Redwood River School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Redwood River Old Postern Lodge, The Dartington Estate, Dartington, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided  Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school has set out clear curriculum aims and ambitions for pupils. The curriculum is broad and meets the requirements of the national curriculum. It has been developed so that pupils can progress from key stage 1 to key stage 5 successfully. It takes into account the age and stage of pupils. Some pupils may have experienced disrupted education before attending here. The school’s plans reflect that pupils may have different starting points. The curriculum is split into three pathways to enable precise adaptations to overcome barriers to learning that pupils may have.  There is ambition for pupils to achieve a range of recognised qualifications. The curriculum has been developed to complement this. Leaders have ensured that teachers have the subject knowledge and expertise to provide this. The breadth of

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Main inspection findings

accredited outcomes will support pupils to enter further education, employment or training.  The school has facilities to support the physical education curriculum on site. This will include a multi-use games area to enrich the extensive outdoor learning space already in place.  The proprietor and leaders have extensive experience of working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have a sound understanding of education, health and care (EHC) plans and the requirements placed on schools within the EHC plans.  The school has a progressive personal, social and health education curriculum (PSHE). The curriculum and its resources are adaptable to meet the bespoke needs of pupils with SEND and will lead to meaningful qualifications in key stage 4 and 5. This helps to meet the needs of pupils who attend this school.  The school has ensured that there is a detailed and comprehensive approach to its

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Main inspection findings

careers curriculum. The content and provision have been carefully considered, for pupils from key stage 1 through to post-16 students. As well as links across the curriculum, pupils will be supported to take up work experience as they move through the school. The school will strengthen its links with the local community and beyond to help pupils understand the world of work. The school plans for regular, impartial careers advice to support pupils to successfully transition to appropriate and aspirational destinations. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  There is a relationships and sex education policy (RSE) in place that meets statutory requirements for both primary and secondary pupils. It reflects the needs of pupils who attend the school. The school has clear ways to consult with parents and carers on this policy when pupils join the school. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j) and 4  The school has carefully considered how any gaps in pupils’ knowledge and

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Main inspection findings

understanding will be identified. The school has an approach in place to check and monitor pupils’ academic, pastoral and SEND needs. The ongoing assessment resources that staff will use are clear and include the provision set out in each pupil’s EHC plan.  The school’s approach to building positive relationships carefully considers the help that pupils may require to support them to regulate their emotions and develop strategies to manage their behaviour. Expectations of pupils are high. The school has ensured that pupils will receive the pastoral and therapeutic provision that they need to be successful in meeting these expectations.  Lessons will be planned and taught by qualified teachers. There will be some subject specialists in key stages 3, 4 and 5. The proprietor and leaders have experience of teaching and supporting pupils with SEND.  A well-designed plan for staff development, beginning with a comprehensive induction

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Main inspection findings

programme, enables staff to access training suited to the school and its pupils. The proprietor and the school plan to offer training bespoke to the needs and ambitions of individual staff where needed. The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school’s vision and values place a strong focus on pupils’ personal development and well-being. The PSHE curriculum incorporates a broad range of themes and flexibility to help pupils gain the important knowledge and skills that they need, whatever their starting point.  The school has ensured that it will support pupils with their understanding of equality and diversity. This is threaded through the curriculum design. The school intends to supplement this further with activities such as visitors to school and visits to places of

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Main inspection findings

worship for pupils.  Pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values is woven across school life. The school plans to support pupils’ understanding through discrete teaching, assemblies and through day-to-day expectations and routines. Pupil voice is valued highly. Leaders intend for pupils to be fully involved in shaping and contributing to school life as the proposed school establishes itself.  The school plans to ensure that pupils develop their independence through the curriculum offer and achieving ambitious outcomes. The school’s ethos is centred around providing an overall experience that replicates the demands and typicality of everyday life. This will include the potential risks and challenges pupils may face, in order that they are prepared well for life beyond school. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 7, 9 to 16  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is up to date with the latest statutory guidance and takes account of the particular needs of the pupils who will attend the school.  Roles and responsibilities of staff are clear. Staff have had recent relevant training. Leaders have made sure that safeguarding is a high priority. Leaders have relevant previous experience and have completed suitable training.  The school has thorough policies about health and safety, fire safety, first aid and risk assessments. It has carried out a fire risk assessment for the proposed school site and is successfully addressing the identified recommendations in a timely manner.  The school ensures that staff have the appropriate health and safety knowledge and training as part of their induction. It tailors the training to the specific aspects of the school’s buildings and extensive grounds. Leaders have made robust arrangements for

