ES Independent School Kirklees

School pre-registration inspection report

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ES Independent School Kirklees 3A Union Bank Yard, New Street, Huddersfield HD1 2BP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1 and 2  The proprietor has put in place a detailed curriculum policy that is based upon the predicted needs of pupils joining the school. The policy is supported by schemes of work that are pertinent to the needs of older pupils, demonstrating clearly how the school proposes to teach pupils from Year 9 onwards.  However, the curriculum plans produced at the time of the inspection are not effective for pupils in Years 7 and 8, particularly as to how this group will make progress across the curriculum. As a result, the prospective school is unlikely to meet this standard.  The proposed curriculum is designed to meet the needs of older pupils. Leaders are clear that they wish to offer pupils a different approach from that offered in many mainstream settings. At the time of the inspection, it was not clear how the needs of the most able pupils will be met or what will be in place to meet the needs of younger

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Main inspection findings

pupils.  The proposed system being put in place to check and monitor pupils’ progress is already in place in the other school run by the leadership team. This system is likely to meet the needs of pupils in this school.  Personal, social, health and economic education plans show proposed, effective coverage of a range of subjects. For example, the scheme is designed to get pupils engaged in projects as diverse as capoeira (a form of Brazilian martial arts) and pastoral mentoring. It is also planned that pupils will have opportunities to study political and religious structures in society.  The school’s plans for delivering careers education are likely to meet the required standards. The headteacher and the proprietor have a clear understanding of the Gatsby benchmarks (a set of benchmarks used to define the quality of careers advice) and the importance of ensuring that pupils have access to effective careers advice.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 3  Teaching and support staff have not all been appointed to the school. However, the headteacher is an experienced teacher and currently teaches the four pupils who attend the alternative provision run by the school. Paragraph 4  The proposed assessment system is likely to meet requirements. Pupils’ academic, social and emotional starting points will be established through a range of baseline assessments when they join the school. It is planned that pupils’ progress will be tracked at termly intervals and this information will be used by staff to plan further work.  Not all the independent standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor and headteacher are very clear about the importance of increasing pupils’ self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. It is planned that pupils will be offered strong pastoral support and access to a range of different activities across the curriculum.  Leaders are clearly aware of the need to ensure that pupils gain a good understanding of the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. They have made the decision to make all toilets in the school unisex to support the needs of all prospective pupils, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender.  The school’s plan for ensuring that pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural needs are met demonstrates leaders’ intention to ensure that pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law, as well as understanding right and wrong. The proposed

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Main inspection findings

personal, social and health education curriculum demonstrates this well.  All the independent standards within this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6 and 7  School leaders have made arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of prospective pupils. A safeguarding policy and procedures have been drawn up and take into account the requirements of current legislation. Effective safeguarding training has been planned and provided to staff.  However, pupils’ access to the proposed school site is through a busy pedestrian area and could present an opportunity for difficult pupils to abscond on the way into school. Leaders are aware of this and have put in place plans to minimise the chances of this occurring. However, the risk remains due to the individual needs of prospective pupils.  Strict and effective protocols are to be followed to ensure that staff recruitment is carried out safely. Leaders intend to ensure that pre-appointment checks are carried out on all new members of staff in accordance with legal guidance.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 9  School leaders have put in place a behaviour policy that sets out clearly the consequences and sanctions for pupils’ misbehaviour, as well as the rewards to be given for pupils’ positive behaviour. The policy also clearly describes the high expectations leaders and staff have overall of pupils’ behaviour. Paragraph 10  School leaders have an anti-bullying policy in place that links closely to the behaviour policy and identifies the different forms that bullying can take. This policy is also based on a similar policy already in place at the second school run by the proprietor. Paragraphs 11 and 12  Leaders have drawn up a health and safety policy that includes a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Fire exits are clearly identifiable, a fire detection system is in place and a fire evacuation plan has been compiled. Fire extinguishers are in place and are checked and serviced regularly. Paragraph 13

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that a first-aid policy is in place that includes arrangements for the administration of first aid. Three staff already have first-aid training and a log is in place to record incidents. Paragraph 14  Currently, four pupils attend the site on a part-time basis as part of the alternative provision also run by the proprietor. Four staff are employed to meet their needs. The proprietor is planning to ensure that there is a high ratio of staff to pupils, in line with pupils’ level of need when the proposed school opens. This demonstrates the proprietor’s commitment to ensuring that pupils are properly supervised at all times. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has ensured that attendance and admissions registers will be completed in line with the current regulatory requirements. Staff and leaders are aware of the need to report on the destination of all leavers to minimise the risk of

