Kingsgate School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Kingsgate School 239 West Street, Fareham PO16 0HZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 2  The proposed curriculum is designed to follow the principles and standards established in the national curriculum. The proprietor has ensured that sufficient emphasis is placed on English and mathematics, as well as the foundation subjects, such as arts, technology, physical education (PE) and religious studies. The proprietor is fully aware that there will need to be adaptations to meet the difficulties of pupils who are likely to join the school, particularly those related to communication and literacy. A suitable programme to improve pupils’ reading will be in place.  The proprietor is proposing to use the local leisure centre and park for pupils’ PE. In addition, pupils will study nutrition and food technology at a nearby further education college, which has dedicated areas for younger age groups.  Curriculum planning allows for clear progression between key stages 2 and 3. In

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Main inspection findings

addition, pupils of all ages will benefit from extra support from speech, language and other therapists, as needed. The school’s curriculum planning has been carefully checked to ensure that it does not discriminate against any pupils or undermine British values.  The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum is central to the school’s planned timetable. It is designed to appeal to pupils and to reflect the school’s aims. The proposed programmes of study focus closely on helping pupils to understand risk, keep themselves safe and learn to regulate their own emotions and impulses. The programmes promote respect for those characteristics that are protected under the Equality Act 2010. The proprietor has ensured that there are plenty of opportunities for older pupils to explore different career options and prepare for the next stage of education.  Schemes of work, programmes of study, lesson planning and timetabling are

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Main inspection findings

thoroughly planned and supported with up-to-date and engaging topics and resources. These are therefore likely to contribute to effective teaching, although no teaching could be observed during this pre-registration inspection. Paragraph 3, 4  Plans for assessing pupils’ attainment and progress are in place. On entry to the school, a detailed baseline assessment will gauge pupils’ abilities and needs and will enable them to be set appropriate and meaningful targets. Pupils’ progress and attainment will be reviewed against their targets.  The proposed school’s high expectations of behaviour, if effectively maintained, are likely to promote successful learning and responsible attitudes from pupils.  The proposed curriculum will also include a full range of extra-curricular activities, making the most of local facilities and opportunities for outdoor learning. These activities are specifically aimed at promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural

