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Main inspection findings

of work. The proposed school will consult with and communicate closely with parents regarding RSE. RSE is carefully mapped to ensure full and relevant coverage as pupils grow older. Paragraphs 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  The proprietor has ensured there is a plan for an extensive careers education. This includes the provision of independent careers advice and guidance. The careers programme is likely to help pupils to make informed choices about their next steps as they grow older. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The proprietor has recruited suitable levels of staff for September. All the teachers recruited are qualified. The proprietor has appropriate plans to recruit further as the school grows.  The proposed school has an in-depth programme for how it means to train staff to deliver the curriculum successfully. For example, the intended quality assurance processes are designed to link closely to the planned training. Resources for upcoming

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Main inspection findings

staff training are already in place. Staff and leaders will benefit from receiving support and training as part of a wider company that has experience of running similar schools.  The school means to place a high priority on reading. Leaders have considered how those in the early stages of reading will get the support they need to develop their fluency and confidence.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has designed a coherent approach to developing pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) knowledge. For instance, it has created audit maps so that it will know pupils are learning the required content. This includes important material about fundamental British values and the protected characteristics. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

understand that teaching British values is enhanced by giving pupils a lived experience of these, such as voting for the school council.  The proposed school aims to provide extensive extra-curricular experiences for the SMSC development of pupils. For instance, it has communicated with local businesses and organisations to arrange for pupils to volunteer for charity work or get valuable experience of the workplace.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Leaders have the knowledge and experience needed to establish a strong safeguarding culture for pupils. The safeguarding leaders have the appropriate training. They have a suitable programme to train staff to know how to spot and log concerns. The proposed school understands the potential risks for the likely cohort.

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Main inspection findings

Some of these relate to nonverbal children who will enrol with communication needs. For example, leaders have considered carefully how they will support these pupils to disclose concerns.  The proprietor has ensured that a suitably robust and wide-ranging safeguarding policy will be available on the proposed school’s website. Paragraphs 9 and 10  There are appropriate policies for behaviour and bullying. Leaders have a well-defined vision for their aim to create a positive behaviour culture. For example, they articulate with clarity how difficult behaviours can often occur because of pupils’ frustration when their needs are not identified accurately or met effectively. The proposed school aims to help pupils engage through a calm and safe culture.  The proposed school has well-considered plans for training staff to support positive behaviour. For instance, staff will learn to pre-empt issues by helping pupils to identify

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Main inspection findings

their feelings better. When issues do occur, the proposed school aims to intervene quickly and effectively. This is so these do not escalate or become patterns of behaviour for pupils. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  Health and safety will be closely monitored. Systems are in place to pick up and respond to any concerns. The processes to report and log first aid issues are appropriate. The fire procedures meet statutory requirements. All actions suggested on the fire risk assessment have been dealt with speedily. Risk assessments for the site and provision are already in place, and regular review points for these have been identified.  The proprietor has ensured that the intended admissions and attendance processes are suitable and compliant with statutory requirements.  The proprietor’s intended staff-to-pupil ratios suggest that pupils are likely to be suitably supervised throughout the school day.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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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) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), and 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The school has made the needed pre-employment checks for all staff members so far recruited. The single central record template complies with the ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)’ statutory guidelines. Processes for safer recruitment are robust and well-articulated.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b) and 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The site is fit for purpose. It is likely to be highly conducive to pupils’ well-being and learning. The classrooms are bright, airy, and well lit. They are roomy and sufficient in number. Other spaces offer a range of opportunities, such as for breakout work and one-to-one support. There is a well-resourced catering classroom. The site has plenty

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Main inspection findings

of outdoor space for physical education, and showers if needed.  The site is well set up to support pupils’ needs. Discrete and appropriate spaces have been provided for clinical work. There is a spacious medical room. Pupils will have multiple toilets and sources of clearly marked drinking water. Outside there are ample suitable play areas. These have attractive and safe play equipment.  There is a second building that will not be used for the proposed initial intake in September. However, it is near completion and will soon be ready for use. This will provide key stage 3 and 4 learning in the longer term, such as science laboratories, and potential spaces for design and technology and information technology.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has all the required information ready for parents and local authorities. The policies that should be are available and appropriate.  Parents and carers will receive annual reports with information about their children’s achievement and engagement.  Leaders understand their responsibilities to provide local authorities with information about pupils’ EHC plans and funding. The proposed school has comprehensive plans for how staff, parents and pupils will contribute to the annual review process for EHC plans.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has created a clear complaints policy. This is compliant with the requirements for independent schools. For example, it explains the necessary steps at each stage of the complaints process. There are well-defined timelines for managing

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Main inspection findings

and responding to complaints.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear and cogent rationale for opening this school. This is primarily in response to high local need.  The proprietor intends to admit new pupils in a measured way. This will enable the proposed school to establish a culture over the first year. The proprietor means to introduce more staff and pupils in gradual and phased way.  The proprietor has well-defined and systematic ways of checking on the quality of provision. This includes processes designed to ensure the standards are met consistently over time. The proprietor’s governance structure ensures the school’s leaders work as part of a wider team. This will help them get the support and challenge they need to support pupils well.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan to ensure that the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £67,890 up to £97,890

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Proposed school details

Email address paul.sanderson1@orchardmanorschool.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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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 42 42

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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 42

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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 42

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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 42

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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 42

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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 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor for the proposed school is P Bloom Ltd. This is part of Outcomes First Group. Outcomes First Group runs 36 other independent special schools across the country currently. The chair of the proprietor body is Richard Power. He is also the UK chief executive officer of Outcomes First Group.  The proposed school will cater for a range of SEND. Pupils’ primary need will be related to autism. Pupils are likely to have some other associated needs. All pupils will have an EHC plan.  The school will operate from one address. This is The Old Rectory, Stow Bardolph, Nr King’s Lynn PE34 3HT. This was previously the site for an independent primary school and nursery, the Downham Preparatory School and Montessori Nursery. That provision closed in August 2024. There is no link between the nursery and the proposed school.  The proposed school’s capacity will be 42 pupils. However, in the first year the

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Information about this proposed school

proprietor intends to admit approximately half this number. The vast majority of these pupils will be in key stages 1 and 2.  The site has two buildings. The proprietor intends to use only one of these buildings initially. The second has some unfinished building work. The planned date for completion of this is October 2025. This second building will be used for key stage 4 once older pupils are admitted to the school.  The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.  The school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned this pre-registration inspection to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if permitted to open. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the school’s single central record of pre-employment checks.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises. This includes the building which has some unfinished development work.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the deputy headteacher, and the special educational needs coordinator. He also met with representatives of the proprietor.

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Inspection team

Charlie Fordham, 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

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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