Amberley Court School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Amberley Court School County Oak Cottage, 9 Amberley Court, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7XL

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) and 2(2)(h) to 4  The proprietor intends to provide education for pupils who primarily have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The sole director of the proprietor body will also be the headteacher.  The schools seeks to ‘create a space’ where pupils can ‘be accepted’ and ‘be themselves’. Proposals are underpinned by a strong principle of inclusion. This is coupled with high ambition about what pupils can achieve given the right support. Intended plans and approaches focus strongly on arrangements for assessing and meeting pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The proposed school’s curriculum is likely to be sufficiently flexible to meet the range of needs, starting points and ages within each class. This curriculum incorporates all national curriculum areas arranged in a mix of individual subjects and ‘themes’. There

p.1

Main inspection findings

are clear plans and detailed schemes of work in place, underpinned by an appropriate curriculum policy.  The intended approach shows a clear commitment to provide an ambitious breadth and scope of curriculum. These high expectations are sensitively balanced with an informed understanding of pupils’ likely needs and starting points. There is a strong focus on tackling an anticipated reluctance to engage in education and addressing the gaps in prior learning potential pupils are likely to have. This includes a detailed initial ‘understanding behaviour and well-being curriculum’ to support pupils to access more formal academic study.  Pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans are central to the proposed school’s approach. The school has carefully considered how information from these plans will be dovetailed with the teaching, learning and assessment of the academic curriculum. At all stages, the proprietor has ensured that support for pupils’ SEMH difficulties is

p.1

Main inspection findings

paramount. This would include proactive teaching of helpful knowledge and skills, as well as universal and targeted support across the school day.  Proposals for teaching early reading are likely to promote this vital foundation needed to be successful readers. The proprietor has ensured that a systematic approach to teaching phonics and early reading are in place. There is a clear plan for ensuring staff have sufficient expertise in this important area.  Personal, social and health education is prioritised as part of the proposed school’s core curriculum. Leaders plan that this subject will have its own dedicated lessons but also thread through other subjects. Intended plans revisit crucial topics in a way that is likely to develop and build pupils’ learning at an age-appropriate level. This includes teaching pupils how to keep themselves safe in different contexts.  The foundations of careers education are planned right from the start for the

p.1

Main inspection findings

youngest pupils. For older pupils, the focus shifts increasingly towards preparation for adulthood, including economic well-being. The proprietor has arranged for secondary- age pupils to access independent and impartial careers advice and guidance.  A policy statement for relationships and sex education is published on the proposed school’s website. Schemes of work detail the progression of what would be taught and learned across the school. Consultation with parents and carers is planned, including around parents’ right to withdraw their children from this part of the curriculum.  The proprietor intends to employ qualified teachers who will be known as ‘coaches’. The headteacher and deputy headteacher are themselves qualified and bring different subject specialisms. The proprietor will consider subject specialisms when recruiting coaches. The school intends to prioritise understanding of pupils’ SEND and SEMH

p.2

Main inspection findings

when recruiting supporting coaches to develop specific subject knowledge where necessary. The proprietor is committed to using specialist tutors for older pupils should any particular subject expertise not exist within school. Staff are likely to be well supported by the existing curriculum and resources to teach effectively.  The school has carefully considered how it will assess pupils’ progress personally and academically. Chosen approaches will likely be effective in supporting the school to both plan next steps for pupils and explain to parents how their children are doing.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) contained in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is detailed throughout the proposed school’s curriculum. There is an emphasis on helping pupils

p.2

Main inspection findings

manage social situations and friendships. Suitable opportunities for cultural development and enrichment are identified. The school plans to draw on its location within a diverse community to support this. For example, it has already established links with the local mosque.  The school has mapped out how it intends to promote and teach pupils about fundamental British values. This includes learning about different faiths and cultures. There is also learning planned in about public services and the criminal justice system. As well as teaching pupils directly about democracy, planned opportunities to experience and understand how it works would be part of the day-to-day running of the school. For example, ‘Thrive Ambassadors’ would be nominated to represent their peers.  The proprietor intends to broaden pupils’ experiences through a range of extra- curricular and enrichment activities. In time, older pupils will take on responsibilities,

