Fairlight Glen Independent Special School

Fairlight Glen School Independent school progress report

p.1

DCSF registration number 886/6132 Unique reference number 135623 Inspection number 343616 Inspection dates 12 October 2009 Reporting inspector Michael Best

p.1

Age group: 11–16 Published: Reference no: 090137 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk No. 090137 Inspection report template – progress monitoring

p.2

Purpose and scope of the visit

This inspection visit was carried out by Ofsted under Section 162A of the Education Act 2002, 1 as amended by schedule 8 of the Education Act 2005. 2

p.3

Purpose and scope of the visit

The visit was conducted at the request of the Registration Authority for independent schools in order to monitor the progress the school has made in implementing its action plan following the previous inspection.

p.3

Information about the school

Fairlight Glen is an independent special school located in a residential area of Herne Bay, Kent. All pupils are looked-after children and are in the care of the proprietor, Pilgrim’s Corner Ltd, which operates a nearby children’s home that is open 52 weeks a year. The school, which gained registration in 2007, provides education for 38 weeks a year for pupils with statements of special educational needs related to social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, alongside associated learning difficulties, notably within the autistic spectrum. It is registered for up to 12 pupils aged 11–16 years, although at the time of the inspection there were five pupils on roll. Prior to attending this school, some pupils had been out of formal education for significant periods. Pupils have been referred by local authorities nationally. The school’s aim is to re-engage pupils in education so that they can achieve as much

p.3

Information about the school

independence as possible. The headteacher joined the school on a temporary basis last term and became permanent at the start of this term.

p.3

Context of the visit

The school was inspected in November 2008. The first progress monitoring visit took place in May 2009 when most, but not all, of the regulations were judged to have been met. The focus of this second monitoring visit was to check the school’s compliance with the outstanding unmet regulations. Two lessons were observed and documentation, including planning, assessment information, pupils’ individual education plans and recent work, was scrutinised. In addition, discussions were held with staff, pupils and the proprietor.

p.3

action plan

The school has made good progress in addressing the shortcomings identified at the time of the first monitoring visit and now meets all the regulations. The new headteacher has successfully established a calm and positive climate for learning. The November 2008 inspection and the first monitoring visit found weak and inconsistent practice in the planning of lessons. Learning outcomes were not made

p.3

action plan

1 www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2002/ukpga_20020032_en_14#pt10-ch1-pb4-l1g162 2 www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2005/ukpga_20050018_en_15#sch8 Inspection report template – progress monitoring clear. There was little evidence of effective assessment of pupils’ gains in knowledge and skills. The school’s provision fell short of what was required in pupils’ statements of special educational needs. The present visit found that good teaching and effective systems for checking on what pupils know and can do are enabling pupils to make good progress. Lessons are now well planned, with clear objectives, which draw effectively on pupils’ prior learning. Work is carefully tailored to match individual interests and needs. By deploying a wide range of effective teaching methods, staff successfully engage pupils’ interest and concentration. Lessons get off to a brisk start with time and resources well used. There is a good balance between

p.3

action plan

whole-class and individual teaching, which caters effectively for pupils’ individual learning needs.

p.4

action plan

The provision now meets the requirements outlined in pupils’ statements of special educational needs. Individual education plans set clear targets and success criteria. These are well reflected in lesson plans and in the practical support given to pupils in their learning. Regular reviews of pupils’ progress, drawing on assessment information, help staff to refocus their support and move pupils’ learning forward.

p.4

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school has made good progress and now meets all regulatory requirements. Inspection report template – progress monitoring

p.4

School details

Name of school Fairlight Glen DCSF number 886/6132 Unique reference number 135623 Type of school Independent special school for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and associated learning difficulties, notably within the autistic spectrum. Status Independent Date school opened 8 September 2008 Age range of pupils 11–16 years Gender of pupils Mixed Number on roll (full-time pupils) Boys: 2 Girls: 3 Total: 5

p.5

special educational need

Annual fees (day pupils) £22,800 Address of school Fairlight Glen Underdown Road Herne Bay Kent CT6 5BP Telephone number 01227 741113 Fax number 01227 283662 Email address edu@pilgrimscorner.co.uk Headteacher Mrs Maureen Hickford Proprietor Pilgrim’s Corner Education Limited Reporting inspector Michael Best Dates of inspection 12 October 2009

p.5