Old Windebrowe

School pre-registration inspection report

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Old Windebrowe Access Road, Keswick CA12 4NT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has written a suitable curriculum policy. This aims to provide pupils with access to a broad range of academic and vocational subjects. The proposed school has planned for pupils to study subjects that will provide them with linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative education.  The proposed school has established schemes of work for each subject it intends to offer. The schemes of work are sufficiently detailed to enable teachers to understand the key knowledge pupils should learn. In designing the schemes of work, the school has also considered the different aptitudes and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) which pupils may have.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has suitable plans in place to support any pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read. It is intended that this reading programme will help pupils read with fluency and confidence.  The proposed school has set out a careers programme that provides secondary-age pupils with access to impartial and up-to-date careers guidance. This aims to help pupils make informed choices about their futures and achieve their potential.  Schemes of work and other documentation suggest that the school will promote fundamental British values. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The proposed school’s relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum is well designed. It considers the potential needs of pupils and their possible starting points. It complements the school’s personal, social, health and economic curriculum. Both curriculums meet the requirements of statutory guidance.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school intends to consult with parents and carers before implementing the intended RSE policy. It will ensure that the necessary information is available to parents via the school’s website. Paragraphs 3(a) to 3(j), 4  The proprietor has developed an assessment policy which sets out how pupils’ progress and attainment will be monitored and recorded. The proposed school plans to use baseline assessments to gain a thorough understanding of the needs of pupils with SEND. It intends to use this assessment information to inform any intervention that pupils may need.  The proprietor intends to employ suitably qualified staff to implement the intended curriculum. Where staff may teach outside their specialism area, they will be provided with appropriate professional development to support them in implementing the curriculum effectively.  The proposed school has put into place a range of processes to ensure that all pupils

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Main inspection findings

with an education, health and care (EHC) plan have their needs reviewed and updated accordingly. These procedures include working with the placing local authority and sharing information as required.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Thorough consideration has been given to the provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, pupils will learn about different religious festivals and days of remembrance during special events and through educational visits. Pupils will have opportunities to learn about the differences between people who live in Britain and gain an understanding of the Equality Act 2010.  The proposed school intends teaching on British values will be woven throughout the curriculum. It intends to use assemblies and visiting speakers to cover different topical issues, celebrate world faiths and discuss important world events which are relevant for pupils.  The behaviour policy focuses on ensuring that relationships between pupils and their peers, and between pupils and staff, are built on mutual respect and tolerance. The

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Main inspection findings

school intends to establish a school council and other leadership roles to give pupils an opportunity to shape the school environment.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  The proposed school has a safeguarding policy which reflects current statutory guidance. The policy will be published on the school’s website.  The proprietor is suitably skilled to ensure that pupils are kept safe while they are at school. It has an appropriate system to record any safeguarding concerns and actions taken.  The proposed school plans to deliver a range of safeguarding training to staff. This will include annual updates to any statutory documentation. Some senior staff have already been appointed and have received the required safeguarding training in advance of the school opening.  The proposed school is aware of possible safeguarding risks to pupils in the local area. It recognises the vulnerabilities that pupils who come to the school may have.  The proposed school intends, within its curriculum, to ensure that pupils are taught

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Main inspection findings

about many different ways in which they can keep themselves safe. This will include risks in their local community and when online. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  The proprietor has written an appropriate behaviour policy. It sets out clearly the school’s approach to rewards and sanctions. There is a system to record pupils’ behaviour, including any serious incidents. The record-keeping system will allow the school to monitor pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, identifying any patterns or trends. This will enable the school to support pupils who may need help to improve their behaviour.  The proprietor has ensured that an effective anti-bullying policy is in place. It outlines how pupils will learn about different types of bullying and seeks to avoid, as much as possible, bullying occurring at the school. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there are suitable health and safety policies in place,

