Cherry Tree School

School material change inspection report

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Cherry Tree School 72 Queen Mary Street, Palfrey, Walsall, West Midlands WS1 4AB

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16 to16(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the arrangements made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils are effective in line with guidance issued by the Secretary of State. There is an up-to-date safeguarding policy that is available to parents on the school’s website.  The proprietor has ensured that the school has a written health and safety policy. This policy is implemented effectively. It outlines all areas of health and safety, who is responsible for each element, what they must do and how actions are checked. The policy is implemented effectively because the school has appropriate, well-understood processes in place to do so. These processes are likely to remain fit-for-purpose when the school has more pupils attending.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written risk assessment policy. This policy

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Main inspection findings

refers to the full range of activities that take place in the school and outside of it. The policy is implemented by risk assessments. These risk assessments outline the hazards identified, the levels of risk and how the school will mitigate these risks. The actions to mitigate the risks are appropriate and reduce risk levels in all the school’s activities. The policy is implemented effectively through thorough systems of checking that actions are taken and review of risk assessments. Where appropriate, the school has appropriately considered changes to risk assessment that will be needed with regards to the proposed material change.  The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, there is a full risk assessment of the site and the building. Fire-fighting equipment is readily available and well maintained. There are clear exit routes. There is a comprehensive system in place for checking the fire alarms. This is

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Main inspection findings

also the case for the new parts of the building associated with the proposed material change.  Pupils are supervised appropriately. Supervision strategies are outlined in risk assessments. The school has appropriately considered the different levels of supervision needed in respect of the proposed material change.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

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)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b) to 21(6)  The school has a single central record that records all the checks on school staff, staff from the wider company and the proprietors This record is completed for current staff.  The proprietor makes sure that all of the relevant checks are made through a system of auditing done by staff from the school and wider company. This means that any errors or omissions can be identified quickly.  The school does not use staff from any employment or supply company. However, those responsible for safeguarding have the knowledge they need to make the relevant checks should they ever do so.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the

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Main inspection findings

DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

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 proposes to use the upper floor of the existing building to accommodate more pupils. It includes extra classrooms, toilets, shower and changing facilities, meeting spaces and sensory rooms, for example. There is the appropriate amount of space for the increased number of pupils the proprietor proposes to educate.  There is an additional room for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils.  Staircases to the upper floor have gates on them so that the risks posed by the stairs are minimised.  The upper floor has been renovated to a very high standard. Each room has appropriate lighting and acoustics. Each room is now ready to be used for the purposes intended.  The outdoor space is suitable for pupils to play in. It is big enough to accommodate the number of pupils the proprietor proposes to admit. It is suitable for physical

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Main inspection findings

education in line with the school’s curriculum  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that school leaders and employees of the wider company, who support the school, have the skills and experience they need. This means that the standards evaluated on this material change inspection are likely to be met.  Leaders understand that adding more pupils to the roll will impact on a range of operational aspects of the school, for example transport to and from school. They have considered these factors and have put plans in place so that the school is likely to meet the standards if the material change is implemented.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the

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Main inspection findings

DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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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

Proprietor Hopedale Children and Family Services Ltd

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £66,316 to £107,032

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School details

Email address office@cherrytreeschool.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 December 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 3 to 19 3 to 19 3 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 55 130 130

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 55 130

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 55 130

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 55 130

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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 130 130

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 14 33

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Information about this school

 The school operates from 72 Queen Mary Street, Palfrey, Walsall, West Midlands WS1 4AB.  The school provides education for pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and/or social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school’s last standard inspection was on the 3 to 5 December 2024.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the DfE 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.  The school is currently registered to educate 75 pupils. It proposes to educate 130 pupils. This was the first material change inspection in respect of the particular change the school has applied to make.  The inspector met with senior school staff, representatives of the proprietor board and other staff from the company which runs the school. He evaluated the suitability of the whole of the school site, looked at safeguarding records and other policies and school records. He also observed the implementation of a sample of risk assessments.

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Inspection team

Dan Owen, 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

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.

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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 .

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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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