p.2

Main inspection findings

such as contributing to risk assessments for trips, or running breakfast club. From early on, the school would teach pupils life skills, such as shopping, cooking and personal hygiene.  The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has published a suitable safeguarding policy on its website. The policy outlines a clear culture where ‘it could happen here’. There is evidently a strong commitment to take safeguarding ‘extremely seriously’ and keep it ‘at the heart of everything’ it does. The policy references relevant guidance and is well informed by local safeguarding arrangements. The voice of the child is made a prominent priority.  With the headteacher already holding the dual role as proprietor, the deputy headteacher will be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). The DSL and deputy DSL

p.3

Main inspection findings

have relevant, in-date training. Together, they have considerable experience of safeguarding in similar settings. There are appropriate protocols in place for addressing any concerns that may arise. Arrangements for keeping important records are likely to be effective.  Leaders demonstrate a sound understanding about the potential contextual risks locally and have a particularly keen grasp of the vulnerabilities of the likely pupil population. The school has planned the steps it will take to build relationships with parents from the outset.  Relevant training for staff is planned as part of induction procedures. Following this, the school would seek to ensure that staff are kept up to date with relevant safeguarding matters through a programme of briefings and meetings. Paragraphs 9 to 10  Through its ‘Positive Behaviour Support Policy’, the proposed school seeks to create a school environment, which ‘encourages and reinforces positive behaviour and mutual

p.3

Main inspection findings

respect for all’. The proposed school is likely to balance high expectation for pupils’ behaviour with empathy, as many pupils will likely have prior negative experiences of education. The intended ethos is grounded in a values-based approach, where rights and responsibilities are taught and sensitively reinforced.  The proposed school has clear systems for tracking changes in pupils’ behaviour over time. There is a clear focus on identifying potential underlying causes and providing pupils with the support they need. The school is clear that any use of physical intervention must be a last resort. Staff would be suitably trained for this and there are appropriate arrangements for recording and reporting to parents and relevant stakeholders.  The anti-bullying policy sets out emphatically that bullying of any kind would not be tolerated. The proprietor intends to establish a culture of it being a ‘telling’ school. In

p.3

Main inspection findings

other words, pupils and parents will be supported and encouraged to disclose concerns, which would be taken seriously. The policy makes clear, though, that the school would not rely entirely on reports. Staff will be trained to be alert for and investigate possible indicative signs that something is amiss. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The health and safety policy sets out responsibilities at different levels from proprietor to employee. The proprietor has made suitable provision to keep important records of health and safety checks. Where unsure, the proprietor has sought and heeded specialist advice about specific health and safety matters. This is indicative of a serious attitude and approach to welfare, health and safety that is evident throughout the proposed arrangements. Following an externally commissioned fire-safety assessment, the proprietor has responded promptly to all recommendations.  Arrangements for supervising pupils, caring for them and administering first aid, are

p.3

Main inspection findings

all likely to meet requirements. Existing leaders have first-aid certificates, and the proprietor intends to train most staff in basic first aid. The proprietor proposes a high ratio of staff to pupils.  The proprietor intends to use a management information system that is likely to support the school in maintaining compliant admissions and attendance registers. The proposed school is acutely aware of the importance of regular attendance. It has planned carefully for how it will seek to break down barriers and establish good habits.  The proprietor demonstrates a robust approach to risk assessment. This is detailed in the proposed school policies and demonstrated in the detail of written assessments completed to date. The proprietor is clear that these assessments will need to be updated and adapted according to pupils’ specific needs. There is a format in place for individual pupil risk assessments with a detailed exemplar to guide staff in this work.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. 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) and 21(5) to 21(6)  Safer recruitment procedures are likely to meet requirements. Those responsible for making the checks have received the relevant training. The proprietor has established a systematic approach to carrying out all of the necessary checks.  The single central record has space to record all of the required details, including a separate barred list check. The proprietor understands procedures for the use of agency supply teachers should the need arise.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to (24)(1)(b) and 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The premises have been refurbished to a high standard. Classrooms are bright,

