Watermelon Independent Schools

School material change inspection report

p.1

Watermelon Independent Schools Phoenix School 2 Avenue Close, Birmingham B7 4NU

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a) and 2(2)(b)  The school proposes to provide education for pupils in the age range 8 to 18. It has established a policy that outlines its intention for primary-age pupils to study a variety of subjects. Leaders plan to use commercial schemes of work to guide their curriculum decisions. The curriculum is expected to offer opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. This includes plans for pupils to participate in phonics lessons to support their reading development when necessary.  The independent school standards (the standards) checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraph 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The school’s work to design a well-planned and sequenced curriculum for primary-age pupils is not yet fully developed. Although the school has identified commercial

p.1

Main inspection findings

schemes of work that it intends to adopt, it has not fully considered how these schemes of work will be implemented and adapted to meet the complex needs of pupils who may attend. Staff are not clear about the subject-specific knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to develop over time. Furthermore, the school has not considered how the curriculum will connect pupils’ learning to help them retain and remember information necessary to progress.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a) and 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has identified a commercial scheme of work it intends to adopt in order to teach primary-age pupils personal, social, health and economic education. However, it has not yet made specific decisions about what content will be taught when pupils join the school at the age of 8 or assured that its statutory duties for providing

p.1

Main inspection findings

relationships education will be met. The school has not drafted a policy that sets out how relationships information will be taught to pupils in the age range 8 to 18.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraph 2(2)(g)  The school aims for students in the post-16 phase to learn essential subjects, such as science, mathematics and English, through on-site lessons. It has adopted schemes of work and intends for students to attain qualifications that help them to access further training or employment opportunities. In some subjects, such as mathematics and English, the curriculum is designed as a progressive model, with staff clearly identifying the knowledge that students are expected to learn and retain. However, the intent of the curriculum in some other subjects is not well planned. For example, the school intends for students to study various vocational subjects, such as

p.2

Main inspection findings

construction, mechanics and work skills, at specialised off-site providers. However, these plans are still in the early stages, and the school has not identified specific providers or courses that students will study. As a result, the school is currently not prepared to implement its proposed post-16 curriculum.  Staff have experience in teaching careers education. They have many ideas about plans to support students to prepare for the world of work. This has included the school adopting a digital platform to support students developing personal careers pathways. However, these plans have not been fully considered. For example, the school intends that students will attend careers fairs and benefit from strong links to employers. However, it has not identified who these employers might be or how work experiences will be coordinated or implemented through the curriculum.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met if the material

p.2

Main inspection findings

change application is approved. Paragraph 3 to 3(e) and 3(g)  Leaders intend to employ experienced practitioners to teach pupils aged 8 to 18. In addition, they intend to adopt schemes of work to support the curriculum and provide training for staff. However, some of these plans are in the early stages and the school has not made specific decisions about staff training, subject development and pedagogical strategies for primary-age pupils. The school currently lacks the necessary expertise to ensure that the proposed primary phase curriculum will be implemented well. It is not clear about how the schemes of work that it proposes to adopt will be adapted and taught to ensure that pupils make good progress.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met if the material change application is approved.  Paragraph 3(f), 3(h) to 4  The school has begun preparing resources for teaching pupils in the proposed age-

p.2

Main inspection findings

range. Some classrooms have been allocated and decorated ready for primary-phase education. This has included the school purchasing a range of books to help promote pupils’ love of reading.  The school has considered the values that it intends to promote and is clear about the inclusive culture that it intends to foster. Staff intend to use a range of strategies to build positive relationships that help pupils to focus on their learning.  The standards checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school has integrated its ethos, values and broader curriculum in order to enhance pupils’ understanding of various cultures, as well as social and moral issues. This includes plans to enrich the curriculum by providing opportunities that broaden pupils’ knowledge of society. For example, the school has identified local places of worship for pupils to visit and has firm plans in place for whole-school celebration events that correspond with the festivals of various world religions.  The school intends to include its four values of ‘ready, respect, resilience, responsible’ in its approach to primary and post-16 education. Leaders clearly demonstrated how pupils will be taught the meaning of these values and the expectations for them being reflected in the school’s culture and ethos.  The school has formed links to some local charities to promote pupils’ understanding

p.3

Main inspection findings

of how they can contribute to the wider community. For example, the school has links to a local food bank and plans to arrange opportunities for pupils to take part in fundraising events.  The school has considered how it will integrate pupil leadership opportunities to develop pupils’ independence. The school intends for post-16 students to play an important part in mentoring younger pupils and in providing a positive role model for them to follow.  The standards checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The school demonstrates a clear understanding of the additional safeguarding considerations required for teaching pupils in the proposed age range. The designated safeguarding leader has recognised various additional risks and developed strategies to manage them. For example, the school has noted the risks associated with post-16 students being educated by specialist providers in locations away from the school site. It has plans in place to ensure that students are adequately supervised and attend regularly.  The school’s safeguarding policy is made available on its website.  The standards checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The school has a strong vision for helping and supporting pupils with special

p.3

Main inspection findings

educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This vision is driven by the proprietor’s desire to help pupils re-engage with their education. Leaders are experienced educators, particular in the secondary phase of education. However, the school has not fully developed its strategy to realise its vision in the additional age-range that it proposes to teach. The school is not able to demonstrate that some elements of the standards are likely to be met.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.4

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 that are relevant to the material change, as set out in the annex of this report.

p.5

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.

p.6

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.6

School details

School status Independent special school

p.6

School details

Proprietor Watermelon Independent Schools Ltd

p.6

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £81,000 to £140,000

p.6

School details

Email address education@watermelonschools.com

p.6

School details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.6

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 0 40 40

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 6

p.6

Information about this school

 The school opened on 6 March 2025. The school is registered to admit 40 pupils. There have been no pupils on roll since the school opened.  A new headteacher joined the school in May 2025.  The school caters for pupils with SEND. All pupils are likely to have an education, health and care plan. The main needs are likely to be autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The school does not have any religious character.  The school does not use alternative provision.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine whether the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change is approved.  The school seeks to increase its age range and educate pupils from the age of 8 to 18.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of this particular change that the school has applied to make.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other school staff. He also held telephone conversations with the chair of the proprietor board and the chair of the governing body.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including the proposed curriculum and safeguarding arrangements associated with the proposed changes.

p.8

Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and – 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9]; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

p.9

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(a) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with primary education at the school is provided with relationships education, – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the

p.9

Part 1. Quality of education provided

statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves;

p.9

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress;

p.10

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: 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.10

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.11