Malton Montessori School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Malton Montessori School Uplands House, Castle Howard Road, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6NJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1 and 2  School leaders have designed a Montessori curriculum for the school. However, the curriculum plan available at the time of the inspection only took into account the areas of learning for children in the Nursery Year. Further documents show that the proprietor has made a start on the curriculum for older pupils but has not yet completed the task.  While the planned curriculum schemes of work cover all the required areas of learning, they do not take account the ages and starting points of prospective pupils, in particular pupils in Year 7.  Currently, the school is operating as an alternative provider delivering education using a Montessori approach to six key stage 1 pupils. Four pupils attend on a full-time basis and two attend part-time. A brief analysis of books and records of achievement shows that pupils are clearly developing a range of academic skills and knowledge in

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Main inspection findings

line with what could be expected for their age group in some subject areas of the curriculum.  The proprietor has appointed three Montessori-trained members of staff who currently work within the nursery and the alternative provision. It is planned that these staff will continue in this role and others will join as the proposed school increases in size.  The proposed school is planning to take secondary-age pupils. However, the proprietor has not yet planned for how they will have access to early careers guidance nor a curriculum that will meet their needs.  Based on evidence available at the time of the pre-inspection visit, the school is unlikely to meet the independent school standards.  The suitable personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme is likely to provide a range of interesting activities. It is designed to support the growth in pupils of tolerance and respect and care for others and wider society. The plans

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Main inspection findings

show how fundamental British values are to be taught and how pupils will learn to respect the protected characteristics identified within the Equality Act 2010. This area is likely to meet required independent school standards. Paragraph 3  Staff observed during the inspection were effective at engaging pupils and working within the Montessori curriculum. These primary-aged pupils appeared to enjoy learning and demonstrated inquisitive and thoughtful attitudes to learning tasks.  However, curriculum plans did not demonstrate how older pupils will learn and develop nor how pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities will have their needs met should they join the school.  It is unlikely that standards identified in this paragraph will be met at this time. Paragraph 4  The school has proposed a simple system for monitoring pupils’ progress through the Montessori curriculum which evaluates individual pupils’ progress. As the school

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Main inspection findings

intends to deliver learning solely through a Montessori approach this system is likely to meet requirements.  Not all independent standards within this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor has a clear understanding of the importance of increasing pupils’ confidence and self-esteem. Planned work is comprehensive and is overall age- appropriate.  Leaders are very clearly aware of the need to ensure that pupils gain a strong understanding of those people whose characteristics are protected in law. The planned PSHE curriculum ensures that pupils are asked a range of challenging questions. This enables them, through discussion to develop an understanding about democracy and the rule of law as well as to understand right from wrong.  School leaders intend to develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural well-being

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Main inspection findings

through opportunities in art and through the PSHE curriculum. Further opportunities have also been identified through helping others in the community, for example in planting flowers in a local park.  It is also planned that the school’s well-established outdoor learning provision will contribute to this aspect of the curriculum.  All independent standards within this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7  The proprietor has put in place some suitable arrangements to safeguard the welfare of prospective pupils. Clear safeguarding policies and procedures have been drawn up along similar lines to the onsite nursery. However, some aspects of required safer recruitment checks have not yet been carried out on current staff. The proprietor now has a clearer understanding of the checks required for school staff and plans to put this into effect as soon as possible.

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Main inspection findings

 Senior leaders have ensured that safeguarding information will be made available to parents by contacting the school directly or through the nursery website.  Leaders have made sure that all staff have received recent and relevant safeguarding training, including female genital mutilation and ‘Prevent’.  The proprietor has put in place effective systems to ensure pupils’ safe arrival and departure from the school. These are closely aligned to those in place for the nursery.  It is unlikely that standards identified in this paragraph will be met. Paragraph 9  An effective behaviour policy has been written and is currently being used with pupils who attend the company’s alternative provision and nursery. Identified strategies to deal with pupils’ behaviour are consistently applied. It is planned that this successful approach will be used within the school.  However, at the time of the inspection, no sanctions book had been put in place to

