Serenity School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Serenity School 88–90 Southend Lane, Croydon CR0 1DQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  Leaders have developed curriculum and assessment policies which appropriately consider the needs of pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities.  Leaders have developed suitable teaching plans, which cover all the required areas of learning for pupils aged 11 to 16. A teaching team has been recruited to ensure coverage of all curriculum areas, including music, food technology and sports leadership.  British values and the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010, are planned to be addressed across the curriculum areas, as well as through the appropriately planned personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme.  Leaders’ plans for careers education are likely to be suitable. In addition to a well- planned careers education programme for all pupils, external careers advisers will be

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Main inspection findings

commissioned from the local authority to provide impartial information, advice and guidance to pupils in Years 10 and 11.  An appropriate assessment system has been planned. Pupils’ progress, both personal and academic, will be tracked over time using an online system and ‘I can’ statement banks.  There are suitable plans to assure the quality of teaching and assessment. The school’s consultant, who will support the headteacher two days per week, will lead a thorough monitoring and training cycle for teachers.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  Leaders have developed suitable plans which outline a clear commitment to the promotion of British values and to ensuring that pupils learn about all the protected characteristics and develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally.

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Main inspection findings

 The PSHE programme is comprehensively planned. The programme is likely to ensure that pupils learn about equality, diversity and about a range of religions, cultures and beliefs, including through assemblies, daily reflection and themed events.  The school’s staff handbook makes it clear that no member of staff may promote partisan views and that balanced viewpoints must always be presented in the teaching of all subjects.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance. It is made available on the school’s website. Arrangements for staff induction, training, weekly updates and checks on their understanding are likely to ensure that pupils are kept as safe as possible. The school’s proposed system for recording concerns, referrals and any actions taken is appropriate. Online enhanced safeguarding training was booked for designated safeguarding leaders during the inspection. It was completed by the headteacher on 24 August 2018. Another full-time member of staff will also complete this training in order to be able to deputise for the headteacher.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to meet requirements. They have been appropriately developed with pupils’ SEN and/or disabilities in mind.  Leaders have written an appropriate first aid policy. During the inspection, evidence to

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Main inspection findings

confirm that at least two first aiders have been suitably trained was not available. However, evidence was provided after the inspection that a teacher has completed a three-day first aid training course and that the headteacher is booked to train in first aid on 7 September 2018. However, there is not an appropriate medical room facility that meets all the requirements.  The school is not likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment had not been completed at the time of the inspection. At this time, the fire extinguishers seen were last checked in 2008 and the fire alarm system had a fault. Fire safety professionals were commissioned to attend the premises in September 2018, which was brought forward to 24 August 2018 as a result of the inspection. Leaders have informed inspectors that the fire safety issues will be resolved as a matter of urgency.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have produced an acceptable health and safety policy but had not written a risk assessment policy or undertaken a risk assessment of the premises at the time of the inspection. Following the inspection, both an acceptable risk assessment policy and premises risk assessment were written and shared with the inspector.  At the time of the inspection, the premises were not ready for pupils. The windows opened too widely, there were plumbing concerns in the toilets and some of the lighting did not work because of a leak. Works to replace lightbulbs, redecorate, furnish, create a safe and secure reception area and declutter some of the rooms were all planned to take place before, and during, September 2018. Some works, according to information provided after the inspection, have been completed, and items such as magnet locks for doors and mechanisms to secure windows have been ordered. However, the information provided is not enough to judge the relevant

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Main inspection findings

standards as likely to be met.  Admission and attendance registers will be kept electronically using the required codes and including the required information.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered, as listed in the annex to this report.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  All the required vetting checks for the proprietor, headteacher, staff (including agency staff) and the school’s consultant, have been completed and accurately recorded on a single central record of checks, which is likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The school’s premises consist of multiple classrooms and learning spaces across three floors of a building which will also be used at weekends as a place of worship.  The premises were not ready for pupils at the time of this pre-registration inspection. They were not safe, clean or well maintained. Fire safety was a particular concern.  A disabled toilet has been allocated as the medical room facility. The toilet facility is not separated, as per the requirements, and there were no bed or medical supplies. However, evidence that medical supplies are now in place was provided after the inspection.  There is a small outdoor space that will not be available for use for outdoor play until it is cleared of rubbish and made safe.  There are no changing room or shower facilities. Pupils will access these facilities as part of physical education at local leisure centres.

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Main inspection findings

 At the time of the inspection, some of the internal lighting was not working because of an electrical fault due to a leak. Multiple lightbulbs had blown on all floors.  It is not known if the hot water supply is adequate or regulated because the boilers were not in operation at the time of the inspection. There were no suitably marked supplies of drinking water.  At the time of the inspection, there was no reception area and the proposed entrance was not secure. There are plans for a more secure reception area and an intercom system to be installed.  The acoustic features and sound insulation are suitable.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered, as listed in the annex to this report.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  All the required policies and information are available on the school’s website.  The school’s intended attainment and progress report template is likely to meet requirements.  Leaders are aware of their duty to provide local authorities with annual statements of income and expenditure for funded pupils with education, health and care plans.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The school’s complaints procedure, outlined in a clear complaints policy, is likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if this school is registered.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  There are suitable arrangements for the long-term leadership and governance of this school. However, even with the additional information provided after the inspection, the school is not ready to admit pupils.  All the independent school standards are not likely to be met and pupils’ well-being is not likely to be assured if Serenity School is registered as an independent school at this time.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have developed an appropriate accessibility plan. The requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are therefore likely to be 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

Type of school Day special school for boys

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £40,000 to £50,000

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Proposed school details

Email address office@serenityschool.org.uk

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proposal

Inspector’s recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Registration not recommended Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 Registration not recommended

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 8

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Information about this proposed school

 Serenity School intends to register as an independent special day school in the London Borough of Croydon. It is not currently operating and has never done so.  The school intends to offer day places to boys aged 11 to 16 who have a range of SEN and/or disabilities.  The school intends to open in September 2018.  The school will be led by a headteacher and the proprietor who will fulfil the role of deputy headteacher. A governing body has been formed.  Leaders do not intend to make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The 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 inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspector conducted the inspection with the proprietor, chair of governors and a consultant.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all of the independent school standards. As examples, he toured the premises, reviewed key documents and policies and considered the school’s proposed curriculum.  The inspector took account of additional information provided via email to the inspection administrator after the pre-registration inspection visit.

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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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.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  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.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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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.  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 includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  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).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 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; – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if–

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  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 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

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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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