Wealden School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Wealden School Shimba Lodge, Freezeland Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 5JD

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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)(h) to 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 to 4.  The proposed school’s curriculum policy is available on request. It includes information on how the curriculum will be adapted to meet pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It also reflects pupils’ social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The policy considers pupils’ individual starting points, interests and abilities. However, it does not set out how teaching will support post-16 students to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations.  All pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Many pupils will have struggled in their previous mainstream schools or specialist provisions due to anxiety and problems with self-esteem and confidence. Because of this, it is intended that the curriculum will be bespoke in order to meet pupils’ academic and SEMH needs.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will learn a suitably broad range of subjects. However, schemes of work for the different subjects cater primarily for key stages 2 to 4. The school has not considered the academic, technical or vocational programmes of study for post-16 students.  Some schemes of work in subjects, such as mathematics, physical education (PE) and reading, do not provide clear information on the key knowledge and skills pupils should learn. The school has not identified clearly the intended approach to deliver the curriculum for these subjects. This means that the schemes of work in these subjects are not fit for purpose.  The PE curriculum also lacks clarity and coherence regarding progression routes beyond key stage 4. It does not identify or outline any recognised qualifications or subject-specific requirements suitable for pupils intending to pursue post-16 studies in this area.  The school has not identified a suitable phonics programme to support pupils who are

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Main inspection findings

at the early stages of learning to read. In addition, it does not have suitable plans to support pupils with SEND to acquire key speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  The details in the curriculum policy emphasise the contribution that each subject will make to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education. This approach demonstrates the school’s intention to provide a flexible and personalised education for each pupil based on their EHC plan targets and individual starting points. The details in the policy also show that the active promotion of fundamental British values will lie at the core of pupils’ education.  The careers policy sets out how pupils will be supported to make informed choices about their future education and employment. The school is committed to arranging suitable work experience or work-related learning for pupils. Adequate plans are in place to ensure that impartial and regular careers advice is offered to pupils to

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Main inspection findings

support them to make appropriate choices about their future.  The proprietor body intends to recruit qualified teaching and support staff. They intend to provide training to staff as part of the school’s induction programme. This is likely to ensure that pupils in key stages 2 and 4 will benefit from a high-quality education. However, the school has not considered how it will recruit staff with the necessary skills and expertise to be able to deliver the post-16 curriculum.  The school has appropriate arrangements in place for checking how well pupils are learning. These are centred around pupils’ EHC plan targets and track both academic, social and emotional progress. The school recognises that the initial period of integrating pupils, when they first join will, include assessing pupils’ prior learning across the curriculum. It sees this as key to pupils’ future success.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are not likely to be met

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Main inspection findings

if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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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 will promote pupils’ SMSC development through the taught curriculum and through establishing a strong ethos of care and respect between staff and pupils.  The PSHE curriculum includes suitable coverage of fundamental British values, the diversity of modern society and being a positive citizen. Pupils will be taught about and encouraged to live healthy lives and to respect differences, including in relation to the protected characteristics. The planned programme of events, including celebrating diversity, is likely to ensure that pupils are taught about a range of religions, faiths and cultures.  The school will provide pupils with opportunities to broaden their horizons though a programme of trips and wider opportunities. The exact activities will be developed based on pupils’ talents and interests but are likely to include a variety of physical

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Main inspection findings

activities that also provide opportunities for social interaction.  The school understands that pupils attending the school may be vulnerable to negative suggestion and influence and will ensure that pupils are not exposed to partisan political or religious views.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 9 to 16(b), 34(1)(c)  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance and is available on request. The policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of staff and sets out the procedures staff should follow if they have any concerns about pupils.  A headteacher has been appointed and is due to start in September 2025. They will take up the role of the designated safeguarding leader. No other staff have been appointed. The director of education, who took up their post in July 2025, has extensive experience of overseeing safeguarding in similar schools. The school understands the risks and potential vulnerabilities that pupils with SEND might face in their daily lives and have clear plans in place to help them to learn how to stay safe.  The proprietor body has suitable systems and processes in place to ensure that

