Watermelon Independent Schools

School material change inspection report

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Watermelon Independent Schools 2 Avenue Close, Birmingham B7 4NU

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), and 32(1),32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website and reflects the latest statutory guidance. This outlines the school’s approach to protecting pupils from harm. The policy provides clear guidance for staff, including how recording incidents is managed. Staff are provided with appropriate training and support. They receive regular updates on safeguarding issues so that they remain vigilant and well informed.  Leaders place a high priority on ensuring the safety of pupils. Safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of school life. Leaders have considered risks related to the proposed site and put in place appropriate measures to mitigate these. For example, the school has a plan for pupils’ safe arrival to the school each morning. Paragraph 11  The school has a comprehensive written health and safety policy and has plans in

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Main inspection findings

place to implement this effectively. The required preliminary health and safety checks have been completed on the proposed site. The proprietor has ensured there are processes in place to complete regular water safety and equipment checks. There are clear systems to conduct checks on dangerous substances as well as electrical safety. Paragraph 12  The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire extinguishers and equipment are regularly serviced. Fire doors are not blocked, and fire exits are marked. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  The school takes appropriate action to reduce risks. The school has a written risk assessment policy and uses this to determine the writing, checking and reviewing of all risk assessments. Risk assessments are in place for the proposed premises and other aspects of the school’s work such as activities at school and off site. Leaders intend to put suitable risk assessments in place for individual pupils where needed.

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Main inspection findings

The school takes appropriate action to reduce risks.  The independent school standards (the standards) checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The school proposes to operate from its new premises at Manor House, Redfern Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2BE. The accommodation is a listed building with a number of teaching spaces, a spacious hall area and smaller spaces allocated as reading nooks, or for quieter times of pastoral support. The premises are likely to be suitable for the age range and number of pupils.  Toilet and washing facilities are appropriate for pupils’ use. These include individual toilets for male and female pupils that are lockable from the inside. There are additional unisex facilities and separate facilities for staff. Toilets have handwashing

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Main inspection findings

facilities, and the water temperature is controlled to minimise scald risk.  The school intends to deliver physical education at local sports facilities. Leaders will check these facilities to ensure that they are safe and provide suitable changing and showering facilities prior to commencing their use.  Pupils have access to drinking water throughout the day. This is labelled as such and is separate from toilet facilities. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is suitable accommodation for the medical care and first-aid treatment of pupils. The medical room is equipped with a bed and first aid supplies. There is nearby access to a toilet and washing facilities. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The proposed premises are attractive and well maintained. The school has ensured that the limitations of the building’s listing do not detract from its suitability to be used as a school.  Rooms are well lit with natural and internal lighting. Acoustic conditions are

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Main inspection findings

appropriate. Outside of the building there are sensor-activated external lights. These are to ensure visitors’ safety when it is dark. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The outdoor space is large and includes trees to provide shade, tarmac areas and lawns. It is securely fenced and provides a pleasant space for pupils to socialise and play.  The school intends to provide physical education at local sports facilities.  The standards checked during the inspection are 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(c)  Leaders at the school have skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles. They have successfully addressed the unmet standards from the previous material change inspection. The proprietor, governors and leaders understand the need to regularly check that all standards are consistently met. There are documented processes and

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Main inspection findings

plans in place to ensure this happens once pupils are learning at the school. The governors and proprietor intend to monitor the work of the school by making use of the expertise of external professionals as well as a programme of their own regular visits and checks.  The school plans to put in place several measures to actively promote the well-being of pupils and staff once pupils are admitted. The school anticipates that some pupils may need a personalised approach to help them settle back into education. Leaders have considered how the curriculum will support pupils to re-engage with learning and maintain healthy well-being. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of 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

Proprietor Watermelon Independent Schools Ltd

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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 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 0 40 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 9

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Information about this school

 The school opened in 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 special educational needs and/or disabilities. 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 use alternative provision.  The school does not have any religious character.  The school has not received a standard inspection since opening.  The school operates at Manor House, Redfern Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2BE.

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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 change to different premises at Manor House, Redfern Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2BE is approved.  This was the third material change inspection since the school opened.  The inspectors met with the headteacher, the chair of governors and the proprietor.  The inspectors 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

Corinne Biddell, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Andrew Madden 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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