South Lakes Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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South Lakes Academy Riverside Centre, 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)  The school has a clear curriculum policy in place which is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The caring and committed staff in South Lakes Academy cater for the differing needs of the pupils. They do this by planning and reviewing schemes of work that are suitable for their individual needs.  The proprietor ensures that schemes of work promote a range of fundamental British values. Pupils study democracy linked to voting systems, political parties and justice. However, schemes of work are weaker in terms of promoting aspects of equality linked to protected characteristics such as gender. As a result, there are not opportunities to prepare pupils fully for life in British society.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils receive focused support when considering their future careers. An independent representative supports pupils with activities such as the filling in of forms and consideration of further education and employment. Teachers ensure that careers guidance builds on pupils’ interests. Teachers know their pupils’ ambitions well and provide pupils with opportunities to explore these further. For example, pupils undertake work experience which is linked to areas they are interested in.  Pupils receive rich opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills. Teachers encourage pupils to debate the arguments for and against issues such as hunting animals. Additionally, teachers support pupils effectively. They encourage pupils to listen to advice and to explain their feelings when they are struggling to manage their emotions.  The school has an appropriate programme of personal, social, health and economic

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Main inspection findings

education which reflects the school’s aims and ethos. This is done as part of the school’s core curriculum and through individual learning programmes for pupils. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The school will provide GCSE and functional skills qualifications for pupils. Most recently, the proprietor has installed a kitchen area to ensure that pupils can develop their cookery skills as part of a functional skill qualification.  The school has a range of suitable resources in place to support and promote learning for secondary-aged pupils. They are of a good quality and support pupils’ learning. One such example is the school’s recent purchase of cookery equipment, which has fostered pupils’ interest and enjoyment in this area. Some classroom resources have not yet been purchased; however, the proprietor has carefully planned the resources required in areas such as those to support pupils’ aesthetic and creative education.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor ensures that there are clear procedures to assess pupils’ progress and attainment. Teachers use assessment effectively to plan lessons which foster pupils’ interest and develop their understanding and knowledge.  Policies are in place to manage pupils’ behaviour and encourage them to act responsibly. Teachers are effective in using the behaviour policy to promote positive attitudes among pupils.  The standards relating to the quality of education are unlikely to be met because schemes of work do not fully support pupils in their understanding of all the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. 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)  The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is threaded through the

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Main inspection findings

school’s schemes of work. Pupils consider a range of moral issues such as the morality of using dialysis linked to organ donation. In the history scheme of work, leaders provide pupils with opportunities to consider diversity and aspects of British values. Examples include modern slavery and discussions around the British Empire.  Schemes of work also provide pupils with opportunities to distinguish right from wrong, encourage a respect for democracy and for the civil and criminal law of England.  Pupils understand that they must take responsibility for their behaviour and act responsibly. Extra-curricular activities such as walking, river studies, sport and climbing further encourage pupils to act in a responsible and safe manner.  Information in school, including on display, promotes fundamental British values. Pupils demonstrated an understanding of these. They have a good overall understanding of aspects of these values.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s equal opportunities policy makes it clear that prejudiced behaviour is unacceptable. This is followed up in aspects of schemes of work, such as studies on civil liberties. However, pupils do not always display a clear understanding and respect for all the protected characteristics. For example, equality between men and women. To address this issue, leaders are currently developing schemes of work to ensure that a theme of equality runs through them.  Staff are effective in providing appropriate support to ensure that pupils develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils value the support they have received and say that it is helping them to improve.  The standards relating to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils are unlikely to be met, because pupils are not consistently encouraged, through their learning, to respect others. This is particularly regarding some aspects of the

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Main inspection findings

protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school has a compliant safeguarding policy. It is available to parents and carers and is published on the website.  The safeguarding policy takes account of the most recent guidance and legislation.  The designated safeguarding leaders and staff have adequate up-to-date training. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11  The school has a written behaviour policy. It outlines the accepted standard of behaviour and explains the unacceptable forms of behaviour that could lead to exclusion. Staff take the time to understand pupils’ needs and offer them effective support to manage their own behaviour choices.  The school’s procedures for managing bullying are effective. Pupils spoken to at South Lakes Academy said that bullying is rare.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a system in place to monitor any negative

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Main inspection findings

patterns in pupils’ behaviour.  The school has an up-to-date health and safety policy in place. However, staff do not always follow guidelines within this policy. This results in a decline in the behaviour of pupils. For example, pupils sometimes use mobile phones during lessons to listen to music while their teachers are talking to them.  Other breaches to the health and safety policy place pupils at potential risk. For example, staff do not consistently follow procedures laid down in the policy to protect pupils who leave the building on their own during breaks and lunchtimes. Paragraph 12, 13, 14, 15  The majority of relevant checks are carried out to ensure pupils’ health and safety. The annual maintenance of firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers ensures that they are in operational order. The proprietor has undertaken a fire risk assessment and training in fire safety. However, pupils, especially the most