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Main inspection findings

record the response to pupils’ misdemeanours.  Because of this it is unlikely that standards identified in this paragraph will be met at this time. Paragraph 10  The proprietor has drawn up a suitable behaviour policy, which is based on one from the on-site nursery. Pupils are held to account for any difficult behaviour including any incidents of bullying.  This policy has successfully been implemented within the company’s alternative provision. It is planned that this policy will be used within the proposed school.  It is likely that standards identified in this paragraph will be met. Paragraphs 11 and 12  Leaders have drawn up an effective health and safety policy, which includes a comprehensive fire risk assessment which meets the required standard. This policy is already successfully in place because the building is currently used by pupils who attend the alternative provision and nursery records kept by the school demonstrate

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Main inspection findings

clear protocols followed by staff.  It is likely that the independent standards relating to this paragraph are met. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has ensured that a first aid policy is in place which includes provision for the administration of first aid. Nearly all staff have completed paediatric first aid training. Records show that training is up to date with timely refresher courses planned in the proposed school and nursery diary.  It is likely that the independent standards relating to this paragraph are met. Paragraph 14  Children attending the nursery and alternative provision currently are well cared for with suitable levels of staff supervision. This demonstrates that the proprietor recognises the need to provide appropriate supervision for pupils through the effective deployment of staff.  It is likely that the independent standards relating to this paragraph are met. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has ensured that attendance register will be completed in line with

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Main inspection findings

current regulatory requirements before the school opens. However, the proprietor was not aware of the necessity to complete an admissions register. As a result, at the time of the inspection no plans were in place for such a register.  The standard in this paragraph is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 16  The proposed school has a risk assessment policy. This policy is already successfully in place within the nursery and alternative provision run by the proprietor.  Risk assessments viewed at the time of the inspection demonstrated that staff are clear about what constitutes risks to pupils and what action is needed to minimise risk overall.  The quality of documentation viewed by the inspector makes it likely that, should the same system be implemented as planned, the independent standards for this paragraph will be met.  However, not all the independent school standards are likely to be met for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17 to 21  The proprietor has not ensured that all required and appropriate checks have been undertaken to ensure the suitability of current and prospective employees and the proprietor to work with children.  The proprietor and her family live on the first floor of the house where the new school is to be situated. All members of the family have had the requisite checks, with the exception of the proprietor’s husband, who has an office adjacent to the school room.  A register has been compiled which details some of the required checks and is in a legible and accessible format.  During the inspection, it became clear that the proprietor was unaware of the need to carry out checks to ensure that staff are not prohibited from teaching pupils. The proprietor was also not aware of the need to check the medical fitness checks on staff. The proprietor had also not been aware of the process required to carry out the

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Main inspection findings

checks on staff who had lived or worked outside the European Economic Area.  The standards are unlikely to be met for this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23  The proposed school is to be housed in a large Victorian house. The accommodation is to be shared with the onsite nursery. The proprietor and her family live on the first floor, above the proposed school and nursery.  The location offers accommodation which includes four sizeable classrooms, an art room and a science room. A separate building caters for the provision of two-year olds and below, and forms part of the onsite nursery. At the time of the inspection, the proprietor was planning a major restructure of part of the building. It is planned that this will include separate toilet facilities for girls and boys, a new and separate office area and a medical room. However, parts of this plan are in an early stage of

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Main inspection findings

development.  A tour of the premises showed a shower located within the nursery unit.  While the proprietor has plans for reorganising the buildings and accommodation, much is at an early stage of development. As a result, it is unlikely that the standards for these paragraphs will be met. Paragraphs 25 to 28  The proposed school building has effective lighting in each room. Acoustic conditions are good in each room.  The walls and floors within the building are finished to a satisfactory standard. The furniture and equipment are also of a satisfactory standard. The heating system within the school does not operate in the science room so this is not always useable during the winter months. Montessori-based resources are plentiful and modern technologies are of good quality.  Stone drinking-water coolers are in place in both the nursery areas and the rooms allocated to the alternative provision. These are filled regularly and at the time of the

