Aurora Beeches School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Aurora Boveridge College – The Beeches School The Beeches, Cranborne, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 5RT

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 1, 2(1), 3 and 4  The proprietor has designed a curriculum that considers the likely needs of pupils who will attend the school. Staff who have been recruited show a good understanding of their subject and how it is taught well. They have identified a range of courses, including English, mathematics, science and vocational subjects such as animal care and horticulture, that pupils can follow. These lead to nationally recognised qualifications.  Leaders have established an initial assessment period that will allow teachers the opportunity to evaluate pupils’ prior knowledge and understanding. From this assessment, teachers will identify the most appropriate courses for pupils to study. This initial assessment is supplemented by input from an independent careers adviser.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The head of school has planned the provision of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the curriculum. This includes exploration of some areas in subjects, such as religious views on different aspects of science. For other areas, the tutorial programme will build pupils’ understanding. For example, a module on ‘friendship, relationships and community’ has been designed to introduce pupils to different types of relationships. It explores peer pressure and homophobia.  The ‘Think, connect, protect’ module will develop pupils’ understanding of British values, their rights and responsibilities and the risks of extremism and radicalisation. Visits to local courts and prison and visitors from the community will give pupils an appreciation of public institutions.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 9–9(c), 10  The proprietor has drafted a safeguarding policy which meets the requirements of the latest guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The principal is the designated safeguarding lead and has had the required training. The principal will appoint a deputy designated safeguarding leader once she has completed her training, which she has started.  Leaders have drafted and are revising the school’s behaviour policy. In its draft form, it promotes good behaviour through an incentivised rewards programme and details sanctions for misbehaviour. The policy is supplemented by separate policies on anti- bullying, exclusion and screening and searching.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11–14 and 16–16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that the refurbishment of the site has improved the health and safety arrangements for the site. A fire-risk assessment has been carried out, and fire-fighting equipment is in place and has been recently serviced.  Leaders have drafted a first-aid policy, and nine members of the current college staff have had recent first-aid training. Once dedicated school staff have been appointed, leaders intend that more staff should be trained.  Leaders propose high adult-to-pupil ratios. This should ensure that pupils are adequately supervised. Risk assessment records show how pupils’ needs will be considered when evaluating the hazards that activities may pose.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 15  The principal intends to use a commercial software package for the admissions and attendance registers. This includes all the required fields and makes provision for the recording of information in accordance with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1)–21(7)(b)  The proprietor has appointed the principal of Aurora Boveridge College to oversee The Beeches School. She has appointed a head of school and three teachers to date. These members of staff currently work at the college.  In each case, leaders have ensured that all the required checks have been carried out and are recorded accurately on the school’s single central register.  Leaders expect supply staff to be employed from time to time. It is anticipated that these will be provided by three employment agencies. Examples of the information provided to the school were seen and comply with the requirements set out in the standard. The information from these checks is to be added to the single central register.  The proprietor is Aurora FE Limited. The recently appointed chief operating officer fulfils the role on behalf of the company. The necessary checks on other company

p.2

Main inspection findings

directors have been completed.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–24(1)(b) and 24(2)–29(2)  The school will be based in a former bungalow on the site of Aurora Boveridge College. The building has been refurbished to a good standard and has had some modifications to ensure it is accessible to all. Teaching rooms are carpeted, have adequate acoustic conditions, good lighting and natural ventilation.  Other areas, such as the life-skills room, have non-slip flooring. In this room, pupils can access drinking water throughout the school day. The room also contains cooking equipment and has mechanical extraction.  There are two individual toilet and washing facilities; one includes a shower unit.  Leaders expect most physical education teaching to take place at a nearby leisure centre. The risk assessment for this shows an awareness of the hazards and details some of the measures staff will take to reduce risks, including when pupils are

p.3

Main inspection findings

changing. In addition, there are outdoor areas around the school building and on the adjacent college site where pupils can play.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(c), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(a), 32(1)(b)(ii), 32(3)–32(3)(d) and 32(3)(f)  The proprietor has ensured that all the required policies are in place and are available to parents on request. These include policies on admissions, the curriculum, pupil behaviour, and health and safety. There is not currently a website for the school.  The school prospectus includes contact details for the school and the proprietor. It also sets out the school’s vision, values and ethos. There is no governing body.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The proprietor has drafted a complaints procedure that follows a graduated approach. The procedure expects most complaints to be resolved informally but makes provision for formal complaints to be investigated. A complaints panel is to be convened should the complainant remain dissatisfied with the outcome. The panel will comprise a director and two other members, usually senior staff from another school in the group or school improvement partners.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards. In preparing for the school opening, all the necessary documentation and modifications to the premises have been made to ensure that the school is likely to meet the standards in full.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor will make her own visits to the school on a regular basis. The company also employs three executive principals. One of these will visit the school monthly. These visits are intended to ensure that the school remains compliant with the standards and that the quality of education provided is of good quality. Furthermore, independent school improvement advisers are retained by the company to provide an additional, objective view of the school’s performance.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have reflected the school’s vision and ethos of inclusion and respect through their curriculum planning and policies. The renovation of the school site has ensured the physical accessibility of the buildings.  The proprietor has drafted equality, diversity and inclusion objectives to underpin the school’s work in this area.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.6

Proposed school details

Email address boveridgecollege@the-aurora-group.com

p.6

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 14–16 14–16 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 25 25

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 25

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils N/A 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 25

p.6

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 25

p.7

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 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 7

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 4

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in a converted bungalow on the site of Aurora Boveridge College, an independent specialist college for students aged 16 to 25. The site is located approximately two miles east of Cranborne, Dorset.  The school will also make use of specialist facilities on the college site. This includes a motor vehicle workshop, animal care centre, science laboratory and greenhouses for horticulture. There are some on-site sporting facilities, such as a football pitch. It is anticipated that most of the physical education provision will be taught at a nearby leisure centre.  Leaders anticipate that all pupils who will join the school once open will have an education, health and care plan. The school is equipped to cater for pupils who have multiple special educational needs including autism, alongside social, emotional and mental health or cognitive and learning needs.  The school is owned by Aurora FE Limited. The chief operating officer, who is also a

p.8

Information about this proposed school

director, of Aurora FE Limited fulfils the role of proprietor.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This 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 first pre-registration inspection.  Discussions were held with the proprietor, principal, head of school and three teachers.  The inspector undertook a check of the premises and evaluated the policies required under the independent school standards and the Equality Act 2010. He reviewed other documents and checked the school’s single central register.  The proposed school is not currently operating.

p.9

Inspection team

Iain Freeland, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.9

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.10

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

p.10

Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10