The Family Learning School

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Family Learning School Capital House, 47 Rushey Green, Lewisham, London SE6 4AS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  This proposed primary school has developed appropriate curriculum and assessment policies which cover all the required areas of learning for pupils aged three to 11.  The creative, project-based curriculum is based on the Finnish education model; its design will be driven by pupils’ interests. Pupils will not be tested. Instead, assessment will rely on teachers’ judgements. The curriculum will include weekly adventure days, horse riding, swimming and yoga.  Teachers’ plans are likely to take account of pupils’ different ages, abilities and interests.  British values are planned to be formally taught across the projects, as well as through the ‘well-being curriculum’.  The school’s approach to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is likely to ensure that pupils are actively encouraged to respect all groups of people with protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to be well resourced. Adults are likely to be appropriately deployed, including in line with statutory requirements in the early years class.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s SMSC policy and the well-being curriculum exemplify the school’s commitment to promote British values and to encourage respect for all groups of people with protected characteristics.  The curriculum is planned to teach pupils about British institutions, equality, democracy and public services in London and nationally. Planning documentation also includes coverage of a range of topics, including love, ethics, self-care, community and mindfulness.  The school will not have a religious ethos and will welcome pupils of all faiths and none. The planned programme for religious education ensures that pupils will learn about a range of religions, cultures and beliefs. Pupils are likely to develop tolerance and learn to appreciate the diversity of modern Britain.  The school’s staff handbook and SMSC policy are clear that no member of staff may

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Main inspection findings

promote partisan views and that balanced viewpoints must always be presented.  The independent school standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s child protection policy does not reflect the latest statutory guidance and is not available on the proposed school’s website. The proposed designated safeguarding leaders have not completed an appropriately enhanced level of recent, relevant training. There is no single central register of pre-employment checks on staff, as detailed in part 4. Consequently, arrangements for the safeguarding of pupils are not likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have produced an appropriate policy for managing pupils’ behaviour and an anti-bullying policy. However, they have not prepared a means to record incidents of serious misbehaviour and any sanctions imposed as a result.  The school is not likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There is no current fire risk assessment for the school’s proposed premises, and core works such an alarm system have not been commissioned. More

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Main inspection findings

widely, the log of fire safety checks on the premises in which the proposed school intends to reside is not compliant with legislation.  Leaders have not written a health and safety policy.  Evidence of first aiders’ certificates was available. However, leaders have not written a first aid policy.  Pupils are likely to be appropriately supervised through the adequate deployment of staff, including in the early years.  Templates for admission and attendance registers are either not in place or not suitable.  The exemplar risk assessments of the premises, proposed trips and use of the nearby park space, are suitable. However, leaders have not written a risk assessment policy and there is no fire safety risk assessment.  Not all the requirements in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  Though most of the required vetting checks have been completed on the staff

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Main inspection findings

employed so far, there is no single central register of pre-employment checks.  Some checks, such as those in relation to prohibition from teaching and from the management of independent schools (known as ‘section 128’ checks), were not known about until this inspection.  Not all the requirements in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The premises are not ready as building works were still underway during the inspection.  Toilets, washing facilities, lighting (including on stairways and at the building’s new entrance), hot water supplies, drinking water supplies and medical facilities are all not completed.  Some of the windows present a safety risk as they can potentially be accessed by pupils and open too widely.  The allocated outdoor space is a roof terrace. It will be used for outdoor play and learning for children in the early years. It is not safe as renovation works have not begun. The terrace is located between two fire exits. The proprietors are seeking clarity on these exits, both in terms of fire safety (it is not clear where the building’s users would actually go if they made use of them) and safeguarding (as it is possible other users of the building could access the school).

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Main inspection findings

 Nearby park space will be used for physical education. This has been appropriately risk-assessed.  The safety of the premises is not likely to be assured until fire safety meets all requirements and all the building works are completed.  Not all the requirements in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  The proposed school’s website includes information on the ethos of the school, the curriculum and assessment. All the other required policies and information are not available. Some, as specified in part 3, have not actually been written.  The school’s intended report template for parents is likely to meet requirements.  Not all the requirements in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The school’s complaints policy is not likely to meet all the requirements because it makes no reference to the possibility of parents making a formal complaint to a complaints panel.  An appropriate complaints log has been prepared.  Not all the requirements in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  Leaders are committed to opening this school and are working hard to meet all the independent school standards in time for September 2019.  However, very many requirements – including those in this part – are not likely to be met if The Family Learning School is registered as an independent school at this time.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have not written an accessibility plan.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  The school intends to operate a Reception class.  Leaders have ensured that the curriculum and plans for teaching and assessment, which are appropriately planned around the early learning goals and all the required areas of learning, are likely to meet the learning and development requirements.  However, leaders have not made suitable arrangements which are likely to meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements, as per the standards identified as unlikely to be met in part 3. As a result, paragraph 3.7 of the statutory requirements is not likely to be met.

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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 office@familylearningschool.com

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proposal

Age range of pupils Not applicable 3 to 11 Registration not recommended Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 45 Registration not recommended

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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 Up to 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Up to 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable None

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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 None

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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 None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The Family Learning School intends to register as an independent day school for boys and girls aged three to 11 in the London Borough of Lewisham.  The school will be led full time by the headteacher, who is also a director and member of the school’s proprietorial body. The other member of the proprietorial body will fulfil the role of director of operations. There will be a governing body, but no governors have been appointed yet.  The school has never operated. The proprietors currently run a ‘home education group’, providing full-time education to five pupils, all of whom are registered as home- educated, and none of whom have an education, health and care plan.

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Information about this inspection

 This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspector conducted the inspection with the proposed school’s proprietors.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all the independent school standards. He toured the premises, reviewed key documents and policies, including those related to child protection and health and safety, and considered the school’s proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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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-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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-

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

– 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.

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

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if-

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

– 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend 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.

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

 21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.

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

 21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form.

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

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

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

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether-

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

– 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;

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

– 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;

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

– 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications;

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

– 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);

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

– 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),

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

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

 21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(b) 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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(2) 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).

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures 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.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 27(a) 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 – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable-

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(2)(b)(ii) where the proprietor is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office; – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which-

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint;

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school;

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish;

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is-

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher.

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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-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

 Ensure that the proprietor implements the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage as described in the statutory framework: Paragraph 3.7. 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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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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