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Main inspection findings

inspection allowed children access to drinks of water as and when required. Hot water tested at the time of the inspection posed no risk of scalding.  These measures should ensure that the independent standards are met for these paragraphs. Paragraph 29  The outside space is utilised well by the nursery to provide a range of outdoor play opportunities. This space, it is planned, will be shared by younger pupils who join the school. A further lawn area is located close to the school building. The proprietor proposes that this will be used as a play and sports area for older pupils. Further physical education (PE) activities for older pupils will take place at a local sports centre.  The proprietor proposes that pupils will also take part in outdoor learning activities locally, allowing them further opportunities for exercise and outdoor play. These measures should ensure that the independent standards are met in this paragraph.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards are unlikely to be met for this part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  At the time of the inspection, the proposed school shared a website with the nursery provision. While the proprietor has ensured that most aspects of the required standards are met, the headteacher’s name and the school address are missing from the information on the website.  At the time of the inspection, the proprietor was not aware of the need to provide an admissions register for the school, so no such document was available.  It is intended that until the website is altered, parents will be able to access information directly from the school office including information on their children’s progress.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  At the time of the inspection, the proprietor had put in place a complaints policy. However, the policy does not meet the requirements of the independent schools

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Main inspection findings

standards.  For example, the policy does not make provision for a hearing to take place before a panel, should parents not be satisfied with the initial outcome of the complaint.  In addition, the policy does not make provision for parents to be accompanied to any such hearing should they wish.  The current complaints policy does not make provision for a panel to make decisions, nor does it stipulate that one panel member must be independent of the leadership and management of the school.  The policy does not also make provision for a written response to parents within a timely time frame.  As a result of these deficiencies, it is unlikely that this part of the independent school standards will be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  During the inspection, the proprietor showed a lack of understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards. The proprietor did, however, show

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Main inspection findings

a strong understanding of the needs of pupils currently attending the alternative provision.  The proprietor appeared unprepared for the inspection. Many required documents were missing or had not been prepared with the requirements of the independent school standards in mind.  Staff appointments have not been undertaken safely and rigorously as prohibition checks have not been carried out on those carrying out teaching duties.  The proprietor plans to set up a board of governors in the near future. However, there is no firm starting date to complete this.  The proprietor has not ensured that the independent standards are likely to be met for the quality of leadership and management. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has not devised an effective accessibility plan and as a result, section 3 of the Equalities Act 2010 is not met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Anja Jacqueline Clare Rutter

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £1,250 per term

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Proposed school details

Website www.maltonmontessorischool.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 4 Number of pupils of compulsory school age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who is looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 24

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 20

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5–7 5–12 5–11 Number of pupils on the school roll 4 50 25

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recommendation

 The proprietor has plans to move the nursery to a different location. However, these plans are at an early stage of development. The current building would have capacity for 20 primary age pupils.  The proprietor wishes to take pupils up to the age of 12. However, currently the school staff and proprietor lack knowledge and understanding of this age range of pupils.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Boys Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 4 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 3

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor seeks registration to establish a school for up to 50 boys and girls aged between five and 12.  Pupils will be educated according to the Montessori philosophy.  It is planned that the school will be located initially alongside the school’s nursery provision.  The school is located in the North Yorkshire town of Malton. It aims to serve pupils from the locality and surrounding areas.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the school.  Discussions were held with the proprietor.  The inspector toured the proposed premises, which are also currently used as a nursery.  The inspector discussed the proposed changes with the proprietor.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documents, including curriculum plans, the school’s proposed assessment framework, the behaviour policy, health and safety and safeguarding documentation.

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Inspection team

Marian Thomas, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if— – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work— – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan;  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are— – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that—

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress;

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if— – 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(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.

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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; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person– – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness; – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

by the Secretary of State;  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)(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)(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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including— – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and – 24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  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;

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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)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection is provided to the body conducting the inspection and that body is given access to the school’s admission and attendance registers;  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is— – 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher; – 32(2)(b) either— – 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor’s full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted, or  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is— – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions,

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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(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is—

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 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; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld); and – 33(k) provides that correspondence, statements and records relating to individual complaints are to be kept confidential except where the Secretary of State or a body conducting an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act requests access to them.

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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. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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