Homeschool

School progress monitoring inspection report

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49 Manifold Way, Sandwell, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 0GB

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a) to 3(j) and 4  These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  Pupils enter Homeschool with a wide range of needs. The large majority of pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school’s curriculum policy and associated plans and schemes of work take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of the pupils. The proprietor successfully adapts the range of subjects and learning to meet the current needs and abilities of the pupils. As a result, pupils’ speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills and their understanding of fundamental British values are appropriately developed.  Pupils have opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of subjects. For example, pupils have opportunities to design and make simple desk

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Main inspection findings

tidies and to study science, history and geography. Pupils develop their physical skills through a range of games and individual activities such as dance. The school’s religious education programme focuses on Christianity. However, pupils study other religions and faiths. The work in pupils’ books shows that the proprietor actively promotes the acceptance of other people’s differences, including respect for the nine protected characteristics.  The proprietor and his partner are the class teachers. The work in pupils’ books shows that the majority of pupils are making good or better progress from their starting points as a result of the effective teaching and feedback they receive.  The proprietor assesses pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding on entry. The proprietor suitably records these assessments on the individual ‘Target reports’. Teachers use these and subsequent assessments to inform lesson planning and learning

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Main inspection findings

activities. Pupils’ work is assessed suitably and they use the feedback they receive to improve their work.  Information provided by the school shows that pupils behave well and act responsibly. Parents and pupils who spoke with inspectors agree that this is the case. Inspectors agree that the behaviour of pupils is good and makes a positive contribution to pupils’ learning.  The school continues to meet these standards. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  The proprietor successfully promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through a wide range of activities, such as assemblies, trips, visits and lessons. For example, the personal, social and health education programme helps pupils to understand fundamental British values and the difference between right and wrong.

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Main inspection findings

 Parents who spoke with inspectors said that their children’s self-confidence and self- esteem had improved considerably while at the school. Parents said that this had helped their children to be more creative and to be resilient and persistent when encountering difficulties.  The work in pupils’ books shows that the proprietor and staff teach pupils to respect and accept people with different cultures, faiths or no faith and beliefs effectively. The proprietor ensures that pupils are able to reflect on the views of others and to identify when individuals may be trying to groom them sexually or politically.  The school continues to meet these standards. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  At the previous standard inspection in April 2016, the school’s safeguarding policy and practice, including making risk assessments and reducing risks to pupils, did not reflect

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Main inspection findings

the current statutory guidance. The school did not comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as the annual checks on gas appliances had not been completed. As a result, the proprietor did not implement the relevant health and safety laws effectively.  The emergency inspection in September 2016 found that many of the identified weaknesses remained. For example, the proprietor had not ensured that risk assessments were suitable and reduced the potential risks faced by pupils. In addition, at that time, the inspector judged that broken glass and nettles found in the school’s garden posed a risk to pupils and that the proprietor had not completed the maintenance checks on the fire extinguishers. However, the gas appliances had been suitably serviced.  The action plan evaluation in November 2016 stated that it was unlikely the school would meet the previously unmet standards as the proposed actions lacked detail and

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Main inspection findings

evidence. The proposed plan was judged to be not acceptable.  The evaluation of the revised action plan in December 2016 was judged to be acceptable with modifications. The evaluation confirmed that the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy was on the school’s website and that the most recent version of ‘Keeping children safe in education’ informed the policy. Other proposed actions included the removal of the broken glass and nettles in the garden, the completion of checks on the fire extinguishers and appropriate and relevant revisions to the health and safety policy and risk assessments. The proprietor had included email and documentary evidence to support his assertion that he had completed the actions.  The proprietor and staff have successfully implemented appropriate actions to address the previous failings relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the safeguarding and child protection policies and

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Main inspection findings

procedures meet requirements and are informed by, and reflect, current guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The proprietor implements the relevant policies, for example health and safety and risk assessment, effectively. The most up-to-date safeguarding and child protection policy is on the school’s website.  The garden and buildings are well maintained and safe. Appropriate and timely checks are made on gas appliances and fire extinguishers. Information provided by the school shows that fire evacuation drills have been completed. Pupils who spoke with inspectors agree that this is the case. The school’s risk assessments are relevant and suitable and, where practicable, identify and minimise the potential risks faced by pupils in school and on trips, visits and activities carried out off the school site.  The proprietor and staff have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 13, 14 and 15

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Main inspection findings

 These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  The school does not have pupils living on the school premises.  The arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school are thorough and implemented effectively. Suitable procedures and appropriate child protection training underpin safeguarding at the school. As a result, there is a culture of vigilance. For example, staff supervise pupils suitably in and out of school and when visiting a local park. Staff effectively identify and support pupils who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The proprietor is the designated safeguarding leader. He has completed child protection training and demonstrates appropriate knowledge and expertise to carry out this role suitably.  The school’s anti-bullying and behaviour policies are suitable and effectively implemented. It is clear that the school does not tolerate bullying in any form. Pupils

