Vidya Forest School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Vidya Forest School Wood Lane, Stanmore HA7 4LF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b) and 2(2)(h)  A broad and balanced curriculum is outlined in the school’s curriculum policy. This covers all the required areas of learning and is based on the national curriculum. Curriculum plans for each subject are in place for both key stages 1 and 2. Most are comprehensive and detail how they will meet pupils’ differing abilities, including for the most able. However, the curriculum plan for physical education is less comprehensive in terms of how it will be taught than in other subjects.  The development of pupils’ literacy, speech and communication skills is at the centre of the proposed school’s ethos. The curriculum plans show how these aspects will be covered. They will also foster a love of reading.  The proprietors intend for pupils to have every opportunity to enhance their

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Main inspection findings

academic, physical and personal development through outdoor learning in the extensive school grounds. At this stage, the school has no plans to make use of off- site facilities.  The requirements for this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(i)  A detailed approach and curriculum plan is in place for personal, social, health, economic and citizenship education (PSHCE). It is planned this will be taught as a weekly lesson, alongside religious studies lessons, to broaden pupils’ learning about other faiths, cultures and ways of life. Other activities, such as visits, visiting speakers and assemblies are also planned. Taken together, these approaches pay sufficient regard to the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act.  The requirements for this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g) 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4

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Main inspection findings

 Appropriately detailed policies for teaching and assessment are in place. A staffing plan and a curriculum leadership plan are in place. In addition, specialist teachers for performing arts and languages will ensure that staff with the necessary specialist skills and expertise teach pupils.  At the time of this inspection, no classroom equipment or learning resources were available on the premises. However, the proprietors have arranged for the furnishings, equipment and learning resources, currently used at The Swaminarayan Preparatory School, to be transferred to the new school in July 2020.  A well-documented assessment policy is in place and provides a suitable framework for checking pupils’ progress against national benchmarks. The policy explains how teachers will assess pupils’ starting points on entry to the school, and check their progress over time. It also sets out the approaches that teachers will take to assess

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Main inspection findings

pupils. This includes gathering information gained in lessons, assessments of pupils’ work and outcomes from regular tests. This information will help teachers to plan pupils’ next steps in learning. In most subjects, such as in English and mathematics, assessments are linked to the commercial resources the school intends to use. In addition, teachers will make use of national assessment information to provide a further framework to evaluate pupils’ performance.  The requirements for this paragraph are likely to be met.  All the standards that apply for this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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) and 5(d)(iii)  There is clear and appropriate planning in place to provide for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is firmly based in the ethos and values of the

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Main inspection findings

Hindu faith. Comprehensive PSHCE plans show how the school intends to develop these areas over time. This includes developing pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values and respect for other people, including those with protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. In addition, religious studies teaching and opportunities in other subjects also demonstrate the school’s intention to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain.  A full programme of extra-curricular activities is planned to enhance all aspects of pupils’ personal development. These include a school council, links with other schools, after-school clubs, special events and celebration days, trips and residential visits.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 10, 11, 13, 14  The school’s safeguarding policy is detailed, and has due regard for the 2018

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Main inspection findings

statutory guidance. It will be available online when the school’s website is launched.  The proprietors have included the roles of designated safeguarding leads in the staffing structure. However, at this stage staff have not been appointed to these roles. The proprietors are aware they need to arrange suitable training for them, prior to the school opening. The proprietors are also aware of their duties and responsibilities in relation to the ‘Prevent’ duty and female genital mutilation.  The single central record of pre-employment checks on staff meets requirements, as detailed in part 4.  The proprietors have produced appropriate policies on behaviour management and the prevention of bullying. These are suitable for the proposed age range of pupils, and in line with the school’s aims and ethos.  The school has put in place a comprehensive health and safety policy, which has due regard for current health and safety legislation. The policy includes coverage of staff

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Main inspection findings

training, day-to-day expectations for health and safety, and equipment testing. The proprietors are fully aware of the extent of works to be completed in order to provide pupils with a safe and suitable environment.  The proprietors have ensured that a detailed first aid policy is in place. This includes details of required first aid training for staff, coverage of dealing with bodily fluids, decision-making for head injuries, and when to call an ambulance. It is also planned that staff who work with the youngest pupils will undertake paediatric first aid training. However, there is no medical room currently.  Leaders have suitably planned staffing to support the day-to-day care and supervision of pupils. The proprietors have plans for adequate supervision of pupils as they enter and leave the premises, at playtimes within the school perimeter, and when they make use of the extensive grounds.  The requirements for these paragraphs are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

