Acacia School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Acacia School Acacia Hall, Shortwood Lane, Friesthorpe, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN3 5AL

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school has designed an ambitious, sufficiently broad and personalised curriculum. The underpinning philosophy is that the curriculum will support pupils to live ‘meaningful lives’. Leaders have taken into account the national curriculum and pupils’ needs when designing their curriculum. The curriculum is well sequenced and sets out what pupils should learn, including in literacy and numeracy, and preparation for adulthood.  The curriculum sets out individual pathways for neurodivergent pupils. Pupils develop their understanding of themselves and the world around them through themes such as functional skills, culture and community, independence and creativity. Leaders have designed schemes of work in relation to each curriculum area which balance a personalised approach with an ambition about what pupils can achieve.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  The school has a carefully designed personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme in place. This programme clearly maps out how pupils will learn about important topics such as regulation and resilience, and social and community engagement.  Leaders have put in place opportunities to spend time in the local community and experience workplace environments. This includes, for example, visits to the local church.  The school’s personal development offer is focused on ensuring that pupils can lead fulfilled and enriching lives, now and in the future. The school’s offer includes learning that takes into account pupils’ sensory needs and opportunities for pupils to understand how to look after their physical health.  Pupils learn about how to keep themselves safe. Staff receive training on how to identify safeguarding concerns and communicate with young people with complex

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Main inspection findings

needs about any worries that they may have. Paragraphs 2(A)(1), 2(A)(1)(b) to 2A(1)(g), 2(A)(2)  The school has ensured that pupils learn about healthy relationships and sex. Leaders have written an appropriate policy which is available to parents and carers. The school consults with parents about the curriculum and shares information about the content that pupils will learn and when.  Staff, including therapy staff, teach the relationships and sex education curriculum in such a way that it is age-appropriate for the pupils. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j), 4  Leaders carefully review how well the curriculum is taught. They clearly share with staff the competencies that they need to display to fulfil their roles well. Leaders work with staff to review their practice and provide development opportunities and training as necessary.  Staff know what to teach and how. They review training and various documentation,

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Main inspection findings

including, for example, knowledge organisers which help to provide this clarity.  The school has an appropriate assessment system in place. Staff use ongoing checks on pupils’ understanding to inform their teaching. In each classroom, pupils’ individual learning plans are clearly displayed, with evidence of the progress they are making towards their targets. Staff communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress.  Staff provide pupils with bespoke support based on their secure understanding of pupils as individuals. The environments in which pupils learn are calm and purposeful.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  The curriculum consistently provides opportunities for pupils to develop their social and emotional understanding. As the school’s goal is for pupils to live meaningful lives, there is a constant focus on developing pupils’ ability to engage with one another and the wider world. This includes contributing to society through enterprise projects and community initiatives such as litter picking.  The school provides regular opportunities in the curriculum for pupils to develop their appreciation for cultural diversity. Likewise, pupils learn about fundamental British values across all aspects of the curriculum. This is enhanced by pupils’ involvement in the school council and participation in celebrations such as ‘Parliament week’.  Leaders ensure that any content shared with pupils during teaching is appropriate and

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Main inspection findings

that any outside providers do not share partisan political views. Leaders reflect on how to engage pupils in considering the views that are presented to them on their merits, rather than accepting them at face value.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) to 7(b)  Leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding. They have written an appropriate policy which takes account of statutory guidance, including ‘Keeping children safe in education’. This policy is available on the school’s website.  The school has a comprehensive package of training in place for staff. Leaders have established procedures to ensure that staff have the knowledge needed to keep pupils safe. Staff met with during the inspection were secure in their knowledge of safeguarding.  The school has clear systems in place to identify, report and record any safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

concerns. When concerns arise, the school takes appropriate and timely action. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  Leaders have appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies in place. Staff receive training and manage the behaviour of pupils well. Leaders have carefully considered the language they use with pupils to describe consequences for misbehaviour or poor choices. Staff receive training about how to provide pupils with the right support at the right time.  Leaders record any consequences that arise from behaviour incidents. They are analytical and identify and respond to any patterns or trends in pupils’ behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured that there are appropriate health and safety, fire safety and first-aid policies in place. There is a designated leader responsible for ensuring that the school complies with the necessary guidance in relation to these areas.  Staff receive training so that they can support leaders in identifying any concerns. The

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Main inspection findings

school employs external professionals to carry out necessary checks, for example health and safety checks and fire risk assessments.  There are clear procedures in place to check the safety of the school’s site. All first-aid and fire safety equipment is appropriately stored, with weekly checks carried out and recorded. Paragraphs 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have employed sufficient staff to ensure that pupils receive appropriate supervision and support. Pupils receive one-to-one support. The school has additional staff in place should this ratio need to be greater as a result of pupils’ needs or specific incidents.  The school’s admissions register holds all the information required by statutory guidance. Leaders promote the importance of attending well and monitor pupils’ attendance closely. Most pupils attend well.  Leaders have written an appropriate risk assessment policy which sets out how risks

