Bexhill Independent Special School

School pre-registration inspection report SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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Bexhill Independent Special School Shimba Lodge, Freezeland Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 5JD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 4  The proposed school’s curriculum is based on the national curriculum. A suitable policy, curriculum plans and schemes of work are in place. The proprietor’s application is for pupils up to the age of 18. However, leaders do not intend to offer a formal sixth-form provision. It is anticipated that most pupils will leave the school with appropriate academic and vocational qualifications aged 16.  Leaders propose to implement 3 curriculum pathways. Each pathway is designed to consider the age, aptitude and needs of each pupil. This will be a small school with high staff to pupil ratios. All pupils who attend the school will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The intention is to have a bespoke curriculum offer for each pupil. This includes the school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme. This will be tailored

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Main inspection findings

appropriately to meet individual need.  Some subject schemes of work are based on commercially available programmes. Others are bespoke. Leaders are aware of the need to adapt schemes of work and curriculum plans to meet the needs of pupils. This work will be ongoing once pupils join the school and their individual needs are known.  The proposed school’s English scheme of work is appropriately ambitious. It has been designed with a strong focus on promoting communication, language and literacy skills. It is designed to enable pupils to access a range of genres and high-quality reading material. The school’s mathematics programme is equally ambitious.  The aim is that teaching staff will benefit from ongoing professional development. This will include training to deliver the school’s phonics and early reading programme. The proprietor has also planned a programme meant to ensure that teaching and support staff are highly skilled in supporting pupils with special educational needs

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Main inspection findings

and/or disabilities (SEND) to access the curriculum.  A suitable programme for PSHE is in place. This includes appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE). Leaders have thought carefully about how this aspect of the SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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Main inspection findings

curriculum will be delivered to individual pupils. The school has a suitable policy for RSE. This includes the statutory requirement to consult with parents and carers.  The curriculum intends to allow for pupils to make progress according to their own interests and ability. It has been designed to build self-esteem and foster a love of learning. A suitable assessment policy is in place. There is also a programme of careers education.  Leaders have a clear framework meant to ensure that their intended curriculum is implemented successfully in classrooms. They intend to use the school’s outside spaces and the local area to support learning, especially linked to the environment.  Leaders have ensured that all relevant independent school standards (the standards) in part 1 are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The curriculum provides ample opportunities to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social

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Main inspection findings

and cultural development. The school’s PSHE programme is designed to ensure that this strand of the school’s work is relevant and meaningful. The aim is also to introduce pupils to different cultures and concepts, such as respect and tolerance.  As a school for pupils with SEND, leaders are very mindful of the additional needs that pupils who attend the school will have. Promoting an understanding of fundamental British values and preparing pupils for their next steps after leaving this school will have a high priority.  The school day has been structured to support this strand of the standards. Pupils will benefit from very small class sizes. Much of their work might be on a one-to-one basis. However, leaders understand the need for pupils to contribute collectively to the wider school community.  The proprietor sees the importance of pupils’ own input into developing the school’s values and ethos. The intention is to develop a strong and supportive culture, where

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Main inspection findings

pupils and staff alike will thrive.  Leaders have already made tentative arrangements for outside professionals to visit the school as part of the school’s enrichment programme. Educational visits and other extra-curricular opportunities outside of school are likely to promote pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in part 2 are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 9 to 16(b)  The proposed school’s policies, written guidance and procedures to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff are sound. The safeguarding policy meets current requirements and is available on demand.  Leaders talk with clarity about the proposed school’s procedures to keep pupils safe. External safeguarding audits are planned. Current leaders have attended safeguarding training at a level appropriate to their responsibilities. Appropriate safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

training and ongoing updates are planned for teaching and support staff once they are appointed.  Induction procedures for new staff are sound. These include ensuring that staff understand policies and systems to keep pupils safe. Training is ready to implement should the proposed school be approved. This includes aspects such as contextual safeguarding and the use of the school’s online platform to record and report concerns.  Suitable behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place. Ratios of staff to pupils are high. Leaders are aware of the potential additional adaptations that pupils with SEND may need. This includes in aspects such as online safety and the use of social media.  The proprietor has made sure that all of the policies required by part 3 are suitable. Most are highly bespoke to the proposed school and the pupils who will attend.  Aspects such as the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors to the school have a

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Main inspection findings

high profile. Much of the work in this area will be completed by external contractors. Leaders have clear procedures in place to maintain an up-to-date overview of this work. This covers aspects such as statutory training for all staff.  Requirements such as risk assessments, including an external fire risk assessment, are in place. First aid and fire marshal training for key staff are planned.  Leaders are fully aware of the need to maintain admissions and attendance registers. They understand the link between attendance and keeping pupils safe.  Leaders have ensured that all relevant standards in part 3 are likely 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(6)  The proposed school’s single central record meets statutory requirements. Leaders have attended appropriate training linked to the safer recruitment of staff. They

