South Lakes Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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South Lakes Academy Yard 39, Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4ED

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 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)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  Although leaders have ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum policy in place, there are no schemes of work for pupils’ technological education. The plans for pupils’ aesthetic and creative education are not detailed enough to support teachers when planning this aspect of learning. The schemes of work for other areas of learning provide more detail.  The proprietor has ensured that schemes of work promote fundamental British values well. However, pupils are not prepared well for life in British society, because they display a limited understanding of equalities.  Teachers provide impartial careers guidance that builds on pupils’ interests. Pupils show a clear awareness of why the subjects that they study are important for their

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Main inspection findings

future employment or college opportunities. Pupils are taught how to find job vacancies and how to write letters of application.  The promotion of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education are threaded throughout the curriculum. For example, pupils have opportunities to plan budgets and to calculate turnover, profit and loss. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Pupils make progress in their learning, including in reading, writing and mathematics, because of the individual support that they receive. Teaching is likely to meet the needs of pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities because learning is planned according to pupils’ next steps.  Leaders have developed clear procedures to assess pupils’ progress and attainment. Teachers use this information to plan pupils’ next steps in learning so that they focus on pupils’ needs, interests and aspirations. Where appropriate, pupils gain

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Main inspection findings

qualifications in functional skills for English and mathematics. However, classroom resources are limited, particularly for pupils’ technological and aesthetic and creative education.  The policy for behaviour is effective in encouraging good behaviour. Pupils say that there are no instances of poor behaviour or bullying at the school. Leaders’ logs of incidents show that poor behaviour is rare.  The standards relating to the quality of education provided are unlikely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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) and 5(d)(iii)  Pupils do not display an informed awareness of equalities. They say that this is not something that has been discussed at school beyond a general understanding of why you should respect others’ cultures and traditions.

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Main inspection findings

 Many of the other standards in part 2 are likely to be met because of the schemes of work that the proprietor has put in place for pupils’ personal development are detailed and well thought out.  Plans for pupils’ learning show the opportunities that they have to learn about right and wrong. Pupils are taught about how laws are made, and teachers use current affairs to facilitate discussions about the function of governments.  Pupils are taught about respecting others views and cultures.  Pupils gain confidence and self-motivation because of the support that they receive. They are re-engaging in their education and say that they now have hope for the future because of the belief that staff have shown in their ability to achieve.  The standards relating to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are unlikely to be met, because pupils are not encouraged to respect others, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics in the 2010 Equalities Act.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There are serious failings in the arrangements made to safeguard pupils. There are no processes to record safeguarding concerns about pupils, many of whom are vulnerable. This means that leaders are unable to adequately identify and manage risks associated with safeguarding because there are no systems in place to monitor and evaluate patterns, for example in pupils’ behaviour or appearance.  The designated leaders for safeguarding do not have adequate, up-to-date training.  The school’s safeguarding policy and procedures do not have regard to the most recent guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is a written policy for the management of pupils’ behaviour. This is effectively implemented by staff. As outlined in the policy, sanctions are in place for

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Main inspection findings

misbehaviour and records are kept where these are used.  The school’s anti-bullying policy is effective in ensuring that there have been no recorded instances of bullying at the school. The views of pupils agree with these findings. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The proprietor has ensured that all relevant checks are carried out to ensure pupils’ health and safety. The fire risk assessment has been implemented well. The proprietor has received training for fire safety.  The first aid policy has been amended to provide guidance for staff. The proprietor has ensured that some staff have been trained to administer first aid.  Teachers work with individual pupils when in class and when off-site. This level of supervision ensures that pupils are safe from harm.  An admissions register tracks pupils’ attendance, which is then reported back to parents in regular reports. Pupils say that the school has changed their attitude

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Main inspection findings

towards their education and many now attend regularly.  The standards relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1), 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), 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)  The proprietor has put in place a record of checks for staff to check their suitability to work with children prior to their appointment. The record does not yet contain all of the required checks.  Checks have not been carried out on the prohibition of teaching staff, the medical fitness of staff or to check on the suitability of the proprietor.  The proprietor has ensured that all staff have completed an enhanced criminal record

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Main inspection findings

check and relevant identification checks.  The proprietor has ensured that additional checks on staff who have lived or work abroad have been carried out.  The school does not intend to use supply staff and has arrangements in place to use existing staff to cover any absences.  The standards relating to the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors are unlikely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  The proprietor has taken action to ensure that the school premises has been extended with the addition of a ground floor classroom. She has ensured that there is now a toilet that is solely for pupils’ use. The toilet also has disabled access.  Leaders have made arrangements for pupils to use showers off-site at the various places that they go for their physical education. The risk assessment for pupils’ use of