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Main inspection findings

are identified and mitigated. The policy also indicates how levels of risk will be evaluated. Leaders have put in place a range of risk assessments to ensure that pupils are not at risk in relation to their own needs, the school’s site, working with animals, or taking part in off-site learning opportunities.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1), (21)(1)(a) to 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)  Leaders carry out the required checks before employing staff. They ensure that colleagues involved in recruitment processes have received appropriate training in safer recruitment.  The school has a single central record in place which holds all the information required by statutory guidance. The necessary details are recorded consistently using an electronic recording system.  The school does not intend to employ supply staff. However, leaders understand the pre-employment checks that need to be carried out should this situation change.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a) to 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a) to 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) to 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) to 29(1)(b)  Leaders have ensured that the school’s site is well maintained. The premises are suitable for the school’s purpose. Pupils learn in rooms with sufficient natural light and appropriate acoustic conditions. Each space in the school has been decorated in a way that considers pupils’ sensory needs and avoids overwhelming them.  There are clear systems in place to check the maintenance of the school’s site, which include opportunities for staff to report any concerns. The group has established committees such as the health and safety committee to assure itself that the welfare and safety of staff and pupils are catered for.  Pupils have access to clearly labelled drinking water throughout the day. There are

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Main inspection findings

separate toilet facilities for staff and pupils, and for boys and girls. There is a sufficient supply of water in the toilets, wash basins and showers. The water temperature does not present a scalding risk.  Leaders are in the process of converting two offices into classroom spaces and converting a staff toilet into a pupil toilet. The school has a further new classroom already in place. This is to accommodate the increased number of pupils that the school intends to gradually admit.  The medical room complies with the standards, including washing facilities, and is in close proximity to a toilet. Pupils who live in the care home adjacent to the school generally return home when they require medical attention to ensure that they are made as comfortable as possible.  The school has ample outdoor space to provide for pupils’ physical education and play. The play equipment installed is designed specifically for secondary-age pupils to

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Main inspection findings

ensure it is safe. The premises are secure. The animal husbandry provision is secure from the rest of the school’s site.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(j), 32(2) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(g)  Leaders are aware of their responsibility to share information with parents and carers. The school’s website shares a range of policies, including the child protection and safeguarding policy.  Leaders ensure that parents receive reports on the progress of their children. They provide accounts to the local authority detailing the income received and expenditure for each pupil. Where pupils have an education, health and care plan, the school contributes to the annual review process.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a) to 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. Clear timescales are set out within which complainants will receive a response.  Leaders have ensured that they have sufficient knowledge to apply the complaints policy. For example, they know they need to include an individual independent of the running of the school in any panel hearing.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34, 34(1)(a) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders, including members of the proprietor board, demonstrate secure knowledge of the standards. They have a range of monitoring and evaluation systems in place to assure themselves that the standards are met consistently well over time. Leaders have a secure understanding of their statutory safeguarding responsibilities. They check that the staff in the school have the knowledge and understanding that they need.  The proprietor board and school leaders prioritise pupils’ welfare. The inclusive values of the group are evident in the policies and practices that the school has in place to support pupils and staff. Leaders take account of staff wellbeing, for example, through opinion surveys and by adopting a ‘you said, we did’ approach to communication with staff. Leaders have put systems in place to ensure that staff are in the best position

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Main inspection findings

possible to support pupils. Staff spoken with during this inspection feel well supported and value the training they receive. This includes bespoke and accredited training developed by the school, enabling staff to support pupils effectively to manage their behaviour.  The Acacia School has changed its leadership structure to increase capacity in anticipation of becoming a school in its own right. There will be a new deputy headteacher role as well as a headteacher and assistant headteacher to ensure that leaders have the time and resources to fulfil their roles well.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has in place an accessibility plan which details how access to the school’s site, the curriculum and information will be improved over time. The plan reflects statutory guidance. It is likely that the proposed school will fulfil its responsibilities under 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.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £105,202 to £144,080

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 37 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 30

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 26

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 8 to 19 11 to 19 11 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll 37 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 37 Up to 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 37 Up to 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 37 Up to 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 37 Up to 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to admit up to 45 pupils. Pupils will have special educational needs and/or disabilities, including autism and severe learning difficulties.  The school operates from Acacia Hall, Friesthorpe LN5 3AL.  The proposed school is already operating as part of another registered school. This registered school had a standard inspection in January 2023 and an additional inspection in September 2025.  The school does not use the services of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with leaders, including the chair and other members of the proprietor board, the executive education lead and the headteacher. Inspectors also met with a group of staff.  Inspectors visited lessons and observed pupils during lessons and social times. They saw pupils at work and discussed with leaders the school’s curriculum plans and schemes of work. Inspectors reviewed the school’s PSHE curriculum and discussed with leaders the careers provision available to pupils.  Inspectors reviewed documents, including those relating to health and safety, fire safety and first aid. Inspectors met with leaders regarding safeguarding policies and practices. They reviewed the school’s single central record and discussed safer

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Information about this inspection

recruitment practices with leaders.  The lead inspector visited all areas of the school’s site to determine if part 5 of the standards is likely to be met.  Inspectors reviewed documentation, including the school’s complaints policy, and discussed with leaders how the school shares necessary information with various stakeholders.

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Inspection team

Matthew Fearns-Davies, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Shaun Carter 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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