Curly's Farm and School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

i Curly’s Farm and School Curly’s Farm, Mustards Road, Sheerness, Kent ME12 4AN

p.1

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 4  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Most pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Pupils who will attend Curly’s Farm are likely to have previously missed a lot of time at school. The proprietor anticipates that pupils will have complex and varied learning, behavioural, medical and social and emotional needs. The proposed school is acutely aware of this context, and it is building the school’s ethos and curriculum around it. Its expertise, developed through running the existing therapy provision, means it has the knowledge for this work.  An appropriate curriculum policy is in place. The proposed school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum which is likely to provide a suitable breadth of

p.1

Main inspection findings

learning as required by the independent school standards (the standards).  The proposed school has a clear vision for its curriculum. It has given careful thought to how the curriculum can meet pupils’ needs in an accessible and engaging way. The proprietor intends to capitalise on the vast outdoor environment and farm-based context. Pupils will study a wide range of subjects, such as art, animal husbandry, design and technology, and physical education (PE). Detailed schemes of work set out what pupils will learn. Content is sequenced logically and carefully to enable pupils to build their knowledge over time.  The proprietor has thought carefully about how it will support pupils to develop confidence and increased independence. It intends to provide strong guidance to support pupils’ social and emotional development. The curriculum and the proposed school’s therapeutic approach should help pupils to understand their own feelings and

p.1

Main inspection findings

to acquire strategies to self-regulate. Staff will also aim to help pupils learn essential life skills by taking responsibility for the many different farm animals at the school.  Alongside a focus on therapeutic support, there is suitable emphasis on developing pupils’ numeracy and literacy knowledge and skills. This includes promoting pupils’ communication and language. There will also be an appropriate focus on developing pupils’ reading. The school has a suitable phonics programme in place to support pupils who are still at an early stage of learning to read.  The proprietor recognises the importance of equipping pupils for life after school. It has built opportunities to achieve relevant qualifications into curriculum plans. Accreditation routes used in the existing therapy provision will become part of the proposed school’s offer. Further opportunities for older pupils to achieve a suitable

p.1

Main inspection findings

range of accredited vocational qualifications will also form part of the school’s offer.  The school intends to employ staff who currently work in the existing therapy provision. This means that staff will have experience of working with pupils with SEND. Additionally, staff are likely to have a strong understanding of pupils’ aptitudes and individual needs when preparing learning. The school has already designed a comprehensive approach to assessing pupils’ progress through the planned curriculum.  The school’s design for careers guidance is well considered. Careers information and guidance reflects leaders’ understanding of pupils’ likely needs. The proprietor has thought carefully about the way in which it will support pupils to make appropriate choices about their futures. For example, pupils will have opportunities to explore a range of jobs and careers as well as take part in meaningful work experience. The

p.2

Main inspection findings

careers programme also aims to focus on developing pupils’ employability skills, independence and resilience.  The proposed school plans to ensure that pupils will receive an extensive programme of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This will include age- appropriate learning about relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. The school has ensured that the RSE policy is published on the school website and plans to consult with parents and carers when pupils are admitted to the school.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to register.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has set out a clear rationale for the importance of prioritising pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It has a suitable PSHE and RSE programme that is personalised to their context. This includes opportunities for pupils to learn about equalities, their own identity, health and well-being, as well as other faiths and cultures. Staff will seek to challenge any views pupils may express that suggest an intolerance of difference.  There are a range of opportunities throughout the curriculum for pupils to explore the fundamental British values such as democracy and the rule of law. The school council and young farmers council will support pupils’ understanding of democratic processes and decision-making.  Pupils’ social development will be central to the school’s work and ethos. This includes

p.2

Main inspection findings

supporting pupils to form and manage relationships with others. The proprietor recognises that pupils will need significant support with this aspect of their personal development. The school intends to emphasise celebrating pupils’ successes and building their self-esteem and confidence. This will be important, given pupils’ previous educational experiences.  Visiting speakers will enable pupils to learn about different services and professions. These visits will also help pupils to interact with people from outside the school.  Pupils will be encouraged to recognise and understand their feelings, and to appreciate the impact of their actions on others. They will be taught how to express their feelings in appropriate ways and be taught to listen to others’ views.  The proprietor is very mindful of the additional needs that pupils who attend the school will have. Pupils will visit the local community to learn about people who live

