Inclusion School

School material change inspection report

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Inclusion School Jays Close, Viables, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 4BS

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding policy is up to date, comprehensive and published on the school’s website. The policy reflects current guidance from the Department of Education (DfE). It also takes into account the particular vulnerabilities of pupils. Internet safety is carefully considered, and the school’s filtering and monitoring systems are well embedded and effective.  The school has ensured that designated safeguarding leaders are appropriately trained to carry out their roles. This includes supporting pupils’ mental health needs. Safeguarding records are well maintained using the chosen electronic system. This allows any concerns to be logged and monitored effectively. When necessary, the team works with external agencies so that pupils receive the right support at the right time. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 and 16(a) to 16(b)  There is an appropriate health and safety policy. The proprietor has appointed a

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Main inspection findings

suitably knowledgeable facilities team, who supports leaders in ensuring that the policy is implemented effectively.  The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety procedures and checks are comprehensive. Fire evacuation routes are clearly signed and lit.  The school has an appropriate ratio of staff to pupils. Staff supervise pupils well, throughout the school day. They ensure that pupils’ safety and individual needs are well considered. The school plan to have sufficient staff to supervise and ensure the safety of all pupils, including the seven additional pupils proposed.  Appropriate risk assessments are in place, including for the site, trips and visits, as well as to meet the individual needs of pupils. These assessments mitigate for risks associated with their personal safety, including fire evacuation procedures and absconding risks, where necessary.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the material change is approved. 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 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  Procedures to recruit staff are well established. The proprietor makes sure that all required pre-employment and recruitment checks are carried out. Part of this work is carried out by a specialist human resource team provided by the proprietor company. These include statutory checks to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children.  All checks on the suitability of staff are recorded correctly in the school’s single central record as required. The proprietary board and the headteacher monitor this regularly to ensure it is up to date and accurate.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards (the standards) if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The school had its first standard inspection in November 2023 when all relevant aspects of part 5 were found to be met. The proprietor has ensured that the premises continue to be maintained to a high standard. The accommodation is fit for purpose. It provides well for the pupils, staff and visitors. There is enough suitable space to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil and staff numbers.  The premises are carefully curated to ensure the best use of the space available. Specialist teaching areas are in place to widen the curriculum for the pupils. These include a fully accessible kitchen for food technology, a unit for developing real-life skills, as a well as a music room and library.  The premises provides a range of rooms and areas which have suitable lighting and an appropriate range of furniture and resources. The entire school is accessible,

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Main inspection findings

including a secure and attractive outdoor space for pupils to use for a range of physical and social activities. The school grounds are maintained to a high standard throughout.  The school has medical rooms with toilet and wash basin. Suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided. Drinking water is readily available.  The school is likely to meet these standards if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proposed changes have been part of a long-term strategy. The proprietor has gradually increased the number of pupils on roll. The school intends to take a sensible approach to admitting the additional pupils, taking each pupils’ individual needs into consideration.  The intended change is well planned. Recruitment, policies, systems and approaches have all been developed in anticipation of this change happening at the right moment.

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Main inspection findings

 This readiness is supported by the strong leadership in the school as well as through the wider proprietor board. Leaders have plans to manage the increased capacity and mitigate any risk of a negative impact on the current provision.  The school is likely to meet this independent school standard if the material change is approved.

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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

Email address ask@inclusionschool.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 28 to 30 November 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 41 48 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 41 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 41 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 41 48

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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 41 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 10 11

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this school

 Inclusion School provides for pupils experiencing chronic and severe mental health difficulties and who have been identified with emotionally based school avoidance. All pupils have an EHC plan. As well as social, emotional and mental health difficulties, pupils may also have autism, specific learning difficulty, speech, language and communication needs, and/or selective mutism.  The proprietor body, Inclusion Hampshire, is a charity that provides mental health and well-being support to young people. It uses ‘Inclusion Education’ as its working, operational name. It also runs another specialist education setting, Inclusion College, which is for post-16 provision.  The school’s standard inspection was 28 to 30 November 2023, when it was judged to be good in all areas. This is the first material change inspection.  The school currently uses four unregistered alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to evaluate the school’s application for a material change. The proprietor wishes to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 41 to 48.  This was the school’s first material change inspection in respect of this particular change that the school has applied to make.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietary board, the headteacher and other members of staff.  The inspector toured the school site.  The inspector met with leaders to discuss a range of the school’s work, particularly with a focus on increasing the number of pupils who attend the school.  The inspector checked a wide range of policies, records and documentation in relation to the specific independent school standards that were checked at this inspection.

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Inspection team

Chris Parker, 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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