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding concerns are reported and monitored through an online system.  There are a range of suitable policies in place, including first aid, admissions, behaviour and safeguarding. However, the health and safety policy does not account for the school’s particular context and rural location. For example, the policy refers to the presence of asbestos, whereas documents for the new school building confirm that the site does not contain any.  The school’s risk assessment policy recognises the need to make regular checks on the premises. However, inspectors found that these checks have not been carried out in practice and some of the school’s suggested actions to reduce risks are not appropriate. For instance, the policy states that the school had commissioned an external Legionnaires test, yet inspectors found no evidence that the water supply has been assessed for Legionella bacteria. There is no documented action taken in

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Main inspection findings

response to some other identified risks. For example, the school lacks appropriate frameworks to record or assess various site-specific hazards, including the designated play and PE area.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to be implemented well. It will use its online system to record any incidents of serious misbehaviour and any sanctions imposed as a result.  Fire safety is given a high priority. Key actions identified in a recent external fire safety audit have been addressed. Induction training for new staff includes fire safety and fire warden training. Initially, however, the school had not ensured that fire extinguishers were visible and accessible in key areas, such as the food technology room to support rapid response in the event of an emergency. This was addressed while the inspection team was on site.  The school does not consider appropriately pupils’ health and safety or welfare

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Main inspection findings

requirements. For example, when making decisions on wheelchair access to certain spaces, such as the changing room and shower facilities or the location and accommodation of the medical room.  The school has made appropriate arrangements to ensure that staffing levels are high and will rise in line with the admission of new pupils. This means that plans to ensure that pupils are safely supervised are likely to be suitable.  The school’s plans for admission are appropriate. However, leaders have not made suitable arrangements for the school’s attendance registers. The have not identified an appropriate electronic system to record and monitor attendance trends and patterns.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission 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(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 20(6) to 20(6)(c)  The proposed school’s single central record is maintained electronically. The director of education demonstrates sound understanding of the different types of checks required about the suitability of staff prior to appointment. The required checks have been carried out on members of the proprietor body.  The school intends to use supply and agency staff. It is aware of the checks that it needs to carry out should it need to do so.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is 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 occupy a newly constructed single-storey building. It has been developed on the site of the former stables area within the grounds of a large country house. The setting spans approximately 2.25 acres in a rural location in East Sussex.  The building facilities include five well-furnished moderate sized classrooms, a sensory room and a small food technology room. These spaces have been freshly decorated and furnished to a high standard. Rooms are light and airy. The number and size of rooms ready for use is suitable for up to 15 pupils aged 8 to 16 and not appropriate for pupils aged 8 to 18 as requested in the pre-registration application to the Department for Education (DfE).  The school is accessible via its own secure entrance. However, the main car park and

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Main inspection findings

the entrance area lack adequate external lighting for safe passage in the dark.  The school has not established a suitable and safe environment for pupils to play outside or undertake PE. For example, the designated play and PE areas are overgrown. Also, some of the large garden maintenance equipment is not stored safely. In addition, the perimeter fencing poses a likely risk of pupils’ absconding, particularly in unsupervised moments or transitional periods, such as breaktimes. The space outside classrooms is bordered by overgrown brambles and overlooks a mature garden area, which pupils can access easily. Inspectors observed dry and decaying tree branches in this area, which have not been risk assessed or addressed through routine grounds maintenance  The school has appropriate toilet facilities with hot and cold running water. The temperature of the hot water did not pose a scalding risk. Drinking water is readily

