The Willows School

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Willows School 1 Weaver Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 3QN

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(2)(e)(iii) and 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has prepared a broad curriculum that aims to provide pupils with experiences in a range of subjects. The school intends to provide linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. The curriculum is well organised. It is closely tailored to the pupils that the school intends to admit. Those responsible for the school have the knowledge and skills needed to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The school intends for pupils to have opportunities to learn and make progress in all areas of learning. It has prepared a curriculum policy that sets out how subjects within the curriculum will be organised and taught.  The school’s curriculum, across all subjects and key stages, is supported by detailed

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Main inspection findings

schemes of work. These take into account pupils’ starting points, aptitudes and ages.  Pupils’ attainment will be checked as they start the school. These assessments will be used to inform pupils’ different starting points in the curriculum.  The curriculum ensures that pupils will be taught speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Those that are at an early stage of learning to read will be taught phonics. The proposed phonics programme is well designed. Beyond phonics, pupils will go on to study a range of books, authors and genres.  The school has prepared a well-organised curriculum for pupils’ personal, social and health education (PSHE). It reflects the school’s ethos and aims. It is well planned and sequenced and aims to encourage mutual respect and to promote pupils’ understanding of the protected characteristics. The school intends for pupils to be prepared well for their life in modern Britain.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will receive accurate and impartial careers advice and guidance. This information will help them to make an informed choice about their future employment and enable them to reach their full potential. Paragraph 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The school has prepared a policy regarding its provision for pupils’ relationships and sex education. The policy reflects the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE).  The school’s scheme of work for relationships and sex education makes clear the content that pupils will study at each stage of their education.  The school intends to consult parents and carers before revising the relationships education policy. It has ensured that the necessary information about relationships education is made available to parents via the school’s website. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The school has devised an appropriate curriculum policy. The policy sets out its approach to teaching. Subject schemes of work also set out the types of learning

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Main inspection findings

activities that will be used to help pupils gain knowledge and understanding of new content, and how they will develop skills. These are well organised.  The school has planned a programme of quality assurance activities to check on how well the curriculum is taught. It aims to ensure that teachers plan appropriate sequences of lessons and adopt effective teaching methods. The school has training planned to ensure that teachers have suitable subject knowledge and use appropriate pedagogy. The school intends that teaching will actively promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.  Pupils will be assessed through a variety of methods. They will be assessed when they join the school to identify their starting points and any gaps that they may have in their knowledge. The school has an appropriate framework in place to assess pupils’ learning and progress.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in

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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’s curriculum and scheme of work for PSHE has due regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the 2010 Equality Act. The curriculum is comprehensively planned to enable pupils to develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils will learn about different cultures and traditions. Leaders propose that pupils will benefit from visits to local places of significance, including local parks and Lincoln Castle.  A programme of assemblies will provide pupils with opportunities to consider and discuss various issues and current affairs. These should help to ensure that pupils are prepared well for life in modern Britain.  The school will provide opportunities for pupils to develop an understanding about the rights and responsibilities of being a British citizen. Links to the local police force will

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Main inspection findings

help pupils to appreciate the difference between criminal and civil law.  Leaders will make frequent classroom visits and check the quality of the PSHE curriculum to assure themselves that staff do not promote partisan political views. The schools’ ‘visitors policy’ sets out the checks that the school will carry out on the information that visitors share with pupils.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy that takes account of the relevant statutory guidance. The policy makes clear the actions that staff will be expected to take if they have a safeguarding concern or worry. The school will record concerns on an electronic system.  The school has identified and trained safeguarding leaders. These leaders demonstrate secure knowledge and skills suitable to their roles.  The school has prepared a comprehensive programme of safeguarding induction and training to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge. Content will be revisited over time to ensure that it is understood and applied consistently.  There are suitable arrangements in place to filter pupils’ access to online materials. Leaders will be promptly alerted to any attempts to access inappropriate online content.  While the proposed safeguarding arrangements are robust, there are standards that