p.2

Main inspection findings

nearby. The proposed school plans for pupils to use public transport and experience visits to the local shops and other places in the local community. This is likely to help prepare them for independent living.  The proposed timetable includes a range of enrichment opportunities to support pupils’ wider development. Examples are gardening, cooking, animal care and physical and sensory activities. The proprietor also intends for pupils’ interests and aspirations to influence this offer.  The proposed school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school’s written safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. It is available on request and is published on the website. The policy indicates that the school understands its safeguarding duties and has suitable plans in place to fulfil them.  The headteacher will undertake the role of designated safeguarding lead. Leaders responsible for safeguarding have already undertaken relevant training and are suitably knowledgeable about the role and responsibilities involved. Staff will complete safeguarding training regularly. This will be supplemented with daily staff briefings, which will be used to share key information.  Appropriate plans are in place to identify and help pupils who may be at risk of harm. Arrangements for record-keeping are suitable. These look likely to help the school promptly identify where it may need to act to keep a pupil safe.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The proposed behaviour and anti-bullying policies are suitable and available on the website. They are likely to achieve leaders’ aim to secure positive behaviour if implemented securely and effectively. Staff will be suitably trained to understand pupils’ additional needs, many of which will be significant and multiple.  The health and safety policy explains in detail the processes for keeping pupils and staff safe and for promoting their welfare. The proprietor recognises the specific challenges that arise from the provision being on the site of a working farm. It has taken these into account when considering health and safety arrangements for the school. For instance, health and safety training specific to working with animals is included in staff induction procedures.  The risk assessment policy is well considered. The proposed school’s completed risk assessments are fit for purpose and show that the proprietor is adept at evaluating,

p.3

Main inspection findings

managing and mitigating risk. The proposed school is alert to potential risks to pupils, including those linked to their SEND. As part of pupils’ induction, individual risk assessments will be created.  The proprietor has ensured that the school will comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment has recently been carried out, providing assurance that fire safety arrangements will be suitable. Appropriate fire- fighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in place. The proprietor is knowledgeable about the routine checks and procedures, such as alarm testing and fire evacuation systems.  A suitable first-aid policy is in place. The school has ensured that key staff will be suitably trained to deliver first aid. It has appropriate plans for dealing with incidents that require administering first aid.  Admission and attendance registers will be maintained in accordance with paragraph

p.4

Main inspection findings

15 of the standards. Pupils will be expected to attend regularly. The proposed school understands the link between attendance and keeping pupils safe. Suitable systems are already in place to monitor pupils’ attendance so that the school can take prompt action if a pupil is absent.  The proprietor has paid careful attention to arrangements for the supervision of pupils. The proposed staffing ratios are adequate to enable adults to manage their breaks without compromising pupil safety.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the proposed school is permitted to open.

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), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The proposed school intends that staff already working at the therapy provision will continue working at the school if it is granted permission to open. Therefore, staff have already been appointed, and all required checks have been completed.  The single central record is maintained electronically. It is fully compliant. The proprietor demonstrates a good understanding of the different types of checks required on the suitability of staff prior to appointment.  Trustees and other leaders have completed safer recruitment training to ensure that the required checks on staff and other adults at the school are carried out appropriately.  The school does not intend to employ any agency or supply staff. However, it is aware

p.4

Main inspection findings

of the checks that it needs to carry out in that event.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b) to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school will be based on a 10-acre working farm. The site includes several well-maintained fields and outdoor paddocks. There are suitable arrangements in place for pupils to arrive and leave the proposed school safely. The entrance yard to the school has a secure gate that is locked and secured during the day.  Indoor learning spaces are light, bright and spacious. While the school intends that most learning will take place outside, there is sufficient provision for all pupils to work indoors if necessary.  The school’s extensive site provides pupils with plenty of outdoor space to play and participate in PE. There are also areas, both inside and out, for pupils to relax and

p.4

Main inspection findings

socialise with others.  The outdoor paddocks and some indoor spaces house 16 different species of animals. Outside spaces are carefully maintained, with some uneven ground as would be expected on a farm. Fencing and gates ensure appropriate separation between pupils and animals. The open layout of the site supports adults in keeping pupils in view and maintaining safe supervision.  The proprietor has ensured that suitable arrangements are in place for the health, safety and welfare of all those accessing and moving around the facilities. The proprietor does not anticipate that pupils or staff will be on site during the hours of darkness, even in the winter. However, some external lighting is in place to ensure safe passage in the dark. At the start of the inspection, there was one building that did not did not have adequate external lighting. This was swiftly addressed by the school while the inspection team were still on site.