 Paragraph 12, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school is not compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 because the buildings have yet to be renovated. Consequently, fire alarms and fire- fighting equipment are not installed, and there is no current fire safety certificate.  The admission and attendance registers are not in place. Leaders intend to purchase an electronic information management system to assist with all aspects of school administration. This includes maintaining both the admission and attendance registers.  A detailed and relevant risk assessment policy is in place. The school’s proprietors demonstrated a good awareness of the aspects of school life and premises that would require risk assessment. However, these have not been written.  The requirements for paragraph 16(a) are likely to be met.  The requirements for paragraphs 12, 15, 16, 16(b) are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

 Not all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  Leaders have set out a robust recruitment process that meets the requirements outlined in the 2018 statutory guidance for the suitability of staff.  The school does not intend to use supply staff.  The single central record is set up, and contains all of the required information. This includes adults’ right to work. It includes overseas teacher checks, and lists whether teachers, leaders and proprietors are subject to prohibition orders. The posts to be appointed are listed in the single central record, in readiness for the recruitment of staff and the completion of the required checks for proprietors.  A pre-appointment checklist to support staff in the recruitment process is in place. Leaders plan to check all references with follow-up telephone calls to the referees

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Main inspection findings

 The independent school standards that apply in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28, 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), (28)(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The proposed school premises are set in 18 acres of land, which is also the location of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple. The large site has single access and ample car parking. The premises that the school intends to use are separate from the temple. Leaders are aware of the need to secure the perimeter of the proposed school with gates and fencing. This will provide a self-contained and safe location. There is traffic free and paved access to the school from the car parking areas, along the side of the temple.  Leaders have identified a series of buildings adjacent to the temple for conversion. These include a large grade two listed building, four separate buildings, one of which

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Main inspection findings

adjoins the grade two listed building, and two large self-contained cabins. Leaders have revised their plans, since making the application to register. They no longer intend to make use of the grade 2 listed building. They plan to refurbish one of the cabins, remove the other and purchase two new cabins. This will provide suitable accommodation for the three early years classes.  The four separate buildings are intended for the primary-aged pupils. Two are currently used for storage, one as a residence and the fourth as a large hall. This includes male and female toilets. The building currently used as a residence will be converted to include a reception area, interview room, first aid room and a staff toilet with disabled access. These will provide enough space for the anticipated 51 children in early years, and 103 primary-aged pupils.  At the current time, none of the conversion work has started. The two buildings used

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Main inspection findings

for storage are in very poor condition, inside and out. They require extensive renovation work to provide classrooms and other facilities, that would be suitable and fit for pupils. The site is not fenced or made secure for pupils.  The requirements for this paragraph are unlikely to be met. Paragraph 29, 29(1)(1), 29(1)(b)  The extensive site is extremely well kept, and includes tennis courts, grass areas, planted areas, a well-equipped play area and woodland. While these are of sufficient standard and size for the school’s planned physical education curriculum, leaders intend to upgrade two of them into all-weather pitches.  These, together with a quadrangle area within the perimeter of the school site, ensure that pupils will have sufficient access to safe and suitable areas for play and leisure. Leaders also intend to convert a disused swimming pool into further play and recreational space for pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The requirements for this paragraph are likely to be met.  Not all the independent school standards that apply in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  All the required policies and information, including the safeguarding, behaviour and anti-bullying policies, will be made available on the school’s website. The school website is under development, and the first draft of the school prospectus has been produced.  The school has firm plans in place for reporting to parents.  The independent school standards that apply 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 requirements. An appropriate system for recording complaints is in place.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34(1), 34 (1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietors have a clear vision for the proposed school. They have a strong understanding of the curriculum, learning, welfare and safeguarding needs of the age range they intend to cater for.  Support from the proprietors and leaders of The Swaminarayan School is very effectively assisting the development of the new school. This includes the transfer of resources when this school closes in July 2020, including books, furniture and learning resources. As a result, a comprehensive educational framework for primary- aged pupils and early years children is in place.  The proprietors have used their secure understanding of the independent school standards in their work to set up the new school. This includes comprehensive arrangements for behaviour management systems and pupils’ welfare.  Actions are in place for the conversion and refurbishment of the premises. These plans

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Main inspection findings

take account of the health and safety, and premises requirements of the independent school standards. However, this work has not commenced. The proprietors recognise that a start date of September 2019 for children in the early years classes is too ambitious. Consequently, they have deferred their planned opening date until September 2020, to allow time for the necessary work to be undertaken.  The proprietors have set out the staffing requirements for the new school. This includes a clear management structure and relevant age and subject expertise. However, no staff have been appointed at this time. Training programmes for staff and systems for monitoring the quality of teaching have been planned.  Registration of this school is not recommended at this time, because the premises are not ready for pupils to use.  Based on the proprietors’ attention to the independent school standards and the timeframe for opening of September 2020, the requirements of the standards for this

