Maple Haven Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Maple Haven Ltd Quex Village, Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington, Kent CT7 0BH

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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 4  The proposed school is aspirational for what it hopes prospective pupils will achieve during their time at the school. It has planned an ambitious curriculum which is likely to provide a suitable breadth of learning as required by the independent school standards (the standards). Appropriate curriculum and assessment policies are in place. These suitably consider the provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  All pupils who are likely to attend will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Most will have a primary need of speech, language and communication. Older pupils will have the opportunity to study nationally accredited qualification courses, such as Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network unit awards.  The curriculum consists of three clearly defined ‘pathways’. Each pathway is designed

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Main inspection findings

to meet the diverse needs of pupils who will attend. The curriculum places a particular emphasis on developing pupils’ speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  The curriculum is designed to be flexible, with content adapted according to pupils’ individual starting points and EHC plan targets. The school intends to identify pupils’ individual requirements when they first join and tailor the curriculum accordingly. It has already recruited experienced staff who have the knowledge and expertise required to ensure that this is done well.  Additional expertise from specialist nursing staff and therapy teams will complement the school’s educational work. Pupils will be able to access extra help so that any educational barriers can be addressed.  The school has a suitable phonics programme in place to support pupils to become confident readers. Books have been selected that will help pupils practise reading

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Main inspection findings

skills that promote fluency. Staff have received training to help pupils learn to read well. It is anticipated that many pupils will require support to develop their communication skills. All pupils will be taught British Sign Language. They will also learn to use symbols, pictures and online communication tools.  Leaders have planned a suitable curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. It includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) and has regard to fundamental British values and equality. The PSHE curriculum has been adapted to take pupils’ additional needs into consideration so learning is age- and stage-appropriate. The school’s RSE policy is suitable and is published on its website. Leaders intend to consult with parents and carers about the RSE policy as part of pupils’ induction to the school.  The school intends to provide independent and objective careers information,

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Main inspection findings

education, advice and guidance which is likely to meet requirements. Staff delivering careers education have received appropriate training to ensure the careers programme is aspirational and meets pupils’ SEND needs. Pupils will have opportunities to explore a range of jobs and careers as well as take part in work experience. A large part of the careers programme will focus on developing key employability skills, independence and resilience.  The school propose to increase the number of pupils on roll gradually. Plans for staffing reflect this intention, and several suitably qualified staff have already been appointed. The school clearly articulates its recruitment procedures to ensure that any further staff who are appointed are suitable. It intends that experienced and knowledgeable staff will enable pupils to acquire the knowledge and skills required to make good progress through their bespoke curriculum pathways.

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Main inspection findings

 This part of the standards is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to register.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school intends that pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development will be woven through all aspects of day-to-day life. It aspires to create a caring ethos founded on the school’s values of ‘growth, kindness, respect, curiosity and determination’. All staff and pupils will be expected to uphold these values.  The school has given careful thought to pupils’ personal development. It understands the importance of developing pupils’ social skills and building their self-esteem, independence and resilience.  The school aims to offer a ‘therapeutic’ approach to education. This will include developing pupils’ social and communication skills. Pupils will be encouraged to recognise and understand their feelings and to appreciate the impact of their actions on others. They will be taught how to express their emotions in appropriate ways.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s timetable is designed to include a range of enrichment opportunities to support pupils’ wider development, for example swimming, forest school, gardening, cooking, horse riding, animal care and physical and sensory activities. The school also intends for this offer to be influenced by pupils’ interests and aspirations.  The school is committed to the promotion of British values. This includes opportunities for pupils to learn about equality, protected characteristics and other faiths through the school’s curriculum and its inclusive and respectful ethos.  The school is aware of the danger of partisan views being spread by staff and has effective policies and monitoring systems in place to help prevent this.  The proposed school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has suitable policies, written guidance and procedures in place to assure the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The safeguarding policy is compliant with the latest government guidance. It is available on the school’s website and upon request.  The designated safeguarding lead and their team have completed suitable training. They are knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. The school has plans in place to train additional staff to further increase the safeguarding team’s capacity.  Staff will complete safeguarding training regularly. This will be supplemented with daily staff briefings, which will be used to share key information, including revisiting key aspects of the safeguarding policy. All safeguarding concerns will be recorded on a centralised electronic system in a timely manner. Staff will be trained in how to use

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Main inspection findings

the system. The school intend to complete routine checks on staff’s safeguarding knowledge to ensure they are confident about taking action when required. Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to achieve the school’s aim to secure positive behaviour if implemented securely and effectively. They set out clear procedures, with an emphasis on the use of preventative and de- escalation strategies. Staff will be suitably trained to understand the varying needs of pupils. The school plans to monitor behaviour records routinely to spot and respond to any patterns that emerge.  The school’s health and safety and risk assessment policies are suitable. Risk assessments are comprehensive and relevant. Appropriate plans are in place for a range of risk assessments to be reviewed in a timely way.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school complies with the Regulatory

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Main inspection findings

Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment has recently been carried out, providing assurance that fire safety arrangements are suitable. Appropriate firefighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in place. The school intends to carry out routine checks on equipment and alarms and hold regular fire drills.  A suitable first-aid policy is in place. The school has ensured that key staff are suitably trained to deliver first aid.  The school has paid careful attention to arrangements for the supervision of pupils. High staff-to-pupil ratios mean that pupils will be supervised appropriately. As the school grows over time, there are suitable plans in place to expand the workforce to ensure the safe oversight of pupils.  Admissions and attendance registers are electronic and will be kept in line with statutory guidance. Pupils will be expected to attend regularly. The school will monitor

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Main inspection findings

their attendance closely. It intends to work constructively with parents and external agencies to support pupils’ welfare.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the proposed school is permitted to open.

