Sky Vale

School pre-registration inspection report

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Sky Vale Lye Hole Lane, Redhill, Bristol BS40 5TD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 4  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. It anticipates that most pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Many will have had negative experiences of education or missed a significant amount of school.  The proprietor has prepared a curriculum policy. It specifies that the school proposes to teach a broad range of subjects that meet the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). A thorough transition process will include a baseline assessment for pupils to complete. Staff plan to use this information to construct individual ‘pupil profiles’. These will contain relevant information to meet pupils’ specific needs, including targets from pupils’ EHC plans and bespoke interventions,

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Main inspection findings

such as therapeutic support, if required.  School leaders recognise that most pupils will likely have gaps in their knowledge and understanding. The school will prioritise the teaching of literacy, numeracy and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. A validated phonics programme will be in place for pupils who struggle with learning to read. The school will train staff in how the agreed scheme helps pupils learn to read. The proposed timetable shows pupils will have four dedicated reading lessons each week. This is likely to help pupils to learn to read successfully.  The schemes of work set out the important knowledge that the school expects pupils to learn. School leaders plan to adapt the curriculum further to meet the needs of pupils and their varying starting points. The curriculum will likely enable pupils to make progress and work towards qualifications, such as functional skills and GCSEs.

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Main inspection findings

 Although school leaders anticipate that most pupils who will initially attend the proposed school will follow the key stage 3 curriculum, they have designed a post-16 options programme. This includes qualifications and experiences that will enable pupils to progress to higher education, apprenticeships and the world of work.  The school intends to offer a well-considered careers education programme. For instance, pupils will receive impartial and up-to-date advice and guidance.  The scheme of work for PSHE aims to ensure that pupils understand the importance of not discriminating against those with protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. It includes relationships and sex education (RSE). Specific topics include personal safety and consent. School leaders intend to consult with parents and carers about the content of the proposed RSE curriculum during the induction process.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has recruited a headteacher and deputy headteacher. They understand how to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEMH. The proprietor plans to recruit additional staff with the necessary skills and expertise to implement the curriculum successfully. The school will use the same systems as those used at the proprietor’s other schools for ongoing training. Additionally, the school will have access to a team of subject-specialist staff from the proprietor’s accredited virtual education service, should the need arise. A rigorous quality assurance cycle will ensure that staff teach the curriculum to a consistently high standard.  The school has clear procedures in place to help staff accurately assess pupils’ learning. Staff will capture progress towards academic and personal targets. Teachers will adapt schemes of work and use strategies to build on what pupils know and can

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Main inspection findings

do. This should enable pupils to make progress from their starting points. Staff will report on pupils’ progress to parents on a termly basis.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has identified how it intends to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development. The proposed enrichment curriculum provides relevant opportunities to enhance pupils’ personal development. For example, the school intends for pupils to go on visits beyond the school, experience a range of visitors and work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Through a planned programme of assemblies, the school aims to ensure that pupils understand the importance of not discriminating against those with protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality

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Main inspection findings

Act 2010.  The proposed school’s policies and schemes of work specify how the school will promote fundamental British values. It intends to teach values such as mutual respect and democracy actively. The curriculum for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is well developed. The curriculum outlines how teaching will support pupils in taking responsibility for their actions.  All of the standards in part 2 are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The child protection and safeguarding policy is available to parents, if requested. It reflects the most recent statutory guidance. The policy will also be published on the website if the proposed school is permitted to open.  The designated safeguarding lead is knowledgeable and understands how to keep pupils safe from harm. The staff induction programme sets out a comprehensive

