Southway Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Southway South Leeds Hub, Middleton Road, Middleton, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS10 3JA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written curriculum policy in place. For each subject offered, there is a clear overview of what will be taught and how work can be adapted to meet the needs of pupils with different abilities and starting points, so that all pupils can make good progress.  The curriculum is well thought out, broad and includes a variety of subjects, including English, mathematics, biology, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, food, graphic design, computing, event operations, art and design, business, childcare and animal care. There are several curriculum pathways on offer to enable pupils to gain qualifications that meet their needs and aspirations.  The timetable is designed to ensure that there is a taught programme of PSHE

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Main inspection findings

education. Pupils cover a wide variety of topics that support them in developing life skills as well as learning about life in modern Britain and how to keep themselves safe.  There are opportunities across all curriculum subjects for pupils to develop their speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Paragraphs 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  The proprietor has ensured that pupils can access careers advice and guidance. The school ensures that pupils are supported with applications to college or for employment and that pupils have the opportunity to attend careers events and college open days.  The school also works with the commissioning schools to ensure that one-to-one interviews with careers advisers take place.  The PSHE curriculum covers careers education in all year groups. A variety of external speakers visit the school to talk about different careers that are available to pupils.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The school is already operating and has currently employed 14 qualified teachers.  Lessons taking place at the time of this inspection demonstrated that teachers and instructors plan lessons well and that time is used well to motivate pupils and interest pupils in their learning.  Pupils have the opportunity to make good progress because the work that teachers provide for them meets their needs.  Teachers and instructors have a comprehensive understanding of each pupil’s needs because they have access to a wide range of information about them, including prior attainment and any specific learning needs pupils have.  The proprietor ensures that teachers and instructors are given time and support to acquire a firm understanding of the requirements of each qualification. This means that subject knowledge is strong and supports pupils to make good progress.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a wide range of resources available for pupils to use. These include musical instruments, recording and video equipment, computers, art, food and science equipment. Where additional specialised equipment is needed, for example for GCSE science practical work or motor mechanics, the school has an arrangement with a trust school to use its facilities.  The standards in Part 1 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has ensured that through the PSHE curriculum and across other subjects, pupils learn about life in modern Britain, including other faiths and cultures.  Pupils take part in charity events, for example hosting a bake sale for members of the local community to raise money for cancer charities.  Through a behaviour policy that is focused on rewards, pupils have the opportunity to develop their self-knowledge and confidence and to better distinguish between right and wrong.  The school employs a part-time police school support officer who works formally and informally with pupils to educate them about the rule of law and public institutions such as the police force.  When external speakers visit the school, leaders make appropriate checks and they

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Main inspection findings

are accompanied by staff members to ensure that pupils receive a balanced view of what is being presented.  The standards in Part 2 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor ensures that all staff at the school have access to appropriate safeguarding training. This includes training about keeping children safe and signs to look out for. They have also covered female genital mutilation awareness training and the ‘Prevent’ duty.  The designated safeguarding lead ensures that staff receive regular updates about safeguarding, including information relating to current pupils that staff need to be aware of.  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy is compliant with the latest government requirements and is available to parents and carers on the school website.  The school works extensively with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and keeps appropriate records of this work.  Safer recruitment practice is followed diligently, and all appropriate checks are made

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Main inspection findings

and recorded in staff files. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is an appropriate behaviour policy which is effectively implemented. Pupils are clear about the high expectations that the school has of them.  Teachers record any sanctions that pupils receive. The head of centre has an overview of these and shares information with the proprietor appropriately.  There is an anti-bullying policy in place that is effective. Staff say that there are few issues with bullying and any that arise are dealt with quickly. School records show this to be the case. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place that is common across the schools within the trust. This could be further personalised to the school.  The school building is owned by the local authority and leased by the school. The local authority is responsible for the fire safety of the building. Appropriate checks of fire

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Main inspection findings

alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and fire escapes take place regularly. Fire drills also take place so that pupils and staff know what to do in an emergency.  A first-aid policy is in place and there is a book for recording any accidents that take place. Leaders agree that there could be more detail in the book to include how information is passed on to parents, for example.  Staff supervise pupils well throughout the school day. In lessons, there are always at least two adults per group. When pupils have higher or additional needs, there is flexibility for more staff to be involved in the group. There is a breaktime and lunchtime duty rota in place to ensure that pupils are looked after during social times.  The proprietor is aware of the legal requirements for school admission and attendance registers and has plans in place to ensure that they comply. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that an appropriate risk assessment policy is in place. It

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Main inspection findings

provides clear guidance on situations that may require a risk assessment and details the responsibilities of staff in ensuring that risk assessments are in place.  A sample of risk assessments were provided during the inspection. These covered equipment, the premises and trips. All were found to be appropriately assessing and minimising risks to pupils.  The standards in Part 3 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 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)  The proprietor has ensured that all appropriate checks have been carried out on staff who work at the school.  There are currently no supply staff working at the school. The proprietor has ensured that systems for making checks on supply staff are in place, should the school need to use supply staff in the future. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4),

