Inclusion School Aldershot

School pre-registration inspection report

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Inclusion School Aldershot Beaumont House, Auchinleck Way, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1WT

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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 proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is expected that all pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Pupils who attend Inclusion School Aldershot may have experienced prolonged disruption to their education. The proprietor anticipates that all pupils will have social, emotional and mental health needs. Leaders are acutely aware of pupils’ likely contexts and are building the school’s ethos and curriculum around it. They intend to prioritise building trusting relationships and providing pupils with a nurturing environment.  An appropriate curriculum policy is in place. The proprietor plans to base the school’s curriculum on one that has already been used successfully in another of their schools.

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Main inspection findings

It is a suitably broad and ambitious curriculum that is likely to provide appropriate breadth of learning as required by the independent school standards (the standards).  Curriculum documents and schemes of work set out what will be taught in each subject. The subject content is sequenced appropriately and designed to build on pupils’ prior learning. The curriculum will be adapted to ensure that pupils catch up with any gaps in their learning, particularly in English and mathematics. There will be an appropriate focus on developing pupils’ reading. The proposed school has a suitable phonics programme in place to support pupils who are still at an early stage of learning to read.  Older pupils will have the opportunity to study towards nationally accredited qualifications such as functional skills and GCSEs. Leaders aim to ensure that pupils are well prepared for the next steps in their education or employment.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school intends to provide pupils with impartial careers advice and guidance, which is likely to meet requirements. Pupils will have opportunities to explore a range of jobs and careers. The ‘employability and careers’ curriculum will be taught weekly and will focus on developing key employability skills, independence and resilience. It includes regular careers workshops, guest speakers and trips to explore different workplace environments.  Leaders have identified an appropriate personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme. It covers a suitable range of topics to support pupils’ personal development. The PSHE curriculum has been planned to include age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. The RSE policy complies with statutory guidance.  The proprietor intends to recruit suitably qualified staff. Those already appointed have relevant teaching experience and expertise in SEND education. The school has

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Main inspection findings

appropriate arrangements in place to train new staff and those less experienced in teaching pupils with SEND.  The proposed school recognises that many pupils are likely to have significant gaps in their learning due to extended periods out of formal education. Leaders have developed an appropriate framework for assessing pupils’ learning. The proposed school intends to carefully assess pupils’ starting points when they join, in consultation with parents and carers. Pupils’ EHC plans will inform individual targets, ensuring that support is closely aligned to their needs. The school plans to use ongoing checks on pupils’ learning and development and will adapt the curriculum accordingly.  The proprietor has ensured that this part of the standards is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to register.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Leaders place a high priority on promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is detailed throughout the proposed school’s curriculum. A range of opportunities have been planned throughout the curriculum for pupils to explore fundamental British values such as democracy and the rule of law and to develop their understanding of life in modern Britain.  The curriculum also includes opportunities to promote the importance of respect for diversity. Pupils will learn to respect and understand different faiths and religions through the proposed school’s humanities and the ‘world and you’ curriculum.  The proposed school recognises the importance of developing pupils’ social skills and strengthening their self ‑ esteem, independence and resilience. It intends to create a school culture in which pupils benefit from an environment that promotes respect for

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Main inspection findings

others and for themselves.  The school’s therapeutic behaviour approach is designed to help pupils recognise and understand their feelings and to appreciate the impact of their actions on others. They will be taught how to express their emotions in appropriate ways and will be encouraged to appreciate others’ views.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has suitable policies, written guidance and procedures in place to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The proposed school’s written safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. It is available on request and will be published on the school’s website when it is live.  The proprietor has identified several safeguarding leaders and has ensured they have

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Main inspection findings

completed suitable training. These leaders demonstrate secure knowledge and skills suitable to their roles and an accurate awareness of the school’s contextual issues.  Staff will complete safeguarding training regularly. This will be supplemented with daily staff briefings, which will be used to share key information, including revisiting aspects of the safeguarding policy. All safeguarding concerns will be recorded on a centralised electronic system in a timely manner. Leaders intend to complete regular checks on staff safeguarding knowledge to ensure they are confident about the actions they should take when required. Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The proprietor has drawn up a suitable behaviour policy to promote pupils’ positive behaviour. It includes clear information about rewards and sanctions to ensure that pupils understand the importance of behaving well. Staff will be suitably trained to understand the varying needs of pupils. Leaders plan to monitor behaviour records

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Main inspection findings

carefully to spot and respond to any patterns that emerge.  Pupils will be taught what to do if they experience bullying, including online. The school’s anti-bullying policy sets out how instances of bullying will be managed.  The school’s health and safety and risk assessment policies are suitable. They demonstrate that the proprietor has plans in place to identify and take appropriate action to mitigate any potential risks posed to pupils. For example, a recent electrical safety audit highlighted that some of the spotlights were a potential risk. The proprietor has acted swiftly and was in the process of addressing this at the time of the inspection. Risk assessments are comprehensive and relevant. Appropriate plans are in place for a range of risk assessments to be reviewed in a timely way.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. An internal fire risk assessment has recently been

