Taliesin Education Ltd

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

T Plus Centre (Taliesin Education) Loveny House, Miller Business Park, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 4DA

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 3, 3(a)–(g) and 4  The previous inspection identified that the school’s curriculum offer was too limited and did not enable pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding sufficiently. The curriculum did not provide pupils with appropriate opportunities to develop core skills, such as reading, writing and mathematics. Additionally, the school’s personal, social, health and economic curriculum was judged to be ineffective. This was because leaders had not ensured that it met pupils’ specific needs or identified vulnerabilities.  Since the previous inspection, the head of centre has extended the curriculum offer. For example, weekly enrichment sessions allow pupils the opportunity to explore different religions and cultures. Pupils’ work shows that they engage well in this learning.  The head of centre has introduced a common approach to planning learning. This is

p.1

Main inspection findings

ensuring that assessment is used effectively to identify pupils’ prior learning and teaching then builds on this. This approach is seen in a wide range of subjects. However, the implementation of the approach is variable. It is not strong in writing.  Teaching staff have planned personal, social and health education more carefully. This is now more closely matched to pupils’ own experiences and teaches them about a wide range of risks they may face.  The standards in this part are now met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(b) and 5(b)(v)  At the inspection in March 2018, teaching staff did not give enough attention to promoting tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions.  As part of the review of the curriculum, this aspect is being strengthened. Teaching staff support pupils to think through scenarios involving moral dilemmas and to consider their

p.1

Main inspection findings

own position. Staff help pupils to reflect on their own experiences and review their own responses.  The school’s work to develop pupils’ religious and cultural understanding is still at an early stage of development but is sufficient to meet the requirements of this standard.  The standard in this part is met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  At the inspection in March 2018, the proprietor had not ensured that there were adequate facilities for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils.  Leaders have installed a wash-hand basin with hot and cold running water in a room next to the toilet facilities.  The standards in this paragraph are met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(2), 32(2)(c), 32(3), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(e) and 32(3)(f)  All the information required for this progress monitoring inspection was available either

p.1

Main inspection findings

on the school’s website or on request.  The proprietor appointed two governors following the previous inspection. The school’s website now contains details of the governors and how they may be contacted.  The website also includes the outcomes for Year 11 leavers (three pupils) in 2018. It provides a list of courses and the number of pupils who qualified in each one. There are no key stage 2 outcomes as there were no pupils in Year 6 in the previous academic year.  The complaints procedure has been overhauled and is published on the school’s website. There have been no formal complaints received since the previous inspection.  The standard in this part is met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(h), 33(i) and 33(i)(i)  The proprietor had not ensured that the complaints procedure complied with the Independent School Standards at the inspection in March 2018.  The proprietor has ensured that the policy now allows for parents to be accompanied at

p.2

Main inspection findings

any stage of the procedure. It details how the findings of investigations will be recorded and communicated.  The standard in this part is met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  At the inspection in March 2018, the proprietor, leaders and managers did not demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards. As a result, many standards were not met.  The head of centre has developed a greater understanding of the requirements of the standards. He has worked with the proprietor to tackle the shortcomings identified at the previous inspection. As a result of their actions, the standards that were not met at the previous inspection are now met. This shows the deeper understanding of the standards and their role in ensuring that the school meets them.  This standard in this part is now met.

p.2

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– (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 (b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– (i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are - (d) personal, social, health and economic education which– (i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– (a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught (b) fosters in pupils’ self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves (c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time (d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons (e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught (f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range (g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor (b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which– (v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.  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– (a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils (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 (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 used for

p.4

The school now meets the following independent school standards

the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– (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, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; (b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; (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. (2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair.

p.5

The school now meets the following independent school standards

(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– (b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language (e) particulars of the school’s academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations (f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.  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 (h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish (i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is–

p.5

The school now meets the following independent school standards

(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about.  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– (a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently (b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and (c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

p.5

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.7

School details

School status Independent special school

p.7

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 21–23 March 2018

p.7

Information about this school

 The T Plus Centre has spaces for 14 boys aged between seven and 16. There are currently eight pupils on the school’s roll.  Most pupils arrive having been excluded from other settings. Due to their disjointed school experience, many are working below academic expectations for their age.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Two local authorities, Cornwall and Bristol, fund their placements.  Some pupils are living in care. The school maintains regular contact with social services with regard to the attendance of these pupils and any concerns that may arise.  The previous standard inspection, carried out in March 2018, evaluated the school as being inadequate. At that inspection, the school’s safeguarding arrangements were judged to be effective.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This was the first progress monitoring inspection since the standard inspection in March 2018.  During the inspection, the inspector held discussions with the chair of the governing body, which is the proprietorial board, the head of centre, members of staff and pupils.  The inspector reviewed a range of the school’s documentation, including policies and procedures and other records maintained by school staff, including those relating to safeguarding. He also reviewed policies available on the school’s website.  The inspector observed pupils’ learning and reviewed their work.

p.9

Inspection team

Iain Freeland, 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 .

p.9

Inspection team

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.

p.10

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 .

p.10

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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.10