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Main inspection findings

21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  There is a single central register in place where all appropriate checks that have been carried out on adults are recorded.  The standards in Part 4 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils in the school. These are separate for boys and girls. There are also facilities for disabled people to use.  There are two spacious changing rooms, one for girls and one for boys, and each one has showers available for pupils to use. At the time of the inspection, the changing rooms were being used by the local authority for storage. The head of centre made appropriate arrangements during the inspection to have these cleared. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  There is a suitable medical room available for the short-term care or examination of injured pupils that has a sink and is close to a toilet.  At the beginning of the inspection, there was no facility to carry out a medical examination. By the end of the inspection an appropriate bed had been purchased

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Main inspection findings

and is now readily available in the medical room.  The room is used as an office but can quickly be made available should a medical need arise. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The premises are maintained well and consideration is made for the health and safety of pupils. Science equipment is stored in a locked cupboard and there is a lockable cabinet for the safe storage of medication. The site is clean and bright.  Each classroom has sufficient lighting and the acoustic conditions are such that lessons can run alongside each other without interruption. There is a specialised music studio with soundproofing to enable pupils to develop their musical skills and knowledge. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are clearly labelled water coolers in the downstairs and upstairs of the building for pupils to use. Pupils can also access drinking water in the small kitchen area that

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Main inspection findings

is used for teaching a food qualification.  The water supply in the toilets is working and toilets are flushable. The temperature of the water for hand washing does not pose a scalding risk to pupils. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Pupils have access to a large outside space with picnic tables for them to socialise at breaktime and lunchtime.  Pupils have access to a grassed area and a multi-use games area for physical education. For some specialist activities such as swimming or boxing, leaders intend taking pupils off site to appropriate facilities.  All standards in Part 5 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f)  The proprietor has ensured that all required policies are available to parents on request and intends that they will also be available via the school website.  The admissions information is clear and available to parents but is not yet written into a policy. The proprietor agreed to address this quickly.  The proprietor intends to publish particulars of previous years’ academic performance on the school’s website. Leaders are proud of what pupils are achieving and are keen to share this widely.  The proprietor has documents in place which show how pupils’ education, health and care plans will be reviewed, how pupils’ progress information will be reported to parents and how they will account for the income received and expenditure incurred

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Main inspection findings

relating to pupils funded by the local authority.  There are comprehensive policies in place which relate to supporting pupils with special educational needs and pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The proprietor intends to publish inspection reports on the school website, so that they are available to parents. Paragraphs 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d)  The contact information for the headteacher is available on the school website.  The contact information for the proprietor is available in the school prospectus, but leaders intend to make this information available on the school website.  There is currently no governing body in place. Should this change, leaders intend to publish the details of the chair and how to contact them on the school website.  The standards in Part 6 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that a comprehensive complaints policy is in place and accessible to parents. Timescales are clearly mapped out alongside explanations of each stage of the complaints procedure.  The complaints policy is available to parents upon request and will also be available on the school’s website.  The standards in Part 7 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The head of centre and the chair of the proprietorial body are very experienced and have worked in a wide variety of educational settings. They have a strong understanding of how to meet the needs of the learners who attend the school.  The leaders have high expectations and aspirations for what pupils can achieve at Southway. This is modelled well and shared by all staff.  Leaders understand the importance of ensuring that the school meets the independent school standards consistently. They plan to carry out at least termly audits to ensure compliance.  Pupils’ welfare and success are a priority for the leaders and staff of the school. They actively promote pupils’ well-being and work hard to interest and motivate pupils to do well in their education.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a relevant and up-to-date plan in place to improve access to the curriculum, physical environment and written materials for pupils with a disability.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Rodillian Multi Academy Trust

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £19,750–£24,000

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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 120 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 32.5

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 27

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11–16 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll 120 120 120

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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 116 116

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 120 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 6 Up to 12

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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 0 Up to 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 35 35

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Information about this proposed school

 Southway is situated in The South Leeds Youth Hub in the Belle Isle area of Leeds. The building is owned by Leeds local authority and is leased to the school. The building is used for other purposes. There is secure entry to the school.  The school will consider pupils who are referred from local authorities or schools. The school intends to have up to 120 pupils, all of whom have special educational needs.  The school intends to cater for pupils with a variety of special educational needs, including specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, behavioural, emotional and social difficulty and autistic spectrum disorder.  The school does not have a religious character.

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Information about this inspection

 This first pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education.  The inspection was carried out with two working days’ notice.  The school is currently operating without registration and was issued with a warning notice by Ofsted’s unregistered school team.  The inspector reviewed policies and documents associated with the independent school standards, met with the head of centre, the proprietor, the human resources manager and other school staff. The school building was toured inside and out. The inspector observed some teaching during the inspection.

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Inspection team

Debbie Redshaw, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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