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Main inspection findings

are unlikely to be met relating to health and safety, and premises and accommodation. This means that the school is unlikely to ensure that the welfare of pupils would be suitably safeguarded were it to open with immediate effect. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The school has a written behaviour policy. It sets out how pupils’ needs will be assessed and set out in individual behaviour plans. The school has systems in place to track and monitor trends and patterns of behaviour over time. Records of incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded on an electronic platform.  Staff will be trained to de-escalate situations when pupils become dysregulated. Staff will be trained in the use of appropriate, physical restraint. The school is determined that this will only be used as a last resort.  Pupils will be taught what to do if they experience bullying, including online. The school’s anti-bullying policy sets out how instances of bullying will be managed.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11  The school has a suitable health and safety policy in place. However, some of the checks and assessments that it sets out cannot be completed due to incomplete building works. As such, the school has not ensured that all arrangements adhere to its policy. Paragraph 12  The school does not have a fire risk assessment in place that takes account of pupils being present on site. A comprehensive risk assessment cannot be fully carried out until building works are complete. While there are plans in place to address this, this standard would be unlikely to be met if the school were to open now. Paragraphs 13 to 15  There is an appropriate first-aid policy. There is a suitable number of first-aid boxes available. There is a well-planned system in place to record any incidents.  The school will ensure that there are appropriate levels of supervision. It intends to employ a suitable number of staff to ensure that pupils are supervised effectively.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a written attendance policy. The school will record attendance on an electronic system. It will use this to identify any trends or patterns of absence. It will show the codes that staff will use to record the reasons for pupils’ absence.  The proposed arrangements for the school’s admissions register meets national requirements. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The school has a broad suite of risk assessments for pupil activities. Risk assessments calculate the nature of risks and set out how these will be mitigated for.  The school will carry out a risk assessment for each pupil. These risk assessments will be updated regularly.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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 18(4)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b)  The proprietor knows and understands their safer recruitment responsibilities. The school will ensure that all relevant checks are undertaken before adults are permitted to work with pupils. These checks will be recorded in the single central record. The single central record contains all required information for appointed staff so far.  The school does not intend to use supply staff, but they are aware of the checks that they would need to carry out should this be the case.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c)  There are separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils.  The school has changing rooms and showers for pupils to use when they are in receipt of physical education (PE). Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  There is a suitable room to cater for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. This medical room is close to toilet facilities. It will not be used for teaching. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  There have been delays to the building works, which means that the premises are not yet ready for use. The areas of the building that will be used to accommodate primary-age pupils are close to completion. These are finished to a high standard. However, the areas that are intended for secondary-age pupils remain a work in progress. Ceilings, floorings, services and fixtures and fittings, including fire doors, are

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Main inspection findings

incomplete. Although plans indicate these are likely to be fit for purpose when complete, they are not suitable for use currently. Acoustic and lighting conditions are not suitable.  External lighting is appropriate. Paragraphs 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The school has not ensured that drinking water is suitably identified, readily available and is separate from toilet facilities.  Toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The premises has sufficient outdoor space for pupils to socialise and for PE lessons to take place.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(4)(c)  The school’s website contains the key information required, including the publication of the school’s safeguarding policy and details about how the school will manage complaints. Parents will be able to request paper copies of policies and documents if needed. The school understands the requirement to publish any future inspection reports.  The school has a suitable format for reporting to parents about pupils’ achievements while at school.  The school intends to provide information to local authorities, regarding pupils who are looked after and pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, when requested. The school will work with local authorities to facilitate this.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a complaints policy, which is available to parents.  The policy explains to parents how to complain, should the need arise. There are clear timescales and the arrangements for a formal complaint are explained.  The school will keep copies of findings and recommendations and make these available during an inspection.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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 school leaders are committed to providing a quality, bespoke curriculum that is closely matched to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Overall, they demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles. They know and understand the standards. However, due to delayed building works, at the time of the inspection, they were unable to demonstrate that some of the standards relating to welfare, health and safety and premises and accommodation would be met if the school were to open with immediate effect.  The proprietor has established robust quality assurance procedures to ensure that the school will meet the standards and to ensure that, once met, it will continue to meet them over time. Senior leaders demonstrate the understanding necessary to ensure

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Main inspection findings

that the standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan identifies how the school’s curriculum, premises and published documentation will be adapted for any pupils with SEND.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address katy.edmondson@rests-sen.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 14 5 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 70 70

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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 70

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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 70

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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 70

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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 70

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 17

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 31

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school intends to provide full-time education for up to 70 pupils with SEND from 5 to 14 years old. Pupils will have a diagnosis of autism and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The school will also provide for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.  The school is located at 1 Weaver Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 3QN.  Some pupils who attend the school may be in the care of the local authority.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE, to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards, if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with the proprietor, the executive headteacher, the headteacher, the deputy headteacher, the school’s pastoral lead and designated safeguarding leaders. They held discussions with the curriculum leader and the member of staff responsible for the school’s single central record.  Inspectors met with those responsible for the school’s building works and conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans, assessment information. They considered a wide range of documentation relating to health and safety, including a sample of the school’s risk assessments.

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Information about this inspection

 Inspectors checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Vic Wilkinson, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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  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.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

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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.  26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

and  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.

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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:. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email.

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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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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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