Bright Fields School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Bright Fields School South Leverton, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 0DJ

p.1

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)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has developed curriculum overviews and schemes of work for a range of subjects. These are based on the national curriculum and accredited qualifications specifications. Leaders intend to provide breadth of experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic, and creative education.  The proposed school’s curriculum will take into consideration the pupils’ ages and aptitudes. Pupils will be taught using a suitable range of teaching approaches, resources and additional learning experiences.  The proposed school intends to deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There is a strong focus on making sure that pupils will achieve their potential through a personalised approach to

p.1

Main inspection findings

learning. The planned curriculum includes opportunities for therapy to support pupils’ needs.  The proposed school’s curriculum policy demonstrates that leaders intend to provide for pupils’ individual needs as all pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Leaders have considered the development of pupils’ speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. They have identified a specific phonics programme that will be used to support pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read. The proposed school intends to purchase additional resources and provide training for staff to help pupils with their reading.  Older pupils, including those aged above 16 years, will have the opportunity of taking functional skills, GCSEs and vocational qualifications in a range of subjects, including English and mathematics. These pupils will progress to suitable next steps that meet their interests and needs, as appropriate.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The proposed school will deliver personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This curriculum includes carefully thought-out schemes of learning for physical and mental health. The curriculum includes learning that prepares pupils for life in Britain. Paragraphs 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  The careers policy sets out leaders’ intention to provide careers lessons that includes developing pupils’ understanding of the world of work and of employability skills.  The proposed school intends to provide impartial careers guidance and support to prepare pupils for their next steps in education or training. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The proposed school has developed a relationships and sex education (RSE) policy. This provision has due regard to government guidance. This policy is supported with schemes of learning and resources that are appropriate. Paragraphs 3 to 4  Leaders have adopted an approach to teaching that integrates pupils’ learning with

p.1

Main inspection findings

their personal development. The proposed school has produced appropriate assessment and reporting procedures. Leaders have planned learning activities to develop pupils’ self-confidence and resilience.  Leaders intend to use assessment information to adapt the curriculum and build pupils’ learning over time. They intend to monitor the quality of education that pupils receive and the progress that they make.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s curriculum includes a strong focus on pupils’ personal development. It includes plans for pastoral support, specific therapies and a structured PSHE programme. It is intended that the curriculum will be adapted to meet pupils’ needs.  The curriculum intends to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders have plans to promote respect for other people, including those with a protected characteristic, as set out in the Equality Act 2010. These plans are based on the school’s aims and values and the school’s expectations of how others should be respected.  The proposed school has plans to promote fundamental British values. It intends to provide pupils with opportunities to understand their place in, and their contribution to, British society, now and in the future. Leaders intend for pupils to be involved in a

p.2

Main inspection findings

range of community-based experiences.  The proposed school intends to provide pupils with a balanced presentation of views.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has ensured that there are effective arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. It has produced a range of policies and procedures to help keep pupils safe. There are processes in place to record safeguarding concerns and leaders’ follow-up actions. The safeguarding policy reflects the most recent government guidance.  Leaders, including the proprietor, have received appropriate safeguarding training. They plan for all staff to have regular safeguarding training and updates. This includes training about what to look for to identify pupils who may be at risk of harm and how to share concerns they may have about pupils’ welfare.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The proposed school intends to monitor pupils’ welfare to identify any concerns and provide appropriate support. It intends to work with external agencies to provide additional help, when needed. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school has a suitable behaviour policy that sets out expectations of pupils and how staff will promote and manage positive behaviour. There is also an anti-bullying policy. Both policies are written to take into account the specific needs of the pupils of this intended school. Paragraphs 11 to 13  The proposed school has in place suitable health and safety and first-aid policies, and fire safety guidance.  Leaders demonstrate commitment to the maintenance of health and safety. They propose to conduct regular monitoring to ensure that all staff follow the procedures contained in health and safety related policies. Leaders will undertake and record health and safety checks regularly.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 There is clear signage on display relating to health and safety and fire safety. Emergency lighting is in place. First-aid kits are available.  The proposed school has plans in place for all new staff to receive health and safety, first aid, and fire safety training as part of their induction. Paragraph 14  The proposed school has plans to ensure that staffing levels will provide appropriate supervision of pupils throughout the school day. Paragraph 15  Leaders plan to monitor the admission and attendance information. The admission register complies with statutory requirements. Leaders expect that pupils will attend every day. They plan to monitor the admission and attendance information closely and can explain how they will be in regular communication with parents and carers if a pupil is reluctant to come to school. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The proposed school’s risk assessment policy outlines the processes to identify, assess

