Southwell Education Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Southwell Education Ltd G8 the Offices, Walter Nash Road West, Kidderminster DY11 7QY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2) and 3 to 4.  The proprietor is committed to opening a school that supports pupils who have not been successful in mainstream school. The proprietor intends to use their experience from working in similar settings to support pupils’ transition into school by offering nurture support, balanced with academic learning.  The proprietor has designed a broad and balanced curriculum. They understand that pupils who will attend the proposed school may have faced periods of disrupted education. The planned curriculum takes into consideration the possible different abilities of the pupils. However, the schemes of work and planned learning are very broad. Leaders have been ambitious with their choice of schemes, but they have not considered how these will be adapted to the needs of the pupils. Leaders have begun

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Main inspection findings

to sharpen the curriculum to ensure that learning is well matched to the pupils, but this is in the early stage of development.  Leaders understand the importance of reading. They have considered ways to develop pupils’ love of reading. Despite this, the proposed school has not fully considered how to support pupils at an early stage of reading. For example, they have not identified a suitable phonics programme or considered how to ensure that staff have the suitable knowledge and understanding to teach phonics.  The proprietor intends to appoint staff with the appropriate skills and knowledge to teach the pupils in the proposed school. However, the planned learning is not sufficiently clear to support staff to identify what to teach and when. As a result, it is unclear how the proprietor will ensure learning is well considered with the use of effective teaching methods and activities. The proprietor is fully committed to

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Main inspection findings

ensuring that staff have the right skills and training to be able to build their skills and knowledge, but this has not yet been thought through and planned.  The proprietor shows an understanding of identifying pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The pupils who will start at the school will likely have SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Main inspection findings

SEND. Leaders show an understanding of how to review and assess pupils’ needs so that the provision is appropriate. Leaders intend to build learning around the pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans.  There is a suitable relationships and sex education (RSE) policy. Leaders have considered how to adapt the personal, social, health and economics (PSHE) and RSE programme for pupils with SEND. They have also considered how they will consult with parents and carers about the RSE policy, when the proposed school opens.  Leaders have ensured that there is a suitable careers programme in place. Leaders have begun to link with local businesses and industries to plan opportunities to give pupils experience in the world of work.  The school’s plans and schemes of work do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

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Main inspection findings

 The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has established a programme for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Leaders have considered how it will build on the PSHE curriculum with other planned learning through assemblies, trips and visitors.  The proprietor aims to offer pupils a range of extra-curricular experiences to support their SMSC development.  The school intends to help pupils to develop their self-confidence, resilience and self- esteem through allowing pupils to take on roles and responsibilities. For example, leaders plan to give the pupils the opportunity to develop the school building and to help to design rooms.  The school is aware of issues that may impact the pupils, such as extremist views and the use of artificial intelligence. The school plans to ensure that pupils are taught

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Main inspection findings

about these and the risks they pose. Leaders plan that learning opportunities are woven throughout the curriculum and support pupils in developing their understanding to help keep themselves safe.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7 (b), 32(1)(c), 9, 10, 12 to 16(b) and 11  The safeguarding policy is in line with the most recent statutory guidance. Leaders understand that this will need to be put on the school’s website when it is launched. However, the whistleblowing policy does not reflect the school’s planned leadership structure. It refers to the role of the school’s governing body, however, the school does not intend to have one. Therefore, the lines of accountability for reporting concerns are not accurate.  The proprietor has ensured that the designated safeguarding lead will be an appropriate person. The plans for staff’s safeguarding training appear thorough.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders have put in place a suitable electronic recording system to spot and log concerns.  The school has a behaviour and an anti-bullying policy that details the school’s approach to managing behaviour incidents. These set out clear expectations for pupils’ conduct as well as outlining how the school will respond to possible incidents. Leaders have detailed recording systems to record and analyse any incidents.  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable risk assessment policy is in place. Leaders have completed a range of risk assessments in relation to the premises and managing other risks.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school meets the independent school standard related to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There is a fire risk policy in place. Appropriate fire extinguishers, signage and exits are in place.  The school has ensured that other safety checks have been carried out, for example

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Main inspection findings

taps do not post a scalding risk and cleaning chemicals are locked away.  The school has an electronic register to record and monitor pupils’ attendance. In addition, the school’s admissions register includes all the required details as set out in the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024.  First-aid equipment is appropriately placed throughout the school. The proprietor has ensured that there is a lockable cabinet and a fridge to store medicines in the medical room. Leaders plan to ensure that there are an appropriate number of first aiders in the school, once staff have been appointed.  Leaders intend for staff to supervise pupils closely throughout the school day. The proprietor proposes to gradually increase the number of staff as the number of pupils rises to ensure a high staff-to-pupil ratio.  The proprietor appears to understand the health and safety requirements of running a

