Phoenix Bay Park

Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 1 Phoenix Bay Park Pounds House, 162 Outland Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL2 3PX

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report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

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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 oversees another school. It plans to use the existing systems to provide an oversight of this school along with the same advisory board providing a governance layer. Leaders intend to do monthly checks on how well the school is consistently meeting the independent school standards (the standards) to give the proprietor an accurate view. However, some oversight is lacking around ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils is effective. While the school has an appropriate health and safety policy, this is not yet implemented effectively, particularly the fire safety systems across the school site. One floor of the school building has limited evacuation points. The proprietor has not ensured that risks are appropriately mitigated to keep pupils and staff safe.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor plans to recruit additional staff to work alongside staff working in the other school who will move across to this school. This is to support the school in establishing the shared vision and ethos and support a smooth transition. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 2 Current staff already understand the school’s ethos, systems, policies and curriculum. These staff benefit from the training schedule already in place. The induction training planned for new staff is designed to ensure that staff expertise develops consistently.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The ISS in this part are unlikely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The curriculum policy and schemes of work set out the knowledge that leaders intend pupils to learn across a breadth of subjects. Leaders are clear how the curriculum plans will be adapted to meet the different ages and starting points of the pupils that attend. They have ensured that the curriculum includes pupils completing qualifications across subjects, such as functional skills and GCSEs. Leaders have ensured that there is a focus on pupils building their knowledge in English and mathematics, particularly around early reading. For example, they have a clear phonics scheme in place with the resources needed to help pupils to learn to read. There is a system to identify pupils’ gaps in reading knowledge on entry and an appropriate catch-up programme to support older pupils who may not yet be fluent readers.

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Curriculum

Leaders have ensured that pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported through the curriculum design. Each pupil will have an individualised curriculum that weaves in the information and outcomes outlined in their education, health and care (EHC) plans. To support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs, pupils will benefit from dedicated lessons.

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Curriculum

The personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme supports pupils’ health, wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world. The relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) policy details the school’s approach, including how it meets the statutory requirements. The policy explains to parents and carers their right to withdraw their child. Leaders intend to share the curriculum content with parents and carers in advance of this being taught.

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Curriculum

Pupils will learn about careers through the PSHE curriculum and through wider opportunities. For example, pupils will attend a local careers fair and have an opportunity to undertake work experience. They will have access to independent careers advice. This will be used to prepare an individualised action plan for each pupil to support them continuing their education when they leave the school at the end of Year 11. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 3 Pupils will learn about the importance of the fundamental British values to be prepared for life in modern Britain. For example, leaders intend for pupils to have a lived experience of democracy, such as through voting for student council representatives, as well as holding an annual politics week.

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Teaching

Leaders intend to use an approach to teaching that they have adopted in their other school. This includes an agreed lesson design that is intended for pupils to learn well. For example, pupils will revisit what they have learned before at the start of lessons to help them to remember their learning. Teachers will use this time to identify and support pupils who may be struggling to recall their prior knowledge, as well as to adapt the curriculum for those that need more time to grasp new concepts. Teachers will help pupils to work independently following a ‘my turn, our turn, your turn’ approach so that pupils are supported to build their confidence through guided practice. Leaders will check how well pupils are learning by looking at their work and visiting lessons. They will use this information to plan training for staff to help to develop their expertise further.

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Assessment

Leaders have suitable systems in place to check pupils’ starting points on entry to the school. They will use this information to plan individual ‘flight paths’ that will be ambitious for what pupils can achieve throughout their time at school. Teachers will review their progress regularly to check how well pupils are learning and to identify where they may need further support. This information will be shared with pupils, as well as parents and carers, so that they are clear how well pupils are learning and progressing towards outcomes identified on their EHC plan.

