Act Fast NL Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Act Fast Kieradan Park, North Moor Lane, Messingham, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN17 3PS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that a written curriculum policy is in place and is supported by appropriate schemes of work and plans. Following the previous pre- registration inspection, the proprietor and school leaders carried out a full review of the curriculum and it is now fit for purpose.  The proposed curriculum now covers all areas required to meet the independent school standards, with subjects interwoven across the main areas of English, mathematics, motor vehicle maintenance and forest school. These schemes provide opportunities for pupils to develop literacy and numeracy skills, alongside knowledge according to their ability and individual needs.  The proprietor has put in place a scheme of work for personal, social, health and

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Main inspection findings

economic education that encourages respect and tolerance for individuals. The scheme pays regard to the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010 and to fundamental British values, so that pupils are prepared well to play an active part in life in modern Britain. The scheme is well thought out to ensure that issues most relevant to pupils are addressed swiftly. Paragraphs 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  In the previous pre-registration inspection, there was little information about the careers guidance that pupils would receive. This has been much improved. Pupils will have access to careers education throughout the curriculum and will have one-to-one input from a careers advice service. Pupils also have the opportunity to attend a range of college events and other activities related to apprenticeships and the world of work. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that staff employed at the school have experience of teaching.  There is a system in place to assess pupils when they arrive at the school and a system to track the progress that pupils make over time.  The proprietor, school leaders and staff, the local authority and the newly appointed steering group, have appropriate plans in place to ensure that teaching at the school is of a high quality, supports pupils to acquire new knowledge and helps them to make good progress.  Plans indicate that teachers will use a variety of teaching methods and activities and will carefully consider the use of classroom time.  Classroom resources are of good quality and there is a good range for pupils to use and for teachers to use in their planning and teaching.  A framework for the assessment of pupils’ work has been developed and continues to be refined. This information will be used by school leaders to monitor progress and

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Main inspection findings

will also be used by classroom teachers to plan pupils’ learning.  Pupils will have the opportunity to complete qualifications in English, mathematics and motor vehicle maintenance. The proprietor intends to extend the range of qualifications available as the school develops. There is an in-house qualification for the work in the forest school element of the curriculum.  The behaviour policy in place is appropriate and encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own actions.  All standards in part 1 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Plans show that the proprietor intends to actively promote fundamental British values so that pupils can develop their self-esteem, distinguish right from wrong and take responsibility for their behaviour.  Pupils will acquire an understanding of public institutions in Britain, while developing respect and tolerance for people from other cultures. Pupils will be offered a broad and balanced view and will have the opportunity to discuss their opinions.  The personal, social, health and economic education lessons address many issues facing young people, and the proprietor has ensured that these consider issues in the local area, as well as issues that the individual pupils may face.  All standards in part 2 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate safeguarding policy which is up to date with the latest guidance from the Secretary of State. This information is available to parents and carers on request and will be available on the new school website when it goes live.  There are three members of staff who have completed training to be a designated safeguarding lead. A designated safeguarding lead and a deputy designated safeguarding lead have been assigned. These staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities and what do to if they have a concern about a pupil.  The proprietor is ensuring that all staff have safeguarding training at their induction to the school and intends that there will be regular safeguarding updates throughout the year.  An appropriate system is in place to monitor and record any safeguarding incidents.

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Main inspection findings

Staff training on this system is booked for next week and new staff will be trained to use the system at their induction.  The proprietor has ensured that all appropriate checks have been carried out on adults working with pupils.  Since the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders have put into place a more stringent recruitment process to ensure that safer recruitment practices are followed. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  A written behaviour policy is in place and is currently implemented as part of the alternative provision that the proprietor runs. The policy details rewards and sanctions that are available to staff. There is a system in place to record sanctions that are imposed for pupils’ misbehaviour. The system also allows parents to view records of their child’s behaviour.  The proprietor has ensured that an anti-bullying policy is in place. This is also used currently in the alternative provision. There is a system to record incidents and detail

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Main inspection findings

the actions taken to deal with any incidents. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The proprietor ensures that staff implement the health and safety policy fully. The site is safe and secure, extremely tidy and well maintained.  There are regular checks on equipment and the premises to ensure that all fire safety equipment is working. Equally, there is an appropriate first-aid log policy and a log to record any accidents.  There are sufficient staff to ensure that pupils are supervised appropriately at all times, including at breaktimes and lunchtimes.  The proprietor has an appropriate system for recording pupils’ admission to the school and is aware of the legal requirements to do so. There is a new system for logging attendance, which staff are trained to use. This system will provide information for leaders to use to track pupils’ attendance and intervene should attendance fall. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 There is a clear risk assessment policy in place with accompanying risk assessments. The range of risk assessments includes individual pupils, activities, premises and lessons.  All standards in part 3 are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that all checks required to ensure that adults are suitable to work with pupils have taken place. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(6)  At the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietor had not ensured that there

