The Place Independent School

School material change inspection report

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The Place Independent School Hill Farm, Belvoir Road, Bottesford NG13 0EA

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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)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(c) to 2A(2)  The school’s curriculum policy sets out an overview of learning at each key stage. The policy includes the intent and overview of the proposed curriculum that the school will provide to pupils aged five to seven years, if the proposed change to the age range is approved.  The proposed curriculum that pupils aged five to seven will study matches the school’s aims and ethos, as well as the content of the national curriculum and the early years framework. The proposed curriculum takes into account these pupils’ ages, aptitudes and needs. There are clear schemes of work in a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, art and physical education.  The proposed curriculum will include appropriate therapeutic provision to help meet pupils’ differing needs.  The school has considered the communication, literacy and numeracy skills of pupils

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Main inspection findings

aged five to seven. The school intends to provide phonics teaching for any pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read.  The proposed curriculum will provide pupils with personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and relationships education. The PSHE and relationships and sex education (RSE) provision will give these pupils the opportunities to learn about diversity, equality, fundamental British values and RSE that is age appropriate.  The curriculum that the school has developed for pupils aged five to seven years will ensure that they are able to learn and make progress so they are prepared well for their future learning. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The school has considered the staffing needed if the proposed age range change is approved. The school employs many staff with relevant qualifications and experience. The school intends to appoint additional staff as the number of pupils on roll

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Main inspection findings

increases. This will increase the school’s existing capacity to teach pupils aged five to seven years.  Leaders have secure subject knowledge and teaching expertise. They currently identify, assess and determine the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders know how to adapt the curriculum to meet pupils’ specific needs. The school has capacity to teach and meet pupils’ wider needs across the proposed age range change.  There is an established assessment framework in place to assess, monitor and track pupils’ learning and progress. The school has plans to extend this framework to include younger pupils.  The school is likely to meet the independent school standards (the standards) in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school plans to provide a range of opportunities for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils aged five to seven years. These include, for example, a planned programme of activities and discussions based on a structured PSHE curriculum.  Opportunities to develop these younger pupils’ understanding of British values are planned across the proposed curriculum. These will include opportunities to learn about the rule of law, diversity and equality, tolerance and respect, and individual liberty. Staff will teach pupils to value and respect the opinions of others. Pupils will have opportunities to appreciate different faiths and cultures. This will prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements of the standard in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school has a strong culture of safeguarding.  The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date and reflects the latest guidance provided by the Secretary of State. The policy is implemented consistently and effectively. Staff receive appropriate training and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.  Leaders know pupils and their backgrounds very well. The school works with, and appropriately challenges, external agencies to provide additional support when needed. Safeguarding records are thorough.  Pupils learn how to be safe in different situations, for example when in the community. The school ensures that pupils are kept safe.  The safeguarding policy is readily available on the school’s website. Paragraph 11  The school has an appropriate health and safety policy. It is implemented effectively

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Main inspection findings

to ensure pupils’ safety and welfare.  The school ensures that safety checks are undertaken regularly. For example, the school’s records show that managers routinely undertake premises checks. Health and safety audits have been undertaken and recommended actions are addressed in a timely manner. Paragraph 12  The school complies with the relevant fire safety regulations. Leaders ensure that checks on fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment, take place regularly. Fire drills are scheduled regularly and there is clear fire exit signage. Paragraph 14  The school ensures that there are appropriate levels of staff in place to supervise pupils effectively. The school has plans in place to increase teaching and welfare support staff as numbers of pupils increases, subject to approval of the material change. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The school has an appropriate risk assessment policy. There is a range of written risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments. Each risk assessment includes an evaluation of potential hazards and risks with control measures identified to reduce the risk. Risk assessments are shared with relevant staff.  Risk assessments are written for a range of educational trips and visits. These are updated regularly.  The school has risk assessments for individual pupils. It reviews these risk assessments regularly to make sure that they are up to date and identify all known risks.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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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), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)  Leaders, including the proprietor, have secure understanding and experience of safer recruitment procedures. The school completes all necessary pre-employment checks on all staff. It ensures that all relevant checks are undertaken before supply staff start working with pupils.  The school’s single central record includes the full range of checks required before an individual starts working with pupils.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 25, 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The current premises will accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers. The accommodation is secure and suitable for the age ranges of pupils currently at, and proposed to be admitted to, the school.  The accommodation is well maintained. Leaders make sure that the facilities are safe for pupils. For example, they ensure that water temperatures are appropriate and drinking-water is suitably labelled. The school provides suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils.  Classrooms are clean and tidy. The accommodation includes rooms for therapy and areas for multi-sensory activity, breakout opportunities and reading. Regular premises checks identify potential hazards and steps are taken to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The school has suitable accommodation and appropriate facilities for the short-term

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Main inspection findings

care of pupils who are unwell or injured. First-aid equipment is stored safely and is easily accessible. Paragraphs 26 to 27(b)  Classrooms and social spaces are well lit. The acoustics in classrooms are suitable to enable effective learning. External lighting is in place. Paragraphs to 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school has sufficient space for pupils to play outside. The outdoor perimeters are secure.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders, including the proprietor, have a secure understanding of their roles. They fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that the standards, relevant to the proposed material changes, are likely to be met securely and consistently.  Leaders have carefully considered the proposed changes to increase pupil numbers and to extend the age range. They are committed to the school’s vision to provide high-quality education for all pupils. Leaders are mindful that any changes do not have an adverse impact on pupils currently at the school. The school plans to increase gradually the number of pupils on roll. It promotes pupils’ well-being effectively.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if approval for the implementation of the material changes is given.

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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

Website www.theplaceindependentschool.co.uk

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School details

Email address charlotte@theplaceindependentschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 12 to 14 March 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 18 5 to 18 5 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 65 80 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 65 Up to 80 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 65 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 65 Up to 80

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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 65 Up to 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 19 22

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 59 70

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Information about this school

 The Place Independent School caters for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school operates at two sites. The lower school is located at Hill Farm, Belvoir Road, Bottesford, NG13 0EA. The upper school is located at 7 Jericho Lane, Barkestone, NG13 0HF.  The school is registered to provide education for up to 70 pupils. There are currently 65 pupils on the school’s roll.  The school does not currently use any alternative provision.  The previous standard inspection took place from 12 to 14 March 2024. The school was judged to be good.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002 to check the school’s likely compliance with the standards relevant to the proposed material changes to the age range and maximum number of pupils that the school is permitted to have on roll.  The proprietor has requested material changes to extend the age range to include pupils from the age of five to 18 years and to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll to 80.  This was the first material change inspection for these proposed changes.  The Department for Education commissioned the inspector to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessments; the quality of education; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; supervision of pupils; recruitment of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector met with the proprietor, head teacher and other leaders. He also spoke with some pupils.  The inspector undertook a tour of both sites to determine the suitability of the accommodation.  The inspector reviewed documentation in relation to the curriculum, teaching and learning, the provision for pupils with SEND, recruitment, safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.  The inspector reviewed the school’s single central record and the system for undertaking pre-employment checks on new staff.

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Inspection team

Chris Davies, 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

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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