Cambian New Elizabethan School

School material change inspection report

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Cambian New Elizabethan School Quarry Bank, Hartlebury DY11 7TE

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policies and procedures are clear and follow the latest guidance from the Department for Education (DfE). Staff know their responsibilities and take their duty to keep pupils safe seriously. They stay alert to signs that a pupil may need help, and report any concerns without delay. Leaders act promptly and appropriately to support pupils in need. This includes the school working closely with families and outside agencies when required, ensuring pupils get the right help at the right time. Together, this creates a positive culture of safeguarding where pupils’ welfare comes first.  Pupils feel safe at school. They know who to turn to if they are worried and they trust staff to listen and help them. Through the curriculum, pupils learn about a wide range of topics that teach them how to stay safe in different situations. For example, they

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Main inspection findings

learn practical strategies to help them keep safe when using the internet. Paragraph 11  The school takes its health and safety responsibilities seriously. There is a comprehensive health and safety policy in place which is implemented carefully. This includes regular checks to monitor and maintain safety standards across the school. The proprietor audits these systems frequently to ensure that the school continues to meet health and safety requirements. Paragraph 12  The school has effective systems in place to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. External specialists carry out regular checks on fire safety equipment and alarms. Fire exits are clearly marked and fire drills take place regularly. Paragraph 14  Staff know pupils well and use this knowledge to ensure that they are properly supervised throughout the school day. They are alert to pupils’ needs and provide

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Main inspection findings

appropriate levels of support when needed. The school maintains a high staff-to-pupil ratio and intends to sustain this level of supervision if pupil numbers increase. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  The school identifies a range of risks and takes effective action to reduce them. This promotes pupils’ well-being. For instance, leaders assess potential risks linked to off- site learning and school trips. These assessments take into account the individual needs of pupils.  The independent school standards (the standards) checked during the inspection are likely to be met 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)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6) to 21(7)(b)  The school implements an effective safer recruitment approach. Leaders ensure that all the required pre-employment checks are completed before adults are permitted to

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Main inspection findings

work with pupils. Recruitment procedures are thorough and well documented. Leaders maintain accurate records on the single central record. Those involved in recruitment are appropriately trained and understand their responsibilities for safeguarding.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The premises are maintained to a good standard, providing a safe, clean and well- organised environment that is conducive to learning. Classrooms are of an appropriate size for the proposed number of pupils and are well resourced to support the teaching of the curriculum. There is ample space within the school to accommodate the proposed material change.  There are sufficient toilets and washing facilities for pupils, with appropriate provision for disabled pupils. A suitable medical room is available, located close to toilet facilities

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Main inspection findings

and equipped with a sink. The room includes suitable resources for the administration of first aid.  Outdoor areas are spacious and well maintained. They provide pupils with suitable areas for playing, outdoor learning and physical education. Leaders conduct regular checks and maintenance to ensure that the premises remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  Leaders have ensured that the safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website.  This standard is likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders have a clear rationale for expanding the school’s capacity. This rationale is based upon meeting the needs of more pupils. They have given careful thought to the

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Main inspection findings

requirements of the proposed changes and have developed appropriate plans to ensure consistency in provision.  The school maintains an outward-looking approach, welcoming scrutiny and support from external specialists. This includes commissioning reviews of practice and undertaking specialist audits. Such collaboration has been effective in helping the school to refine and strengthen its work. Over time, the school has demonstrated that it consistently meets the standards checked during this inspection. This is because leaders keep a close eye on what is working well and what is not.  The proprietor has established a coherent process for quality assurance, supported by monthly reporting to the proprietor board.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £66,300 to £131,651

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 23 to 25 January 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 19 7 to 19 7 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 46 50 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 46 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 46 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 46 50

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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 46 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 18 18

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Information about this school

 Cambian New Elizabethan School caters for pupils aged seven to 19 years old.  The school is registered for up to 45 pupils. There are currently 46 pupils on roll.  The school’s last standard inspection took place on 23 to 25 January 2024.  The school is an independent day school that mainly caters for pupils with a diagnosis of autism.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan and are placed at the school by local authorities.  The school currently uses two unregistered alternative provisions.

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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.  The school seeks to increase its capacity from 45 pupils to 50 pupils.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of this particular change that the school has applied to make.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other senior leaders. He also met with a representative of the proprietor board.  The inspector spoke with staff and pupils.  The inspector had a tour of the school site with leaders.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including a sample of risk assessments and the school’s health and safety records.  The inspector reviewed the school’s single central record and safeguarding documentation. He also discussed the school’s safeguarding procedures with leaders.

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Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard, 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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