Walnut Tree School Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Walnut Tree School Ltd Barra Farm, Gadds Lane, Leverington, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 5BL

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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 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(2), 3 to 4  The school will cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All pupils will have an education and health care (EHC) plan and will be referred by local authorities. The school will provide education for pupils with autism, social emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and moderate learning difficulties.  The school intends to offer both an academic curriculum and one that is more therapeutic in its approach. The latter will be taught through an outdoor learning curriculum, equine therapy and farm skills. The school has already employed specialist instructors to carry out these roles.  Pupils will be taught in age-group classes, with adaptations being made to meet their specific needs. Pupils of primary age will have access to a primary qualified teacher.

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Main inspection findings

Secondary age pupils will be taught by a range of specialist teaching staff. These have already been recruited. Most have previously worked in special school settings and so are experienced in supporting the type of pupils with SEND that the school will be catering for.  The school has secured a well-thought-out curriculum that ensures pupils will be taught a range of subjects appropriate for their age and needs. The curriculum lays out in detailed steps how knowledge in each subject will build over time. Leaders have clearly defined expectations on how the curriculum will be taught and adapted.  Due consideration has been given to meeting the statutory guidance for relationships and sex education (RSE). In addition, the school has clear plans as to how pupils will receive careers guidance in an impartial manner.  The school has carefully considered how it will ensure pupils are taught to read and

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Main inspection findings

will develop a love of reading. The school have already agreed the phonics programme they intend to follow. They have employed a member of staff who is trained to deliver both reading and mathematics interventions.  The school intends that pupils will either take GCSEs or functional skills qualifications at the end of their secondary education.  The school has decided how it will assess pupils reading, writing and mathematical ability on entry to the school. It has purchased a commercial assessment programme to track how well pupils achieve as they move through the school.  All required policies regarding the curriculum, personal, health, social and economic education (PHSE) and RSE are available on the school website.  The behaviour policy and systems are designed to support staff in promoting positive behaviour for learning. The school has chosen behaviour management strategies suitable for the needs of pupils with SEND that they will be providing for.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has ensured, in line with the Equality Act of 2010, that all pupils have fair and equal access to the curriculum. This includes physical adaptations to different classrooms for wheelchair access if required.  If the application to open is approved, the independent school standards outlined in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school’s proposed timetable and curriculum allows adequate opportunity for pupils to widen their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development.  There will be two timetabled lessons a week for PHSE and RSE. This will ensure pupils are taught about rights and responsibilities, respecting difference and learning about the public institutions in Britain.  In addition, the school has a well-considered assembly and tutor time schedule that each week focuses on different aspects of SMSC. This will provide pupils the knowledge and opportunity to learn and explore about different religions and festivals, about democracy and the rule of law, about racism, homophobia and equal rights.  The school has a calendar of key events linked to key celebrations throughout the year to broaden pupils’ cultural understanding.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has also ensured that in developing pupils’ cultural understanding, that experiences are also linked to specific aspects that celebrate neurodiversity.  If the above are implemented, then the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6 to 7(b) and 9 to 16(b)  The school has in place a range of polices for keeping children safe. This includes a detailed safeguarding policy which reflects the latest statutory guidance. It has been adapted to reflect the specific risks pupils with SEND may face.  The school has given thought to how it will make staff aware of, and mitigate, specific local and contextual safeguarding risks relevant to the pupils in this setting.  The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead. They will be supported by another staff member. Both have recently completed the required training for this role. The headteacher also has up to date ‘Prevent’ duty training.  The school has signed up to the local authority safeguarding support offer to ensure they are kept informed of best practices in keeping pupils safe. They know who to refer to for advice should they have concerns about a pupil.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has ensured they have systems in place for staff induction and ongoing training regarding safeguarding.  The school has identified how staff will report concerns. The system it intends to use for this is fit for purpose and meets statutory guidance.  The chair of governors has had appropriate safeguarding training. New governors are booked to attend safeguarding training.  Policies for behaviour and bullying are clear and appropriate for the age of the pupils the school intends to educate. An appropriate focus on promoting positive behaviour is outlined in these policies. The school has clear expectations regarding any use of physical intervention and staff will have the required training for this. There is a clear and systematic approach for recording any behaviour incidents.  There will be six staff members who will be suitably first-aid trained. This training is booked and will have taken place before the school intends to open.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has commissioned an appropriate company to check that it complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. All actions noted in these reports have been completed.  The school understands the need for ensuring pupils are well supervised. The number of staff it has recruited will ensure that pupils have the required supervision. The school intends to keep class numbers small.  Risk assessments are appropriate for the site and the activities that pupils will be undertaking. The school has also ensured that appropriate risk assessments are in place to support pupils’ specific needs.  The standards outlined in this part are likely to be met if the registration of the school is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(d), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  There is a single central record in place that meets statutory requirements.  Appropriate checks have been carried out on those staff who the school currently has on its payroll and for proprietors and governors.  The school knows the required vetting checks and assurances needed for contractors.  The school does not intend to use agency supply staff. However, it does know the processes and checks it would need to follow should it choose to use supply agencies in the future.  The headteacher and chair of governors have had safer recruitment training.  There is an appropriate risk assessment procedure in place to support vetting checks.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the school be approved to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1) to 23(1), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27(a) to (b), 28(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school is situated on well-maintained farmland and stables. The buildings that are to be used as classrooms are purpose-built and are brand new portacabins. They are of a high specification.  There are six portacabins; one for each class. Each room is spacious, well lit and ventilated, including with their own heating and air-conditioning system. There are en- suite toilet and wash facilities in each classroom.  The primary classroom has a designated sensory garden. There is also an expansive outdoor playing area and gardening area for all pupils.  The school has a site manager to ensure the upkeep of the grounds and buildings.  Pupils will have access to drinking water in classrooms.  The proprietor is waiting to have a shower installed, which should be in place before

