Blue Sky Independent School

Blue Sky Independent School Unit Ca and D, Beversbrook Centre, Redman Road, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PR

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inspection report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered. It is currently operating without registration.

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inspection report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider’s likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor proposes to open an independent school for pupils aged 5 to 11 with moderate learning difficulties, social emotional and mental health needs and/or autism. The proprietor has considerable experience of working with pupils with the types of special educational needs and/or disabilities that the proposed school intends to cater for.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school is on the ground floor of a two-storey building. The proprietor owns and runs an alternative provision (AP) in the same building as the proposed school for pupils between the age of 6 to 13. The proprietor intends that it will continue to operate the AP as a separate business on the same site. Currently, both the first and ground floors are used for the AP. Should the proposed school open, the proprietor intends for the AP accommodation to be limited to the first floor of the building and the other industrial unit next door. The proprietor is currently the headteacher of the AP and will be the sole proprietor for the school should the DfE decide to register it. No staff have been appointed to the proposed school. The proprietor intends to appoint a headteacher, a special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator, teachers and support staff. However, staff recruitment had not begun at the time of the

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

pre-registration inspection. Therefore, the delineation between the AP and proposed school is at this time unclear. The proprietor intends to have an advisory board. However, this is not yet in place.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has increased their understanding of the independent school standards since 2021, when it received a previous pre-registration on a different site. The proprietor is committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing education for the pupils the school aims to admit. The proprietor has a detailed understanding of how to implement safeguarding requirements. For example, the proprietor already has detailed systems in place to ensure that staff at the AP are well trained and are astute to safeguarding risks. These staff record any safeguarding concerns in a timely way and work closely with external agencies when required.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

However, the proprietor does not demonstrate a secure understanding of the requirements for the school premises. The site does not have any outdoor space. At the time of this pre-registration inspection, the proprietor was not aware of the need to complete necessary health and safety checks. This was a missed opportunity to identify a scalding risk presented by the water temperature in the school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has not ensured that all the standards in Parts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 are likely to be met. As a result, the proprietor has not ensured that the proposed school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) consistently.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has not ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is registered.

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Curriculum, teaching and assessment

There are two curriculum policies in place. They outline different approaches to curriculum and teaching. Both policies are in writing. There are schemes of work matched to what the proposed school calls the ‘academic curriculum policy’. The proprietor has considered how this curriculum will differ from the curriculum at the AP. However, the schemes of work do not include all the essential subject content that pupils are likely to need. There is a strong likelihood that pupils who attend will have considerable gaps in their learning. The proposed school was unable to provide evidence of how the curriculum will be adapted to meet the range of needs and aptitudes of pupils it intends to admit. For example, the curriculum does not include all the necessary content to teach phonics and early reading.

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Curriculum, teaching and assessment

There is an assessment policy and assessment framework that the school intends to use. It is intended that all pupils will be assessed on entry. However, this assessment framework does not cover necessary content in English and mathematics to provide an accurate assessment of what pupils know already.

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Curriculum, teaching and assessment

The schemes of work and assessment framework relating to the other curriculum policy, which aims to provide a more informal curriculum for pupils who are unable to access the academic curriculum, were not made available.

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Curriculum, teaching and assessment

The proposed school is not likely to meet these standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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education

The proposed school has suitable plans in place that specify how the school will promote fundamental British values. There is a suitable personal, social, health and economic education curriculum. It includes the necessary requirements for relationships and health education as set out in legislation.

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education

The proposed school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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education

Overall, the proposed school is unlikely to meet all standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proposed school has suitable plans in place that specify it will develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Shared opportunities, such as assemblies, will also provide pupils with a range of knowledge about the world beyond school.

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pupils

The proprietor has considered how it will support pupils to take responsibility for their actions and promote tolerance and respect with consideration of the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. It also intends to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills of how to build independence and become resilient. The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor demonstrates sound knowledge of how to create a positive culture of safeguarding. As the school is already operating as an AP, the inspector reviewed current safeguarding arrangements in place. Designated safeguarding leaders hold the required safeguarding training. Staff who work at the AP receive relevant safeguarding training. There is an effective recording system in place to report safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding records are detailed. Staff at the AP take appropriate action when pupils may be at risk of harm. They work with external agencies, as necessary. This demonstrates the proprietor’s proven capacity to build a positive safeguarding culture at the proposed school should it be registered.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor intends that all staff who are appointed will complete a robust induction process. This will include safeguarding training for all staff. The proprietor intends that there will be ongoing safeguarding training for all staff, including about contextual safeguarding risks, child exploitation and online safety. However, staff have yet to be appointed.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school is likely to meet this standard in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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safety and first aid

There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The proprietor has ensured that risk assessments are suitable and precisely matched to the environment or activity. For example, there is a risk assessment outlining how the proposed school will minimise the mixing of pupils who attend the alternative provision (AP) and the proposed school. The site risk assessment makes clear the arrangements for entry and egress of the proposed school site, including through local authority transport.