p.4

Main inspection findings

spacious and suitable for the proposed numbers and ages of pupils. Additional rooms are designated as therapy, sensory, office and meeting spaces. A food technology room is equipped with ovens, sinks and hobs. There is a separate dining hall and a small outdoor space, which can be used for recreation purposes by each class as part of a staggered timetable. For physical education, the school has secured the use of off-site amenities with the necessary changing and showering facilities.  The proprietor has ensured that all relevant requirements in this part are likely to be met. For example, sufficient toilets are all housed in single, lockable rooms, each with its own handwashing facility. Separate toilets are allocated for staff and pupils. Water supplies are clearly labelled for drinking or handwashing. Hot water does not present a scalding risk.  The proprietor plans to install a basin in the room that is earmarked for use as the

p.4

Main inspection findings

medical room. This room is adjacent to a toilet. The proprietor expects that the sink will be installed before the proposed school is operating. Proposed contingency arrangements for the short-term care of pupils in another room that already contains a washing facility are likely to meet requirements in the meantime, should this be necessary.  The proprietor has ensured that all standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b) and 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website publishes the information that a new school should provide or make available. The proprietor knows the other information that must be provided in due course, for example, to parents or the local authority. Planned arrangements for reporting to parents about their children’s progress are likely to exceed requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has published a suitable written complaints policy on the proposed school’s website. This makes provision for both informal and formal written complaints. It sets out clear and reasonable timeframes for all stages of the complaints procedure. The arrangements outlined in the policy are likely to meet requirements and allow for complaints to be properly considered. The policy includes relevant detail about the records that the school would keep.  It is likely that the requirements of this part will be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders recruited to date have considerable experience of leading and managing similar schools. This knowledge is evident in the devised curriculum and proposed approaches that are likely to be fit for purpose.

p.5

Main inspection findings

 While the proprietor has evidence that standards are likely to be met for the full proposed age range and capacity, the intention is to open initially with a small number of primary-age pupils and expand gradually. This appropriate caution reflects a realistic understanding of what is involved in successfully establishing a new school in this context. The proprietor is also emphatic about the importance of taking time to recruit the right staff. The proposed school has identified and prioritised a range of important training for staff induction and beyond.  The proprietor is mindful of the potential challenges of running a small school with the dual roles of sole director of the proprietor body and headteacher. The proposed school’s policies and arrangements are likely to be helpful in mitigating potential risks. For example, the proprietor has taken specific steps towards establishing an open culture. Safeguarding policies specify appropriate avenues for anyone to voice

p.5

Main inspection findings

concerns with relevant bodies beyond the school. The proprietor intends to involve all staff in contributing collaboratively to a weekly shared ‘lessons learned’ reflection session.  Although not a requirement for independent schools, another step the proprietor has taken is to begin to form a governing body. A chair of governors is in place and has contributed to policies, plans and proposals. There is already a clear understanding of the role and purpose of effective governance. The proprietor and chair also share a strong desire to recruit parent governors as part of this open accountability.  The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor’s plan to improve accessibility is likely to meet requirements. It identifies meaningful ways that the school is likely to be able to make a difference. For example, it focuses on developing the environment according to pupils’ sensory

p.6

Main inspection findings

processing needs, as well as improving the accessibility of information in school and on the website.

p.6

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.7

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.8

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 6 to 16 6 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 26 26

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 26 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 26

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 26

p.9

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 26

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in County Oak Cottage, 9 Amberley Court, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7XL. It is situated on a small industrial estate in former offices within a self-contained building, which has the external appearance of a large house.  The proprietor expects that most pupils will have an EHC plan and be placed by the local authority. The school intends to cater predominantly for pupils with SEMH difficulties. Pupils may also have the following need types: cognitive and learning needs; speech, language and communication difficulties; autism and moderate learning difficulties.  The proprietor does not operate any other independent schools or educational provision. The proposed school does not have any current plans to use alternative provision.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open. This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Before and during the onsite visit, inspectors scrutinised a wide range of policies, documents and records presented by the proprietor as evidence of the school’s likelihood to meet the standards.  Onsite, the inspectors toured the premises. They held discussions with the proprietor chair and headteacher, the deputy headteacher and the pastoral and inclusion lead. The lead inspector spoke with the chair of governors on the telephone.

p.11

Inspection team

Clive Dunn, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.11

Inspection team

Laura James 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 children looked after, 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