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Main inspection findings

carried out, providing assurance that fire safety arrangements are suitable. Leaders plan to carry out an external audit in early February once all the spotlights have been replaced. Appropriate firefighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in place. The school intends to carry out routine checks on equipment and alarms and hold regular fire drills.  A suitable first-aid policy is in place. The school has ensured that key staff will be trained to deliver first aid. It has appropriate plans for dealing with incidents that require administering first aid.  Admission and attendance registers will be maintained in accordance with paragraph 15 of the standards. The proposed school will record attendance on an electronic system. It will use this to identify any trends or patterns of absence. It will show the codes that staff will use to record the reasons for pupils’ absence.  The school will ensure that there are appropriate levels of supervision to keep pupils

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Main inspection findings

safe. It intends to employ a suitable number of staff to ensure that pupils are supervised effectively.  The proprietor has ensured that this part of the standards is likely to be met if the proposed school is permitted to open.

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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) to 21(6)  The proprietor knows and understands their safer recruitment responsibilities. The proposed school will ensure that all relevant checks are undertaken before adults are permitted to work with pupils. These checks will be recorded in the single central record. The single central record contains all the required information for staff appointed so far.  The proposed school does not intend to use supply staff, but leaders are aware of the checks that they would need to carry out should this be the case.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet this part of the standards if 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), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is in a residential area. It is a Grade II listed building that was originally a large riding stable. The downstairs is a mixture of open-planned and enclosed learning spaces. There is also a second-floor mezzanine. However, this area is not accessible to pupils as the proprietor intends to refurbish it later. Therefore, the suitability of the accommodation on the second floor was not included in the premises check as part of this pre-registration inspection.  The ground floor of the premises has been refurbished to a high standard and is bright, airy and well equipped. The number and size of rooms are suitable for the number of pupils that the proprietor intends to admit.  There are suitable arrangements in place for pupils to arrive and depart the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school safely. The site also has appropriate outside lighting to make it safe for pupils and adults in the evenings.  Toilet and shower facilities are appropriate. All facilities have sufficient water supplies for handwashing and the temperature of hot water is regulated appropriately. Drinking water is clearly labelled as such and will be made readily available to pupils.  The medical room is fit for purpose. It is suitably equipped with a medical bed for pupils to rest on, handwashing facilities and a lockable medical cabinet, with a toilet nearby.  The outdoor space is adequate for outdoor play and for teaching physical education.  The proprietor has ensured that this part of the standards is likely to be met, should the school be granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school is aware of the documentation, information and policies that it must make available to parents and carers, inspectors and local authorities on request. Leaders have designed the school’s website and intend for it to go live shortly.  Planned arrangements for reporting to parents about their children’s progress are likely to meet requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements for this part of the standards are likely to be met if the proposed school is permitted to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has a suitable written complaints policy which will be published on the proposed school’s website when it is live. This makes provision for both informal and formal written complaints. It sets out clear and reasonable timeframes for all stages of the complaints procedure. The arrangements outlined in the policy are likely to meet requirements and allow for complaints to be properly considered.  The proposed school will keep a written record of all complaints. The proprietor has ensured a suitable system for recording and monitoring complaints.  The proprietor has ensured that this part of the standards is likely to be met if the school is permitted to open.

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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, chief executive officer (CEO) and leaders already recruited have extensive, successful experience in providing education for pupils with SEND. They run another similar school that is already operating. Leaders are clearly committed to making sure that pupils can access high-quality provision. It is likely that this experience will ensure that pupils’ welfare is positively promoted in the school.  Leaders bring suitable knowledge and expertise to their roles. Lines of accountability and oversight of statutory duties are clear. The proprietor demonstrates a firm understanding of the requirements relating to the standards. It plans to use a range of formal and informal procedures to maintain oversight of the school’s work and ensure that standards are consistently met over time.  The proprietor has established a governing board that will oversee the work of both

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Main inspection findings

the proposed school and the other similar school that is already running. A chair of governors is in place. It has a clear understanding of the role and purpose of effective governance. Routines are in place to keep the proprietor informed about the standards in school. They have a well-established set of policies and procedures to ensure oversight of the school’s work. These checks and balances are likely to be effective.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet this part of the standards if granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school is aware of its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and has a suitable accessibility plan in place.

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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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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 40 40

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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 40

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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 40

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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 40

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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 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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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

 Inclusion School Aldershot intends to provide education for up to 40 pupils aged between 11 and 16 years. It is located at Beaumont House, Auchinleck Way, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 1WT.  Pupils attending the school will have a variety of social, emotional and mental health needs. They are likely to have been out of formal education for a sustained period. Pupils will have an EHC plan, and their places will be funded by a local authority.  The school will not have a particular religious character.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provision.  The proprietor is registered as a charity. A board of trustees and a local governing board are in place. They will provide school leaders with support and challenge about the quality of their work.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the proprietor’s application to open an independent school. This was the school’s first pre- registration inspection.  The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the standards to be registered.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other staff. She also spoke with the CEO, other members of staff from the Inclusion Hampshire central team and the chair of the board of trustees. The inspector reviewed documents provided by the school, including those that will be available on the school’s website once it is live. She toured the school’s premises and checked the single central record of pre-appointment checks.

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Inspection team

Louise Walker, 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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