Watermelon Independent Schools

School material change inspection report

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Watermelon Independent Schools Manor House, Redfern Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B7 4NU

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. Leaders have a strong understanding of how to work with multi-agency partners to help protect pupils. They ensure that staff remain vigilant to safeguarding concerns and tailor the safeguarding curriculum to the needs of pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor makes suitable arrangements to maintain strong oversight of safeguarding. There are appropriate systems and approaches for leaders and governors to gain the necessary insights into the school’s safeguarding culture and practice.  The independent school standards (the standards) checked during the inspection are likely to be met. Paragraph 11  The school has very recently gained access to its proposed new premises. These comprise a single historic building, with some modern internal updates, surrounded by

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Main inspection findings

a garden on two sides and a gravelled parking area on the other two. The premises are surrounded by industrial facilities.  The school has a health and safety policy referring to relevant health and safety laws. However, the proprietor has not ensured that this policy has been implemented effectively. For example, the school’s documentation states that there is no prevailing risk in the latest asbestos report, but the school has not obtained an asbestos report for the premises. The school does not have written confirmation in respect to checks for legionella. It has not performed any of its own checks of water temperatures. During the inspection, the proprietor found that the boiler was not functioning. This meant, for example, that there was no hot water supplied to handwashing facilities in the toilets. Hazardous substances were observed in open cupboards during the inspection. The school’s health and safety policy states that it will obtain and assess

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Main inspection findings

COSHH data sheets for hazardous substances. The school has not followed its policy to do this.  The standard checked during the inspection is not likely to be met. Paragraph 12  The school has not obtained a fire risk assessment completed by a suitably competent person. There were clear examples of fire arrangements being deficient observed during the inspection, such as a fire alarm sounder not functioning, doors marked as fire doors with holes in them where locks have been removed, and doors marked as fire doors not closing. There are potential fire hazards in the building, such as an old heater enclosed in a wall space, and clutter in rooms blocking escape routes. The school was unable to provide assurances that these risks have been suitably assessed and mitigated.  The standard checked during the inspection is not likely to be met. Paragraph 16  The school was not able to readily provide a risk assessment policy during the

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Main inspection findings

inspection. The proprietor lacked understanding of the need to have a policy and was unable to provide assurances that it had appropriately risk assessed the site. Other risks, such as posed by fire, building work and substances, are not suitably assessed or mitigated.  The standard checked during the inspection is not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(c)  The school has ensured that there are suitable toilet facilities for the sole use of pupils, including those who are disabled.  The standards checked during the inspection are likely to be met. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(3)  There is not suitable accommodation provided for the medical examination and treatment of pupils. During the inspection, the school changed the location of its intended accommodation. Neither the room initially presented, nor the second location, contained washing facilities, first-aid supplies, a bed, protective equipment, or appropriate waste disposal.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met. Paragraph 25  The school has not ensured that the premises, accommodation and facilities are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured. Externally, there are a number of hazards

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Main inspection findings

that pose a risk to pupils. There is a barbed wire fence on one side of the site, readily accessible by pupils. The wire is hanging at eye level in places, partially obscured in trees. At the back corner of the site, the barbed wire has come away from its mounting and several strands hang down to ground level in an area accessible to pupils. On another side, a wooden panelled fence has been damaged, resulting in the panel hanging loose from the concrete post and leaning into the garden. There is a door without a lock leading to a car park belonging to an adjacent building. As a result, this car park and premises can be easily accessed by pupils. Near the front of the site, there is a rotted wooden post lying on the ground. There are several electrical wires attached to the post leading into the ground. At the time of the inspection, these were exposed and, therefore, potentially a risk. A drain at the side of

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Main inspection findings

the building is uncovered and presents a trip hazard.  Internally, there are potential risks to pupils. In several rooms and spaces accessible to pupils, electrical and data cabling is exposed and passing through roughly cut holes in panelling. The substrate surrounding these holes is loose and damaged in places. In one room, a light fitting was hanging down the wall from an exposed electrical cable. At the time of the inspection, contractors had started working on site to repair plaster on the ceiling in the hall space. Consequently, there was scaffolding and building materials in this space. The working areas were not cordoned off or made otherwise inaccessible to pupils. Downstairs spaces, including the reception area for staff and offices, were cluttered with furniture, computer equipment and rubbish being cleared from the site. No provision had been made to prevent pupils accessing these spaces.

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Main inspection findings

In some areas, flooring tiles are loose, presenting a trip hazard.  The standard checked during the inspection is not likely to be met. Paragraph 26  Acoustic conditions and sound insulation are suitable for the planned activities.  The standard checked in the inspection is likely to be met. Paragraphs 27 to 27(b)  Internal lighting is suitable for the planned activities, with most rooms benefiting from natural light, as well as artificial lighting. There is external lighting on three sides of the building, but not at the front, where pupils, staff and visitors arrive. The school has not assured itself that any of the external lighting in place is in working condition.  The standard checked in the inspection is not likely to be met. Paragraphs 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  Drinking water is only available from a tap in the staff kitchen and, therefore, not readily available to pupils. It is not marked as drinking water. The same tap provides

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Main inspection findings

hot water from a dedicated boiler under the sink. At the time of the inspection, this boiler read 98°C, but the tap was not labelled as a scalding risk.  In the toilets for pupils and staff, there is no running hot water for handwashing. The school identified during the inspection that the boiler supplying the hot water system was not functioning.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met. Paragraphs 29(1) to 31(1)(c)  There is outdoor space available where pupils can play in the garden. The school has made suitable arrangements for physical education.  The standards checked in the inspection are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is available on its website.  The standard checked during the inspection is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34((2)  Leaders are ambitious to provide an education that meets the needs of pupils with SEND. They have an appropriate understanding of safeguarding requirements and have started to liaise with placing authorities. However, the proprietor has not ensured that the independent school standards are likely to be met consistently in its intended new premises. It has started work to remedy the shortfalls, however, there is considerable work to do.  The school has a limited understanding of some standards. For example, leaders were unaware of the requirements to have some policies and unable to provide assurances of the effective implementation of other policies. This lack of oversight was readily apparent on the intended new site and premises. As a result, the intended premises and accommodation, and the school’s policy and practice in respect to health and

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Main inspection findings

safety, currently do not actively promote the well-being of pupils.  The standards checked during the inspection are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school complies with Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. It has published an accessibility plan on its website.

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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.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Proprietor Watermelon Independent Schools Ltd

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School details

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

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 6 Number of part-time teaching staff 0 0

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Information about this school

 The school opened on 6 March 2025. It gained access to its proposed new premises on 10 September 2025.  The school changed its name from Watermelon Independent Schools Phoenix School to Watermelon Independent Schools in August 2025.  The school is registered to admit 40 pupils. There are currently no pupils attending the school.  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.  The school has not received a standard inspection since opening.  The school operates at Manor House, Redfern Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B7 4NU.

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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.  This was the second material change inspection since the school has opened.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other school staff. He also met with the chair of the governing body.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation and conducted a site walk.  There were no pupils on site during the inspection.

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Inspection team

James Oldham, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use

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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 .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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