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Assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

Leaders have planned clear opportunities for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils will have regular opportunities to reflect on their feelings, such as daily reflection with key workers celebrating their achievements and what would be ‘even better if’ to focus on for the next day. Cultural experiences are planned for, such as visits to places of worship. In addition, the school plans to provide the same wider development offer in place at their other school. This includes using government funding to support pupils studying abroad to learn about differing cultures, as well as learning life skills, such as cooking. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 4 The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy follows statutory guidance. It sets out the responsibilities of the safeguarding team, including the training that these staff members need to fulfil their roles. The designated safeguarding lead and deputy designated safeguarding lead are in post and have up-to-date training. The process to report any concerns is clear using an electronic system. Current staff use this system at the other school and there is a training package to support the induction of any new staff. The safeguarding team will have regular oversight of any concerns raised. Weekly meetings are proposed to ensure that vulnerable pupils at risk of harm are getting the support they need.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The behaviour policy outlines a relational approach to support pupils at the school. Leaders have high expectations of pupils that are rooted in positive relationships and established routines. Pupils’ needs will be identified and supported on entry. Leaders will use knowledge from previous settings as well as gathering the views of pupils and parents and carers. This will form part of pupils’ relational support plan to help them to be successful. Any serious incidents or use of restrictive intervention have a clear approach to recording. This includes sharing information with parents and carers. Leaders will use this to support pupils in repairing the situation and to provide further support to avoid repeated incidents.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders have a clear plan about the supervision levels for pupils considering the ratios in place to help pupils to succeed. Pupils will be taught in a class of four, with one teacher and one wellbeing mentor. These adults will support pupils during social times so that they are with the same adults to support their social and emotional needs.

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Anti-bullying

The anti-bullying policy gives a clear definition of bullying. This includes the different types of bullying that pupils could encounter, such as prejudicial or cyber bullying. The school intends to take a proactive approach to prevent bullying, such as a focus on positive relationships through the intended curriculum and anti- bullying week. There is a clear approach to manage any concerns. When a concern is raised, staff will investigate following a clear process. This includes ensuring that concerns are fully resolved. There is a clear process to record any bullying concerns so that leaders are aware of issues arising in the school. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 5

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The health and safety policy sets out clear procedures to keep pupils and staff safe. These include systems to manage accidents, hazardous substances and the checks needed to ensure the school site is safe. However, some of these systems are not yet in place. For example, the portable appliance testing has not yet been carried out. Water testing is not yet part of the site checks to ensure that risks around legionella are reduced. Hazardous chemicals are not currently locked away in the intended cupboard.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Leaders have undertaken a fire risk assessment. However, they do not have a precise understanding of the risks in some parts of the school and the appropriate safety measures to mitigate these. The top floor of the building, which is intended as classrooms and office space, has one escape route down a flight of stairs. Leaders do not have accurate oversight of how to manage this additional risk to pupils and staff if a fire is in this area. Leaders have not ensured that the fire doors on the top floor are in efficient working order to prevent fire and smoke from spreading. This puts pupils and staff at risk of harm on this floor of the building. On the other floors of the building, fire safety arrangements include evacuation routes, working alarms and appropriate fire-fighting equipment that are generally well placed. Fire marshals have had appropriate training to assist with fire safety measures. Leaders are making routine checks on fire safety

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

equipment, such as weekly testing of the alarm.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The procedures for first aid are set out in the school’s first-aid policy. There is a clear process for recording accidents and any first aid given in the first-aid log book as well as the online recording system. Some current staff have received training to make sure safe practice is followed in the school.

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Admissions and attendance

Leaders plan to use an electronic system that includes the information that must be included on the admissions register. This ensures that the school maintains accurate and up-to-date records about the pupils who attend. The school uses the same system to record attendance. Leaders will draw on its practice from its other school to manage attendance. There are clear systems in place to manage absence, including follow-up calls and home visits. A fortnightly meeting with leaders will be used to identify and support any trends or patterns in poor attendance.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor manages risk through the implementation of a risk assessment policy. This has led to ensuring that individual risk assessments are in place, such Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 6 as managing use of the outdoor grounds or supporting pupils when undertaking any off-site visits. However, the policy is not yet implemented appropriately. The risk assessment linked to managing fire risk is not followed on the top floor of the building. This puts pupils and staff at risk.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Leaders have clear arrangements to ensure the required pre-employment and vetting checks are completed for the proprietor and staff. Leaders ensure that these checks are made before any new member of staff takes up their post at the school. For leaders and staff already appointed, the checks made follow the statutory guidance. These include a criminal records check as well as checking that staff members are not prohibited from teaching.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Leaders are clear about the checks needed for any agency staff that may work in the school. For example, they will request written confirmation from the agency that the required checks have been completed. These will be done before any agency workers work with pupils at the school.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The proprietor has undergone the required suitability checks, such as confirmation of identity check and checking they are not prohibited from taking part in the management of the school.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Leaders have an electronic single central record that meets the statutory requirements and is kept up to date as the school recruits more staff. This record includes the checks made on the proprietor, staff, governors, contractors and supply staff. It shows the dates the checks were made and that these were made before staff begin working at the school.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 7

