Sporting Stars Academy

School material change inspection report

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Sporting Stars Academy Field Avenue, Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST2 7AS

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school has an effective safeguarding policy that is fit for purpose and reflects current government guidance. There are three designated safeguarding leads, who are appropriately and regularly trained to enable them to fulfil their safeguarding roles and responsibilities effectively. School records show that all staff are thoroughly trained in how to identify child abuse, any barriers to pupils’ learning, and to effectively implement the safeguarding policy. This ensures the welfare and safety of pupils. Leaders provide regular guidance for staff in order to help pupils who have any specific safeguarding needs.  Leaders work closely with several external agencies, including the local authority, to ensure that safeguarding information is shared in an effective manner. Leaders have rigorous systems in place to monitor the planning and support given to pupils and

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Main inspection findings

their families. Staff know their pupils well and can help them where necessary, and without delay. The school provides counselling for pupils. There is an appropriate focus on the mental health and the social and emotional well-being of pupils.  The school’s health and safety policy is detailed, takes account of relevant health and safety law and it is implemented effectively. Leaders rigorously monitor the effectiveness of their health and safety provision. Records of monitoring show regular checking by leaders who correct any health and safety deficiencies quickly and effectively. Plans indicate the health and safety policy is likely to effectively meet the needs of an increased roll by keeping pupils and others safe and secure.  Risk assessments are effective and thorough. Staff complete them for all aspects of the school’s activities, for example to transport pupils to and from school, on school

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Main inspection findings

trips and to support individual learning needs. Leaders ensure that pupils are kept safe from harm and that risk is reduced as much as possible.  Fire safety is effective. Leaders ensure that regular independent checks are undertaken of all fire equipment and fire safety procedures. Records indicate that issues arising from audits are addressed quickly. Escape routes and emergency exits are clear, evacuations are well planned, and outcomes are suitably recorded. Appropriate assembly points are identified and known to the pupils, staff and visitors. Fire extinguishers are positioned appropriately and tested regularly to ensure that they are fully operational. Records indicate regular practises of fire evacuation procedures.  Leaders ensure that first aid is managed well. First aid kits are well stocked and easily accessible. Staff routinely monitor the contents of the first aid kits to make sure they

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Main inspection findings

are kept up to date. There is an adequate number of well-trained first aiders on the staff.  There are sufficient numbers of staff to ensure that pupils are properly supervised. The school is currently registered with the Department for Education (DfE) to admit 50 pupils. Leaders have applied to increase this to 62 pupils, as there is increasing demand for provision at the school. The number of teachers currently employed at the school is sufficient should the number of pupils increase. Staff have the necessary expertise to ensure pupils are properly supervised at all times.  All standards for this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. 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(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa),

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Main inspection findings

19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(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), 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders ensure that staff and others who work in school are recruited in a safe manner. All the required recruitment and staff vetting checks have been conducted to ensure that pupils are kept safe from harm. All members of the school’s leadership team have undertaken safer recruitment training and they ensure that processes and procedures are compliant with current guidance from the Secretary of State.  The single central record (SCR) is fully compliant with current guidance from the

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Main inspection findings

Secretary of State. It is checked regularly by the headteacher, who is also one of the proprietors.  Leaders ensure that sensitive and confidential information is safely and securely stored.  All standards for this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The school will continue to operate from its current site where extensive modernisation was undertaken to provide the current classrooms, recreational spaces and facilities. Leaders have a realistic understanding of the planning necessary to effectively accommodate the learning needs of additional pupils. The premises and accommodation are appropriate for the increased number on roll. The building has

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Main inspection findings

secure and safe spaces for pupils and staff. There are well-appointed classrooms on the first and second floor. Well-equipped smaller rooms are suitable for pastoral work and therapy sessions with individuals and small groups.  The school is well placed to take advantage of a range of physical education providers, within close travelling distance. Leaders have established strong links with these providers, for example with the local leisure centre, to provide a wide range of activities for pupils. There is a secure gated entrance to the school site from the main road. Information and communication technology (ICT) and the internet are used safely and securely on the site.  There are five teaching rooms. These are large, well-lit and with acceptable acoustics. All the spaces are secure and have the capacity for storage and the effective organisation of learning resources. Should the roll be increased, leaders intend to

