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Schools & FE · Independent school inspection

London Christian Learning Centre

Inspected — · URN 135091

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Summary

No overall grade in this framework

James Waite

What we read, and from where

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  • Inspectors verified

    James Waite

  • Postcode verified

    E12 5AD

  • Name on report verified

    London Christian Learning Centre

  • URN verified

    135091

Page 1 of 14
Page 1 of the report

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−41Criticalmore positive than 6% of reports of this type

Reads more critically than most reports of this type.

Praiseeffectivelyindependenteffectiveconsistentlystrongimprovedaccuratetimely
Criticismnot metconcernslimitedinconsistentpoorineffectivegapsserious

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FindingsWhat needs to improveAbout the inspectionLeadership positive critical
  • Findings3465w−53
  • Leadership144w+67
  • What needs to improve72w+33

Strengths

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No standout praise found.

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Pages
14
Words of findings
3,587
longer than usual (typical 1813)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 44, typical 49
Average sentence
24 words
Next steps
3
typical 8
Hedged sentences
5%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 84%Leadership 3%What needs to improve 2%About the inspection 11%

Full report text

School progress monitoring inspection report

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London Christian Learning Centre 639  643 Romford Road, Manor Park, London E12 5AD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii) and 2(2)(e)(iii)  At the previous inspection, the school did not provide independent careers advice to pupils in the secondary phase. As a result, pupils were unable to make informed choices about the next stage of their education.  Leaders have taken some appropriate steps to improve careers education, in line with their action plan. For example, leaders now regularly invite visiting speakers from a range of workplaces to speak to pupils about their careers. However, the plans to commission an external, impartial and appropriately qualified careers adviser are still yet to be realised.  As a result, paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii) and 2(2)(e)(iii) continue to be unmet. Paragraph 3, 3(f)  At the previous inspection, the school had limited reading resources in both the primary and secondary phases. The school‟s proposed actions to improve this lacked clarity.

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Main inspection findings

 This inspection confirmed that reading resources continue to be too limited. The selection of available books for pupils, especially relevant age-appropriate fiction to facilitate reading for pleasure, is poor.  As a result, paragraph 3, 3(f) continues to be unmet.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  At the previous inspection, safeguarding was judged as ineffective. The school did not have a strong safeguarding culture. For example, staff had not completed any safeguarding training, and pre-employment checks were not carried out in line with statutory guidance.  This inspection found there to have been some minor improvements. For example, leaders now ensure that staff receive regular training on their safeguarding responsibilities and have updated their safeguarding policy in line with current statutory

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Main inspection findings

guidance.  However, there has not been enough progress to ensure that there is a strong enough safeguarding culture. For example, handwritten logs of safeguarding concerns show a lack of rigour in following up concerns and recording any actions taken. There is also too much reliance on speaking to parents, when seeking external advice from social care professionals would be more appropriate.  Pre-employment checks are still not carried out in line with statutory guidance.  The safeguarding policy is not available on the school‟s website.  As a result, paragraph 7, 7(a) and 7(b) continues to be unmet. In addition, paragraph 32(1) and 32(1)(c) is also unmet. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  At the previous inspection, the contents of the behaviour policy did not reflect the sanctions in use. The school did not keep records or logs of pupils‟ misbehaviour.  Leaders have, in line with their action plan, revised their behaviour policy and created

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Main inspection findings

behaviour and bullying logs for all classes. However, while the new incident logs identify a „demerit‟ as a common sanction, this is not listed as a sanction in the behaviour policy. The handwritten logs of pupils‟ misbehaviour and bullying incidents are inconsistent, patchy and rarely include any detail of the action taken and the final outcome. In some classes‟ logs, pupils are referred to as „pupil A‟ and „pupil B‟ throughout. This makes it impossible to identify trends.  As a result, paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10 continue to be unmet. Paragraph 13  At the previous inspection, a first-aid policy was not in place.  This inspection confirmed that the arrangements for first aid are now acceptable. The school‟s appropriate first-aid policy is now available on its website. There are five trained first-aiders and an appropriately equipped medical room facility.  As a result, paragraph 13 is now met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 15  The previous inspection found that the admission register did not meet requirements. Leaders were unaware of their duty to inform the local authority when a pupil is deleted from the admission register.  Leaders were unable to evidence the impact of their proposed actions from their action plan. Specifically, leaders were unable to show the inspector any evidence that pupils who have left the school are accounted for with destination details and, where necessary, a referral to the local authority. In addition, the admission register still does not meet requirements because pupils‟ previous schools are not recorded in full.  As a result, paragraph 15 continues to be unmet.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are now met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(b), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii),