p.5

Main inspection findings

 There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for staff and pupils. The temperature of the water does not pose a scalding risk to users. The medical room is suitable and located close to the toilet. There is also a well-equipped kitchen available for pupils to use and drinking water is always readily accessible to pupils.  Suitable arrangements are in place to enable pupils to use the shower facilities, as necessary. This is located at the school’s ‘Curly’s Caravan’, which is a short walk away from the farm.  This part of the standards is likely to be met, should the school be granted permission to open.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school is knowledgeable about the requirements for making information available to prospective pupils and their families to ensure compliance with the independent school standards.  The school’s website provides a wide range of information and procedures. Required policies, such as for safeguarding and behaviour, are easy to find and are up to date.  The school is fully committed to maintaining close communication with parents and placing local authorities. It has created an appropriate format for reporting pupils’ progress to parents. There will be reports every term, which will include information about pupils’ progress towards meeting their targets, including those contained in their EHC plans.  The proprietor has suitable processes for sharing information with local authorities

p.5

Main inspection findings

about income and expenditure.  The requirements for this part of the standards are likely to be met if the proposed school is permitted to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy complies with statutory requirements and is published on its website.  The complaints policy gives clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint. It clearly identifies a staged approach for complainants to take in the event of having a concern. This includes the opportunity to consider complaints informally in the first instance.  The school will keep a written record of all complaints. A suitable format for recording and monitoring any complaints received is already in place. Monitoring of complaints and arising actions will be part of routine checks carried out by the proprietor.  This part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and trustees are knowledgeable and experienced in providing education for pupils with SEND. They are directly involved in the day-to-day running of the existing therapy provision. This gives them a clear understanding of the setting they are responsible for. As a result, they have useful and transferrable experience and skills to support their leadership of the proposed school.  The school’s explanations of pupils’ likely needs and how it intends to improve pupils’ life chances and experiences are convincing. Its motivation for opening this independent school undoubtedly comes from its understanding of the pupils it intends to serve. This flows directly from the school’s ongoing work as a therapy provision and working with those who currently attend.  There is a board of trustees in place who have an appropriate and broad range of

p.6

Main inspection findings

experience and expertise. Routines are already in place to keep the directors of the proprietor body informed about the standards in school. This places them well to be able to support and challenge the school as it develops.  The school understands its responsibilities to actively safeguard and promote the well- being of pupils. It is committed to establishing a high-quality provision for pupils with social, emotional, behavioural, medical and mental health needs and severe anxiety.  The proprietor is knowledgeable about the standards. It plans to use a range of formal and informal procedures to maintain oversight of the proposed school’s work and to ensure that the standards are met consistently over time.  The school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor and trustees are knowledgeable about their responsibilities regarding equality. There is a suitable equalities policy and accessibility plan which are likely to meet the requirement of the Equality Act 2010.

p.7

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.8

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.9

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.9

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £22,663 to £72,540

p.9

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable five to 19 five to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable five to19 five to 19

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 32

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 32

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 32

p.10

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 32

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 16

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable seven

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor, Curly’s Legacy, currently operates therapeutic provision known as Curly’s Farm. This provides therapeutic placements for a small number of children and young people. The proprietor is seeking to register this provision as an independent school so that it can provide education for up to 32 pupils between the ages of five and 19. Over time, leaders anticipate that most pupils currently attending the therapy provision will become registered pupils at the proposed school.  The school will be known as Curly’s Farm and School and will be located in Sheerness on a 10-acre working farm. The farm is currently home to 16 different species of animals, including cows, alpacas, emus and barn owls.  Pupils attending the school will have a variety of medical, social, emotional and mental health needs. They are likely to have been out of formal education for a sustained period. Most pupils will have an EHC plan, and their places will be funded by a local

p.10

Information about this proposed school

authority.  The school will not have a particular religious character.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provision.  The proprietor is registered as a charity. A board of trustees is in place and will provide school leaders with support and challenge about the quality of their work.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the proprietor’s application to open an independent school. This was the school’s first pre- registration inspection.  The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  Inspectors met with the head of the charity and other staff. Inspectors also spoke with three trustees, including the chair of trustees. Inspectors reviewed documents provided by the school and those available on the school’s website. They toured the school’s premises and checked the single central record of pre-appointment checks.

p.11

Inspection team

Louise Walker, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.11

Inspection team

Marian Feeley 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 looked-after children, 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