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Main inspection findings

school. However, the current policy does not reflect the school setting as the policy refers to a governing body and the school proposes to operate without a governing body. This means it is not possible for the health and safety procedure to be implemented as proposed.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. 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), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii) and 21(5)(c)  The proprietor has established a single central record and has begun to record the checks required. Leaders have commissioned a specialist company to carry out the checks on staff’s suitability, including social media checks. Leaders intend to check the suitability of such adults before allowing them to work with pupils at the proposed school.  The proprietor has considered the recruitment processes for the school. For example,

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Main inspection findings

they plan to have interview questions that reflect the potential needs the pupils in the school may have. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders intend to check the suitability of such adults before allowing them to work with pupils at the school. Leaders do not intend to make use of supply staff. However, they are knowledgeable about the procedures to follow should they wish to use supply staff in the future.  The proprietor plans to ensure appropriate senior staff are trained in safer recruitment, once appointed.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) and 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is located on a site of an old office building. The proprietor has commissioned and overseen a refurbishment of the proposed school building. The building is well presented and maintained to a high standard. Classrooms are spacious, well lit and acoustic conditions are conducive to a positive learning environment.  There are three large indoor hall areas that leaders plan to use for some physical

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Main inspection findings

education (PE), assemblies and social times. There are numerous classrooms and alternative spaces for breakout and interventions.  The proposed school has an adequate supply of running water. Leaders are planning to put in three drinking water coolers and ensure that these are clearly labelled.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable medical room. It is close to a toilet, has a sink, a bed and has appropriate storage for medicine.  The school has adequate toilet and washing facilities for boys and for girls and separate facilities for staff. These are lockable from the inside and are for sole use. Hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  There is outdoor space at the school, however, this is not yet secure and, therefore, not suitable for social times. Until the outdoor area is secure, leaders plan to take pupils to a local park to socialise, however, risk assessments for this activity have not

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Main inspection findings

yet been carried out.  The school does not have any showering facilities. Leaders intend to use a local leisure centre to facilitate PE lessons, but they do not have any agreed arrangements or risk assessments currently in place.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b)(i) and 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(g)  The school has developed a range of policies. The school intends for these to be made available on its website once this is launched.  The proposed school understands what needs to be provided to the local authority with respect to income and expenditure for pupils funded with an EHC plan. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Main inspection findings

 The school has suitable plans to provide parents with regular reports on pupils’ learning and wellbeing. They intend to produce a detailed written end-of-year report, with additional opportunities for parents’ meetings throughout the year.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  There is a suitable complaints policy. This gives details of how to lodge informal and formal complaints. The policy explains relevant timescales and the processes should there be a panel hearing.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school. Leaders are passionate and understand the needs of the pupils they plan to support. The proposed school seeks to offer a holistic education, to support pupils’ academic and social and mental health

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Main inspection findings

needs.  Despite leaders’ passion, they do not yet have a secure understanding of the independent school standards, or all of the statutory duties involved in managing a school.  Lines of accountability and oversight of statutory duties are not always clear. Several of the proposed school’s policies refer to the role of a governing body. These policies are not able to be implemented effectively because the proprietor does not intend for the school to operate with a governing body in place.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has written a detailed accessibility plan. For example, this considers how to adapt the curriculum to support pupils with SEND. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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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 Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £45,000 to £65,000

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Proposed school details

Email address v.southwell@southwell.education

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 30 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 30

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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 Not applicable 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 14

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor seeks registration for the school with the Department for Education (DfE) as an independent special school to cater for pupils with a range of SEND. Pupils’ primary need will be SEMH. They may have a range of associated needs. Pupils will have an EHC plan. The proprietor does not run any other schools.  The proposed school’s address is G8 the Offices, Walter Nash Road West, Kidderminster DY11 7QY. It is located on the edge of an industrial estate in Kidderminster.  Local authorities will commission school placements.  The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provision. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE commissioned this pre-registration inspection to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if permitted to open. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documentation, including school policies, curriculum plans and the school’s single central record of pre-employment checks.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises.  The inspector met with the head of school, who is also the proprietor. The inspector also spoke with the school’s mental health lead.  The proposed school is not yet operating.

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Inspection team

Eve Morris, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time;

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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