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Main inspection findings

was a single central register of the checks carried out on staff to ensure their suitability to work with pupils. This has now been rectified and all appropriate checks are recorded.  All standards in part 4 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that suitable toilet facilities are available for pupils. There are toilets available in the building and an external toilet block. Separate facilities are available for boys and girls, and toilets are available for the sole use of pupils.  Pupils can change for physical education in classrooms. Showers are available in the school building and in the external block. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  A suitable, well-equipped medical room is available for the short-term treatment of ill or injured pupils. The room contains a shower and is close to the toilet facilities. This accommodation is in a room that is available solely for this purpose. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The building is exceptionally clean and well maintained. Classrooms are large and

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Main inspection findings

bright and well equipped with appropriate furniture, whiteboards, projectors and computers. Acoustics are appropriate. Resources are available in the classrooms for pupils to use. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Suitable drinking water is provided for pupils in a very well-equipped and spacious kitchen–diner. This is readily accessible. It is clearly labelled for drinking. Water which is not suitable for drinking is also clearly labelled. There is an adequate supply of hot and cold water in toilet facilities, and the temperature of the water is set so that it does not pose a scalding risk. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  A clear strength of the premises is the outdoor space and facilities for pupils to take part in physical education or socialise. There are outdoor picnic tables, a decked area and a very large green area which has a football net. To support the development of

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Main inspection findings

motocross skills, there are two large areas dedicated for this use.  All standards in part 5 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  The proprietor has all policies in place appropriate to meet the independent school standards. These policies are available to parents upon request and parents are alerted to them through the induction information that is provided to them. The proprietor also has these policies available on the website, which is ready to go live.  There are appropriate systems in place for reporting pupils’ progress to parents, maintaining admission and attendance registers, accounting for income and expenditure to the local authority and reviewing pupils’ education, health and care plans. Paragraphs 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d)  The school’s address, name of the principal, address of the registered office and a

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Main inspection findings

statement of the school’s ethos are available on the new website and in the induction information provided.  All standards in part 6 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that the complaints policy meets the independent school standards. There is now a clear timescale for the resolution of complaints that are both formal and informal. The policy states that confidentiality will be maintained and that written records will be available for inspection on the school site.  All standards in part 7 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Since the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietor and school leaders have recruited two experienced education professionals to form a steering group. The purpose of the group is to provide accountability and challenge to school leaders and the proprietor.  Leaders have improved their awareness and understanding of the independent school standards and are able to demonstrate how they will ensure that the school consistently meets them.  Leaders have taken swift and appropriate action to address the standards that they were deemed not likely to meet requirements at the previous inspection.  The proprietor and school leaders ensure that they actively foster the well-being of pupils and that they demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles.  All standards in part 8 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has an appropriate accessibility plan in place which describes how the school will increase access to the curriculum and activities for pupils who have a disability.  This standard is likely to be met.

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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.

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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

Proprietor Peter Sembiante and Cheryl Sembiante

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils n/a 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll n/a 180 (36 max per day) 180 (max 36 per day)

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils n/a Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age n/a Up to a total of 36 pupils on site per day

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils n/a Up to a total of 36 pupils on site per day Number of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities n/a Up to 36

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan n/a Up to 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 n/a Up to 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 8

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Information about this proposed school

 Act Fast is situated on one site within a 20-acre, rural setting and intends to cater for pupils who are school refusers, at risk of permanent exclusion, have been permanently excluded or require sixth day provision following an exclusion.  The school will consider pupils who are referred from local authorities, schools or other referring agencies such as social care. The school will accommodate up to 36 pupils on site per day but will have a larger number on roll, to accommodate a range of full-time and part-time pupils.  The school intends to cater for pupils who have a variety of special educational needs, including specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, behavioural, emotional and social difficulty and autistic spectrum disorder.  The school does not have a religious character.  The school intends to provide pupils with activities relating to forest school work or developing motocross skills alongside academic work.

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Information about this inspection

 This second pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education following the proprietor’s first application to open an independent school which was rejected following the inspection on 9 May 2018.  The inspection was conducted with one day’s notice.  Act Fast currently operates an alternative education provision on this site.  The inspector reviewed policies and documents associated with the independent school standards, met with the principal/proprietor, school development manager, director and other school staff. The school building was toured inside and out.

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Inspection team

Debbie Redshaw, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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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