Newton Wood Barn School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Newton Wood Barn School Rotherfield Park Estate, Four Marks, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3EW

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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) to 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 to 4 ◼ The proposed school intends to deliver education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) and/or autism. All pupils will have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and an education, health and care (EHC) plan funded by a local authority. ◼ The proposed school’s written curriculum policy sets out how subjects within these areas will be organised and taught. Leaders have prepared a well-planned, broad curriculum that aims to provide pupils with experiences in a range of subjects. This means that teaching will provide pupils with experiences in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. ◼ The curriculum is suitably designed to enable pupils to learn and make progress

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Main inspection findings

across subjects. Leaders will assess pupils when they join the proposed school. They will use this information to decide on a bespoke curriculum ‘pathway’ that is best suited to individual pupils’ SEND. ◼ The proposed school’s curriculum is supported by detailed schemes of work. These take into account pupils’ starting points, aptitudes and ages, including their EHC plan targets. ◼ Pupils will be taught speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. They will study a range of texts to enhance their learning of the different subjects they study. Those who are at an earlier stage of learning to read will be taught phonics. ◼ Leaders have prepared a curriculum for pupils’ personal, social and health education (PSHE) and for citizenship that reflects the proposed school’s aims and ethos. It intends for pupils to be prepared well for life in modern Britain. ◼ The proposed school’s scheme of work for relationships and sex education (RSE) is

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Main inspection findings

detailed and reflects the required curriculum content set out by the Department for Education (DfE). Leaders plan to consult with parents and carers by sharing the RSE policy when the school opens. The policy provides clear guidance to parents and carers about how to withdraw their children from sex education should they wish to. ◼ Leaders have an appropriate plan to ensure that all pupils receive regular and impartial careers information, advice and guidance. They have commissioned an external adviser to provide younger pupils with workshops and older pupils with personalised support and guidance. ◼ Leaders have already recruited some qualified teaching and support staff. They intend to provide extensive training to staff as part of the robust induction programme. ◼ Leaders have appropriate arrangements in place for checking how well pupils are learning. These are centred around pupils’ EHC plan targets and track their academic

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Main inspection findings

and social and emotional progress. Leaders know that the initial period of integrating pupils into the proposed school is key to pupils’ future success. During this well-planned transition period, leaders intend that staff will work closely with new pupils to establish positive relationships to identify and address any barriers to learning. ◼ 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 Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii) ◼ The PSHE curriculum includes suitable coverage of fundamental British values, the diversity of modern society and being a positive citizen. Pupils will be taught about and encouraged to live healthy lives and to respect differences, including in relation to all the protected characteristics. The planned programme of events, including celebrating diversity, is likely to ensure that pupils are taught about a range of religions, faiths and cultures. ◼ The proposed school’s curriculum policy makes clear that staff must not promote any partisan political views in any aspect of their work with pupils. ◼ The proposed school’s personal development curriculum places a thoughtful emphasis on encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour and conduct. A range of extra-curricular activities, such as visits to theatres, museums and art galleries, will

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Main inspection findings

form part of the personal development programme. ◼ 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), 9 to 16(b), 34(1)(c) ◼ A copy of the safeguarding policy is available on request and will be accessible via the proposed school’s website when it goes live. The policy is compliant with the latest statutory guidance. ◼ The proprietor demonstrates a strong understanding of its safeguarding duties and responsibilities. Leaders have completed recent training appropriate to their different roles, including safer recruitment training. They have extensive experience from their previous roles in managing safeguarding. ◼ Leaders intend that all staff employed at the proposed school will undertake safeguarding training as part of their induction. They intend for this training to be regularly updated throughout the year. ◼ There are a number of suitable policies in place to ensure pupils’ health and safety, including first aid, risk assessment, admissions, behaviour and safeguarding. These

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Main inspection findings

are all in accordance with statutory guidance. ◼ The behaviour policy and anti-bullying policy set out clear expectations for what is and is not acceptable behaviour. The behaviour policy places particular focus on the use of praise and rewards as a tool to promote pupils’ positive behaviour. Leaders have established a suitable system to log incidents of serious misbehaviour, bullying and any actions taken, including sanctions imposed. They intend to use this information to spot patterns and trends and provide appropriate support to pupils where necessary. ◼ The behaviour policy outlines that it is intended for minimal physical intervention to be required. Staff will be trained in the use of physical intervention. The proposed school has put in place appropriate forms to log and record all incidents of physical intervention. ◼ Leaders have put in place a suitable first-aid policy and will ensure that all staff are

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Main inspection findings

first-aid trained. First-aid equipment is strategically situated and readily accessible throughout the main school building and the additional mobile classroom. Leaders demonstrate secure knowledge of how medicines will be accounted for, stored and administered if required. ◼ The proprietor has undertaken appropriate work to ensure the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Suitable fire doors have been installed throughout the building as well as the mobile classroom. Leaders have also ensured that an appropriate fire safety and evacuation policy is in place. They have also ensured that all fire detection, alarm systems and emergency lighting have been certified. ◼ Suitably qualified experts have checked the premises’ electrical installations. The proposed school’s water supply has also been checked for Legionnaires’ Disease. ◼ Leaders have carefully considered the design of the proposed school building, for

