College of VCP

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

College of VCP Office 8, 62 Portman Road, Reading RG30 1EA

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4  Leaders have not ensured that the proposed curriculum will be sufficiently broad and balanced. There are no plans to teach art, modern foreign languages or design and technology subjects. Nor are these subjects to be covered through any thematic days or events. Plans for the teaching of music and drama are too restricted. As a result, it is not likely that pupils will gain enough experience in linguistic, technological, aesthetic or creative education.  Currently there is no provision for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). Leaders are considering regular ‘drop-down’ days for PSHE but have not drawn up any firm plans for what will be taught.  Leaders have not considered how they will provide pupils with access to accurate, unbiased and up-to-date careers education to help prepare them for the next stage in their education.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The planned curriculum focuses on mathematics and science subjects, in which school leaders have expertise and strong subject knowledge. Leaders have obtained appropriate resources of a suitably high quality to support pupils’ studies, including a range of up-to-date textbooks and revision guides. However, the school does not have sufficient resources for the proposed younger pupils in key stage 3.  Materials for carrying out practical science activities are currently stored in a locked storage area on the proposed site. Leaders have plans to create a dedicated science laboratory.  The premises are not currently operating as a school. Some of the resources obtained by leaders have been used while the proposed school has been operating as an after- school tuition and revision centre. Leaders were able to provide evidence of their understanding of how to plan effective sequences of learning and helpful teaching

p.1

Main inspection findings

methods.  Leaders provided evidence of the impact they have made on pupils attending the part-time tuition centre, which indicates that they are skilled in motivating pupils, helping them to think for themselves and increasing their progress. However, the planned teaching methods could not be observed in action.  Curriculum planning includes a scheme of assessment against each proposed subject, which will enable teachers to identify pupils’ progress and what they need to improve. Leaders have also planned for twice-yearly reporting to parents of pupils’ progress and attainment.  This part of the independent school standards is unlikely to be met.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  Although the proposed curriculum does not include a defined programme for PSHE, pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is prioritised in the school’s stated ethos and values.  Through their policies and procedures for managing pupils’ behaviour and preventing bullying, leaders are intent on enabling pupils to gain confidence and self-esteem. These policies clearly promote respect for other people, with particular attention to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Equality Act.  Leaders show a commitment to promoting British values. They have planned extra- curricular activities and routines that will help pupils to learn about moral choices, democracy and the laws of the land.  The proposed curriculum for religious studies includes wide-ranging studies of a variety of cultures and religions.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 Leaders state that they are committed to the promotion of free speech and balanced debate, but not without safeguards to prevent the promotion of extreme views.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7  Leaders are not as familiar as they should be with the guidance from the Secretary of State regarding safeguarding pupils and promoting their welfare. During the inspection, gaps in leaders’ knowledge, understanding and experience emerged that have the potential to put pupils at risk of harm.  The headteacher is planning to take on the role of designated safeguarding leader (DSL) if the school is registered to open. She has attended an introductory online child protection course, which has increased her knowledge. She is able to recognise the signs of possible abuse, knows how to make a referral to the local authority and recognises the importance of sharing information. However, she is not sufficiently well trained or experienced to carry out the role of DSL in a secondary school.  During the inspection, the safeguarding and child protection policies had to be

p.2

Main inspection findings

updated to meet requirements. These are now suitable and ready to be published on the school’s website, once it is operational. Paragraphs 9, 10, 11, 12  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are suitable. They outline leaders’ expectations of pupils’ conduct clearly and indicate the possible sanctions that may be applied if pupils commit misdemeanours or break a school rule. The anti-bullying policy demonstrates an appropriate understanding of the causes and impact of bullying.  Leaders have drawn up a suitable health and safety policy which takes into account the context of the proposed premises for the school.  The proprietor has worked with the building’s fire safety officers to carry out the statutory checks in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Paragraph 13  The proprietor holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. However, the school does not have a first aid policy and leaders have not outlined how first aid will be