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Main inspection findings

continue to offer a wide range of academic qualifications. The teaching spaces are suitable for this purpose. For example, there is a large art studio with access to water and materials. A large conference room enables pupils to meet for discussions. There are secure storage spaces that meet the control of substances hazardous to health regulations.  There is a secure entrance to the building for visitors, with an additional secure entrance for pupils and staff. The reception area allows staff to check the visitors’ identity suitably. The building has good external lighting. Risk assessments of the secure car park at the rear of the building ensure safe access for pedestrians.  External spaces at the side and rear of the building provide sufficient recreational space for pupils to take breaks. The area is secure, with a boundary wall and paved area. Adequate numbers of staff and well managed supervision ensures that exit and

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Main inspection findings

entry to the building is as safe as possible.  The medical room is fit for purpose. It is spacious and well equipped with easy access to water and toilet facilities. The facility is appropriate for pupils with complex needs. A clear, well-informed policy refers to the storage and administration of medicines on site.  Sources of drinking water are clearly signed. In addition, jugs of fresh water and cups are provided daily in classrooms.  There are separate toilets for girls and boys. They are in good working order and are well maintained. The water temperature does not provide a scalding risk.  In addition to a local leisure centre, physical education activities are provided at a range of providers, for example trampolining, boxing, athletics, football and outdoor activities. All are within easy travelling distance of the school and the journeys have been suitably risk assessed. All the providers have showers and changing facilities.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has four minibuses. In addition to travelling to and from the physical education activities, they are used to transport pupils to and from school. Staff undertaking driving duties have been extensively trained.  All standards for this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  The school does not have a website. Leaders ensure that paper copies of the safeguarding policy, and all other policies, are available from the school on request.  All standards for this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  Leaders demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards. They use rigorous systems and processes to make sure that the

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Main inspection findings

independent school standards are consistently met.  Leaders present a strong school culture based on the desire for all pupils to experience success and to support their personal development. They have a very clear plan to develop the school, to enhance the curriculum and to keep pupils safe. In addition to academic progress, there is a strong focus on meeting the pastoral needs of pupils.  Leaders are clear about how they will manage an increase in the school’s roll in a measured and safe way. There is a growing need for places at this school. The school has the necessary facilities and staffing resources to cope with an increase in the school roll from 50 to 62.  All standards for this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010, as accessibility planning is in place.

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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

Email address emma.tench@sportingstarsacademy.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 17–19 April 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 14 to 16 14 to 16 14 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 50 62 62

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 41 62

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 12 16

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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 12 16

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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 10 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 4

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Information about this school

 Sporting Stars Academy is located in Stoke-on-Trent. The local authority places pupils at the school. Pupils join the school at different times in the school year. Most pupils are in Years 10 and 11. They are placed on part-time or full-time programmes, depending on their level of need.  The school is registered for up to 50 pupils. There are currently 48 on roll, of whom 41 are boys. The school has applied to the DfE to increase the number to 62 pupils.  Pupils placed at the school typically have social, emotional or mental health difficulties. At the time of the inspection, 12 pupils had a statement of special educational needs or an educational health and care plan.  The school is overseen by the headteacher, who is also a proprietor. There are two other proprietors who work at the school.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  Three pupils aged 14 to 16 attend the school from another establishment for two days

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Information about this school

per week to follow the programme of study for the BTEC diploma in sport.  The school first opened in 2014. At its last full inspection, in April 2018, the school’s overall effectiveness was good.

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE commissioned the inspection to consider the school’s application to make a material change to its registration. The proprietor wants to increase the school roll from 50 to 62  The inspector focused particularly on the standards related to the premises and accommodation, safeguarding and health and safety arrangements and their effectiveness. The inspector toured the school premises with the headteacher, scrutinised policies and documents related to health and safety, including safeguarding, fire safety, risk assessment and supervision.  The school’s safeguarding arrangements were inspected. The inspector scrutinised the single central record, the school’s safeguarding policy and associated policies and systems for keeping pupils safe. These included risk assessments for individual pupils and school activities.  The inspector had meetings with the headteacher, who is one of the school’s proprietors, and with the registered proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

 The school’s safer recruitment processes and procedures were inspected to ensure the suitability of staff to work in school.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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