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Main inspection findings

programme of safeguarding training that all staff will receive. This includes local and contextual risks that pupils may face, as well as whistleblowing procedures. A daily debrief is planned to ensure that staff receive relevant contextual information, including about safeguarding and welfare. Paragraphs 9 to 16  The school has adopted a behaviour policy that is used across other schools owned by the proprietor. It sets out the approach to managing pupils’ behaviour. This includes the use of rewards, sanctions and record-keeping of behaviour incidents. The school intends for restrictive physical intervention to be used as a last resort to manage pupils’ behaviour. The policy focuses on building positive relationships and understanding de-escalation techniques. Staff will be trained in these approaches as part of the induction training programme.  The anti-bullying policy guides staff to help them identify and support pupils who may

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Main inspection findings

be impacted by bullying. The proprietor has established clear processes for school leaders to record and follow up on any incidents of bullying.  The proprietor has implemented a range of measures to ensure that the building is safe for pupils. For example, it uses the expertise of an external fire company to service the relevant equipment. The proprietor intends to hold termly fire drills for staff and pupils. It has identified an assembly point for evacuation. The proprietor commissioned an external fire risk assessment to ensure that the premises comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It has remedied all of the identified high actions. For example, it has ensured that all fire doors close fully. Additionally, the proprietor has created a programme of daily, weekly and monthly checks to help ensure that all aspects of the building are as safe as possible.  The proposed school has produced a suitable first-aid policy. A named member of

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Main inspection findings

staff will oversee the content of first-aid boxes. Existing staff have received appropriate first-aid training. The proprietor intends to train all new staff in first aid as part of the induction process. Systems for recording accidents and injuries are fit for purpose.  The proprietor has suitable plans in place to supervise pupils closely at all points of the school day. For example, staff will supervise pupils upon arrival and as they depart at the end of the day. The proprietor intends to recruit additional staff, as needed, to maintain a high staff-to-pupil ratio.  The admissions register template includes all of the required information about pupils on roll. It follows the latest guidance from the Department for Education (DfE). An electronic register will record attendance twice daily. The school expects pupils to attend regularly. It has a robust system in place for addressing poor attendance,

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Main inspection findings

including weekly tracking and liaison with local authority case workers or social workers.  The proprietor has written risk assessments for the site, including for the use of the pool and safety around the pond area. These set out control measures to minimise risk. For example, the indoor swimming pool is locked to prevent pupils from gaining access. The school intends to deploy staff suitably, with a minimum of one staff member to two pupils. Individual pupil risk assessments will specify what action the school will take if a pupil absconds from the site.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. 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), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The proprietor has ensured that a single central record is in place. It is fully compliant

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Main inspection findings

for those adults the school already employs. The single central record includes the prohibition of teaching and barred list checks. As new staff join the proposed school, the proprietor’s human resources and business support teams will ensure that vetting checks are completed in accordance with statutory guidance.  The head of education and other senior leaders have completed safer recruitment training. They understand the checks that must be completed before any member of staff takes up employment.  The proposed school does not intend to use supply staff regularly. However, leaders are aware of the checks they need to make in line with the relevant requirements.  All of the standards in part 4 are likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. 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 proposed school will occupy the basement, the ground floor and the first floor of

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Main inspection findings

a building formerly used as a hotel. It is located in Redhill, near Bristol Airport. The plans feature three primary classrooms, four secondary classrooms, a science room, a library, a kitchen and dining area, breakout spaces and office areas. Additionally, there is a covered pool and a separate outbuilding with two classrooms, including a communal space. The buildings are suitable for educating the proposed number of pupils the school plans to admit. School leaders intend to use the outside spaces to teach aspects of the curriculum.  The school has toilets exclusively for pupils. These are lockable from the inside and intended for sole use.  The school has showers on site. It intends for physical education to take place on site and at local sports facilities.  The proprietor has ensured that accommodation is available to cater for pupils’ medical needs. The school has created a dedicated and suitable space for a medical