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and showers

The proprietor has ensured that pupils will have access to suitable toilets and handwashing facilities. The hot water does not present a scalding risk as leaders have made sure that these taps are an appropriate temperature. The school has a changing facility for pupils within the shower room. The shower is in a fully enclosed, lockable room with a wash basin.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room is located next to the washing facilities, giving pupils immediate access to essential facilities. The room holds a range of first-aid supplies, including a fridge to store any medication that needs to be refrigerated. Leaders will purchase a system to ensure that this is lockable.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

Leaders have considered the specialist therapeutic support for pupils. This includes a sensory room that will follow the advice of external professionals, such as the occupational therapist, alongside pupils’ views to make it a space that pupils are comfortable using.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school has considered the accessibility of pupils to ensure they can move around with ease on the ground floor and middle floor. There is a working lift so that pupils can move between these two floors more easily. Leaders will adapt teaching spaces if a pupil is unable to access the top floor.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Fire exits are clearly marked across the different floors. Fire extinguishers and blankets are generally appropriately placed across the school site. However, some fire doors do not currently close on the top floor to prevent fire and smoke from spreading. Leaders say they have purchased new doors, but these have not yet arrived.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

There is a substantial amount of painting work needed to ensure that classrooms are ready for pupils. Leaders assert that the schedule to be completed is appropriate and will be finished in time for a planned opening of September.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Lighting across the school matches the purpose of each space. Most classrooms have large windows overlooking the school grounds and local park. This gives Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 8 pupils a bright space with natural light to support their learning. Internal, external and emergency lighting is compliant.

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Outdoor space

Pupils have access to outdoor space. This is easily accessible by the public. Leaders have taken steps to reduce risks, such as to make it clear to the public that the outside of the building is private property with low fencing and a chain to make clear there is no access. Leaders assert that pupils will not use the outside space without adults present. During the inspection, leaders updated the risk assessment to make it clearer how risks from public access outside of school hours will be managed. Leaders will now ensure that daily checks are made before the start of the school day, so that the outdoor space is safe for pupils to use alongside the adults they are working with.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders will set up a website that is similar to their other school if the DfE approves the school’s registration. It will provide the required information, including the school’s contact details, leadership and governance information, the school’s aims and ethos and all key policies. Policies will include safeguarding, behaviour, admissions, curriculum and complaints. The website will also include inspection reports and the number of formal complaints from the previous year. Parents and carers will receive written reports about their child’s progress linked to teachers’ assessment.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders have set up relationships with placing authorities, including taking part in reviews of EHC plans. They will keep transparent financial records that show how each pupil’s funding has been used.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The complaints policy sets out a three-stage process with clear timescales for each stage, including if these are received in the school holidays. The school has a clear way to record complaints with an overview of complaints that will help leaders to check for patterns and trends. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 9 The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The accessibility plan meets Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. It sets out actions to improve curriculum access, the physical environment and access to information for disabled pupils. For example, it includes specific measures to support communication for pupils, families and visitors to ensure this is accessible for all.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, 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.

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About this inspection

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.

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About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) 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 deputy principal, other senior leaders and an advisory board member during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the proposed school:

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About this inspection

The proprietor currently has one other registered independent school.

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About this inspection

Phoenix Bay Park proposes to open for 40 pupils, with an age range from 5 to 16. The school plans to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities with a primary need of social emotional and mental health difficulties.

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About this inspection

The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provision. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 10

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About this proposed school

Proprietor Ross Banks Headteacher Ross Banks Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 40

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 5-16 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0

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Annual fees for day pupils £56,444

Email address r.banks@phoenixbay.co.uk Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 11

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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.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12]. – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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 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. Phoenix Bay Park, 7 July 2026 12 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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