LSI Independent College

School pre-registration inspection report

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LSI Independent College 13 Lyndhurst Terrace, Hampstead, London NW3 5QA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs ◼ The school has developed a curriculum policy which outlines an intended offer of a range of GCSE courses, including in the sciences, English literature, English language, mathematics, art, history, psychology, French and Spanish. There are suitable schemes of work and lesson plans in place for all these subjects, as well as an appropriate assessment system which will monitor pupils’ effort, learning and progress. ◼ However, plans are not in place for all the required areas of learning, such as physical education. Leaders have also not sufficiently considered and planned to ensure that pupils experience learning in all the required areas. ◼ There are suitable plans in place for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, which pupils will study weekly. The teaching of British values has been sufficiently considered. Leaders have also considered how due regard will be given to

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Main inspection findings

the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. ◼ The school’s plans for careers education are embryonic. Leaders plan to commission an external careers adviser to provide suitably impartial careers information, advice and guidance. However, they have not yet done so. ◼ Some of the independent school standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs ◼ There is appropriate planning in place to provide for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The school’s PSHE plans show how the school intends to develop these areas over time, including pupils’ understanding of British values. In addition, a programme of trips and enrichment activities is planned. Planning actively encourages respect for other people by paying particular regard to all of the protected characteristics. ◼ Staff will follow a clear code of conduct which forbids the sharing of partisan political

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Main inspection findings

opinions, and ensures that pupils are always presented with a balance of views. ◼ The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs ◼ The school’s child protection policy was updated during the course of the inspection and is compliant with the latest statutory guidance. The proposed designated safeguarding leader has completed an appropriate level of training and has sufficient knowledge of the statutory requirements. There is a suitable system for the training of staff, and the recording and management of safeguarding concerns. However, arrangements for safeguarding are not likely to meet requirements because the school’s system for completing vetting checks on staff is not compliant with statutory guidance, as identified in Part 4. ◼ Leaders have produced appropriate anti-bullying and behaviour policies. Leaders have prepared to log incidents of serious misbehaviour and any sanctions imposed as a

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Main inspection findings

result. ◼ The school is not likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The external fire risk assessment undertaken in November 2018 identified a number of actions and recommendations, but the leader responsible for fire safety had not read this and no action has been taken as a result. In addition, checks on the emergency lighting are not being completed and recorded. The school’s fire safety folder contains mostly historical, irrelevant information. ◼ The school’s health and safety and first aid policies are suitable and likely to be implemented well. ◼ Pupils are likely to be appropriately supervised through the adequate deployment of staff. ◼ Arrangements for meeting the standards in relation to pupil admissions and attendance are not likely to meet requirements. Though there is a database of useful pupil information, there is not a compliant admission register. The attendance

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Main inspection findings

registers do not make use of the correct codes to record pupils’ attendance, which means, for example, that the school does not identify the difference between authorised and unauthorised absence. ◼ Leaders have written a suitable risk assessment policy. Written risk assessments for trips and science experiments, as examples, appropriately consider how to minimise the risks presented. However, leaders have not risk-assessed the premises. ◼ Some of the independent school standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs ◼ There is not an appropriate template for the single central register of vetting checks on staff in place. ◼ Not all the required vetting checks have been identified and completed on the single central register template, such as barred list checks and checks in relation to prohibition from teaching and the management of independent schools (known as

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Main inspection findings

‘section 128’ checks). It is also not clear whether the required additional checks on those who have lived and worked overseas have been undertaken. Checks on staff members’ identification and their right to work in the United Kingdom are also unclear. There are many checks listed which are not required, and the overwhelming majority of checks are not dated. ◼ The required vetting checks on all three members of the proprietorial board have not been completed. They have not been listed on the single central register. ◼ The school does not intend to employ supply or agency staff. ◼ Some of the independent school standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs ◼ The school is a large building currently used as a further education college. It includes 10 classroom spaces and provides space for approximately 80 pupils. ◼ An appropriate medical room facility was created during the inspection. Replacing an

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Main inspection findings

office, it includes a bed, first aid supplies and a washing facility and is next to a toilet. ◼ There is a large, secure and appropriate outdoor space for recreation and physical education. ◼ There are no changing or shower facilities. However, pupils will access these on a weekly basis at a local leisure centre. ◼ There are separate toilet facilities for pupils, students and staff. These are appropriate, but require clear signage. ◼ All the requirements relating to lighting, acoustics and water are likely to be met. ◼ The buildings are clean and well maintained. However, fire safety is a concern, as identified in Part 3. ◼ The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs ◼ All the required policies and information are currently made available in hard copy, and will be available online when leaders set up the school’s website. ◼ The school’s intended report template for parents suitably outlines pupils’ progress

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Main inspection findings

and attainment, as per the requirements. ◼ The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs ◼ The school’s complaints policy is likely to meet the requirements. Leaders have also prepared a suitable complaints log. ◼ The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs ◼ Leaders, including the chair of the proprietorial board, have a rapidly developing knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards. However, the requirements are not likely to be met if LSI Independent College is registered at this time. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 ◼ Leaders have written an appropriate accessibility plan, which complies with Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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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proposal

Inspector’s recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 15 to 19 Registration not recommended Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 80 Registration not recommended

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed No change Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 3 Up to 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities None Up to 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None Up to 5

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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 None Up to 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 7

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision None 3

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Information about this proposed school

◼ LSI Independent College is currently operating as an independent further education provider for 36 students aged over 16 years old. It is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). At the time of the inspection, the school is also operating with three full-time pupils of compulsory school age. ◼ Leaders wish to register the school as an independent day school for pupils aged 15 to 19 in the London Borough of Camden. ◼ The school intends to provide an education for pupils studying GCSEs and students studying A-Levels only. ◼ The school would be led by the headteacher. The proprietorial body, comprising three directors of LSI Education Ltd, would also fulfil the role of governing body. ◼ The school does not intend to make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

◼ 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. ◼ This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection. ◼ The inspection was conducted with two days of notice. ◼ The school has never officially operated as an independent school, but is currently operating with three full-time pupils. ◼ The inspector conducted the inspection with the school’s headteacher. He also met with the chair of the proprietorial board, the designated safeguarding lead and the leader with responsibility for fire safety. ◼ The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all the independent school standards. He toured the premises, reviewed key documents and policies, including those related to safeguarding and

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Information about this inspection

health and safety, and considered the school’s proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted 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(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.

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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; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

◼ 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

◼ 15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

◼ 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 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–

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

– 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

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

– 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; and

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

◼ 18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.

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

◼ 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–

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

– 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 disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction

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

– 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB–

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

– 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check

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

– 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and

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

– 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State ◼ 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.

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

◼ 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is–

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

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether–

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

– 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act

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

– 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

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

– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e)

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

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

◼ 21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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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

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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

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

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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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