First Rung Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

First Rung Independent School 197–205 High Street, Enfield EN3 4DZ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  The school has prepared a suitable curriculum policy that is specifically for key stage 4 pupils and meets requirements.  Curriculum plans take account of pupils’ different ages and abilities. They also make clear how pupils’ skills in speaking and listening, literacy and numeracy will be developed across all subjects. The plans cover all the required seven areas of learning and provide clear methods for meeting the specific needs of pupils the school intends to admit. The curriculum also provides ample opportunities for pupils to learn about British values and traditions.  During the visit, the inspector toured the school’s premises. An appropriate range of resources and materials is available in all subjects for the different activities on offer.  On entry to the school, each pupil’s literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology (ICT) and personal skills will be assessed. The results of

p.1

Main inspection findings

these checks are to be used by staff in planning stimulating activities that will be carefully tailored to meet the pupils’ needs.  To ensure that strong teaching deepens pupils’ knowledge and understanding, a quality improvement manager will check and evaluate the quality of teachers’ planning and teaching.  There are clear procedures for checking pupils’ progress across all subject areas. All pupils will sit end-of-year examinations, appropriate to their ages and abilities. Staff will be required to follow the school’s marking guidelines. In addition, they will follow the examination board’s assessment requirements to ensure that pupils receive consistent feedback and advice on their work.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The suitable personal, social, health and economic education programme is likely to

p.1

Main inspection findings

provide a range of interesting activities. It is designed to support the growth in pupils of tolerance and respect for those from faiths and traditions other than their own. There is suitable emphasis on embracing the diversity of life in modern Britain.  The school aims to ensure that pupils feel valued and are actively involved in their learning. Staff are expected to be fully committed to ensuring that pupils learn about people whose characteristics are protected in law, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. The school’s policy and planning documentation reflects this commitment.  The behaviour policy sets out very clear expectations to enable each pupil to develop effective strategies to deal with their emotions and behaviour. It is intended that they will receive regular and valuable feedback on their work and behaviour. This is to ensure that they can make sensible choices, and to develop their self-confidence and

p.2

Main inspection findings

self-esteem for their futures.  Appropriate curriculum plans are in place to teach pupils about British institutions, equality, the rule of law and democracy, as well as local and national services. Planning documentation includes coverage of keeping healthy, being a good citizen and helping others.  Outings to museums and places of interest in central London will help pupils to learn about public institutions and services. Visits from the police, youth offending services, and medical practitioners are planned to help pupils gain knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a British citizen.  The ‘Prevent’ duty policy gives useful guidance to teachers to ensure that planned lessons and activities will be free from partisan political or religious views. It goes on to state that, where any political issues are discussed, a balanced view must always be presented.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s comprehensive and effective safeguarding policy reflects the Secretary of State’s most recent guidance, ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (September 2016), and ‘Working together to safeguard children’ (rev. February 2018). It contains helpful references to, and contact details for, a range of external agencies, including the local authority’s safeguarding officers.  The school’s behaviour and sanctions policy aims to help pupils acquire the emotional resilience to resolve conflicts and problems positively. Effective systems are set out to help pupils distinguish right from wrong, so that they can behave and achieve well.  The planned curriculum provides a range of opportunities to help pupils understand the benefits of taking personal and social responsibility. Through regular times for reflection and visits to places of worship, pupils are likely to have many opportunities

p.2

Main inspection findings

to celebrate and learn tolerance of different cultures and faiths.  It is intended that every pupil will be given an equal opportunity to succeed, irrespective of his or her background. Staff will provide regular and valuable guidance to help pupils make sensible choices about their future careers through work placements and talks from outside speakers from a range of professions.  The rewards and sanctions system is based on pupils’ time-keeping, progress, behaviour and the school’s values, and provides positive incentives to behave appropriately. The anti-bullying policy sets out a framework for dealing with all forms of bullying and harassment, including homophobic, transgender and racist bullying.  The school’s health and safety and first aid policies meet requirements. Written risk assessments have been completed, are of good quality and meet all the required aspects of health and safety in reducing identified risks. A visit from an independent