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safety and first aid

The proposed school’s behaviour policy is suitable and sets out the sanctions to be applied for serious misbehaviour. There is a detailed anti-bullying strategy in place. As the school is already operating as an AP, the inspector was able to discuss the implementation of the behaviour policy, anti-bullying strategy and review records pertaining to misbehaviour and restrictive physical interventions. Behaviour records are detailed. The proprietor already conducts stringent monitoring of behaviour incidents in the AP. This ensures that any patterns of behaviours are analysed effectively. The proprietor aims to use the same systems within the proposed school should it be registered. These systems are suitable and are being implemented effectively. This provides palpable evidence that the proprietor has secure knowledge in leading a behaviour strategy and ensuring that staff follow it. The proprietor intends to train all staff so that they can apply the proposed

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safety and first aid

The proprietor has proven experience in ensuring that staff-to-pupil ratios are suitable through its leadership of the AP on the same site. The proprietor intends to appoint sufficient staff to supervise pupils, including at social times and to meet the requirements set out in pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans.

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safety and first aid

The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for the intended premises of the proposed school. A fire risk assessment was completed in March 2025. It is due to be reviewed by an external company imminently. Fire safety equipment is installed around the building and is checked regularly. Fire doors, emergency lighting and the fire alarm are checked and recorded routinely.

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safety and first aid

There is a first-aid policy. It is in writing and provides appropriate guidance for staff to administer first aid. The proprietor intends to provide all staff with first-aid training as part of their induction. First-aid boxes are well stocked. There is a detailed policy in place to administer medicines.

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safety and first aid

The proposed school is likely to meet these standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Health and safety, admissions and attendance

There is a detailed health and safety policy in place. However, during this pre- registration inspection, the proprietor did not demonstrate a detailed knowledge of how to implement all aspects of it. For example, the proprietor did not know about the requirements to check water quality and temperatures.

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Health and safety, admissions and attendance

There is an admissions policy in place. The proprietor expects that it will admit pupils from Wiltshire, Swindon and Somerset local authorities. The proprietor already works closely with these commissioning local authorities through its AP on the same site. The proprietor is knowledgeable and experienced in working with schools to ensure pupils’ smooth transition into placements.

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Health and safety, admissions and attendance

The proprietor understands that all schools require an admissions register. However, the proprietor was not aware of all the necessary information it must include, for example addresses of parents and carers.

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Health and safety, admissions and attendance

The proprietor has purchased an electronic tool to log pupils’ attendance accurately. The proprietor understands these legislative requirements, including accurate coding for attendance.

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Health and safety, admissions and attendance

The proposed school is unlikely to meet these standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Health and safety, admissions and attendance

Overall, the proposed school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has a strong working knowledge of safer recruitment requirements. There is a single central record in place.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has carried out all the required checks for the staff who work at the AP. They are recorded accurately in a single central record. This suggests that the school is likely to meet the standards relating to the recruitment of suitable staff for the proposed school.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

To date, the proprietor has not appointed any leaders or staff. Recruitment has not started. The proprietor intends for there to a headteacher, special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator, three teachers and nine support staff. It is expected that the AP business manager will be responsible for conducting recruitment checks on staff when they are appointed. The proprietor and business manager of the AP are aware of the checks they need to undertake if using agency supply staff.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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External lighting, acoustics and drinking water

There is suitable external lighting in place. There is drinking water readily available. Acoustics in classrooms are suitable.

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External lighting, acoustics and drinking water

The proposed school is likely to meet these standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Toilet and washing facilities; water supply

There is one accessible toilet on the ground floor for the use of visitors and pupils. At the beginning of the pre-registration inspection, the proprietor planned for this to double up as a medical room. The proprietor adapted its plans during the pre- registration inspection to include pupil toilets on the first floor of the building that are part of the alternative provision (AP). These would also be used by pupils aged 6 to 13 attending the AP. There is an adequate water supply within the toilets. However, hot water presented a scalding risk and the urinals in the toilets upstairs were not in use.

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Toilet and washing facilities; water supply

The proposed school is unlikely to meet these standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The room is also an accessible toilet intended for the use of adults, pupils and visitors. The toilet is open to the room. There is a sink. There is a fold-up bed. However, the usable space is too small. Until the inspection, the proprietor had not considered how the room will be used. For example, if a pupil is unwell and the medical room is in use, there is no other accessible toilet. There is no other room that is suitable with a sink in it and a toilet close by.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proposed school is unlikely to meet this standard in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils and lighting

There is no outside space. The proprietor has approached the landlord to fence off an area of approximately ten by five metres at the front of the proposed school. This is currently a carpark. The carpark is used for a range of businesses and is open to the industrial estate roads. The proprietor has obtained a quote to fence off the area. However, there are no firm plans in place. This does not provide sufficient assurances about how and when the proprietor intends to implement these plans or that the space will be suitable for pupils.