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Main inspection findings

who spoke with inspectors said that they feel safe in school. They said that bullying is infrequent and staff deal with any incidents quickly and effectively. Information provided by the school shows that pupils’ behaviour is good. Inspectors agree.  The school’s first aid policy is on the school’s website. The proprietor implements the policy effectively. Staff have up-to-date first aid training and the medical room is fit for purpose.  The school’s admissions and attendance registers are well kept and up to date. Staff use the recognised Department for Education attendance codes when recording pupils’ attendance and absence. Pupils’ attendance is monitored well and staff take appropriate actions when pupils are absent. For example, the school contacts parents on the first day of a child’s absence.  The school continues to meet these standards. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(2)(e), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), and 21(7)(b)  These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  The proprietor and his partner are the only two members of staff. The school does not use supply teachers. The proprietor is aware of the required checks should it do so.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor and the deputy designated safeguarding leader understand their role in making sure that they check staff’s suitability to work with children. The checks meet government guidelines. For example, prohibition from teaching checks are completed.  The single central record is in place and contains all of the required information. All required checks are made and recorded in electronic format.  Pupils do not board at the school.  All staff are United Kingdom citizens.  Medical and health fitness checks have been completed.  The school continues to meet these standards. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  At the previous standard inspection in April 2016, the school’s premises were not maintained to a standard that ensured the welfare, health and safety of pupils. This was because the annual check on a gas boiler had not been completed.  The emergency inspection in September 2016 found that a gas engineer had completed

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Main inspection findings

the check of the gas boiler. However, the inspector judged that broken glass and nettles found in the school’s garden posed a risk to pupils and that the proprietor had not completed the maintenance checks on the fire extinguishers.  The action plan evaluation in November 2016 stated that it was unlikely the school would meet the previously unmet standard as the proposed actions lacked detail and evidence. The proposed plan was judged to be not acceptable.  The evaluation of the revised action plan in December 2016 was judged to be acceptable with modifications. The proprietor’s proposed actions included the removal of the broken glass and nettles in the garden and the completion of checks on the fire extinguishers.  The proprietor and staff have successfully implemented appropriate actions to address the previous failings relating to the premises of and accommodation at schools.  The proprietor maintains the buildings and garden area appropriately. For example, the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor has removed the broken glass and nettles and had the fire extinguishers checked by a qualified technician.  The proprietor and staff have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  The acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room are suitable and appropriate for the activities that take place in them. Suitable drinking water is provided. Toilet facilities are suitable and have adequate supplies of hot and cold water. The school provides toilet facilities for pupils, staff and visitors who are disabled. The temperature of the hot water does not present a scalding risk. Floors in all areas of the school are free from trip and slip hazards. The proprietor and staff understand the procedures to follow

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Main inspection findings

to make sure that the facilities are safe in the event of accidents.  The room to cater for pupils’ medical needs, including first aid, is suitable and near to a washing facility and toilet.  The school makes use of a local park for physical education lessons and for pupils to play outside. The proprietor and staff have completed appropriate risk assessments for the journey to and from the park and for using the facilities.  None of the pupils are aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year.  No pupils board at the school.  The school continues to meet these standards. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b) and 32(1)(c)  At the previous standard inspection in April 2016, the school’s website did not include all of the required information for parents and others.  The proprietor and staff have successfully implemented appropriate actions to address the previous failings relating to the provision of information.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s website includes the required information for parents and others. For example, the website includes: the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy and other related policies, for example first aid; the proprietor’s details and the school’s contact details; and the school’s admissions and behaviour policies. Paper copies of the school’s policies are also readily available for parents and others.  The proprietor and staff have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Paragraphs 32(1)(d) to 32(1)(j)  These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  The school’s website has an appropriate link to previous relevant inspection reports.  Parents receive reports on their child’s progress. Parents who spoke with inspectors said that the school’s communications and reports are useful and informative.  The school continues to meet these standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k)  At the previous standard inspection in April 2016, the school’s complaints policy did not fully reflect the requirements effective from January 2015.  The proprietor and staff have successfully implemented appropriate actions to address the previous failings relating to the school’s complaints policy. For example, the policy now includes appropriate information on the provision for a hearing before a panel where a complainant is not satisfied with the school’s response to a complaint, and the details of how and when the panel will communicate its findings and to whom the correspondence will be sent. The policy includes details on how the proprietor will keep the findings and communications so that they are readily available for the complainant, where relevant, the person complained about and others.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor and staff have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Paragraphs 33, 33(a) to 33(e)  These standards were met at the time of the standard inspection in April 2016.  The school’s complaints policy is in writing and included on the school’s website. Paper copies of the policy are readily available for parents and others. The procedures for making an informal complaint and subsequently in writing are clear and succinct.  The school continues to meet these standards. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  At the previous standard inspection in April 2016, the proprietor did not demonstrate the necessary knowledge, understanding and expertise necessary for his role. The proprietor had not made sure that all of the independent school standards were met. In addition, the school’s policies and procedures did not actively promote pupils’ welfare, health and

