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Schools & FE · Independent school inspection

Colours Academy

Inspected 19 Dec 2018 · published 31 Jan 2019 · URN 146630

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Summary

No overall grade in this framework

Iain Freeland

What we read, and from where

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  • Inspection date verified

    19 Dec 2018

  • Inspectors verified

    Iain Freeland

  • Postcode verified

    PL21 0EZ

  • Name on report verified

    Colours Academy

  • URN verified

    146630

Page 1 of 13
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

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Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+42Positivemore positive than 53% of reports of this type

In line with other reports of this type.

Praiseindependenteffectivelyclearlyeffectiveconsistentlymake good progresswell plannedsuccessfully
Criticismfaillimitedlackconcernsnot clearlowerlow

How the report reads, start to finish

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FindingsWhat needs to improveAbout the inspectionLeadership positive critical
  • Findings2260w+33
  • Leadership370w+60
  • What needs to improve190w+33

Strengths

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No standout praise found.

Concerns

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Next steps

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What the report dwells on

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Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
13
Words of findings
2,803
longer than usual (typical 1813)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 38, typical 49
Average sentence
31 words
Next steps
8
typical 8
Hedged sentences
4%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 73%Leadership 12%What needs to improve 6%About the inspection 9%

Full report text

School pre-registration inspection report

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Colours Academy Lower Unit 2, Redlake Trading Estate, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0EZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–3(j) ◼ The curriculum policy sets out how the school seeks to provide full-time education that meets the requirements of the standards. The timetable for key stage 3 shows pupils studying a wide range of subjects. The range at key stage 4 is narrower. ◼ The associated schemes of work lack detail. They do not demonstrate how pupils will develop a depth of understanding in all the subjects studied and fail to consider pupils’ prior knowledge or additional learning needs. The level of demand of some schemes of work is particularly low. As a result, it is not clear how pupils will acquire the knowledge and understanding they need if they are to continue to further study successfully. ◼ The provision for careers education provides a cohesive development of pupils’ understanding of the importance of work, employability skills and an awareness of a wide range of careers. Additional studies, for example in the banking system, should

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Main inspection findings

provide pupils with a useful insight to different sectors of employment. The plans for careers education for key stage 3 pupils are limited. ◼ The school will offer post-16 provision for students who wish to study for a BTEC level 3 in art and design. School staff have the knowledge and expertise required to be able to deliver such a programme. Planning seen is suitably detailed. ◼ The proprietor has developed a personal, social and health education programme which will develop key stage 3 pupils’ understanding of healthy relationships, their physical and mental health, and recognising some of the risks they may face, such as from substance misuse. In key stage 4, pupils will learn about the role of parliament, their sexual health and prejudicial views and stereotyping. ◼ No reference could be found to teaching pupils about the risks of extremist views or radicalisation. Paragraph 4 ◼ A ‘Pupil universal grading system’ is in place which assesses pupils’ progress based on

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Main inspection findings

the degree to which pupils meet the objectives for each unit of work. ◼ The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 ◼ In policies and schemes of work, the proprietor has clearly set out how fundamental British values will be explored. There is clear teaching on distinguishing right from wrong and encouraging respect of other people, their characteristics, cultural heritage and culture. ◼ The policies and procedures for pupils’ conduct demonstrate the ways in which pupils will be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. ◼ The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 9–14 ◼ The proprietor has designed a behaviour policy that promotes good conduct and sets out the rewards and sanctions that are to be used. Similarly, the anti-bullying policy sets out the ways in which good relationships will be fostered and shows a clear focus on preventing any discrimination. Supervision ratios are adequate to monitor pupils’ conduct. ◼ The health and safety policy sets out the responsibilities of the proprietor, headteacher, staff and pupils. The landlord’s responsibilities are clearly set out and checks are carried out in good time. ◼ The proprietor has drafted a first aid policy that meets the requirements of the standard. Two members of staff are trained in first aid. A limited selection of bandages and other first aid equipment is available. Paragraph 15 ◼ The admissions register does not comply with The Education (Pupil Registration)

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Main inspection findings

(England) Regulations. The details of the previous school are not included, and the first date of attendance is not stated. ◼ The attendance register is similarly non-compliant. The register currently being used for the few pupils who attend on a full-time basis is not completed in a format compliant with the nationally agreed system. Paragraph 16–16(b) ◼ The proprietor has drafted a risk assessment policy which outlines the school’s approach to identifying hazards and mitigating the associated risks. ◼ Individual risk assessments do not consider the particular needs of pupils sufficiently or cover the most significant risks pupils will face. ◼ The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2)–18(3) ◼ The proprietor has not ensured that the all the necessary checks have been carried out for staff. As a result, the identity, employment history and suitability of staff

