Oaklands Manor School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Oaklands Manor School Oaklands Manor, Manchester Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6SS

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b)  The school anticipates that most pupils who join the proposed school will have experienced disruption to their education. They are likely to have experienced trauma. All pupils will be in the care of the local authority. The school has considered these factors. The curriculum that it has prepared takes these needs and experiences into account.  The proposed curriculum aims to provide pupils with experiences in a range of subjects. The school intends to provide linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education.  The school has prepared a curriculum policy. It sets out how subjects within the curriculum will be organised and taught. This is published on the school’s website.  The school’s curriculum, across all subjects and key stages, is supported by detailed schemes of work. These take into account pupils’ starting points, aptitudes and ages.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The school has prepared a suitable reading curriculum. Any pupils who join the school at the earliest stage of learning to read will be taught phonics. A suitably experienced, primary teacher has been appointed to facilitate this.  Pupils’ attainment will be checked as they start the school. These assessments will be used to inform pupils’ different pathways through the curriculum. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school has adopted a personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) curriculum that introduces pupils to a wide range of topics that prepares them well for life in modern Britain.  The PSHE curriculum promotes an understanding of difference and pupils will learn about protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way. Pupils will learn how to stay safe and how to look after their mental and physical health.  The school intends to provide pupils with impartial careers information. It has

p.1

Main inspection findings

prepared suitable schemes of work. It intends to draw on the support and expertise of an external careers’ advisor. The school intends that pupils’ career advice and guidance will be tailored to their individual needs and interests.  Pupils who are above the compulsory school age will receive a curriculum that is appropriate to their stage of education. It will take account of pupils’ education and work aspirations. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A1(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has prepared a policy regarding its provision for pupils’ relationships and sex education. The policy reflects the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE).  Pupils will be taught about relationships, sex and health education. The school has prepared well-planned schemes of work that are age-appropriate. Paragraphs 3 and 4  The school intends that staff will be pre-trained to understand the needs of pupils that the school serves. This will included working alongside clinical and therapeutic staff.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The school intends that teachers will use a range of strategies to engage pupils in their learning. It is intended that lessons will enable pupils to be successful, develop confidence and independence, and promote fundamental British values.  The school has purchased an appropriate range of resources to support the delivery of the curriculum. Additional resources will be purchased if the school is granted permission to open.  Pupils will be assessed through a variety of methods. They will be assessed when they join the school to identify their starting points and any gaps that they may have in their knowledge. The school has an appropriate framework in place to assess pupils’ learning and progress.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school’s curriculum and scheme of work for PSHE have due regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the 2010 Equality Act. Pupils will learn about different cultures, traditions and religions from around the world.  The school has prepared an enrichment programme that aims to broaden pupils’ cultural capital. Pupils will engage in a wide range of outdoor, adventurous activities, including cycling and water sports.  Leaders will make frequent classroom visits and check the quality of the PSHE curriculum to assure themselves that staff do not promote partisan political views. The schools’ ‘visitors policy’ sets out the checks that the school will carry out on the information that visitors share with pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a) to 7(b)  The proposed school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy. The policy makes clear

p.2

Main inspection findings

the actions that staff will be expected to take if they have a safeguarding concern or worry. The school will record concerns on an electronic system. The policy has due regard to the relevant statutory guidance.  The school has identified and trained safeguarding leaders. These leaders demonstrate secure knowledge and skills suitable to their roles. The school plans to appoint and train further staff to help lead safeguarding.  The school has prepared a programme of safeguarding induction and training to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge. Content will be revisited over time to ensure that it is understood and applied consistently. Robust processes are in place to facilitate daily communication with staff from the children’s home.  The school has made suitable arrangements to filter pupils’ access to online materials. Leaders will be promptly alerted to any inappropriate online activity.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 9 and 10  The school has established clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour based on their aims and values. Staff will ensure that positive relationships are prioritised. Pupils’ behavioural needs will be assessed as they start the school. Each pupil will have a risk assessment that sets out how their behaviour will be managed. Risk assessments will be updated regularly.  Staff will be trained to de-escalate situations when pupils become dysregulated. Staff will be trained in the use of appropriate, physical restraint. The schools’ physical intervention policy makes clear that this will only be used as a last resort.  The school has a system in place to record and monitor pupils’ behaviour. This will be used to identify any trends or patterns of behaviour over time. Sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour will also be recorded.  Suitable policies are in place for behaviour, exclusions and anti-bullying.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11 to 14  The school has an appropriate health and safety policy in place. This is supported by a wide range of supporting policies and documentation, including for first aid, the use of chemicals, lone working and for the administration of medication, to mention but a few. Staff will be trained in health and safety as part of their induction. The proprietor has appointed a range of appropriate persons to routinely check on health and safety compliance.  The school complies with the Regulatory reform (Fire Safety) order 2005. A fire risk assessment is in place that was carried out by suitably qualified persons. The school has clear procedures for fire egress. It has planned a robust series of regular checks to ensure continued compliance.  The school intends to employ a suitable number of staff. It will ensure that there are appropriate levels of pupil supervision. Paragraph 15  The school has ensured that the necessary information is included on its admission