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Main inspection findings

available and is labelled as such.  Although shower and changing facilities are available for pupils’ sole use at all times, the school has not considered pupils’ privacy well enough. This means that the shower facilities currently pose a potential welfare and safeguarding risk.  The medical room has been identified but its proposed location is not suitable to provide for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. In addition, it does not have a suitable place for pupils to rest but it is located close to toilet facilities.  The proposed staffing structure and suggested organisation of the day mean that pupils are likely to be properly supervised.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(g), 32(1)(j) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(dc) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school does not have a website. It has however ensured that relevant information on the school’s work and key polices will be available on request. This includes information related to admissions, behaviour and how the school will cater for pupils with SEND.  The school has not devised a suitable written format to ensure that parents and carers receive clear information on their children’s progress and attainment on an annual basis.  The school understands its duties to provide any placing local authorities with the required information on pupils with SEND.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy and procedures are fit for purpose. It sets out clear timescales for the management of any complaint and who will consider them.  The complaints policy allows for complaints to be resolved informally wherever possible. When necessary, procedures for escalating complaints to more formal processes are clearly laid out.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards if the school is permitted to open. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body’s ambition to establish a motivating and engaging special school for pupils with SEMH is evident.  The proprietor body was not fully ready for this pre-registration inspection. The school’s collective understanding of the requirements of the standards is not as strong as it should be. Consequently, a number of the standards are unlikely to be met at

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Main inspection findings

this time.  The proprietor body intends to set up an internal governing body whose membership will include headteachers in the group of schools it operates.  The proposed school is unlikely to meet this part of the standards if it is permitted to open

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has not given enough consideration to ensuring equality of access for all pupils.  The school is not likely to meet paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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 special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Blossom Childrens Homes & Education Ltd

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Alison Dobbie (director of education)

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £105,000

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Proposed school details

Website The school does not have a website

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Proposed school details

Email address schools@blossomchildren.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable eight to 18 eight to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 15 15

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The school’s curriculum does not consider post-16 students’ academic, technical and vocational needs and wider/additional behaviour and pastoral requirements.

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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 15

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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 15

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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 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 Not applicable 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 6

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school’s address is: Shimba Lodge, Freezeland Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 5JD. It is based in a rural location in East Sussex. The school will occupy a purpose-built, separate area of a country house, which is set in approximately 2.25 acres.  The school intends to cater for boys and girls from 8 to 18 years of age.  The school will cater exclusively for pupils with severe learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, autism, SEMH and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is anticipated that all pupils will have an EHC plan.  Some pupils who are likely to attend the school will live in a children’s home that is operated by the same proprietor body.  A range of local authorities will place pupils in the school.  The school will not have a religious character.  The school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  Prior to the site visit, the lead inspector reviewed a range of documents provided to the DfE as part of the school’s application for registration.  Inspectors reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the single central record, policies and curriculum and assessment information on site.  Inspectors toured the school’s premises with the director of education. They also met with a headteacher of one of the other schools operated by the proprietor body. The lead inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body and the owner of the group of companies.

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Inspection team

Shazia Akram, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills;

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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(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  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)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 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 – 24(1)(c) where a school caters for pupils with complex needs, additional medical accommodation which caters for those needs.  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request; – 32(1)(d) following an inspection under section 108 or 109 of the 2008 Act, a copy of the report of the inspection (if it has been sent to the proprietor) is published and

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Part 6. Provision of information

maintained on the school’s internet website, and provided to the parents of each registered pupil, by any date specified by the body who conducted the inspection; – 32(1)(e) following an inspection under section 87(1) of the 1989 Act, a copy of the report of the inspection (if it has been sent to the proprietor) is published and maintained on the school’s internet website, and provided to the parents of each boarder; – 32(1)(f) an annual written report of each registered pupil’s progress and attainment in the main subject areas taught is provided to the parents of that registered pupil except that no report need be provided where the parent has agreed otherwise; – 32(1)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection is provided to the body conducting the inspection and that body is given access to the

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Part 6. Provision of information

school’s admission and attendance registers; – 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006[16]) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of State; – 32(1)(i) where a pupil with an EHC plan wholly or partly funded by a local authority or other body through public funds is registered at the school, such information as may reasonably be required for the purpose of the annual review of the EHC plan is provided to the responsible local authority; and – 32(1)(j) particulars of any action specified in sub-paragraph (4) are published and maintained on the school’s website or, where no such website exists, are provided to

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Part 6. Provision of information

parents.  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher; – 32(2)(b) either- – 32(2)(b)(ii) where the proprietor is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office; – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair; and – 32(2)(d) a statement of the school’s ethos (including any religious ethos) and aims.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2;

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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. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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