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Main inspection findings

members cannot be assured. Paragraphs 19(1)–20(6)(c) ◼ The school does not intend to make use of supply staff. ◼ The Secretary of State has carried out the necessary checks to confirm the proprietor’s suitability. The proprietor is a sole trader and there are no other governors. Paragraph 21(1)–21(7)(b) ◼ The proprietor has not drafted and maintained a register detailing the checks that have been carried out. ◼ The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22–29(1)(b) ◼ The premises are maintained to a good standard. They are adequately lit, ventilated and heated. Teaching rooms are of adequate size for the number of pupils the school proposes to accommodate. ◼ Separate toilet facilities are provided for boys and girls. A further accessible toilet is available in the adjacent studio space. All toilets are in working order. Hot water is available for washing. It is not so hot as to pose a scalding risk. ◼ Pupils will have access to an outdoor, tarmacked area for play. The adjacent, open access land provides additional space that staff can use with pupils. The proprietor expects to make use of the neighbouring gym and local leisure centres for some of the sporting activities that form part of the physical education programme. ◼ The outdoor space has been improved since the first pre-registration inspection in July

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Main inspection findings

2018. A wood-panelled fence is now in place to prevent pupils from falling over the shear drop to the road beneath. External lighting is available by light-detecting sensors. ◼ Suitable accommodation, adjacent to the toilets, is available for pupils who require medical examination, treatment or care. ◼ The proprietor has labelled the drinking water outlet in the kitchen so that pupils can clearly see. ◼ The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(3)(f) ◼ The school’s website provides parents, carers and others with the information required in this part of the standards. This includes contact details for the proprietor out of term time. ◼ All the information requested by the inspector was provided by school staff during this inspection. The exemplar annual report on a pupil’s progress provides a detailed commentary on the topics studied and the standards being reached.

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Main inspection findings

◼ The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 ◼ The school’s complaints procedure sets out the steps a complainant should follow clearly. It includes realistic timescales for each stage and the details of panel members should this be required. All panel members are independent of the school. ◼ The proprietor has put in place a log to record the nature and outcome of each complaint. ◼ The standard in this part is 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)(c) ◼ The proprietor has not ensured that all the independent school standards are likely to be met. She has not ensured that the school is well placed to provide a satisfactory quality of education. ◼ The proprietor has not demonstrated a thorough understanding of the requirements for the recruitment of staff set out in ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (2018). Missing checks mean they cannot confirm that all staff who have been appointed are suitable to work with pupils. ◼ The standard in this part is not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the building and the school’s curriculum are accessible to all and that the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act are not compromised. An accessibility plan is in place.

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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

Email address lovebugphotography@live.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.6

Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 4 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 35

p.6

Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 30

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11–18 11–18 11–18 Number of pupils on the school roll 4 40 40

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 4 40

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 0

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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 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

◼ Colours Academy is currently providing full-time education for four pupils, none of whom has an education, health and care plan. It does not, therefore, currently meet the definition of an independent school. The school also provides sessions on a part- time basis for pupils who are home educated. ◼ The school is situated in part of a converted clay factory. The majority of the rest of the building is used by artists as studio space and a gym. ◼ The school proposes to take pupils from age 11 to 18.

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Information about this inspection

◼ This pre-registration inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. ◼ This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection. The school’s first pre- registration inspection identified that the independent school standards were not likely to be met if the Department for Education had decided to register it. ◼ Discussions were held with the proprietor, who is also the proposed school’s headteacher and the designated leader for safeguarding. ◼ The inspector undertook a check of the premises, evaluated the policies required under the independent school standards and the Equalities Act 2010, scrutinised other documents and checked the single central register. ◼ The school is currently operating but it does not meet the definition of an independent school. ◼ No pupils were present during this inspection.

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Inspection team

Iain Freeland, 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(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work: – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan. ◼ 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school: – 3(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; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(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; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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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. ◼ 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. ◼ 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 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)(a) no such person is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that person is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 to that Act; – 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; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person: – 18(2)(c)(i) the person’s identity; – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness; – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and

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

– 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications; – 18(2)(d) the proprietor ensures that, where relevant to any such person, an enhanced criminal record check is made in respect of that person and an enhanced criminal record certificate is obtained before or as soon as practicable after that person’s appointment; – 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 ◼ 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. ◼ 21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which

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

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)(i) S’s identity was checked; – 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; – 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)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S;

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

– 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 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

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

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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 .

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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

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

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