The Anchor SENDfriendly Centre

School material change inspection report

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The Anchor SENDfriendly Centre 303 Hither Green Lane, Lewisham, London, SE13 6TJ

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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)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The curriculum policy includes relevant information about subjects and approaches used for the proposed age range from four to 25 years. The curriculum includes a suitably broad range of subjects. There are schemes of work for all curriculum subjects taught, which are arranged into different pathways. This intends to ensure pupils are learning new knowledge and skills in the right order.  Staff assess pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills across many curriculum areas, including phonics and in mathematics on entry to the school. They use this information to plan work that precisely meets pupils’ individual needs. The school also provides a therapeutic curriculum to support pupils with social communication and sensory needs. Pupils receive personal attention to support their behaviour and

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Main inspection findings

personal development.  The timetable is designed to ensure that there is a taught programme of personal, social, health and economic (PHSE) education which includes the provision for early years and post-19. This is a wide-ranging programme which includes aspects of relationships, staying healthy and learning about life in modern Britain. It also teaches pupils about equality and diversity and how to keep themselves safe.  Leaders have identified the careers offer as something that they are strengthening. However, there is a clear careers policy and curriculum. Careers experiences have been mapped out from the early years through to the oldest students. The school has recently begun providing opportunities for work experience. The school provides guidance to support pupils, to enable them to move on to college, or work-based employment or training.  The proprietor has ensured that independent school standards (the standards) are

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Main inspection findings

likely to be met by the school if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve the implementation of the material change. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school’s curriculum intends to develop pupils respect for others, including those with protected characteristics, as set out in the 2010 Equalities Act. They have mapped out from the early years when and how pupils will learn about the different protected characteristics.  The school intends for all pupils to learn about healthy living and to benefit from participating in a range of learning activities that prepares them for their futures such as employment, independent living skills and community inclusion and participation.  Pupils have the opportunity to develop their self-knowledge, character and confidence. For example, there are a range of on-site therapies including speech and language,

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Main inspection findings

drama, music and play therapy. These opportunities will be extended to pupils in the proposed age range.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 11, 12, 14 and 16 to 16(b)  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the statutory safeguarding requirements. The school has in place procedures to identify, report and record concerns about pupils’ welfare. Staff receive regular safeguarding training, briefings and quizzes to keep their knowledge up to date. The school works with other professionals, including local authorities, social workers and therapists, to ensure pupils and families get the help they need.  School leaders, the proprietor and central team leaders meet weekly to review and quality assure safeguarding arrangements are in place.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website for parents and carers to access. It reflects the latest guidance. The school has in place a policy and procedure for safeguarding adults at risk.  Supervision of pupils is likely to be suitable. Most pupils have one-to-one support, meaning they are appropriately supervised during on-site and off-site activities. The school has thought carefully about how the school day and school site is organised. Clear timetabling ensures specific and specialist spaces in the school will only be used by specific groups of pupils at any one time. This is to ensure the very oldest pupils will be separate from the very youngest unless supervised.  The school has in place a risk assessment policy. It is used to identify and mitigate hazards to staff and pupils. Pupils’ have personalised risk assessments. These identify any potential risks that pupils might face in school and when off site at places

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Main inspection findings

such as local parks or the Royal Navy College.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change. 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), 21(6)  The school’s single central record contains the right information and is maintained efficiently. There are coherent recruitment procedures. The required pre-employment checks, for example on staff and the proprietor, have been completed in line with requirements.  The school has a recruitment plan to appoint additional teaching and support staff. The proprietor and the central team, work closely with school-based leaders to ensure statutory requirements for recruitment are robust.  The school utilises agency teachers and other staff. Those responsible for acquiring

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Main inspection findings

such services know the checks they need to make in line with requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change. 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 28(2)(b)  The school has the available teaching space to accommodate up to 45 pupils. This includes an early years classroom which has access to appropriate outdoor space and an additional classroom.  Leaders have considered these changes carefully to ensure that current pupils’ needs will continue to be met when new pupils arrive. They have in place carefully considered timetables and risk assessments to ensure that teaching spaces in all parts of the school, such as sensory rooms and soft play rooms, will be used effectively by staff and pupils. The school intends to use spaces thoughtfully to ensure that pupils’

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Main inspection findings

individual needs are met and they have the space they need for learning, therapy and play.  The premises are safe and well maintained. Classrooms and other learning spaces have suitable lighting and acoustics. They are well ventilated and many have air conditioning. The school has a very well-resourced medical room. It is on the ground floor, has washing facilities and a toilet nearby. Drinking water is available throughout the school and is labelled as such. Hot water temperatures are safely regulated.  Showers, changing rooms and toilets, are likely to be appropriate for up to 45 pupils. There are enough toilets to facilitate an increase in numbers. Toilets can be locked from the inside as necessary in order to meet the related requirements.  The internal hall supports the delivery of the physical education (PE) curriculum. The school also makes use of local parks to further enhance the teaching of PE. There are

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Main inspection findings

suitable spaces for play.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Induction arrangements for new staff are robust. Staff follow a comprehensive training programme when they join the school, which includes safeguarding, fire safety, manual handling and risk assessments. The school intends to use this same process for the recruitment of any new staff if the material change is approved.  The school’s professional development programme will continue to be used to ensure that any new staff have a clear understanding of how to support pupils’ special educational needs. This includes understanding the needs of pupils’ neurodiversity and how to manage behaviours that may challenge. The school intends to recruit staff

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Main inspection findings

that are suitably qualified and with the relevant experience to support pupils’ specific needs and phases of education.  The proprietor and other leaders demonstrate an understanding of the independent school standards. The central team works closely with leaders to ensure that standards across all aspects of the school’s work are adhered to. They utilise external professionals to complete audits, such as health and safety and safeguarding to provide clarity and to develop action plans if necessary. The school acts swiftly to address any issues identified.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has in place an accessibility policy and plan that covers accessibility in relation to the required areas of curriculum, physical environment and written

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Main inspection findings

information for the proposed age range.  The proprietor has ensured that this standard is likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change. Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  The school have trained staff as paediatric first aiders. The school also employs a school nurse that is shared with another school within the organisation.  The school has a head of early years and teachers with relevant experience of this phase of education already in post. There is an intended curriculum and provision that meets the learning and development requirements for the early years.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £55,000 to £85,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 19 4 to 25 4 to 25

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 40 45 45

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 40 45

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 40 45

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 40 45

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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 40 45

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 7

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 40 45

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Information about this school

 The school opened in September 2024.  This is an independent school for pupils with special educational needs between the ages of five and 19 years old. All the pupils have an education, health and care plan. Many pupils have communication difficulties or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.  The school is based at 303 Hither Green Lane, Lewisham, London, SE13 6TJ.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  Pupils are placed at the school by a several neighbouring local authorities.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the DfE because the school has applied to change its capacity from 40 pupils to 45 pupils. The school has also applied to extend the age range of pupils from five to 19, to four to 25. The DfE requested that the inspector consider whether particular independent school standards in Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.  This was the school’s first material change inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the proprietor, the head of operations and chief executive officer.  The inspector held meetings with members of staff and reviewed documentation related to safeguarding, health and safety and risk assessments. The inspector toured the premises to look at the space available for teaching and other activities. The inspector reviewed the school’s proposals to recruit additional staff.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector reviewed the single central record of staff suitability checks. He looked at policies and procedures to check the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards.

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Inspection team

Kieran Bird, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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