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Main inspection findings

showers off-site does not provide enough detail to ensure that risks are managed well.  The proprietor has not made suitable arrangements for the medical treatment of pupils. This area is situated in a classroom and does not have an appropriate washing facility. Paragraph 25, 26, 27  The site is managed well. Classrooms are brightly lit. During the inspection, the provider ensured that an external light was fitted so that pupils and staff can safely leave the premises. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Suitable facilities have been put in place to ensure that clearly signed drinking water is available at all times for pupils.  The water temperatures are controlled from a heater, which is adjustable to ensure that hot water does not pose a scalding risk. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school does not have a dedicated outdoor space. Instead, arrangements are

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Main inspection findings

made for pupils to take breaks and to play outside in the local area where they are accompanied by a member of staff. Adequate risk assessments have been put in place for these activities.  The standards relating to the premises and accommodation at the school are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f),  Leaders have published information about their curriculum online. However, there is not sufficient information about the arrangements to teach aesthetic and creative and technological areas of learning.  The proprietor has published an assessment policy that details the arrangements for assessing pupils’ progress in learning.  The school’s online policy for safeguarding does not take into account the current guidance for the secretary of state.  Teachers provide an annual written report on each pupils’ progress and attainment.

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Main inspection findings

The reports provide a commentary of how well pupils have engaged in their learning, as well as their achievements in English, mathematics and science. Paragraph 32(1)(i), 32(3)(b) 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  The school keeps a statement of funding for each pupil who has an education, health and care plan. This details the support that the school provides along with the use of funding which is matched to pupils’ needs.  However, the school website does not provide sufficient information for parents about the provision made for pupils who have education, health and care plans.  The school’s complaints policy does not include information about the number of complaints received by the school in the last academic year in the relevant policy. The proprietor confirmed that the school did not receive any complaints.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that information about admissions and exclusions have been incorporated into the school’s policy.  The standards relating to the provision of information are unlikely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 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)  Although a complaints procedure is in place, it does not detail the arrangements for complaints to be raised at a panel hearing. The proprietor has identified a suitable person to act as an independent reviewer, but these arrangements are not yet in place.  The policy does not detail the arrangements for parents to be accompanied to a panel hearing.  The standards for the manner in which complaints are handled are unlikely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has taken steps to improve since the previous pre-registration visit. However, there are still several standards that are not likely to be met prior to the opening of the school.  Leaders are not actively promoting pupils’ well-being, because processes for staff to record safeguarding concerns are not in place. This means that leaders are not monitoring or evaluating potential risks to pupils’ welfare well enough.  The standard on the quality of leadership in and management of the school is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Although there is an accessibility policy available on the school website, the proprietor has not completed an accessibility plan.  The addition of a downstairs classroom has improved accessibility to the building and the proprietor is keen to put measures in place to ensure that the premises is fully accessible, should the need arise.  This requirement is unlikely 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

Annual fees (day pupils) Not yet determined

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 15 Number of pupils of compulsory school age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who is looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 25

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week Up to 15 hours per pupil

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n

Age range of pupils 11  21 11  21 11  21 Number of pupils on the school roll 15 12 12

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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 0 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 15 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 7 12

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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 7 Not yet determined

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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 7 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 4 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 Not yet determined

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Information about this proposed school

 The school shares its premises with another business in the centre of Kendal in South Cumbria. The main classroom is on the second floor of the building and the proprietor has extended the school by leasing an additional room downstairs. She has ensured that additional toilet facilities for pupils have been installed in this additional space.  Pupils are referred to the school by Cumbria local authority and other schools in the area.  The school intends to cater wholly or mainly for pupils who have special educational needs.  The school presently provides part-time provision of up to 18 hours a week for 15 pupils.  The proprietor intends to recruit staff to deliver specialist areas of provision such as creative education when the school becomes registered.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to see if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school following the visit to the school that took place in March 2018.  The inspector met with the proprietor, who is also the headteacher, and three other members of staff.  The inspector checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards.  The inspector observed two lessons and spoke with three pupils about the school.  The inspector scrutinised documents provided by the school. This included a broad range of policies, risk assessments and pupils learning records.  The inspector looked at the work of current pupils.  The inspector checked the premises, including the areas to which other users of the building had access.

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Inspection team

Steve Bentham, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if  – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work   2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are  – 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; – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which  – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9]; – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

experiences of life in British society;  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school  – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor  – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which  – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if  – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or 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 either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person  – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness;  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if  – 20(6)(a) MB  – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in

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

contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or 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 either such direction;  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.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is  – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether  – 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; – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to

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

establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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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)(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.  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; and – 24(1)(c) where a school caters for pupils with complex needs, additional medical accommodation which caters for those needs.  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

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that  – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request;  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is  – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which  – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is 

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld).

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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

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.

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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 .

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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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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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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