p.2

Main inspection findings

fire consultant took place in May 2018 to check compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for the school’s premises. This visit found that the school met the requirements for fire safety. Fire exits are clearly signposted to enable pupils to leave the building quickly and safely.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  All the required pre-employment checks on appointed staff, governors and the proprietor are recorded in a single central record of recruitment checks. The school does not intend to employ supply staff but, should the need arise, it has appropriate procedures in place to conduct the required checks on agency staff.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The school is located on the first and second floors of a former office building.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Leaders have devised an appropriate three-year accessibility plan to fulfil its duties under the Equality Act 2010.  The school’s premises consist of five classrooms, three break-out rooms, and includes a specialist teaching room for ICT. In addition, there is a kitchen and social area where leaders intend to run a breakfast club.  Suitable toilet and washing facilities are available for the sole use of pupils, which include one for disabled users. Staff have their own separate toilets, located on the second floor.  The premises are safe, secure and well maintained. The health, safety and welfare of pupils are assured through effective implementation of the school’s health and safety procedures.  A suitable medical room is provided which pupils may use if they become unwell. A toilet is located nearby, and the room is fitted with a hand basin, with hot and cold running water clearly labelled.  The acoustic features and sound insulation, together with internal and external

p.3

Main inspection findings

lighting, are suitable throughout the building.  Water supplies, including regulated hot water and labelled drinking water, are likely to meet requirements. There is sufficient safe outside space for play and recreation for younger pupils.  For recreation and leisure, it is intended that pupils will access the local park, which is located 300 metres from the school. For sports and physical education pupils will attend the local leisure centre, which has suitable changing and showering facilities.  The school is likely to meet the requirements relevant to the material change for this part. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  All the required policies are available on the school’s website or upon request from the school. This includes the comprehensive safeguarding policy, which meets current statutory requirements.  The proposed format for the admission and attendance registers is likely to meet

p.3

Main inspection findings

requirements.  Leaders have devised a suitable annual report format to inform parents and carers of the pupils’ achievements. The format is likely to meet requirements. It makes provision for clearly identifying progress and attainment in all the subject areas taught.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The school’s complaints policy and procedures are likely to meet all the relevant requirements. The policy is clearly written and comprehensive. A suitable complaints log has been prepared.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  The proprietor and leaders have ensured that the school’s premises are well managed and maintained. They have also ensured that the staff have been recruited with suitable qualifications and experience for key stage 4 pupils.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 Senior staff and the proprietor have a good knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They have ensured that all the relevant independent school standards are likely to be met and that pupils’ welfare is safeguarded. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have devised an appropriate three-year accessibility plan to fulfil the school’s duties under the Equality Act 2010.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

p.5

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.

p.6

Proposed school details

Type of school Independent secondary day school

p.6

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.6

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14–16 14–16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 60 60

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 40

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 20

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 60

p.7

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 Not applicable 10

p.7

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 Not applicable 10

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 7

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 8

p.7

Information about this proposed school

 First Rung seeks to register as an independent school in the London Borough of Enfield. It is run by the First Rung Ltd, which is a UK charity and provider of education, training and pastoral support for vulnerable young people.  The proprietor seeks registration to establish a school for up to 60 boys and girls aged between 14 and 16. Governance will be provided by an independent board of directors, comprising 12 members.  Pupils who will attend are likely to have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Around one in five are likely to have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Currently, there are six applications for places at the school.  The school will have no specific religious affiliation. The school aims ‘to help pupils develop their knowledge and understanding in order to gain qualifications that will enable them to lead rewarding lives’.

p.7

Information about this proposed school

 The school’s website meets the requirements of the independent school standards.  The school intends to use off-site training at Edmonton Leisure Centre, 2 The Broadway, London N9 0TR, for a range of indoor sporting activities.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  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.  The inspector held meetings with the headteacher, deputy chief executive officer and the proprietor from First Rung Ltd.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood that the school will meet all the independent school standards. He toured the premises and reviewed key documents and policies, including those related to safeguarding and health and safety. He also considered the school’s proposed curriculum and its plans to meet the needs of pupils.

p.9

Inspection team

David Scott, lead inspector 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 .

p.9

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.

p.10

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 .

p.10

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.

p.10

Inspection team

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 .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10