Selwyn Hall School

School material change inspection report

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Selwyn Hall School Royston Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6SE

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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), 32 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy aligns with statutory guidance. It can be accessed on the school website. The proprietor body ensures that staff receive regular and comprehensive safeguarding training. As a result, they know how to report any safeguarding concerns. Staff know and teach pupils about risks in the local area, such as the nearby railway line and crossing. Staff are vigilant. They promptly report any safeguarding issues to the designated safeguarding lead.  The proprietor has established robust systems to identify and address any safeguarding concerns in a timely and effective manner. Staff swiftly seek guidance and support from external agencies and the proprietor. They are proactive and tenacious in their approach to protect pupils from harm.  The school effectively communicates with parents and carers and local authorities so

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Main inspection findings

that any potential risk of harm to pupils can be reduced. Paragraph 11  The proprietor has ensured that all required health and safety policies are in place and are complied with. Staff carry out regular and thorough checks on health and safety across the site. This ensures the site is well maintained and safe. Areas requiring action are risk assessed and acted upon, such as a disused building which has been made safe and secure. Paragraph 12  A clear and appropriate fire risk assessment is in place. These checks are robust so that any risks are identified and promptly addressed. The proprietor ensures that effective fire safety training and equipment are provided. There are clear escape routes. Paragraph 14  The average class size is a maximum of six pupils. The proprietor has recruited and trained additional staff, including specialist counsellors, as the school has increased the numbers of pupils on roll. Further staff are being recruited, thus ensuring there

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Main inspection findings

will be sufficient staff deployed to supervise all pupils properly. The school works closely with other schools run by the same proprietor to share best practice and to develop expertise and capacity. This work will ensure that staff can continue to deliver the curriculum effectively and provide high-quality pastoral care if the material change is approved. There is a comprehensive induction process in place for all new staff.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 16, to 16(b)  Robust risk assessment systems and processes are in place. Risk assessments are appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of pupils. These are regularly reviewed and, as necessary, updated, to ensure the health and safety of pupils and adults.  The proprietor has ensured that standards are likely to be met by the school 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 17, 18(1) to 18(2)(e) 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(D)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(b)(iii), 21(1) to (21)(6)  The proprietor ensures that robust and effective procedures are in place for the recruitment and induction of new staff and governors.  The school maintains the single central record accurately and in line with statutory requirements. It is regularly checked by the proprietor.  The school ensures that it receives written notification from the employer when statutory background checks on supply staff and contractors have been completed. The school checks their identity. This ensures that adults who wish to work with pupils are safe to do so.  The proprietor has ensured that standards are likely to be met by the school if the 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 22, to 24(1)(b), (24)(2 to 29(1)(b)  The school has the scope to increase the number of pupils on roll if the material change is approved. The school currently uses three buildings. These have many plentiful well-sized, bright and well-ventilated classrooms in addition to well-located offices, showers and first-aid rooms. The buildings include classrooms with sufficient space for small classes and well-positioned offices. This means there is much space to accommodate additional pupils in an environment where they can learn well. In addition, there are many ‘break out’ spaces for when pupils need a break from formal learning. The school is converting one area into a specialist science room to allow for a wider range of activities. There are individual, lockable toilets, as well as clean and well-maintained showering facilities. No hot water poses a scalding risk. Drinking

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Main inspection findings

water facilities are clearly labelled as such.  There is copious outdoor space for pupils to play and participate in a range of sports and games in physical education lessons. There is a well-maintained area for woodland activities. This is used by pupils across the age range. There is adequate external lighting on site.  There is a separate medical room on site that provides a suitable space to care for pupils who are unwell. There is a sink, toilet and washing facilities adjacent. There is space for pupils to lie down. There are secure facilities for the storage of medicines. All medical treatments or injuries are noted in the school’s online recording system. The school does not currently have any pupils with complex needs.  The proprietor has ensured that standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  School leaders and the proprietor understand the independent school standards. They ensure that these are rigorously scrutinised and checked for compliance. Leaders and the proprietor use these checks well to set realistic school development priorities, and to measure the school’s performance against them. Staff are provided with a plethora of professional development opportunities in conjunction with other schools in the Polaris group. This ensures that staff have the knowledge and expertise to carry out their roles and responsibilities well.  The school has skilfully managed the expansion in the numbers of pupils since the previous inspection. Changes have been well planned and fully resourced. Leaders have, therefore, ensured that the school’s provision for pupils remains consistently effective. Staff know pupils very well. They ensure that pupils receive the care and

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Main inspection findings

support they need in a nurturing environment. This provides a secure basis for the proposed increase to the number of pupils on roll.  The proprietor has ensured that standards are likely to be met by the school if the 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 Polaris Children’s Services Limited

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £63,160 to £93,474

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School details

Email address schooloffice@selwynhallschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 7 to 9 February 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 18 7 to 18 7 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 49 80 80

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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 49 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 49 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 49 80

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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 49 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 44 60

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Information about this school

 Selwyn Hall School is an independent day school for pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. It caters for pupils with social emotional mental health needs.  The school operates on one site: Royston Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6SE. If the material change is approved, pupils will be educated at this site.  The school does not use any alternative providers.  Since the last standard inspection, a new managing director for education has been appointed.  The proprietor provides the governance of the school.  The last standard inspection took place in February 2024. At this time, the school was judged as good. All standards were met.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) in response to a request from the proprietor for a material change to be considered.  The school is currently registered for up to 50 pupils from age 7 to 18. The proprietor has requested that the DfE increase the school’s capacity to 80 pupils. This is the first time that the proprietor has requested this change.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other senior leaders. He met with representatives of the proprietor body. He also spoke to a representative from a local authority who commissions pupils to attend this school. The inspector toured the site with leaders. He checked the school’s single central record of background checks on adults working at the school. He scrutinised a range of documents relating to safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and school development. He also spoke to members of staff.

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Inspection team

Steve Woodley, 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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