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Main inspection findings

understand their statutory duties linked to the employment of agency staff should this be required in future.  Procedures to recruit new teaching and support staff are sound. There are clear lines of responsibility to ensure that this important aspect of the school’s work is effective. Leaders know what checks need to be made and why. This includes checking references and the employment histories of adults applying to work at the school.  The school currently has one sole director. Leaders are aware of the checks required should the proprietor board expand in the future.  Leaders have ensured that all relevant standards in part 4 are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is situated in a rural location. This consists of a renovated stables building within the grounds of a country house. The school has its own access

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Main inspection findings

arrangements and secure boundaries that are separate from the house. SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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Main inspection findings

 The building includes 5 well-furnished classrooms, a sensory room and a small food technology room. These are all freshly decorated. They present as warm, light and airy and are well suited for their intended purpose.  The accommodation also offers office space, a dedicated medical room and a staff room. The medical room is well furnished and has its own hot and cold running water. It is situated adjacent to a toilet facility. Lighting and acoustics within the accommodation are suitable for their intended use. This includes external lighting.  There are separate toilet facilities for pupils and staff. Washing facilities are appropriate with hot and cold running water, which is temperature controlled. Suitably labelled drinking water is available for pupils and staff.  The school has extensive outside space for pupils to play. It is intended that pupils will access the school’s physical education and sports programme at external facilities.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed staffing structure and organisation of the school day mean that pupils are likely to be properly supervised.  Leaders have ensured that all relevant standards in part 5 are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d) to 32(5)  Leaders understand the requirements linked to part 6. This includes when pupils are funded or partly funded by a local authority. The proprietor knows that it needs to have certain reports and other information available on request. This is particularly information required by parents and carers or local authorities.  Leaders have clear plans to report to parents at regular interval throughout the school year.  The school does not currently have a website. However, leaders anticipate this will be completed in the near future. They are fully aware of the information that the website should contain to be compliant with the requirements of part 6.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that all relevant standards in part 6 are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  Leaders are aware of the requirements of part 7. The school has a suitable complaints policy. It meets the requirements of part 7. It will be available on request. It will be available on the school’s website once this is established.  Leaders fully understand the complaints policy. They understand their duties to keep records of complaints confidential unless required by the Secretary of State or as part of an inspection process.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in part 7 are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c) SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders articulate a clear vision for the proposed school. The sole director and the headteacher designate have a wealth of relevant experience in independent special schools. They fully understand the requirements of the independent school standards.  Leaders intend the proposed school to be unique and very much attuned to the needs of the pupils it will serve. This includes in curriculum design. Leaders aim to make sure that they support the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff effectively.  Leaders demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of pupils’ personal development alongside their academic achievements. Promoting pupils’ wellbeing should have high importance here. Preparing pupils for life beyond the school gates is likely to underpin all aspects of the school day.  Leaders have sensible plans for appropriate external scrutiny of all aspects of their work. This includes in ensuring that safeguarding is effective and that the quality of

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Main inspection findings

education the school provides is as strong as possible.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in part 8 are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  A suitable accessibility plan is in place. Leaders intend to update the plan at appropriate intervals and dependent on the needs of pupils and staff, assuming the proposed school opens.  Leaders are aware of their duties under the Equality Act 2010. The school is likely to meet paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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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. SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS 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 Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Crest Education Services Limited

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £111,000

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Proposed school details

Email address alison.dobbie@blossomchildren.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 18 7 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 15 15

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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 15

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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 15

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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 15

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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 15 SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in its own grounds in a rural area near Bexhill (Shimba Lodge, Freezeland Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 5JD).  The proposed school will cater for pupils with a range of SEND, including severe or moderate learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs.  It is anticipated that all pupils will have an EHC plan and be placed by local authorities.  There are no plans at present to use alternative providers. SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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Information about this inspection

 The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, safeguarding procedures and Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  This was the first application from the proprietor to register a school.  The inspectors toured the proposed school’s premises, including the grounds. They reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the single central record, risk assessments, policies and curriculum information.  The inspectors held a range of meetings with the headteacher designate and the school’s director of education, who is also the sole director of the proprietor company.

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Inspection team

Clive Close, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Jo Brinkley His Majesty’s Inspector SENSITIVE-RECIPIENTS ONLY

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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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Inspection team

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