Big Picture Doncaster

School pre-registration inspection report

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Big Picture Doncaster High Street, Bentley, Doncaster DN5 0BF

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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)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a clear curriculum policy in place that is accompanied by schemes of work. The curriculum on offer follows the ‘Big Picture Learning’ system and plans to engage pupils in their learning by incorporating their interests and passions into the curriculum. Each pupil’s curriculum will be individual to them and will allow them to progress in line with their ability and future career aspirations.  The school offers a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, English, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, science, geography, history, physical education (PE) and art. The school will offer GCSE subjects and other qualifications that support pupils’ career choices. The ways in which subjects will be taught will be

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Main inspection findings

unique to each pupil, encompassing the philosophy of the school.  The curriculum provides a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. All pupils will take part in an exhibition of their work on at least a termly basis. They will present their work to their peers and parents and carers.  Through personalised learning plans that will be in place for each pupil, teachers will ensure that work matches pupils’ needs.  Through the ‘well-being’ strand and across the curriculum, there is a clear programme for PSHE. Pupils will learn about, for example, healthy relationships, how to manage risk, rights and responsibilities and life in modern Britain. Paragraph 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  All pupils will take part in an internship during key stage 4 which will see them working within a company or business to develop their skills in the workplace. Each

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Main inspection findings

pupil will be prepared for this by receiving a broad and balanced view of a variety of careers during their time in the school. Teachers will support pupils by exploring their skills and interests to ensure that the internships are well matched to individuals.  The school will ensure that pupils are supported effectively in making the transition from school into education, employment or training. Pupils will benefit from trips to different colleges and a range of external speakers who will keep them informed of local career opportunities, apprenticeships and careers. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  All staff are experienced teachers. Most are qualified teachers and have experience of teaching in a wide range of settings.  Leaders plan to ensure that teachers have all the information about pupils that they need in order to meet their needs effectively. Pupils will complete baseline

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Main inspection findings

assessments and teachers will use this information alongside information about pupils’ interests and aspirations to plan learning. Teachers will support pupils in making progress towards taking qualifications, such as GCSE English and mathematics, that are appropriate to each pupil.  The school’s philosophy of education ensures that pupils have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills alongside their interests. There are many opportunities for pupils to apply their creativity and intellect to their work. Class time is planned to be managed well, because pupils will be clear about the goals they are working towards and teachers will support them to stay on track to achieve them.  There is a framework for assessment in place. Pupils’ progress will be assessed against their starting points and targets in their personal learning plan. Pupils taking GCSE qualifications will have regular assessment of their progress. Leaders intend to

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Main inspection findings

compare the progress made by pupils from their starting points to national norms.  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 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), 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has a clear policy in place which details how pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development needs will be met.  Pupils will have the opportunity to act responsibly and improve their behaviour and attendance from those at their previous school.  Leaders intend pupils to learn about the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010 through the PSHE curriculum and the ‘well-being’ strand of their education.  Leaders will ensure that any material presented by external speakers is checked before it is presented and that any external speakers provide pupils with broad and balanced viewpoints. All external speakers will be approved by the principal.  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 Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  There is an appropriate safeguarding and child protection policy that reflects the latest government guidance. The policy is clear and informative. Leaders intend that the policy is published on the school’s website when it is live. In the meantime, parents can request a copy of the policy from the school.  Some staff have received safer recruitment training. This has been applied to recruitment, ensuring that staff are appropriate to work with pupils.  Staff have a strong understanding of the signs to look out for that may indicate that a child is experiencing a problem. They are aware of what to do with this information to ensure that pupils have timely support and are kept safe.  Leaders have established and continue to establish strong working relationships with external agencies and adults who work with pupils who are being referred to the

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Main inspection findings

school. This strong collaborative working helps to protect pupils and ensure their well- being. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate behaviour policy in place. The policy includes clear information about the rewards and sanctions that are available to pupils. The policy aligns with the school’s ethos of respect and equality. There is a system in place for recording, analysing and sharing behaviour information.  The anti-bullying strategy is clear and spells out that bullying will not be tolerated in the school. There are clear roles for all involved in the school and clear processes for dealing with and recording any incidents that may occur. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The health and safety policy is personalised to the school. There are lockable cupboards for cleaning materials to prevent pupils from accessing them. There are appropriate actions in place to ensure that health and safety is a priority.

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Main inspection findings

 In January 2019, a fire assessment was conducted on the building. This identified some issues, for example with fire signage. Leaders have acted upon the recommendations from this assessment to improve fire safety procedures. Fire signage is clear, fire extinguishers are in place and there are systems ready to record regular fire checks and maintenance.  The first aid policy provides clear guidance on treating pupils who have an injury. There are forms ready to use to record any incidents. A copy of the form will be retained on the pupil’s file, and details of the incident will be reported to leaders and shared with parents.  Pupils will be taught with a ratio of no more than 15 pupils per member of staff. There is flexibility to employ additional staff, should additional support be needed for some pupils. During social times, there will be a duty rota to ensure that pupils are supervised during the day. At the beginning and end of the school day, pupils will be