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Main inspection findings

the necessary regular premises checks to be made.  The anti-bullying policy is clear and covers different types of bullying, including online and those relating to people with protected characteristics.  The school has systems in place for completing the admissions register and attendance registers as required.  Leaders plan to deploy sufficient staff throughout the day to ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised from arrival to departure. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18 to 21  Leaders have completed training to help them know and understand the requirements for checking on the suitability of new members of staff. The proprietor has prepared a suitable staff recruitment policy. This has been implemented appropriately for all staff appointed to date.  Details of all required checks on staff and the proprietor body are entered onto a

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Main inspection findings

single central record.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff. However, staff responsible for safer recruitment know the checks they would need to apply if supply staff were used. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22-23, 24(1)-24(1)(b), 24(2), 24(3), 25-29 and 31.  The proposed school is situated in three buildings, some of which have Grade II listed status. There are other buildings on the school site and parts of the school buildings that will not be used by the school and not be accessed by pupils. This is clearly outlined in relevant risk assessments and policy documents. These areas are secure. The areas to be used by the school have recently been refurbished to a high standard.  The school has set up learning spaces, specialist therapy spaces, intervention rooms and break-out spaces which can flex to the needs of the pupils. There is also office

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Main inspection findings

space and adult-only parts of the school buildings. These will be kept secure through fobbed and key-pad entry systems.  There are extensive grounds. Pupils will have access to large woodlands, small animal care, play areas and a multi-use games area.  There are separate toilets for boys, girls and staff. The supply of hot running water is maintained at an appropriate temperature. There is no risk of scalding.  The medical room is located next to a toilet and changing facilities. There are lockable cupboards for the storage of medical equipment.  Pupils will arrive at school predominantly using school transport services. There is a clear system in place for pupils start to the school day from the time they arrive in their school transport. There is a one-way system for vehicles entering and leaving the school site.  Classrooms and shared spaces are well lit. There is external lighting in place.  Pupils have access to labelled drinking water in shared spaces.

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Main inspection findings

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(5)  The school’s website provides parents with access to required school policies and other information, such as contact details for the headteacher and chair of the proprietor body.  The school is aware of its responsibilities to add further information as it becomes available and the school is established. It plans to upload information such as inspection reports, examination results, and providing an account of income and expenditure to placing authorities. Leaders plan to provide suitable reports for parents on pupil progress and achievement. The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The school has an appropriate complaints policy. It stipulates the time frames and

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Main inspection findings

how complaints will be handled. This includes the involvement of an independent panel member when needed.  The school is clear on how complaints will be reported and how records of complaints are kept. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and headteacher have strong knowledge of the standards and experience of leading specialist independent education provision. They have already done much work to establish robust quality assurance of the school’s systems and processes to ensure that the independent school standards are likely to be met consistently.  The majority of the refurbishment of the proposed school has been completed. The buildings that will be used by the school are in good order. All health and safety checks of the school site are in place.  Some staff have already been recruited, including the headteacher. Additional staff

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Main inspection findings

recruitment is underway. A detailed induction programme is in place to ensure that staff have the specialist subject knowledge and skills to support the pupils who attend.  The aims of the school and the provision in place will actively support the well-being of pupils.  The school has a well-thought through approach, over an appropriate period of time, to grow staff and pupil numbers to full capacity. This will secure the quality of the provision for and successful impact on, pupils as they join the proposed school. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  An accessibility plan is in place. The school has considered the potential accessibility challenges that pupils and staff may face. Where practicable, the school has put in place actions to overcome potential accessibility issues to the curriculum, the physical environment and in the provision of information.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has ensured that the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are 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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £69,900 to £79,900

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Proposed school details

Email address lukaszm@redwoodriverschool.com

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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 5-18 5-18 Number of pupils on the school roll not applicable 100 100

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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 100

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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 100

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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 100

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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 100

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff not applicable 95

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located at: Old Postern Lodge, The Dartington Estate, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EA. It is situated in Grade II listed buildings within extensive grounds which will make provision for a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities.  The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with a range of special educational needs such as autism, cognition and learning needs and/or specific learning difficulties.  Pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. This is the first pre-registration inspection for the school.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor board, the headteacher and members of the leadership team. The inspector also spoke with a representative from a local authority intending to commission places at the proposed school.  The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the headteacher. Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.

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Inspection team

Leanne Thirlby, 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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