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Main inspection findings

the school opens. However, PE lessons will be at the local leisure centre that does have showering facilities.  First-aid boxes are situated in each classroom. There is also a medical room within the staff room that can be accessed at any time. It has nearby toileting and washing facilities.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the school be approved to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(i), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  The school’s website provides parents and carers with the contact details of the headteacher, proprietor and chair of governors.  Policies to outline the admissions process are on the website, as are those for curriculum and behaviour.  The proposed school understands its responsibility to provide information to local authorities about looked-after children and pupils with an EHC plan when requested.  This standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33(a) to 33(k)  The school has a suitable complaints policy on its website. It outlines the informal and formal stages of raising a complaint about the school.  Leaders understand the need to include an independent panel member in this process.  This standard is likely to be met if the school is approved to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(2)  The proprietor has a strong moral purpose for opening this school. They are clear in their vision to support pupils with SEND to succeed. They are equally determined that pupils’ needs will be met through an outdoor curriculum based on farming and animal management skills.  The proprietor is fully aware of what running this type of school involves. Along with the headteacher and chair of governors, they have previous experience in special school settings and working with vulnerable young people.  An experienced headteacher, two senior leaders (who are qualified teachers) and three governors have already been appointed by the proprietor.  The proprietor has chosen to have a governing body to strengthen oversight of the school. Governors have relevant experience for the role.  The proprietor has been proactive in seeking guidance from external sources in

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Main inspection findings

setting up this school and has developed a network of professional support. The proprietor has a sound understanding of the independent school standards and how to fulfil them.  This standard is also likely to be met if the school is approved to open.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body is aware of their responsibilities under the Equalities Act, 2010. It has ensured that policies, recruitment and the curriculum promote equal opportunity and do not discriminate against any protected characteristic.  If the school’s opening is approved, then this standard is likely to be met.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address head@walnuttreeschool.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 16 8 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 30

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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 30

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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 30

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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 30

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable As required

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor is Walnut Tree School Limited. It is a sole proprietor body with two directors.  The school is based on a purpose-built site on farmland. There are allocated rooms for individual classrooms. In addition, there are stables, a yard and a large field for pupils to access their outdoor learning curriculum. There is ample space for school transport to access the site. There is also an adequately sized staff room.  It intends to provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils, aged between 8t and 16 years. The school day will run from 8.50am to 3pm.  It will solely cater for pupils with SEND who have an EHC plan for autism, SEMH needs and moderate learning difficulties.  The proprietor does not intend to make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE registers the school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector visited the school site and met with the proprietor, the headteacher and the chair of governors.  The inspector toured the premises, reviewed the single central record and checked safeguarding arrangements. The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including the proposed school’s curriculum, policies and procedures and other information provided by the proprietor.

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Inspection team

Sara Boyce, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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