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Main inspection findings

pupils being missing from education. Paragraph 16  The proposed school has a comprehensive risk assessment policy in place. The policy ensures that planned actions address the areas of risk identified.  Not all the independent standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17 to 21  School leaders have ensured that all required and appropriate checks have been undertaken to ensure the suitability of prospective employees and the proprietor to work with children. These checks include an enhanced criminal records check and have been undertaken before the start of the employment of any employees.  A register has been compiled that details all checks and is in a legible and accessible format.  School leaders intend to employ temporary staff and are clear about the extra checks needed to ensure pupils’ safety.  School leaders have ensured that the independent standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 28  The proposed school is to be housed in a recently refurbished grade 2 listed building. The building is also occupied by a charity, The Basement Recovery Project, which also owns the building.  The proposed school entrance is up a flight of metal stairs. The accommodation is across two floors and contains access to a shared kitchen that is also used by charity staff. The use of the shared kitchen may pose a risk to vulnerable pupils. At the time of the inspection, the proprietor had only received verbal confirmation that all staff from the charity had undergone relevant disclosure and vetting processes. Also, a risk assessment of kitchen equipment had not been undertaken, including the use of a small dumbwaiter lift between the kitchen area and the lower floor.  The building is finished to a good standard. All lighting, including outside lights, meets

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Main inspection findings

the required standard. Classrooms and other areas also meet the acoustic requirements of the independent school standards.  A tour of the premises showed that there are sufficient toilet and showering facilities for the sole use of pupils. A medical room is also in place, which is very close to a disabled toilet and shower. Toilets are single cubicles and are unisex.  Water and other drinks are readily available from a fridge in the proposed school’s reception area. Paragraph 29  Inside the building, there is a large meeting space that is of ample size for indoor games. Leaders plan that physical education will also be taught away from the building when pupils undertake a range of outward-bound activities.  The space outside the building is currently a courtyard car park, which is used by some of the other businesses. No other outdoor space is available for pupils to play safely. The proprietor is aware of this, but at the time of the inspection, had not been

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Main inspection findings

able to secure safe outdoor space for pupils.  Not all the independent standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The proprietor’s website holds information about the school, including the safeguarding policy. At the time of the inspection, the website had developed a fault, which staff were working hard to rectify. However, it was possible for the inspector to look at a previous version of the website, which showed that the relevant documents required by the independent school standards are in place.  Leaders are planning to ensure that reports on the progress made by pupils will be sent to parents, carers and corporate parents directly by the school.  The proprietor and school leaders have ensured that the independent standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The proprietor has put in place a complaints policy that meets the independent school standards requirements.  All required steps are in place, including the arrangements for convening a panel of people to hear and decide upon a complaint, one of whom is independent of the management and running of the school.  The policy is clear and easy to follow. Leaders plan that parents will be able to access the policy, and information relating to the policy, from the school’s website and at the school’s reception.  The proprietor and school leaders have ensured that the independent standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  It is planned that the headteacher will ensure the day-to-day management of the school. The headteacher is experienced in other mainstream settings. The headteacher and the proprietor have ensured that many areas of the independent school standards are met. However, elements of the standards in Part 1, Part 3 and Part 5 were unmet at the time of the inspection.  Systems in place to recruit staff safely meet the current requirements.  During the inspection, the leadership team demonstrated effective knowledge and understanding of the welfare and educational needs of prospective pupils. However, this knowledge was not always translated into effective plans for the proposed school.  As a result, the proprietor and school leaders have not ensured that the independent standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders have made sure that arrangements to meet paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are effectively in place.  The proprietor has drawn up an effective accessibility plan.

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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 Independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £12,000 per annum

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Proposed school details

Website Not working at the time of the inspection

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Proposed school details

Email address claire@employabilitysolutions.com

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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 N/A Number of pupils of compulsory school age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who are looked after by a local authority N/A

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week N/A

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week N/A

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 11–16 years 14–16 years Number of pupils on the school roll 0 Up to 40 pupils Up to 40 pupils

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The current building does not have outdoor play space, particularly for younger pupils. Also, the entrance to the school is through a busy shopping area and the proposed pupils are vulnerable and may display difficult behaviour. Older pupils are likely to have more maturity and are less likely to run from staff should they become upset on the walk into school.

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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 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 40

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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 40

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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 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A Not known

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is to be the second school to be run by ES Independent Schools.  The school is located in the centre of Huddersfield, close to the bus station.  The building in which the school is to be located is a grade 2 listed building owned by a charity.  Prospective pupils are likely to come from Kirklees local authority. Most pupils will be referred to the school by their local authority.  The school’s proposal is to cater for the needs of up to 40 pupils who have a range of special educational needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration visit since school leaders sought registration for the provision.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the school. These included safeguarding documentation, and documents relating to the school’s proposed curriculum and pupils’ progress.  Discussions were held with the headteacher, proprietor and business manager.

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Inspection team

Marian Thomas, 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–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress;

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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–

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school 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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable–

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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–

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.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 children looked after, 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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