The Divergent School Harborough

School material change inspection report

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The Divergent School Harborough 2 Heygate Street, Market Harborough LE16 7JS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school has made a request to increase the age range of its pupils so that pupils up to the age of 16 can attend. It has carefully considered the programmes of study that potential key stage 4 pupils will follow, offering three pathways to suit their needs. The school has designed a coordinated series of ambitious learning experiences and opportunities that are age-appropriate and likely to support pupils to make progress through the curriculum.  The proposed learning pathways take into account the potential aptitudes and needs of pupils, all of whom will have education, health and care (EHC) plans. The curriculum pathways are designed to be flexible to suit pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The curriculum promotes an understanding of mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. It does not undermine fundamental British values.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  The school has ensured that there is a coherently planned curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Within this, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring pupils will develop skills to build their independence, for example through cooking and shopping in the local community.  The school is intending to provide appropriate careers advice and guidance for pupils, including work experience aligned to their interests.  The PSHE curriculum encourages respect for other people and pays due regard to protected characteristics. The school intends to adapt the curriculum to reflect the emotional needs and maturity of pupils. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2(A)(1)(b), 2(A)(1)(d) to 2(A)(2), 3 to 4  The school has an age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum that will be adapted to meet the needs of pupils in key stage 4. The RSE policy is

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Main inspection findings

available on the school’s website.  Lesson visits during the inspection showed pupils following the school’s intended curriculum. Staff know pupils well. They plan learning that meets the pupils’ SEND needs effectively.  The school uses a range of strategies to assess the academic progress and personal development of pupils. This ensures that the needs of the pupils are well considered as they learn through the curriculum. Plans are adapted accordingly following checks made on pupils’ learning.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part that were checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The curriculum includes clearly defined content for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. There is an emphasis on the development of pupils’ social skills, self-confidence and awareness of others’ views.  It is intended that pupils in key stage 4 will learn about difference and protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The school intends to build on the current curriculum, providing progression for older pupils. The school also proposes to ensure that pupils continue to understand British values so that they are well equipped for life in modern Britain. For example, current pupils learn about democracy during their ‘Parliament weeks’.  Pupils are encouraged to discuss news stories to keep abreast of current affairs. The school ensures that staff encourage pupils’ discussion, but that they do not share their

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Main inspection findings

own political views.  Pupils benefit from a range of experiences in and out of school. They contribute to the local community, for example, by maintaining a local allotment and decorating trees at Christmas time. These well-planned wider activities help to develop pupils’ sense of responsibility and care.  The standards in this part checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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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(1), 32(1)(c)  The school maintains a positive safeguarding culture. The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date and reflects the latest guidance provided by the Secretary of State. The policy is implemented effectively and consistently. Leaders take their safeguarding responsibilities seriously and have established clear procedures focused on maintaining pupils’ welfare. Staff receive appropriate training and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.  The school recognises its specific context and the local safeguarding risks. Pupils in key stage 4 will learn how to keep themselves safe. The proposed curriculum includes learning related to making the transition to adulthood and the responsibilities that come with increased independence. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16(a), 16(b)  The school has ensured that there is a suitable health and safety policy in place to

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Main inspection findings

support staff and pupils’ welfare. The policy is implemented consistently and effectively. Pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff. The school has plans to increase staffing as the number of pupils increases, subject to the approval of the material change.  The school ensures that suitable health and safety checks are undertaken, including audits. Recommended actions identified through these are addressed in a timely manner.  The school complies with relevant fire safety requirements. Fire risk assessments are undertaken with appropriate checks of fire safety equipment such as alarms, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment. There is clear fire exit signage.  Appropriate risk assessments are in place for many aspects of the school’s provision. This includes off-site trips to the local park and allotment. Pupils have individual risk assessments that the school reviews frequently. These risk assessments identify