p.2

Main inspection findings

administered. Paragraphs 14, 15  The school is not currently in operation. Subject to registration and the planned numbers on roll, leaders are planning to appoint an appropriate number of teaching and support staff to ensure that pupils are properly supervised.  Leaders have prepared a template on which to register pupils admitted to the school. This admission and attendance register meets requirements, subject to accurate recording. Paragraph 16  Leaders do not have sufficient understanding of how to assess and manage risk. They have not drawn up a risk assessment policy. There has not been sufficient consideration of the potential risk to pupils entering and leaving the school building, which has shared access with other users. Although leaders have planned for pupils to have physical education off-site at a local sports ground and leisure centre, they have not put together an appropriate risk assessment for pupils’ travel.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 Leaders provided examples of completed risk assessments. These were not sufficiently detailed or tailored to the age of the pupils to be enrolled in the school.  The school is not likely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 20, 21  The premises are not currently operating as a school and, other than the proprietor and headteacher, no staff have been appointed. Leaders have been checked and are suitable to work in a school. The school is not planning to use any supply teachers.  Leaders are aware of most of the statutory checks that need to be made on adults working in schools. However, until the pre-registration inspection, they were not aware that they had to check whether potential staff are prohibited from teaching.  Before the pre-registration inspection, leaders did not know that they are required to carry out a check for a section 128 (suitability of individuals taking part in the management of an independent school) direction. Although leaders have put together a safer recruitment policy which includes this guidance, they had not taken note of

p.3

Main inspection findings

the statutory requirements.  During the inspection, leaders drew up a suitable electronic form on which to record the statutory checks on staff suitability.  This part of the independent school standards is not likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23  The proposed school building has separate toilets and washing facilities for boys and girls. These are intended to be for the sole use of pupils, with toilets for adults located on the ground floor of the building.  There are no shower facilities in the building. Leaders are proposing to use shower facilities at the leisure centre when pupils attend for physical education. Paragraph 24  School leaders have not made sure that there is a suitable room for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. They are proposing to use the school office, which will be occupied by the proprietor or other staff. This room does not have a washing facility and is not situated near to a toilet. Paragraphs 25, 26  The proposed accommodation is not ready to be a school. The proposed school is within a building that contains storage ‘lock-up’ facilities and office spaces for short-

p.4

Main inspection findings

term rental. This location raises concerns about pupils’ safety and their potential contact with unchecked personnel when entering and leaving the school building.  One of the two proposed classrooms seen during the pre-registration inspection does not have sufficient ventilation: it has no window apart from two small skylights, and ventilation is supplied by a wall-mounted air-conditioning unit.  At the time of this pre-registration inspection, there were other business enterprises occupying the same corridor as the planned school rooms. Leaders gave assurances that these businesses are due to relocate to another part of the building, but the inspector saw no firm plans to this effect.  Some aspects of the building are not well maintained. There were missing ceiling tiles, and cables were trailing in the kitchen area.  Leaders did not provide any evidence of suitable sound insulation or acoustics in the

p.4

Main inspection findings

planned classrooms. Paragraphs 27, 28, 29, 30, 31  The proposed school building has suitable lighting inside and out. There is drinking water supplied in the kitchen area, although it is not labelled as such.  The washing facilities in the toilets are supplied with hot and cold water, but the hot water presents a scalding risk to pupils.  The building has no suitable outdoor space for recreation during break and lunchtimes. There is nowhere suitable or safe for pupils to get some fresh air outside the building. Nor is there any outdoor or indoor space that is suitable for games or physical education.  Leaders are proposing to make shared use of a local sports ground, in addition to the use of a nearby leisure centre, for physical education. Both these locations will require mini-bus transport.  The school is unlikely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The school is not operating yet, so has no dedicated website. Leaders are planning to adapt the current tuition-centre website if the school is registered.  School leaders showed the inspector the school’s website, which is under construction. It is set up appropriately and will enable all the required information and policies to be readily available to parents and others.  Leaders are aware of what is required on the website and have planned how they are going to ensure that all the statutory information is kept up to date.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The school’s complaints policy meets statutory requirements. It allows for a complaint to be made and resolved informally. There are clearly defined timescales for the school’s response to any complaint, and the policy allows for the parents to be represented at an independent panel.  Arrangements for secure recording and appropriate retention of complaints information are outlined in the policy.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Leaders have not ensured that all the independent school standards are likely to be met if the school is registered. There are serious shortfalls in leaders’ proposals for the quality of education and their arrangements for pupils’ welfare, health and safety.  The planned accommodation is not yet suitable to be a school. Leaders have been awaiting registration before commissioning the necessary works to improve the building. At present, there is too much to complete and modify before the proposed school is safe and comfortable for pupils.  Leaders have not considered carefully enough how they will ensure that pupils receive an education that is comparable with other independent and maintained secondary schools. The subjects on offer are too limited and will not enable pupils to access a wide enough range of opportunities beyond compulsory education. In addition,