p.3

Main inspection findings

and manage potential risks in different situations. Leaders have a strong understanding of the responsibilities related to risk management. They plan for risk assessments to be reviewed regularly.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

p.4

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 have experience of, and a secure understanding of, safer recruitment procedures. The proposed school has undertaken all pre-employment checks on staff who are currently employed.  The proposed school has a single central record that includes records of the full range of checks required before an individual starts working with pupils. Leaders intend to meet all statutory guidance by continuing to complete all checks on all future appointments.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed premises is in a rural village location. The school building has been refurbished to a high standard. The adjacent house and outbuildings are not part of the school accommodation.  The accommodation comprises of many classrooms, a kitchen, a sports hall, and garden areas. All rooms are bright and airy, with appropriate acoustics and lighting.  There are separate toilets for pupils to use. They are lockable from the inside. The disabled toilet is available for others to use. There are suitable washing facilities with hot and cold water available in the toilets.  Pupils will have access to changing and showering facilities.  The premises include a suitably equipped medical room for the treatment of sick or injured pupils. There is a toilet nearby.  Labelled drinking water is readily available.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The grounds are suitably lit. There are outdoor areas where pupils can play and socialise. The perimeter is fenced with secure gated access.  The proposed school has systems in place to monitor and maintain the premises to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff.  The school is likely to meet the standards in this part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(g)  Leaders have ensured that all required information is readily available to prospective parents and anyone else who requires the information. This information includes the proposed school’s aims and ethos, address and the names and contact details of the proprietor and the headteacher.  The proposed school does not have a website. However, leaders intend to publish a website if the proposed school is registered. They intend to publish the required

p.4

Main inspection findings

information on the website.  All policies and procedures are available in paper and electronic format, including the RSE and safeguarding policies. All other policies are available on request.  The proposed school has suitable ways of reporting to parents about pupils’ achievements. It has established procedures to submit financial information to local authorities and to share EHC plans at annual review meetings with relevant agencies.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a written complaints policy that is available to parents on request. The policy sets out the processes leaders intend to follow when investigating complaints. The policy lists the various stages of the complaints procedure, including formal and informal stages. It includes suitable timeframes for managing complaints. The policy explains how the outcomes of the complaint will be communicated to the complainant as well as how information will be stored.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

p.5

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 given much thought to the proposed school, its purpose and how it would be strategically developed over time. They have set out a clear rationale, vision and culture for the school.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge and understanding they need to ensure that the standards will be met securely and consistently over time should the school be registered.  Leaders are committed to providing a quality bespoke curriculum that is matched to pupils’ needs. There is a strong focus on providing for pupils’ personal development and well-being.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have developed a suitable accessibility plan.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

p.5

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £93,412

p.8

Proposed school details

Email address kelley@sofinoeducation.com

p.8

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils 0 5 to 19 5 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 40 40

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils None Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 40

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 40

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 40

p.9

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 0 Up to 40

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 8

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 45

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 Bright Fields School has a sole proprietor and is part of SofiNo Education Limited.  The school is located at: South Leverton, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 0DJ.  The proposed school intends to cater for up to 40 pupils, aged five to 19 years. All pupils are likely to have a range of SEND, including: cognitive and learning needs; moderate, and specific learning difficulties; social, emotional and mental health needs; and autism.  Most pupils are likely to have an EHC plan.  The proprietor intends to open the school on 1 September 2025. They intend to increase the number of pupils on roll gradually over the course of the first year of operation. Proposed staffing appointments will be made in preparation for pupils’ admissions.  The school is not likely to use the services of any alternative provision.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with the proprietor and headteacher, remotely. They also met with the company’s chief operations officer.  The lead inspector toured the school site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors reviewed various policies and documents, including those related to: the curriculum; safeguarding; behaviour; risk assessment; health and safety; first aid and fire safety; RSE; complaints; and admissions. They reviewed the single central record.

p.11

Inspection team

Chris Davies, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.11

Inspection team

Shaheen Hussain 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 .

p.11

Inspection team

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.

p.12

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 .

p.12

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.

p.12

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12