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Main inspection findings

part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  All of the proposed school’s policies give due regard to groups with characteristics protected by law. A policy is in place that clearly shows how the school intends to promote and support equality of opportunity for all pupils.  The proprietors have put in place an appropriate accessibility plan, in line with the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The school intends to operate classes for pupils aged three and above, taught in kindergarten, nursery and reception classes. The proprietors are clear about the different learning and welfare needs of these cohorts. They have used this knowledge to put in place a secure framework. This meets the learning and development requirements of the early years foundation stage.  The leadership and management and staffing of the early years foundation stage is

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Main inspection findings

clearly set out, with details on pupil-to-adult ratios, as well as the qualification and training requirements.  The proprietors have identified a suitable area within the perimeter of the proposed school, which includes direct access from the classrooms onto a well-sized outdoor area. However, the proprietors have not made the accommodation ready for the three classrooms and the outside area for children to use.  Arrangements for the care and welfare of pupils are well organised. However, documentation for record-keeping and risk assessments for the planned premises are not in place.  The following requirements of the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage are not likely to be met: 3.57, 3.58, 3.59, 3.60, 3.61, 3.62, 3.63, 3.64, 3.68, 3.69, 3.70, 3.71, 3.72, 3.73.

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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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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

 Ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (paragraph 12).  Ensure that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 (paragraph 15).  Ensure that the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted with appropriate action taken to reduce risks that are identified (paragraph 16 and 16(b)).  Ensures that suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time (paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a) and 23(1)(b)).  Ensure that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including accommodation for the medical examination and

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

treatment of pupils; accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; 24(1) 24(1)(a) and 24(1)(b)  Ensure the accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) (paragraph 24(2)).  Ensure that the premises are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured (paragraph 25).  Ensure that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities, which normally take place therein (paragraph 26).  Ensure that the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities, which normally take place therein; and

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises (paragraph 27, 27(a) and 27(b)).  Ensure that suitable drinking water facilities are provided; toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users (paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c) and 28(1)(d)).  Ensure that the facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities (paragraph 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)).  Ensure that the following requirements of the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage are met: 3.57, 3.58, 3.59, 3.60, 3.61, 3.62 3.63, 3.64, 3.68,

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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

Independent school Other independent school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £3,885 to £4,285

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 0 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 0

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 0

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recommendation

Age range of pupils None school not operating 3–11 3–11 Number of pupils on the school roll None school not operating 154 154

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Leaders have put in place a solid framework for the school. This includes a detailed plan for staffing, as well as the coverage of the required areas of learning, the intended approaches to teaching and assessment. Policies for the safeguarding and welfare of pupils are in place. However, the premises, while adequate in size for the proposed age range and numbers of pupils, require extensive conversion and refurbishment work. The school’s proprietors are in the process of finalising their plans for the premises, and are seeking the necessary planning permission for some aspects of the conversion work. The proposed opening of the school has been delayed until September 2020. Consequently, registration cannot be recommended at this time.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils None school not operating Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age None school not operating 103

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils None school not operating 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities None school not operating Will depend on cohorts

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None school not operating Will depend on cohorts

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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 school not operating 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff None school not operating 22

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None school not operating 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision None school not operating 0

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Information about this proposed school

 Vidya Forest School intends to register as an independent day school for up to 154 pupils, aged three to 11, in the London Borough of Harrow.  The school had planned to open in September 2019, admitting pupils to the kindergarten, nursery and reception. However, this has been postponed until September 2020.  Leaders of The Swaminarayan School, a three to 18 school based in Neasden, are supporting the proposed school’s proprietors. The Swaminarayan School has announced its intention to close in July 2020. It is planned that some staff will transfer to the Vidya Forest School.  The school intends to provide an education centred around the ethos and values of the Hindu faith. While most pupils will be of the Hindu faith, this does not preclude the admission of pupils of other faiths and backgrounds.  The proposed school aims to: – be a caring community with a vision of tolerance, moderation and compassion

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Information about this proposed school

– set high standards of achievement in all areas of the curriculum, and beyond, enabling every child to flourish and be prepared as life-long learners.  The proposed school would be led by a headteacher, with an assistant headteacher to lead the early years foundation stage, and a designated lead for safeguarding. No appointments have been made at this time.  The school is owned by the Vidya Foundation, which consists of three directors/trustees. A governing body will support the work of the proposed school, as well as holding leaders to account.  The school does not intend to make use of any off-site 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’ notice.  The school has never operated.  The inspector conducted the inspection with two trustees, including the chair, and the headteacher from The Swaminarayan Preparatory School, who is assisting the trustees in setting up the proposed school.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all the independent school standards. She toured the premises and grounds, visiting all the proposed buildings for the new school. She reviewed key documents and policies, including those related to safeguarding and health and

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Information about this inspection

safety, and considered the school’s proposed curriculum and staffing structures.

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Inspection team

Angela Corbett, lead inspector Ofsted 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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