Compass Community School Staffordshire

Compass Community School Staffordshire Wentworth House, Ellastone Road, Caulden Lowe, Staffordshire ST10 3ER

p.1

inspection report:

Overall outcome The school meets the independent school standards relevant to the material change. The material change has already been implemented

p.1

inspection report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending.

p.1

inspection report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s compliance with the independent school standards that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’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.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has thought carefully about increasing the number of pupils on roll and has a clear reason for doing so. This decision is based on what is in the best interests of pupils. The proprietor has already made changes to the school’s premises and increased the number of staff to make sure that pupils’ needs are met. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The material change request is for 6 additional pupils. There is no change to the age range, the special educational needs and/or disabilities of pupils the school intends to admit or the curriculum the school intends to deliver. The proprietor has already implemented the material change. The school has admitted 3 additional pupils above its current registration of 6.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and school leaders have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards. The proprietor has an accurate understanding of the school’s provision and the experiences of pupils who attend. They gain this understanding through a systematic approach to gathering and reviewing information. Clear leadership structures support this work. These structures have helped to ensure that the independent school standards checked during this inspection are consistently met.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the standards are met. The proprietor and school understand that the Department for Education (DfE) will decide whether to formally approve the material change.

p.2

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

The school’s safeguarding policy is clear and takes into account the needs of pupils who attend. Staff understand these needs and stay alert to provide help when necessary. Strong communication sits at the heart of the school’s culture. For example, staff attend regular safeguarding briefings. This provides them with useful reminders and guidance on how to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.

p.2

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

Leaders maintain accurate safeguarding records and review these often. They share information quickly and work well with external agencies and professionals such as social workers. This helps the school play a full role in protecting pupils and supports leaders in taking the right steps to keep pupils safe.

p.2

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

The ratio of staff to pupils is high and pupils are well supervised at all times. This allows staff to give pupils individualised support. Staff build positive relationships with pupils and there is a culture based on mutual respect. This helps pupils to feel safe at school.

p.2

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

The proprietor keeps careful oversight of its health and safety duties. The health and safety policy is clear and covers a range of factors to keep the premises safe. Leaders implement the policy in a planned and consistent way. Staff complete regular checks across the site. The school also uses external specialists where needed. Leaders keep clear records of these checks. This helps them to monitor the safety of the premises and gain assurance that the standards are being met. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.2

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

The school has robust systems in place to comply with the Fire Safety Reform Order 2005. This includes regular checks on fire safety equipment and alarms. Exits are clearly marked and regular fire drills ensure that staff and pupils are well prepared in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

The school has clear procedures for assessing any risks. There is a broad range of risk assessments in place. Some cover matters to do with the premises, while others focus on specific aspects of the school provision, such as trips, visits and off-site lessons. The risk assessment process is carefully planned and considers a wide range of factors to keep pupils and staff safe.

p.3

Safeguarding, health and safety, fire, first aid and risk assessment

The proprietor has already implemented the material change. It has ensured that the standards in this part are met. The proprietor and school understand that the DfE will decide whether to formally approve the material change.

p.3

the single central record of these checks

Leaders are highly vigilant in ensuring the suitability of staff. They are fully aware of the vulnerabilities of the pupils and carefully consider the qualifications and qualities of anyone who applies to work at the school. The proprietor ensures that a thorough set of vetting checks are made before staff begin working with pupils.

p.3

the single central record of these checks

Checks on the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors are recorded accurately on the school’s single central record. The single central record reflects the requirements of the DfE.

p.3

the single central record of these checks

The proprietor has already implemented the material change. It has ensured that the standards in this part are met. The proprietor and school understand that the DfE will decide whether to formally approve the material change.

p.3

needs

The school provides appropriate toilet and washing facilities for pupils, including a shower and dedicated changing area. These facilities are suitable for the additional number of pupils. A well-equipped medical room is also available, located near to a SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.3

needs

toilet. The medical room includes necessary resources for administering first aid if necessary.

p.4

needs

The proprietor has already implemented the material change. It has ensured that these standards are met.

p.4

conditions, outdoor space

Leaders place strong emphasis on maintaining the premises to a high standard. They implement clear systems to ensure that premises checks are carried out systematically. This ensures that pupils learn in a safe and welcoming environment. There is sufficient space within the school to safely accommodate the proposed material change.

p.4

conditions, outdoor space

Classrooms are filled with ample natural light, and many offer extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Acoustics are appropriate, allowing teachers to deliver lessons clearly and effectively.

p.4

conditions, outdoor space

The school offers plenty of outdoor space where pupils can play and learn. These areas are well maintained and safe. The outdoor areas support a range of activities and experiences.

p.4

conditions, outdoor space

The proprietor has ensured that these standards are met.

p.4

conditions, outdoor space

Overall, the proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are met. It has already implemented the material change. The proprietor and school understand that the DfE will decide whether to formally approve the material change.

p.4

The school’s accessibility plan

The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.4

About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors 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. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.4

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.

p.5

About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the headteacher, deputy director and representatives of the proprietor board during the inspection.

p.5

About this inspection

The school is currently operating outside its registration of 6 pupils. There are currently 9 pupils attending the school.

p.5

About this inspection

The school does not use any alternative provisions.

p.5

Lead inspector

Jonathan Leonard His Majesty’s Inspector

p.5

About this school

Chair of the proprietor body Stacy Wallace Headteacher Corinne Plant Type of school Other Independent Special School Capacity 6 Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Number of part-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Age range of pupils 11 to 17 Gender of pupils Boys Annual fees for day pupils £79,716 Email address education.compliance@compass- schools.org SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.5

About this school

services providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

p.6

About this school

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

About this school

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

About this school

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6