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ vulnerabilities and associated risks. Appropriate mitigating actions are identified to minimise potential risks. The school intends to create suitable risk assessments for key stage 4 pupils should the material change be approved. Paragraphs 31(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is available on its website and is provided to parents and carers on request.  The standards in these parts checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

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), 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 school undertakes the required pre-employment checks on adults before they start working at the school. The single central record is up to date.  The school does not make use of supply staff. However, leaders understand the checks that are required should they need to engage the services of supply staff in the future.  The proprietor checks the single central record often. Leaders have completed suitable training in safer recruitment procedures.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The school intends to provide education for pupils at an additional site. It is proposed

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Main inspection findings

that current pupils and new pupils will access both the existing site and the proposed new site, accommodating the increase in pupil numbers.  The additional accommodation includes suitable classrooms. The nearby park provides ample space for pupils to play outside and undertake physical activities. Leaders have completed appropriate risk assessments to support the safe use of these facilities.  There are enough classrooms to accommodate the proposed additional pupils. Classrooms are suitably equipped and appropriate spaces for teaching and learning. They are well ventilated, bright and light.  Leaders make sure that facilities are safe for pupils. External lighting is in place.  The proprietor has ensured that there is suitable access to toilets and washing facilities. The water temperature is appropriate and does not pose a scalding risk. Showering facilities are available.  Drinking water is clearly labelled and readily accessible to pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The medical room is appropriately furnished. It contains a bed, a lockable medical cabinet and washing facilities. First-aid equipment is stored safely and is readily available.  The new premises have a suitable kitchen area. There is ample room for pupils to eat lunch and socialise.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a secure understanding of their role. They fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that the standards are likely to be met.  The school is dedicated to improving the lives of the pupils with SEND who currently attend the school and those who will attend if the material change is approved.  The school has carefully considered the proposed changes to increase the number of pupils and to extend the age range. There are clear plans in place to implement an appropriate key stage 4 curriculum that meets the pupils’ ages, aptitudes and needs.  The proprietor oversees the work of the school robustly. Suitable systems are in place to monitor the implementation of the proposed changes, so all pupils benefit from the additional premises and the curriculum for pupils in key stage 4.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change application is

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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

Website www.thedivergentschoolharborough.com

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School details

Email address amy.creatura@divergentschools.com

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 14 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 8 24 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 8 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 0 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 8 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 8 24

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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 8 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 8

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Information about this school

 The Divergent School Harborough is a special school that currently provides education for pupils aged 11 to 14 years. All pupils have an EHC plan for a range of SEND, including autism and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The school is located at 2 Heygate Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7JS. The new site is located at 7 Ashley Court, Shropshire Place, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7NZ.  The school is registered to provide education for up to 10 pupils. There are currently 8 pupils on roll.  The school has not received a standard inspection since opening.  The school does not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002 to check the school’s likely compliance with the standards relevant to the proposed material changes to register additional accommodation and to increase the age range and the maximum number of pupils that the school is permitted to have on roll.  The proprietor has requested a material change to extend the age range to include pupils up to the age of 16 years and to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll to 24. The proprietor has requested a material change to use additional premises for educating pupils. The proposed additional site is located at 7 Ashley Court, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7JS.  The Department for Education commissioned the inspectors to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to the quality of education; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; the welfare, health and safety of pupils; the

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Information about this inspection

suitability of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.  This was the first inspection regarding these changes. The inspectors considered the school’s proposed plans and reviewed documents related to the intended curriculum for the extended age range.  The inspectors checked the suitability of the new premises during their site check.  The inspectors met with the headteacher and a range of other staff. The lead inspector met with those responsible for safeguarding, as well as the proprietor.  The inspectors visited lessons and spoke with pupils and staff.  The inspectors reviewed documents in relation to the curriculum, teaching and learning, the provision for pupils with SEND, recruitment, safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.  The inspectors considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s

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Information about this inspection

safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers.

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Inspection team

Kirsty Norbury, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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 .

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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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