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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) to 21(6)  The proposed school knows what checks it is required to carry out on adults employed by or working at the school. These include checks about medical fitness and those relating to safeguarding. A single central record of recruitment checks is in place. This gives a clear record of the checks that have been carried out, in accordance with statutory requirements.  The proprietor, along with the school business manager, will monitor arrangements to ensure that all checks are completed fully and in a timely manner.  The school does not intend to employ any agency or supply staff. However, it is aware of the checks that it needs to carry out should it need to do so.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

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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), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school will operate from a single site that is located on a large private estate. It has its own secure entrance. It is intended that nearly all pupils will arrive by taxi. Initially, pupils will be dropped off at the proprietor’s other school, which is also located on the private estate and is a short walk away from the proposed school. There are suitable arrangements in place for pupils to arrive and depart the school safely.  The school building is a welcoming and inviting environment. Initially, the accommodation comprised a bright, airy teaching space, a reception area, a kitchen, a care suite, an office and an intervention pod. However, there was no suitable place for older pupils to work. During the inspection, this was addressed, and the office was converted to a classroom space. This, along with the intervention pod, ensures there

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Main inspection findings

is adequate space for older pupils to work away from the youngest ones.  The lighting, heating and acoustics are all suitable for the pupils likely to attend the school. The main teaching space has direct access to a well-equipped garden area. This will be used by younger pupils. Older pupils will use the large outdoor space located next door, which the school has sole use of during weekdays. The proprietor has ensured that appropriate risk assessments identify potential risks and make clear necessary controls to mitigate these for this area. Initially, there was an outside space that pupils could access, which was unsuitable. This was quickly addressed and fenced off by the proprietor during the inspection.  Physical education will be provided off site at the proprietor’s other school. Showers and changing facilities will be available for pupils at these premises.  At the start of the inspection, the intervention pod did not have adequate external

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Main inspection findings

lighting. This was swiftly addressed by the proprietor while the inspection team were still on site. Consequently, there is now sufficient external lighting to ensure safe passage after dark.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for staff and pupils. These include running water that is hot but does not present a scalding risk. Drinking water is clearly labelled as such and will be made readily available to pupils.  The medical room, based in the care suite, is fit for purpose. It is suitably equipped with a bed for pupils to rest on, along with a toilet.  This part of the standards is likely to be met should the school be granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website includes information the proprietor is required to provide. It provides a bright and accessible source of information for prospective pupils and their families. Required policies, such as for safeguarding, behaviour and complaints, are easy to find and are up to date.  The school sees high levels of communication between parents and staff as a key aspect of the provision. It values parents’ views and looks forward to working with them to support pupils’ progress. The school intends to provide regular updates and written reports to parents as well as local authorities placing pupils at the school.  The requirements for this part of the standards are likely to be met if the proposed school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy complies with statutory requirements and is published on its website.  The complaints policy gives clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint. It includes the opportunity to consider any complaints informally in the first instance.  The school will keep a written record of all complaints. The proprietor has ensured a suitable format for recording and monitoring complaints.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and staff bring suitable knowledge and expertise to their roles. They have substantial experience in providing education for pupils with SEND. It is likely that this experience will ensure that pupils’ welfare is positively promoted in the proposed school if it is granted permission to open.  The proprietor is knowledgeable about the standards. It plans to use a range of formal and informal procedures to maintain oversight of the school’s work and to ensure that the standards are met consistently over time.  Procedures for monitoring the school’s work seem suitably robust. There is a governing body in place. Members have an appropriate and broad range of experience and expertise. This places them well to be able to support and challenge the school as it develops.  The proposed school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school is aware of its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. Furthermore, it is wholly committed to inclusion, equality and diversity. The school’s accessibility plan meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The proposed school demonstrates a detailed understanding of the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS). It intends to plan for children across all aspects of learning. Children’s progress against this will be recorded and shared with parents.  The school is likely to comply with all the learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS.

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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

Headteacher Sara Llewellyn (School Leader)

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Proposed school details

Email address sarallewellyn@thellewellyn.school

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 4 to 18 4 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 14 14

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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 14

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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 14

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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 14

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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 14

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

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Information about this proposed school

 Maple Haven Ltd is located on its own plot in the grounds of a private estate. Older pupils will have sole use of a play area which is next door to the school and leased by the proprietor.  The proposed school intends to cater for up to 14 pupils between the ages of four and 18. All pupils will have an EHC plan and their places will be funded by a local authority.  The school intends to specialise in providing education for pupils with a range of speech, language and communication needs.  A governing board has been appointed and will provide a degree of external oversight for the school.  The school will have a sole proprietor who will also be the school leader.  The school does not intend to have a particular religious character.  It is not intended that the school will use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the proprietor’s application to open an independent school. This was the school’s first pre- registration inspection.  The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the standards to be registered.  Inspectors met with the proprietor and other staff. The lead inspector also spoke with the chair of governors on the telephone. Inspectors reviewed documents provided by the school and those available on the school’s website. They toured the school’s premises and checked the single central record of pre-appointment checks.

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Inspection team

Louise Walker, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Michelle Payne 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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