p.3

Main inspection findings

register.  The proposed attendance register will use the appropriate codes for absence in line with recent DfE guidance. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The school has a broad suite of risk assessments. These calculate the nature of risks and set out how these will be mitigated for.  The school will carry out a risk assessment for each pupil. These will be updated regularly.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3) to 19 (2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  The proprietor knows and understands its safer recruitment responsibilities. The school will ensure that all relevant checks are undertaken before adults are permitted to work with pupils. These checks will be recorded in the single central record.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The single central record is compliant. All the suitability checks, including those relating to the leadership and management of a school, have been carried out.  The school may make use of supply staff. The single central record sets out the checks that the school will carry out should this be the case. The school has robust processes in place to ensure that the identity of supply staff is verified on arrival.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 25 to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school building is newly refurbished. It is prepared to a good standard and conducive to learning. There are suitable, separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils. The toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 Pupils will have access to changing rooms and showers that are located in the adjoining, proposed children’s home. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  A room has been set aside for the care of pupils who are sick or injured. It is suitably equipped and near a toilet. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27 to 27(b)  The school premises are maintained to a good standard. Classrooms have suitable acoustics and are well ventilated. Internal and external lighting are appropriate. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  Pupils will be provided with readily available, labelled, bottled drinking water. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a suitable area to the rear of the school, where pupils can spend time outdoors and participate in physical education. The school intends to make use of the wide range of outdoor education opportunities that are available in the local area.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this

p.4

Main inspection findings

part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(5)  The school has ensured that all the information and policies required by the standards are in place. These include policies for admissions, the curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding.  The school will make all required information available to parents and carers. This will be via its website, within the school prospectus and in paper form when pupils are admitted to the school. Parents will be able to request paper copies of policies and documents if needed. The school understands the requirement to publish any future inspection reports and details of pupils’ academic performance.  The school has devised an annual report that it will use to provide parents with information about how well their child is doing at school.  There are suitable arrangements in place to work with local authorities to review

p.5

Main inspection findings

pupils’ EHC plans. The school understands its responsibilities with regard to providing information to local authorities about children looked after and pupils with an EHC plan.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32, 32(3)(f), 33 to 33(k)  The school has a suitable complaints policy. The policy sets out the procedures to follow should a parent wish to make a complaint. The policy identifies informal and formal processes with appropriate timescales. It sets out what parents should do if they are dissatisfied with the response to, or outcome of, the complaint. The policy sets out how records of any complaints received, and any subsequent actions taken by the school as a result, will be recorded and stored.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the requirements of the

p.5

Main inspection findings

standard in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body and leaders demonstrate strong skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles. Leaders know and understand the independent school standards.  Leaders are committed to providing a quality, bespoke curriculum, matched to the needs of pupils with SEND. There is a strong focus on providing for pupils’ welfare and well-being.  The proprietor has put in place robust quality assurance measures to ensure the school’s continued compliance with the standards. Leaders demonstrate the understanding necessary to ensure that the standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan provides details of how all pupils, including those with

p.5

Main inspection findings

special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will be enabled to access the curriculum, premises and information.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Website www.keyschildren.co.uk/schools/oaklands- manor-school Email address robert.arrowsmith@keys-group.co.uk

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 17 11 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 8 8

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 8 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 8

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable Up to 8

p.9

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 Not applicable Up to 8

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 5

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school intends to provide full-time education for up to eight pupils with SEND from 11 to 17 years old. Pupils will have a diagnosis of autism and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The school will also provide for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.  The school is located at Oaklands Manor, Manchester Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6SS  All pupils who attend the school will be in the care of the local authority. They are expected to be in attendance at a proposed children’s home, if it is registered.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE, to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards, if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with the proprietor, the chair of the governing body, the headteacher and the regional director.  Inspectors conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and assessment information. They considered a wide range of documentation relating to health and safety, including a sample of the school’s risk assessments.  Inspectors checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment, including the single central record.

p.11

Inspection team

Vic Wilkinson, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.11

Inspection team

Paul Halcro 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 .

p.11

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.

p.12

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 .

p.12

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.

p.12

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12