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Main inspection findings

safety.  The emergency inspection in September 2016 found that a number of independent school standards remained unmet. For example, the school’s safeguarding arrangements were not wholly effective and the school’s garden was not safe.  The action plan evaluation in November 2016 stated that it was unlikely that the school would meet the previously unmet standard as the proposed actions lacked detail and evidence. The proposed plan was judged to be not acceptable.  The evaluation of the revised action plan in December 2016 was judged to be acceptable with modifications. The evaluation stated that the proposed actions were likely to bring about sufficient improvements in the effectiveness of leadership and management. The proprietor’s proposed actions included: updating the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy to ensure that the current version of ‘Keeping children safe in education’ informs the content and practice; updating the risk assessments so that,

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Main inspection findings

where practicable, potential risks are identified and minimised; the removal of the broken glass and nettles in the garden; and the completion of checks on the fire extinguishers.  The proprietor and staff have successfully implemented appropriate actions to address the previous failings relating to the unmet independent school standards.  The proprietor and staff have updated the school’s policies so that they are all now in line with current guidance. As a result, the school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective and the proprietor actively promotes pupils’ welfare, health and safety. The improvements in the school’s facilities demonstrate this. The proprietor and staff demonstrate the necessary knowledge, understanding and expertise to carry out their roles and responsibilities. Parents who spoke with inspectors said that they were satisfied with their children’s quality of education. They added that they felt the school

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Main inspection findings

actively promoted their children’s health, safety and welfare and academic progress.  The school’s website contains all the necessary information. Paper copies of policies are readily available for parents and others.  The proprietor and staff have ensured that the school now meets these standards. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’ accessibility plan details the school’s plans to improve pupils’ access to the facilities and the curriculum. However, the details on how pupils can gain better access to written materials are limited.  The proprietor demonstrates understanding of the nine protected characteristics.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. All of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 16, 16(a) and 16(b).  Paragraph 25.  Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b) and 32(1)(c).  Paragraphs 33, 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k).  Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c).

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School Details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School Details

School status Independent special school

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School Details

Annual fees (day pupils) Up to £40 per day depending on pupils’ needs Telephone number 07500 416 635

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School Details

Website www.homeschoolsocialenterprise.org

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School Details

Date of previous standard inspection 20–21 April 2016

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Information about this school

 Homeschool is part of the Homeschool Social Enterprise, a registered charity. The school was registered with the Department for Education in October 2014.  The proprietor is also the headteacher. The school does not have a board of governors or proprietorial body.  The school is accommodated on the ground floor and first floor of a town house in a residential area in Wednesbury, West Midlands. It is registered to provide day education for up to five pupils aged between five and 11 years old.  There are currently no children who are looked after by the local authority on the school roll.  The school has a Seventh-Day Adventist religious character. It aims to ‘educate and support children with a rich and varied education along with strong Christian values’.  The school does not use any alternative educational provision for its pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 This unannounced inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous standard and emergency inspections. The Department for Education also instructed inspectors to inspect all of the remaining independent school standards.  This was the first progress monitoring inspection since the school was judged inadequate at the standard inspection in April 2016.  An unannounced emergency inspection commissioned by the Department for Education was carried out in September 2016. The inspection judged that some of the independent school standards remained unmet.  The school submitted an action plan outlining its proposals to address the unmet standards. This action plan was evaluated in November 2016. The proposed action plan

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Information about this inspection

was judged ‘not acceptable’.  The school submitted a revised action plan outlining its proposals to address the unmet standards. This action plan was evaluated in December 2016. The proposed action plan was judged ‘acceptable with modifications’.  The inspector scrutinised documents including: information on current pupils’ progress, behaviour and attendance; the checks made on staff’s suitability to work with children; the school’s admissions and attendance registers; the school’s safeguarding, health and safety and risk assessment policies; and other school policies and risk assessments.  Inspectors toured the accommodation and back garden.  The inspectors visited the single classroom and observed pupils’ learning and behaviour.  The views of pupils were considered through informal and formal discussions. Inspectors held telephone conversations with the parents of pupils.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, who is also the headteacher, and his

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Information about this inspection

partner, who provides administrative and classroom support.  An early years and regulatory re-inspection was conducted at the same time as this progress monitoring inspection due to the ‘not met with actions’ judgement at a previous inspection.

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Inspection team

Peter Humphries, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Janet Satchwell Ofsted Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visitwww.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

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Inspection team

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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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