First Rung Independent School

School material change inspection report

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First Rung Independent School 197–205 High Street, Ponders End, Enfield EN3 4DZ and 333 Edgware Road, Colindale, NW9 6TD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1), 32(1)(c)  This material change inspection confirmed that the school’s approach to safeguarding continues to meet the requirements of the independent school standards and national statutory guidance.  The school has not yet operated with pupils and will do so for the first time in September 2018. There is likely to be a strong culture of safeguarding. Staff training is recent and appropriate. The school’s compliant safeguarding policy is published online and leaders have prepared well to implement the upcoming revised statutory guidance in September 2018. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The new premises have been completed to a high specification. They present no health and safety concerns. The school’s health and safety policy is fit for purpose.  The fire alarm system is new. An external fire risk assessment confirms that there are

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Main inspection findings

no concerns and leaders are aware of their responsibilities in relation to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  All staff are first-aid trained.  There is a very high staff-to-pupil ratio. As a result, pupils are likely to be safely supervised.  The risk assessment of the premises is fit for purpose. It identifies no especial concerns and appropriately considers how to minimise risks to pupils.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is implemented. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Main inspection findings

All paragraphs  From September 2018, the school will cease to use premises at 508 Edgware Road, London NW9 5AB and will relocate to newly refurbished premises at 333 Edgware Road, Colindale, London NW9 6TD in the London Borough of Brent.  The new open-plan premises have been completed to a high standard. They are modern, clean, safe and conducive to learning. They include a dedicated pupil entrance, six classrooms, a ‘breakout’ space, and various office and smaller learning spaces.  A new medical room facility has been built alongside the toilet facilities. It is likely to meet all the requirements.  All requirements related to toilets, acoustics, lighting, drinking water and the supply and temperature of water are likely to be met.  There are no changing room or shower facilities. These will be provided, as at the previous premises, at local leisure centres as part of the school’s physical education

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Main inspection findings

offer. As there is also no outdoor space, the local park will be used for daily recreation.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is implemented. 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 worked effectively to relocate to new and appropriate premises. Leaders have ensured that all the relevant standards related to the requested material change are likely to be met.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material change is implemented.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Type of school Day school and alternative provider

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School details

Email address BJones-Leka@firstrung.org.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 14 to 16 No change Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 11 No change Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 11 Not applicable Number of part-time pupils None Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities None Not applicable

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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 None Not applicable

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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 None Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 8 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 1 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 6 Not applicable

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Information about this school

 First Rung Independent School was registered as an independent school in June 2018. It offers day places for up to 60 boys and girls aged 14 to 16.  The school admits pupils who require a different learning experience, including those who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from their mainstream schools. Some pupils have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities.  The school is part of the wider First Rung organisation, which is a charitable organisation overseen by a chief executive officer and a board of trustees.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  The school has not yet been subject to a full standard inspection.  From September 2018, the school will cease to use premises at 508 Edgware Road, London NW9 5AB and will relocate to 333 Edgware Road, Colindale, London NW9 6TD in the London Borough of Brent. This is in addition to their premises at 197–205 High

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Information about this school

Street, Ponders End, Enfield, London EN3 4DZ.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to consider the school’s application for a material change to its registration. The proprietor wishes to make use of new premises at 333 Edgware Road, Colindale, London NW9 6TD.  The DfE requested that the inspector consider whether particular independent school standards contained within Parts 3, 5 and 8 would be likely to be met if the material change is implemented.  The inspector met with the deputy chief executive officer, headteacher and centre manager. He toured the premises and reviewed a range of key documents including in relation to health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.  The inspector also considered an external fire risk assessment and leaders’ risk assessment of the premises, which were provided after the inspection visit.  There were no responses to Ofsted’s online survey (Parent View) to be considered as

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Inspection team

James Waite, 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 .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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