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Main inspection findings

example, when making decisions on fire assembly points and the layout of the different spaces, including the ‘science lab’, the ‘podcast room’ and the food technology room. There are numerous suitable risk assessments in place that identify any potential hazards and go on to ensure that appropriate control measures are identified. ◼ The supervision of pupils during lessons, at breaktimes and lunchtimes has been considered. It takes account of the large play and woodland areas. If implemented as intended, it is likely that these supervision arrangements will be appropriate. ◼ There is a system in place to record admissions and attendance. Leaders intend to use an electronic system to record and monitor attendance trends and patterns. These arrangements, if implemented effectively, are likely to comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulation 2006. ◼ The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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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(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 20(6) to 20(6)(c) ◼ The proposed school has clear systems for the recruitment of staff. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. They understand the statutory checks they need to make to ensure that staff are suitable for the roles for which they are applying. ◼ These checks are recorded and made available on the proposed school’s single central record. This record meets the requirements for the information that it must contain, including those which relate to people in leadership and management roles. ◼ Leaders do not plan to use supply staff. However, they know which processes and checks to perform if they use supply staff in the future. ◼ The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b) ◼ The proposed school is located on a two-acre farm. It has its own secure entrance and is situated at the end of a country road within the Rotherfield Farms estate. The main building and one additional mobile classroom have been furnished to a high standard. The site also houses a separate unregistered alternative provision for part-time pupils aged 8 to 18 years. Pupils who attend the proposed school will not have access to this area. ◼ Classrooms and teaching spaces are light, airy and well ventilated. The proposed school is suitably equipped, including in the classrooms and specialist rooms. Classrooms are ready for use and are suitable for the age range and number of pupils leaders intend to admit. ◼ Leaders have refurbished specialist rooms to ensure that these spaces can be used to

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Main inspection findings

teach pupils skills, such as cooking, textiles, music, science, art and design. ◼ Toilet and shower facilities are appropriate. Drinking water is also readily available in all areas. ◼ The medical room is suitable for this purpose. It includes handwashing facilities with a toilet nearby. ◼ There is suitable external lighting that covers the entrance to the school building and the play areas and surrounding fields. ◼ Leaders have given due consideration to the accessibility of the building. There is a suitable written accessibility plan in place. ◼ The school has a well-maintained and extensive outdoor area that will be used for a range of recreational activities and physical education (PE). Leaders intend to use a local leisure centre to deliver elements of the school’s PE curriculum, as well as providing additional sports activities on the proposed school’s site. ◼ 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 Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(g), 32(1)(j) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(dc) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f) to 32(4)(c) ◼ The proposed school’s website is prepared but not yet live. It will contain statutory policies and other information required by the standards. The available information includes term-time and holiday contact information. ◼ Leaders have clear systems in place to monitor the progress of pupils with SEND and to support the annual reviews of pupils with an EHC plan. Leaders plan to work closely with parents, the relevant local authority, as well as the school staff, to ensure the information in these reports is as accurate and as helpful as possible. ◼ Leaders understand the requirement to publish any future inspection reports to parents. ◼ Parents will be able to request paper copies of policies and documents if needed. ◼ Leaders have an appropriate system in place to record both income and expenditure

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Main inspection findings

for all pupils with SEND paid for by local authorities. This will be available on request. ◼ 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’s complaints policy and procedures are fit for purpose. Leaders have ensured that it sets out clear timescales for the management of any complaint and who will consider them. ◼ The complaints policy allows for complaints to be resolved informally wherever possible. When necessary, procedures for escalating complaints to more formal processes are clearly laid out. ◼ 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 has extensive expertise and experience of setting up schools for pupils with SEND and managing specialist settings, including for pupils with autism. The chair of governors brings a wealth of skills and expertise in leading special schools. ◼ Leaders have relevant experience of leadership in maintained and independent special schools. They demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. They also demonstrate, through a range of policies and documentation, that it is likely that they can ensure that the standards are consistently met. ◼ The proprietor has set out accountability mechanisms to check that the proposed school will meet the requirements of the standards. They intend to employ independent consultants to advise the school on the quality of education the school provides and for other aspects, such as safeguarding.

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Main inspection findings

◼ Leaders will put pupils’ wellbeing at the heart of what they do. They set high expectations for pupils’ academic and personal development. They are highly committed to helping pupils, including those with SEND, to achieve their potential. ◼ 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

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 ◼ Leaders have produced a helpful accessibility plan that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. It demonstrates leaders’ understanding of their duties in this area of their work.

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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 status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £53,000 to £80,000

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 13 8 to 13 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 10 10

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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 10 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 10

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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 10

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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 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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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 on a two-acre site on Rotherfield Farms Estate. The address is: Rotherfield Park Estate, Newton Wood Barn, Four Marks, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3EW. The site houses an unregistered alternative provision that operates from a separate building and has its own outdoors facilities, including a barn area. These were not considered as part of the inspection and will not form part of the school. ◼ The school will cater for pupils aged 8 to 13. All pupils will have an EHC plan. Pupils’ needs will typically be associated with SEMH and autism. It is likely that some will be looked-after children. ◼ Hampshire and Surrey local authorities will primarily commission places. ◼ The proprietor body does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

◼ This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered. ◼ Prior to the site visit, the lead inspector reviewed a range of documents provided to the DfE as part of the school’s application for registration. ◼ Inspectors reviewed a wide range of documentation, including safeguarding checks, policies and curriculum and assessment information on site. ◼ Inspectors toured both school sites with the proprietor and the chair of governors They also met with the managing director of Rotherfield Farms LLP.

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Inspection team

Shazia Akram, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Chris Parker 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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