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Main inspection findings

vulnerable, do not receive regular opportunities to undertake fire drills. Additionally, the proprietor could not evidence work to test the electrical safety of portable appliances and wiring during the inspection.  Supervision for pupils in the school building, and during extra-curricular activities, ensures that pupils are safe and free from harm. However, the proprietor has not considered whether there is a need to supervise older pupils when they leave the building during breaks and lunchtimes.  Leaders have an effective record system to record and evaluate any accidents. The proprietor ensures that an admission register tracks pupils’ attendance. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has a policy to evaluate risk management. In a wide range of educational and extra-curricular activities, risk assessments are undertaken to evaluate risks. However, in some key areas, such as the risk assessment of the

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Main inspection findings

building, leaders have not identified potential hazards. As such, they have not planned for or taken enough appropriate action to fully mitigate potential risks.  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 a record of checks for staff to evaluate their suitability to work with children prior to their appointment. However, this record does not yet contain all of the required checks.  Checks have not yet been carried out on the prohibition of teaching staff, including 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 proprietor has ensured that all staff have completed a medical fitness declaration.  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)  Suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of the pupils.  Pupils use showers off-site at the various places that they go to undertake physical education. However, these sites are not for the sole use of pupils at South Lakes Academy. Leaders have not ensured that the risk assessment for the use of showers

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Main inspection findings

in these public buildings identifies in detail the necessary actions required by staff to fully mitigate potential risks.  The proprietor has taken effective action since the last inspection to ensure that there are suitable arrangements for the medical treatment of pupils. The new medical room is well equipped with space for pupils to sit or lay down. There is also first aid equipment and a supply of hot and cold water. There is a toilet facility nearby. As a result, the school is likely to be able to provide quality care to pupils who are unwell. Paragraph 25, 26, 27  The site is clean and tidy. The proprietor has ensured that rooms are well soundproofed.  Classrooms are well lit. The proprietor has ensured that there is external lighting so that the premises are safe to access and leave after dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to clearly labelled drinking water at all times.

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Main inspection findings

 Washing facilities are available for pupils. Hot water, of a suitable temperature, is available for handwashing. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school is located in a building which is also used as an office. There is no outdoor space for pupils to play. Arrangements are in place for a member of staff to accompany pupils to play in a local area.  The standards relating to the premises and accommodation at schools are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(i) 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)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  The school has a website. It contains all the information required by the standards, including a wide range of policies and procedures linked to health and safety.  The proprietor publishes information on the school’s curriculum and assessment

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Main inspection findings

procedures to detail when and how pupils will be assessed.  The school’s website also contains the school’s complaints procedure and an up-to- date child protection policy. Information is also provided to show support for pupils with an education, health and care plan and pupils who speak English as an additional language.  Procedures are in place to report on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents and to local authorities who place pupils in the school. Parents receive a detailed annual report of their children’s progress.  The standards relating to the provision of information are likely 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)  The school’s procedure for managing complaints is published on the school’s website.  The complaints policy sets out all stages of the complaints procedure, including

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Main inspection findings

parents’ right to a panel hearing.  The proprietor has ensured that there are suitable people to act as independent reviewers. They are detailed in the complaints policy.  The complaints policy details the arrangements for parents to be accompanied to a panel hearing.  The standards relating to the way in which complaints are handled are likely 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)  The proprietor and other leaders have worked effectively to ensure that a significant number of standards which were unlikely to be met at the two previous pre- registration inspections are now met. As a result, provision for pupils at South Lakes Academy is much improved. However, there are still further standards that are not likely to be met prior to the opening of the school.  Some of the standards unlikely to be met concern pupils’ welfare, health and safety.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards relating to the quality of leadership and management are unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has completed an accessibility plan. The plan contains arrangements for improving access to the curriculum, the physical environment and to written information for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There is evidence that aspects of these plans have been met.  The installation of a downstairs classroom, cookery area, toilet and medical room have greatly improved provision for pupils.  This requirement is 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

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 6 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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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11–21 11–21 11–21 Number of pupils on the school roll 14 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 14 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 14 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 12 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 an education, health and care plan 12 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 2 Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 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 as a second classroom. She has ensured that additional medical and toilet facilities for pupils have been installed in separate rooms 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 with SEND.  The school presently provides part-time provision of up to 15 hours a week for 14 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 third pre-registration inspection of the proposed school following the visits to the school that took place in March 2018 and October 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 pupils about the school.  The inspector scrutinised documents provided by the school. This included a broad range of policies, schemes of work, risk assessments and pupils’ learning records.  The inspector looked at the work completed by pupils.  The inspector checked the premises, including the areas to which other users of the

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Inspection team

Gill Pritchard, 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(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9].

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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.

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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[12].  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.  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 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.  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 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

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

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 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 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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