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Main inspection findings

appropriately supervised as they enter and leave the site.  No pupils are currently on roll. The proprietor has ensured that the admissions register is ready and legally compliant. All pupils attending the school will be placed on the school roll. The school has purchased an electronic system for recording attendance and has a system ready to analyse attendance information. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a risk assessment policy in place. This details when staff should draw up risk assessments and what they should contain. There is a clear format for constructing a risk assessment.  A sample of risk assessments demonstrate that leaders are identifying risks and implementing appropriate control measures to keep pupils safe, for example when they are using the kitchen area of the exhibition room.  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 Paragraph 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(2)(f), 18(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 leaders, staff and the trustees who form the proprietor body. The checks were carried out prior to staff beginning their roles.  The school does not intend to use supply teachers. Paragraph 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), 21(6)  All checks that have been carried out are recorded appropriately on a single central register.  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 Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  The school is a brand-new purpose-built building. There are six toilets available for pupils to use and another toilet for any pupil who is disabled. Each one is a separate lockable cubicle. The toilet for any disabled pupils also contains a shower for the pupils to use.  There is sufficient classroom space available for pupils to change for PE. However, it is intended that all PE will take place off site and leaders have an agreement in place to use local sports facilities. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  Medical accommodation is in a large space beside a toilet for any disabled pupils which also contains a sink and a shower. Leaders have ordered an appropriate bed for the medical examination and treatment of pupils, as well as a lockable medicine box to ensure the safe storage of medicines. The space will have appropriate screens to

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Main inspection findings

ensure privacy, if required.  There is a first aid kit with appropriate contents to treat minor injuries.  Most staff have been trained in first aid. It is the proprietor’s intention that all staff will be so trained. Paragraph 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The building is bright and airy and newly painted. It is exceptionally clean.  The sound and lighting in each classroom are suitable for teaching.  External lights are in good working order and light the entrance and exit to the school well, ensuring that pupils can enter and leave safely when it is 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 can access drinking water in a purpose-built kitchen area and this is labelled appropriately. Access to water is readily available.  Toilets and sinks are brand new and in excellent working order. Soap and hand-drying facilities are available.  The temperature of the hot water is appropriately regulated and does not pose a

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Main inspection findings

scalding risk to pupils or staff. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a newly lawned area at the back of the school that is suitable for pupils to socialise and play outside on. School leaders intend that, once the lawn has completely grown in, there will be a seating area for pupils to use.  PE will take place off site at a variety of places to ensure that pupils have access to specialist equipment, for example at a boxing gym. These agreements were confirmed during this inspection.  Adjacent to the school, there is an area that can be used for PE. The school is working with a local football club to explore the possibility of developing a multi-use games area on this land.  The standards in part 5 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 2(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 information relating to the independent school standards (ISS) is ready and available to parents.  A website has been designed and is almost ready to go live. All policies and required information will be available to parents via this website and printed copies will be available on request from the school reception.  There will be regular reviews of the progress pupils make via parental meetings with the teacher, pupil and any other services, such as social workers who are working with the pupil. This will be recorded appropriately, and information shared with parents in the form of a report. Pupils who have an education, health and care plan will have it reviewed regularly through a similar meeting process.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that a system is in place to report income received and expenditure to the local authority.  The proprietor intends that academic performance information will be shared with parents in newsletters and also via the school website. Paragraph 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d)  Contact information for the principal and proprietor body will be available on the school website.  Leaders intend that the school will have a local governing board. Once set up, contact information for the chair will also be available on the 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 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 proprietor has ensured that a complaints policy is in place and available to parents.  The policy is clear and sets out the timescales for the management of a complaint. The policy describes each possible stage of a complaint and what will happen once the complaint has been completely addressed.  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 Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The senior leaders in the school are very experienced school leaders and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and information to their roles.  The proprietor and wider proprietor body bring vast and varying experience to the school. Their wide range of skills will enable them to hold school leaders to account for the progress pupils make.  The proprietor has appropriate plans in place to ensure that the ISS are met consistently. This includes a principal’s report relating to the ISS and regular checks to ensure that they are met.  The education director for the charity Big Picture Learning UK is knowledgeable about the ISS and is sharing this information with school leaders so that there is a full understanding of what the ISS are and what is required to meet them.  The proprietor has ensured that pupils’ welfare is a priority. Through the well-being

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Main inspection findings

curriculum, PSHE and SMSC education, pupils will learn to face risk, keep healthy and to value their education.  The proprietor has also ensured that staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.  The standards in part 8 are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is an accessibility plan in place which details how the school seeks to improve access to the curriculum, the building and information for pupils with a disability. The plan is over three years and will be reviewed on an annual basis.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £13,000 – £15,000

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Proposed school details

Email address schooladmin@bigpicturedoncaster.org

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable (N/A) 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 60 60

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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 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A Up to 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan N/A Up to 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan N/A 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 5

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Information about this proposed school

 Big Picture Doncaster is situated on one site in the Bentley area of Doncaster. A brand- new purpose-built building has been constructed. The school intends to cater for pupils who are persistent absentees, at risk of permanent exclusion or working with a variety of external agencies.  The school follows the philosophy of ‘Big Picture Learning’. This school will be the first UK-based school and is being set up by the charity ‘Big Picture UK’. There are 10 distinguishing features of the school. These are: one student at a time; advisory structures; learning through interest and internships; parent and family engagement; school culture; authentic assessment; school organisation; leadership; post-secondary planning; and professional development.  The school will consider pupils who are referred from local authorities initially and will consider direct referrals from parents in the future. The school will accommodate up to

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Information about this proposed school

60 pupils. When the school opens, it will begin with 30 pupils aged 13–14 years.  The school intends to cater for pupils with a variety of special educational needs, including behavioural, emotional and social difficulty and autistic spectrum disorder.  The school does not have a religious character.  The school intends to provide pupils with activities and real work experience alongside academic studies in qualifications that align with pupils’ future aspirations.

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Information about this inspection

 This first pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education, following the proprietor’s first application to open an independent school.  The inspection was undertaken with two working days’ notice.  The inspector reviewed policies and documents associated with the independent school standards, met with the principal, a member of the proprietor body, the chief executive officer for the charity and the education director. She also met with the vice-principal and teaching staff. The school building was toured inside and out.

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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

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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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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