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Main inspection findings

including for first aid. The proprietor will ensure that a sufficient number of staff receive first-aid training for the number of pupils on roll. Some senior staff have already been appointed and have completed appropriate first-aid training.  The proprietor has ensured that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It has systems in place to ensure all required checks are undertaken. For example, all necessary checks of firefighting equipment are made. The proposed school has established clear procedures for evacuating the building in the event of a fire.  The proprietor intends to employ enough staff to ensure that pupils will be supervised well during the school day. The proprietor has established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2024.  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The proposed school has an

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Main inspection findings

appropriate range of risk assessments for the premises and activities pupils will complete. Risk assessments are displayed at various locations around the school to support staff when moving to different locations to teach the pupils. Risk assessments clearly identify potential risks and control measures to mitigate risks.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor has put in place an electronic single central record. All required checks on staff working at the school are completed before employment commences, including those staff who care for, train, supervise or are in charge of boarders. These include medical fitness, the right to work in the UK and qualification checks. Members

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Main inspection findings

of the proprietor body have completed safer recruitment training.  The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff. However, it is clear what checks would be needed on supply staff where necessary.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are suitable, separate toilet and washing facilities provided for the sole use of pupils. Toilets are lockable from the inside and have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. Checks are made on the water temperature so it does not pose a scalding risk to pupils or staff.  The proposed school has on-site showers and changing facilities for pupils to use. It intends to use local leisure facilities for pupils’ physical education. A suitable risk assessment is in place for the use of local facilities. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable medical room is available for the care of pupils who are sick or injured. It is suitably equipped, contains washing facilities and is located near a toilet. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The school building has been renovated to a high standard. The proprietor has

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Main inspection findings

thought carefully about how to use the space inside the building to ensure that it is appropriate for pupils. It features 5 classroom spaces, a well-equipped kitchen and social area and various rooms where interventions or pastoral support will be provided.  Classrooms have suitable lighting and acoustics. External lighting is provided by street lighting, which would enable staff and pupils to leave the building safely. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  Pupils can access drinking water from a supply located in the school. It is clearly marked as drinking water. This is always readily available for pupils.  There is a carefully designed outdoor space which will allow pupils to play outside. The proprietor has taken into consideration the needs of pupils when designing this outdoor space.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school has a written statement of its aims and ethos on its website.  The school’s website will contain all relevant and required policies and information required by the standards.  The website also contains the required information about the proprietor, including its address and contact details.  The proposed school has a clear format for reporting termly pupils’ progress and attainment to parents.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a complaints policy, which is available to parents on its website.  The policy sets out the procedures the school will follow if it receives a complaint. It identifies the formal and informal processes. All stages of the complaint process include appropriate timescales.  Information for parents about the next steps they can pursue if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint is included in the policy. This includes information about where they can make a representation to an independent panel and that they can be accompanied by another person if required.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor shares a clear and ambitious vision to provide an inclusive and aspirational education for the pupils the school intends to admit. This vision for the proposed school is shared by all members, including the headteacher, who is already in place.  The proprietor is committed to ensuring that all the standards are consistently met. It uses its knowledge and skills from working in other independent schools to ensure that this school is likely to meet the standards.  The proprietor will ensure that staff have suitable qualifications and experience to carry out their roles effectively. This includes expertise in working with pupils with SEND and children in care. The proprietor has effective working relationships with the local authorities that are likely to place pupils at the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has a suitable accessibility policy in place for the proposed school. The proposed school has systems in place to ensure that adaptations can be made for pupils to access the curriculum.  The school is likely to meet schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens.

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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

School category Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address mandyclarke@newreflexions.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 18 5 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 16 16

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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 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 16

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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 16

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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 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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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 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located at Access Road, Keswick, CA12 4NT.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 16 pupils, aged between 5 and 18 years.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND. It is intended that it will cater for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning disabilities. It is expected that all of the pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor is a private limited company called Reflexion Care Group Ltd. It is made up of 6 directors.  A headteacher has already been appointed and is in post. Additional members of staff have been appointed to leadership positions, which include oversight of safeguarding and SEND. The proprietor intends to establish a local governing body.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE registers the school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body. He also met with the headteacher and the special educational needs coordinator.  The inspector made a tour of the site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.

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Inspection team

Andy Cunningham, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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