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pupils and lighting

There are two main classrooms on the ground floor and third smaller room set up as a sensory room. The two main classrooms are well lit and have suitable acoustics. One classroom has sufficient furniture and space for three pupils. The other classroom is much larger and houses a kitchen area that will be used during the school day. There is a sink, cooker with a hob and worktop space. At the other end of the classroom, there are two large tables and sufficient space for five pupils. However, the third much smaller room, which is currently set up as a sensory room, is only suitable for occasional use. There is no window, natural light or ceiling lighting. It is not suitable for a classroom. As a result, there is not enough space for the number of pupils that the proprietor intends to admit. At the time of this pre-registration inspection, safety catches were not fitted to twenty windows. These windows could be opened fully and could present a risk

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pupils and lighting

for pupils. The proprietor has ordered window limiters. However, they were not fitted at the time of this pre-registration inspection.

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pupils and lighting

There is an inside space in the industrial unit next door to the proposed school that is currently used by the AP. The proprietor intends for this to be used for recreational games and physical activities. Inside, there is a large area of artificial grass. There is a range of equipment for small group physical education, including a cricket set, tennis rackets footballs and netballs. However, this area is not well lit. The windows at the back of the unit have an opaque film on them and provide no light. There are seven strip lights, but only two are in working order. The proprietor was aware that these lights had not been working for some time. Lighting is not sufficient in this space. There is a large up and over door at the front of the industrial unit. At the time of the pre-registration inspection, this was not locked. The proprietor made arrangements during the pre-registration inspection to resolve this issue.

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pupils and lighting

The proposed school building is generally decorated well and in good order. However, some maintenance checks that should be in place are not, for example water checks.

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pupils and lighting

The proposed school is unlikely to meet these standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school has a website. It includes all the information it should. For example, it already includes policies describing the school’s approach to managing behaviour, reducing bullying, admission arrangements and the school’s child protection policy. It is easy to navigate.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor knows to include the number of previous complaints on the website. The proprietor intends to work closely with appropriate external agencies to review pupils’ EHC plans. It will provide information to local authorities about looked-after children and pupils with an EHC plan, when requested. The proprietor intends to hold the proposed school to account for providing parents with an annual report with information about their children’s progress. Regular reports are already produced for parents and local authorities who commission places at the existing alternative provision.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met should the DfE decide to register it.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

During this pre-registration inspection, the inspector was presented with two complaints policies. While these are in writing, they provide differing information. This is confusing to parents. The proprietor knows that it needs to revisit the organisation and content of the complaints policy to ensure that it has one complaints policy in writing that includes everything it should. For example, some information that should be detailed in the complaints policy is included in separate leaflets for parents about arrangements for a panel hearing.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standard in this part is not likely to be met should the DfE decide to register the school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

There is an accessibility plan in place. The school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the proprietor, the business manager of the AP and staff at the AP. The inspector also reviewed relevant documents and toured the school site and visited the local recreation area and tennis courts.

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About this inspection

At the time of the inspection, there were 14 pupils on roll at the alternative provision that operates on the intended site of the proposed school. The date of the first registration is September 2022. There are pupils looked after by the local authority.

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About this inspection

The inspector saw teaching and the supervision of pupils at social times during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with EHC plans for social, emotional and mental health needs, autism and moderate learning needs. Teaching will take place on the proposed school site. It is also intended that the proposed school will use the local recreation area and tennis courts for some physical education activities.

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About this inspection

The proposed school will be housed on the ground floor of a two-storey building at Unit Ca and D, Beversbrook Centre, Redman Road, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PR.

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Lead inspector

Julie Carrington His Majesty’s Inspector

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About this proposed school

Proprietor Blue Sky Learning Independent School Ltd Headteacher Not Known Type of school Other Independent Special School Capacity 8 Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 10 Number of part-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Provider’s current position: 14 Provider’s proposal: 10 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities on roll Provider’s current position: 14 Provider’s proposal: 10

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About this proposed school

Number of pupils on roll who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Provider’s current position: 14 Provider’s proposal: 10

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About this proposed school

Age range of pupils Provider’s current position: 6 to 13 Provider’s proposal: 5 to 11 Gender of pupils Provider’s current position: mixed Provider’s proposal: mixed Total hours operating as a school per week Provider’s current position: 14 Provider’s proposal: 25 Total hours of teaching provided per week Provider’s current position: 14 Provider’s proposal: 25 Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Provider’s current position: 8 Provider’s proposal: 13 Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £80,000 Email address kburridge@bsleducation.co.uk

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(a) is in writing; – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. services providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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