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Main inspection findings

20(6)(b)(iii), 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)(i), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  At the previous inspection, the single central record of vetting checks was not in place. Additionally, there were gaps in the pre-employment checks.  This inspection confirmed that leaders have not completed the proposed actions identified in their action plan. The single central record of vetting checks does not meet requirements. There are very many gaps. Some checks are not completed consistently, some are misunderstood and some have been recorded in the wrong place. Checks have not been completed on trustees and governors, and some trustees and governors are missing completely.  As a result, the paragraphs listed above continue to be not met.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 25, 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 29(1) and 29(1)(b)  At the previous inspection, accommodation for secondary pupils was not of sufficient quality. Leaders had not provided pupils with suitable toilet and washing facilities for their sole use. There was no hot water facility at pupils‟ washbasins. Signage to indicate drinking water was inconsistent. Outdoor space was too limited for regular outdoor play.  This inspection confirmed that leaders have taken generally effective action to improve the premises for pupils in the secondary phase. The part of the premises inspected in 2016 has since been converted into residential accommodation and is, therefore, no longer used by the school. Pupils in the secondary phase now access a large classroom and appropriate toilet and washing facilities, which include an adequate hot water supply

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Main inspection findings

and consistently labelled drinking water.  However, as was the case at the previous inspection, the inspector found an unlocked, unlabelled cleaners‟ cupboard. This means that dangerous cleaning chemicals are not sufficiently kept out of pupils‟ reach.  The inspection also confirmed, again, that the outdoor space for play is too limited for pupils of secondary age. Leaders have not yet come up with a suitable solution, despite the suggestion in their action plan that the local park would become an „extended playground‟.  As a result, paragraphs 25, 29(1) and 29(1)(b) continue to be not met.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are now met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(2), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f) and 32(3)(g)  At the previous inspection, information provided to parents about policies were not all up

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Main inspection findings

to date or completed. The school did not have a systematic approach to keeping records and providing the required information to parents.  This inspection found that some of the required information is now available. For example, curriculum, first aid, health and safety, behaviour and preventing bullying policies are all available on the school‟s website. However, some information, such as contact details for the proprietors and chair of the governing body, is still not available.  As a result, paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(2), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c) 32(3) and 32(3)(b) continue to be not met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(j), 33(j)(i) and 33(j)(ii)  At the previous inspection, the school‟s written records of complaints did not reflect the details required by the independent school standards.  This inspection found the handwritten complaints log to be very sparse, but it does now

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Main inspection findings

include the actions taken following a complaint. However, the stage of resolution is still not recorded.  As a result, paragraph 33, 33(j)(i) continues to be not met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  Leaders have not taken effective action since the previous full inspection in October 2016. At that time, they had not been effective in ensuring that the independent school standards were met fully.  This inspection confirms that, well over a year on, little has improved and the vast majority of independent school standards previously judged as not met continue to be not met. Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  This inspection confirms that the unmet standards in relation to safeguarding mean that the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage continue to be not met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet 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, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £3,600 to £3,840

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 18–20 October 2016

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Information about this school

 London Christian Learning Centre is a faith school and part of the Christian Education Europe network of schools. The school uses the curriculum known as the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) programme for subjects that are taught in the mornings, including English, mathematics, science and social studies. This is supplemented by other curriculum subjects, including Spanish, computing and creative education. The school makes regular use of the facilities in a local park for physical education.  The school is registered for pupils aged 3 to18. Children in the early years classes attend full time. Pupils typically leave the school at age 15, and continue their education at a college of further education of their choice. No pupils have attended the school beyond age 16 or sat GCSE examinations at the school. The school does not provide sixth-form provision.  The school‟s last inspection was in October 2016, when its overall effectiveness was

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Information about this school

judged as inadequate and a number of independent school standards were unmet.  The school does not use any alternative provision or other premises.

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Information about this inspection

 This 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 not to comply with at its previous inspection.  This inspection was the school‟s first progress monitoring inspection and was conducted without notice.  In October 2016, a full standard inspection of the school judged it to be inadequate. The school submitted an action plan. Ofsted‟s review of this plan in February 2017 judged it not to be acceptable. As a result, the Department for Education wrote to the school to confirm that the action plan had been rejected.  The inspection focused on the school‟s progress against specific requirements within Parts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the independent school standards.  The inspector conducted the inspection in collaboration with the deputy headteacher in

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Information about this inspection

the headteacher‟s absence.  The inspector toured the premises and scrutinised relevant documentation related to careers education, safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour and complaints.  There have been no recent responses to Ofsted‟s online questionnaire, Parent View.

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain unmet at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are   2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that   2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;  2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and  2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school   3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that   7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and  7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that   9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour;  9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and  9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.  10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if   18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction;  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual (“MB”), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if   20(6)(a) MB   20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction;  20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB   20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check;  20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB‟s identity and MB‟s right to work in the United Kingdom; and  20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB‟s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB‟s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State;  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

school in question.  21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is   21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether   21(3)(a)(i) S‟s identity was checked;  21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act;  21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction;  21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S;  21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d);  21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S‟s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and  21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e);  21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff (“S”), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.  21(4) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of staff in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007, whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (3) was made and whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.  21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors

(“MB”) of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.  21(7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007   21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and  21(7)(b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

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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.  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 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that   32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate.  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is   32(2)(b)  32(2)(b)(ii) where the proprietor is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office;  32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is   32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

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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(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and   33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing.

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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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that   32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school's internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request.

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that   23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that   28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water;  28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such.  32(3) The following information is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 32(3)(a) particulars of the school‟s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions;  32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13;  32(3)(e) particulars of the school‟s academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations;  32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.  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(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and   33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

whether they are upheld). 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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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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 .

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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

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