Chapel Bridge School

School material change inspection report

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Chapel Bridge School 99 Craigie Drive, Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3JL

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The school demonstrates a strong and embedded culture of safeguarding. Comprehensive and secure systems are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. These systems are regularly reviewed and are underpinned by a clear safeguarding policy and effective procedures, such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  There is a sustained emphasis on the training and professional development of staff in safeguarding matters. Staff receive regular and up-to-date training, which enables them to identify and respond to concerns promptly and appropriately.  Staff know pupils well and are confident in reporting concerns. This contributes to a detailed and coherent safeguarding picture maintained by the designated safeguarding team.  Pupils are confident to speak to members of the safeguarding team if they have any

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Main inspection findings

concerns. Paragraphs 11, 12 and 14  The school has established effective policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all pupils and staff. Fire safety is well managed. The proprietor has ensured that fire signs, emergency exits and fire safety equipment are suitably located throughout the building and regularly checked.  The school places a strong emphasis on ensuring that staff are well matched to the needs of the pupils. A structured onboarding process is in place, which includes a period of shadowing experienced colleagues before staff assume full responsibilities. This approach supports consistency, safety and a smooth transition into the school’s safeguarding culture.  The proprietor intends to adopt the same high staff-to-pupil ratios if pupil numbers grow beyond the current 100 the school is registered for. These ensure that pupils are properly supervised throughout the day.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  Leaders have conducted thorough risk assessments across the school site, including the use of transport and arrangements for external visits. In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, individual safety plans are developed for each pupil to ensure their specific needs are met and risks are mitigated effectively.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change requests are 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), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  The proprietor has ensured that all the required checks on staff working at the school have been completed before employment commences. This includes the right to work in the United Kingdom.  The school does not currently use any supply agency staff.  Members of the proprietor body have had the statutory checks made to determine

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Main inspection findings

their suitability in their roles, including the section 128 checks.  The school maintains a well-organised electronic single central record. Robust processes in the school ensure that the record is regularly checked for accuracy and completeness by the human resources lead and the headteacher.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change requests are approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has fully refurbished the first floor of the school to a high standard. For example, colour schemes have been chosen with pupils’ sensory needs in mind. Furthermore, rooms have been designed to ensure acoustics are appropriate. This has increased the number of rooms available for teaching and is suitable for increasing pupil numbers. Extra rooms include a new library and a new kitchen.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has developed a dedicated drop off area for those pupils who arrive and depart by cars and minibuses. Staff meet and greet pupils to provide a smooth transition into classes.  The school has suitable toilets and changing facilities. At the time of inspection, the showers were not in use. In the meantime, the school has access to showers and changing facilities at the local leisure centre.  Drinking water is available throughout the school and labelled appropriately. Hot water in washbasins does not scald.  The proprietor has fitted restrictors on all windows for pupils’ safety. There is external lighting outside and internal emergency lighting.  The site benefits from a large outside area, which is suitable for teaching physical education and for pupils play.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change requests are approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor, headteacher and leaders hold a strong and clear vision for the school. The proprietor maintains strong oversight of the school’s work. It is committed to providing a high quality of education and pastoral care to vulnerable pupils with a range of complex needs.  Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards (the standards). Regular audits of the standards support leaders in identifying areas where they can make improvements to ensure that the school meets the standards consistently.  Leaders place a high priority on ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils. Robust arrangements are in place to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, reflecting the school’s commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment. Safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of school life and is treated as a central

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Main inspection findings

responsibility.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change requests are granted. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor ensures that the school complies with schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £62,989 to £84,964.

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School details

Email address andy.wadsworth@chapelbridgeschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 25 to 27 June 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 6 to 19 6 to 19 6 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 73 120 120

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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 77 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 77 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 77 120

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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 77 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 56 78

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Information about this school

 The school’s most recent standard inspection took place in June 2023, when the standards were met, and Ofsted judged the school to be good.  The school caters for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, predominantly autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Most placements are funded by Plymouth and Devon local authorities.  The school does not currently use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to consider the school’s request for a material change. The proprietor would like to increase the school’s capacity from 100 to 120 pupils.  The inspection focused on some of the welfare, health and safety standards in part 3; all of the standards in part 4 for the suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors; all of the standards in part 5 for premises and accommodation and the standards in part 8 for the quality of leadership in and management of schools.  The inspector toured the school with the headteacher, school business manager and the site manager from the central team.  The inspector scrutinised documents relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  To evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding, the inspector: reviewed the single central record; took account of the views of leaders, and considered the extent to

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Information about this inspection

which the school has created an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils’ interests first.  The inspector met with the headteacher, deputy headteacher, assistant headteacher, the operations director, the CEO and the executive chair.

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Inspection team

James Gentile, 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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