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Main inspection findings

room. It is close to a toilet. The room features a bed, access to running water and a lockable cabinet for storing medication.  The school building is maintained to a high standard. The school is next to a busy main road. The proprietor has installed a wooden fence adjacent to the road to prevent pupils from accessing this area.  The lighting and acoustics make a suitable learning environment for pupils. External lighting allows users to enter and exit the building safely.  Classrooms are well lit for the activities that will take place. They benefit from natural light and blinds to control the amount of sunlight. Windows on the first floor are fitted with restrictors for pupils’ safety.  Pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day from numerous mains supply locations. These are labelled appropriately. Hot water does not scald.  The outdoor space is suitable for pupils to play, socialise and exercise.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in part 5 are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(a), 32(3)(c) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school’s leaders understand which information it needs to provide to parents to meet the standards, such as contact details of the headteacher and the chair of the proprietor body. These will be made available on the proposed school’s website when it is launched. The proprietor intends to use the same website layout and content which it uses for other schools that it operates.  The school has prepared a termly template to report on pupils’ attainment and progress. Leaders understand what information needs to be provided to local authorities regarding income and expenditure for pupils funded with an EHC plan.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy details clear procedures and timescales for managing any complaint. It specifies how complaints can be considered on an informal basis, including the commitment to make every effort to mediate and conciliate initially.  The complaints policy outlines how a complaint progresses to the formal stage. It explicitly states that a parent can request a panel hearing and be accompanied if they wish. The chair of any panel hearing will be independent of the management of the school.  The school will keep records of any complaints received. These will be stored securely and made available for inspection. This provides assurances that complaints will be taken seriously.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor, including leaders at all levels, demonstrates a clear vision for wanting to register Sky Vale as an independent special school. They share the same moral imperative to enhance the life chances of vulnerable pupils and provide education that leads to lifelong success. A focus on developing pupils’ emotional well-being and safeguarding is at the core of the school’s offer.  The proprietor, Five Rivers Child Care Ltd, has proven experience in opening and leading successful provision for pupils with SEMH needs. The headteacher and deputy headteacher will be able to access leadership forums with the proprietor’s other schools, which will enable the sharing of information and best practice.  Without a governing body, an experienced director of education, head of education and education adviser will provide additional layers of quality assurance to the proprietor through regular on-site visits and reporting. The school will adopt a

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Main inspection findings

company-wide comprehensive tracking document to satisfy the proprietor that the standards will be met securely and consistently if the proposed school is granted permission to open.  This part of the standards is likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school’s accessibility plan is likely to be suitable in meeting duties under the Equality Act 2010. The plan considers pupils’ access to the curriculum and physical environment.

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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

Email address mark.kennedy@five-rivers.org

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 6 to 18 6 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 45 45

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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 0 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 45

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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 0 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 22

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school seeks to provide full-time education for up to 45 mixed-gender pupils aged between six and 18 years. Pupils who will attend the proposed school will have SEMH needs. Pupils will likely have an EHC plan. A variety of local authorities will fund places.  The proposed school will operate from a single site. It is located at the following address: Lye Hole Lane, Redhill, Bristol BS40 5TD.  The proprietor is Five Rivers Child Care Ltd, which operates seven other independent special schools.  The proposed school does not have a governing body. However, the director of education services will provide a direct line of accountability to the proprietor.  The proprietor intends to grow pupil numbers and recruit staff gradually.  The proprietor may use alternative provision as part of enrichment activities.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection for the proposed school. The DfE commissioned the inspection to determine whether the school would be likely to meet the independent school standards if it were permitted to open.  The inspection was conducted with two working days’ notice.  Inspectors met with the director of education, the head of education, the education business manager, the national safeguarding and pastoral lead, the headteacher and the deputy headteacher to discuss the proposed school.  Inspectors reviewed safeguarding arrangements, including the school’s policy, procedures and plans for training and monitoring. They also scrutinised the school’s single central record of recruitment and vetting processes.  Inspectors had a tour of the school site to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting the standards. They reviewed risk assessments carried out by the school.  The lead inspector spoke separately with the chief executive officer of the proprietor

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Information about this inspection

body, the chair of the board and the education adviser.

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Inspection team

Dale Burr, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Gavin Summerfield 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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