p.5

Main inspection findings

leaders have not taken enough account of their duties to provide effective PSHE and careers education.  The headteacher and proprietor have not acquired sufficient knowledge, expertise and experience in safeguarding and child protection to help keep pupils safe and meet their statutory duties.  There is no doubt that leaders are highly qualified in their subject areas, well intentioned and determined to provide high-quality tuition, particularly in science and mathematics. They are equally intent on conveying strong values of respect for other people and for learning. During this pre-registration inspection, the proprietor and headteacher were keen to learn from the experience and improve their plans, policies and the accommodation.  The school is unlikely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

p.6

Main inspection findings

 The school is appropriately adapted to meet the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The accommodation has use of a lift to the proposed school.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.8

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11–18 11–18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 80 80

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 80

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 0

p.9

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 0

p.9

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 0

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 8

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed College of VCP is an independent day secondary school, catering for up to 80 boys and girls aged between 11 and 18.  The proprietor and headteacher have been operating an after-school and weekend tuition centre, in the same location, under the name of VCP, for a number of years.  The school’s stated aim is ‘to be a world class, distinctive day college, maintaining high academic standards and nurturing integrity and leadership’.  The proposed school is located within a large office and storage building on an industrial and commercial estate in Reading.  School leaders do not currently plan to admit pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities, or who have education, health and care plans.  The school is not planning to use any alternative provision.  School leaders plan to offer a curriculum leading to GCSE and A-level qualifications, including English, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, history, geography,

p.10

Information about this proposed school

computer science, religious studies and physical education. The proposed school will also offer tuition in drama and music, leading to London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) awards.  The school does not have any particular religious affiliation.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration of the proposed school. Leaders are hoping to open the school in September 2018. The inspection focused on whether the proposed school was likely to meet the independent school standards, if registered.  Her Majesty’s Inspector met with the proprietor and the headteacher to discuss their plans for the school and to review policies.  The inspector also reviewed how the school is planning to promote British values, pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, and prepare pupils effectively for the next stage in their education.  Curriculum planning and resources were scrutinised to check if they were likely to meet the independent school standards and provide a broad and balanced education.  The inspector discussed arrangements for safeguarding, including the school’s understanding of child protection, risk assessment, safer recruitment and site security.

p.11

Information about this inspection

 The inspector toured the proposed site to check the suitability of the building and rooms for use as a school.

p.11

Inspection team

Janet Pearce, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

p.11

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which-

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school's aim and ethos; and

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9];

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that-

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and

p.12

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and

p.12

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

p.12

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

 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 school in question.

p.13

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

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

p.13

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

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether-

p.13

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

– 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;

p.13

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

– 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.

p.13

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-

p.13

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 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.

p.13

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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-

p.13

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

p.13

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

p.13

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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).

p.13

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.  26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.

p.13

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

p.14

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and

p.14

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

p.14

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable-

p.14

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and

p.14

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-

p.14

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

p.14

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

p.14

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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 .

p.14

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.15

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 .

p.15

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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 , safeguarding and child protection.

p.15

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.15

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.15

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.15