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Main inspection findings

development, while also encouraging their engagement and motivation.  The proposed school is likely to meet all aspects of this part of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proposed school’s policies place a strong emphasis on building pupils’ sense of moral responsibility. The proposed curriculum is likely to boost pupils’ self-awareness and self-esteem. Pupils will be helped to acquire habits of looking outwards to reflect upon and learn about the wider world.  Specific programmes have been planned to teach pupils about the institutions of England. Policies and practices are likely to promote respect for and understanding of other cultures, beliefs, religions and protected characteristics.  The proprietor has put in place sufficient time for checking plans and programmes of activity, in order to ensure that pupils are presented with balanced views.  All aspects of this part of the independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 6, 7  The safeguarding policy meets requirements and takes into account the unique nature of this setting. The policy provides thorough coverage of what staff, pupils, parents and carers need to know, in line with up-to-date guidance from the Secretary of State. The proposed school’s website was under construction at the time of the pre- registration inspection, but the policy is complete and available to parents.  The safeguarding and child protection policies outline clear procedures for reporting concerns about children. The proprietor is fully trained as the designated safeguarding leader and has a secure understanding of his duties. The proprietor has had much experience of working with other agencies that protect children. He is planning to train a member of staff to deputise for him, and to ensure that all other staff are fully trained at a high level in safeguarding and child protection.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 9, 10  The proposed school’s behaviour policy is suitably tailored to meet the needs of pupils likely to be admitted to the school. It includes a system of rewards and sanctions, and the procedures that will be followed if a physical intervention has to be carried out.  The proprietor has made sure that there is a system ready to use to record pupils’ behaviour and any serious incidents.  The anti-bullying policy meets requirements and includes sections which outline sensible plans for pupils to take the lead in preventing bullying. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16  There is a suitable health and safety policy, together with checks and follow-up actions, as part of getting the building ready to be occupied as a school.  The building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The premises have been reviewed and some minor remedial works have been carried out in line with recommendations.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor is wisely proposing a high staff-pupil ratio. Once the proposed school is up and running, there will be a suitable number of staff to supervise pupils.  The first aid policy meets requirements. First aid equipment is clearly labelled, safely stored and accessible to adults.  The proprietor has a thorough approach to assessing risk, both to pupils and from the point of view of the building and location. The risk assessment policy is suitable, and risk assessments take full account of pupils’ needs.  Although no pupils have been admitted to the school, the proprietor has drawn up an accurate spreadsheet that will record the necessary information about pupils.  The proposed school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 20, 21  The proprietor is thoroughly conversant with the checks that need to be made on adults working in the school, in line with the latest guidance from the Secretary of State. He has drawn up a single central register which will include all the necessary information, including prohibition from teaching checks. No staff have been appointed yet.  If the school is registered before September 2019, the proprietor is planning on using experienced supply staff before recruiting substantive staff for the new academic year. He has planned carefully how to carry out the required checks and to confirm what checks will have been made by agencies.  All aspects of this part of the independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29  The proposed school will be situated in a residential building which has formerly been used as offices and a children’s nursery. The proprietor has carried out much repair and refurbishment work as part of preparing the building for school use.  The inside of the building is well maintained, and rooms have been adapted for classroom, office and break-out spaces. Rooms are fully furnished with brand-new school furniture and resources. The spaces are light, modern and practical.  The proprietor has made arrangements for safe entry and exit of the building, for pupils and for visitors. He is mindful of the proposed school’s position on a busy road and roundabout junction, and its proximity to public transport, including a railway station. Strict procedures are in place to mitigate the risk presented by the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school’s location.  Toilet, washing and medical facilities are suitable and meet requirements. The hot water is thermostatically controlled and there is plenty of access to drinking water.  The school’s outdoor space is suitable for recreation and lunchtime and breaktime play. The proprietor is planning to use the facilities and park area at the local leisure centre for pupils’ physical education. This centre is five minutes’ walk away and has facilities for groups to change and shower separately from the public.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The proposed school’s website is currently under construction. However, the inspector was able to review all the required policies and information that will be available on the website. These include the prospectus, information about the curriculum and assessment, and details about the proprietor and governors. Documents and information are currently stored in an email drop box and would be easily obtainable by parents if needed while the website is being built.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The complaints policy meets requirements. It allows for informal resolution at an early stage and also outlines how an independent panel will be formed to hear any formal complaint. The policy allows for the complainant to be accompanied by a supporter at any panel. Timescales for responding to and investigating complaints are clearly laid out and reasonable.  The policy includes a helpful section about how pupils may also raise complaints or concerns about the school.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  The proprietor is also the headteacher of the proposed school. He has plenty of experience of leading this type of independent special school in his previous roles as headteacher. He has a proven record of school improvement in these roles.  The proprietor is thoroughly versed in the requirements of the independent school standards, and has made sure that all the required policies and planning meet requirements.  The proprietor has drawn up an audit tool which will enable him and governors to review the school’s performance against the independent school standards.  The proprietor is clearly knowledgeable and experienced in working with pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. He has put together aspirational curriculum plans that are of a similar scope and standard as those found in well- established mainstream, independent and state-funded schools.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has a secure understanding of risk and accountability. He is able to anticipate possible hazards and challenges in the opening of the school.  Active steps have been taken to ensure that there is sufficient oversight of the proprietor’s work. The proprietor is planning to establish an independent governing body. Prospective members are experienced in school governance and education. They are likely to have the skills and expertise to hold school leaders to account objectively.  Through his previous experience in school leadership, the proprietor has formed useful connections and relationships with other school leaders, care providers and local authority services.  The school is likely to meet this part of the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has drawn up a suitable accessibility plan. Although the proposed school is not yet accessible to all pupils with reduced mobility, the policy allows for off-site provision and support for pupils while reasonable adjustments are made to the premises.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address admin@kingsgateschool.co.uk

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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 7 to 14 7 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 16 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 16

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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 Not applicable 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 6

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed Kingsgate School will cater for up to 16 pupils aged between seven and 14 years of age who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils admitted may also have associated complex learning difficulties.  All pupils are likely to have education, health and care (EHC) plans and will be funded by their local authorities.  The proposed school will offer full-time education based on the national curriculum, with additional therapeutic support, including speech and language.  The school is situated in Fareham town centre. It is not intended that the school will use any alternative provision. The school does not have any religious character.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school, prior to the planned opening of the school in June 2019. The inspection focused on whether the proposed school was likely to meet the independent school standards, if registered.  Her Majesty’s Inspector met with the proprietor, who is also the headteacher. She also met the chair of governors (designate).  The inspector toured the premises to check that the building was suitably equipped and furbished to be a school. She reviewed school policies and procedures to verify if these were likely to meet the independent school standards. She checked the proposed school’s planned arrangements for safeguarding and safer recruitment. She discussed the school’s proposed approach to ensuring site security and safe entry and exit of the premises.  Information about the proposed curriculum and schemes of work was reviewed. The inspector considered the school’s plans to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and

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Inspection team

Janet Pearce, 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

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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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