Social Arts for Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Social Arts for Education 253 Eltham High Street, London SE9 1TY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  Leaders have developed appropriate curriculum and assessment policies which consider the needs of pupils who require an alternative learning experience.  Leaders have developed appropriate teaching plans which cover all the required areas of learning for pupils aged 11 to 18. This planning is likely to take account of pupils’ different ages, abilities, interests and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The curriculum plans include coverage of English, mathematics, science, art, humanities, food technology, computing and physical education (PE). The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to achieve a wide range of qualifications, from entry level to GCSE.  The school is likely to be suitably resourced. Proposals indicate that an adequate number of staff will be appropriately deployed to meet pupils’ needs.  There are many planned opportunities for British values and information about all the

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Main inspection findings

protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010, to be taught across subjects, as well as through the thoroughly planned personal and social development programme.  The arrangements for careers education are likely to be suitable. There are well- considered plans in place to provide pupils with the impartial information, advice and guidance they will need to make informed decisions about their futures.  Pupils’ starting points in all areas of learning will be identified when they join the school. Their progress will then be reviewed and reported on a termly basis and teachers will use this information to plan accordingly.  Suitable arrangements are in place to monitor the quality of education.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s plans for personal and social development outline a clear commitment to

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Main inspection findings

the promotion of fundamental British values and to ensuring that pupils are encouraged to show respect for all the protected characteristics.  The school will not have a religious ethos and will welcome pupils of all faiths. The planned programme for religious education within humanities ensures that pupils are likely to learn about a range of religions, cultures and beliefs from around the world. Pupils are likely to develop tolerance and appreciate the diversity of modern Britain.  The staff code of conduct makes it clear that no member of staff may promote partisan views and that balanced viewpoints must always be presented in the teaching of all subjects.  Leaders have ensured that 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 is appropriate. It reflects the most recent statutory guidance, including ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (September 2018) and ‘Working together to safeguard children’ (July 2018).  The proposed designated safeguarding leader and a deputy have completed an appropriately enhanced level of safeguarding training. They are both due to complete safer recruitment training and also to attend additional face-to-face enhanced training. The chair of the proprietorial board also plans to undertake safer recruitment training before the school opens.  Arrangements for staff induction, training and updates are likely to continue to be regular and effective. Leaders’ plans indicate that staff will be provided with the knowledge and skills they need to safeguard pupils. There are suitable plans in place for leaders to check how well staff understand safeguarding policies and practice.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders are knowledgeable and aware of their safeguarding duties. The school’s proposed system for recording concerns, referrals and any actions taken is fit for purpose and likely to be refined further before the school opens.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to meet requirements. The log for recording incidents of serious misbehaviour and the sanctions imposed as a result is suitable.  Arrangements for the implementation of the proposed first-aid policy are likely to meet requirements. There are two trained first aiders and the recording of accidents and the provision of first aid are appropriate.  The school is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Appropriate minor actions identified during an external fire-risk assessment undertaken during the inspection are likely to be completed swiftly. Leaders ensure that all the required checks on electrical equipment, fire-safety equipment, emergency

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Main inspection findings

lighting and the alarm system are completed and accurately recorded. Evacuation drills are likely to continue to be carried out termly.  The school’s health and safety and risk assessment policies are likely to meet the required aspects of health and safety in reducing identified risks. Appropriate detailed risk assessments are in place, including for the premises, trips and individual pupils likely to present particular risks.  An appropriate number of staff are likely to be deployed to ensure that there is a minimum ratio of one adult to every eight pupils.  Leaders’ plans to maintain compliant admissions and attendance registers are likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors All paragraphs  All the required vetting checks are likely to be recorded accurately on a single central record, in line with statutory requirements.  Leaders have a developing understanding of safer recruitment. They understand the importance of completing all the required checks on adults before they work with pupils. Work to refine the safer recruitment process, including in relation to application forms, references, medical checks and employee records, is under way.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school is already in use as a part-time tuition centre. The premises include three learning areas across two floors. They are likely to comfortably accommodate up to 25 pupils.  The premises are secure, well maintained and clean. They are likely to provide a safe learning environment.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. Staff make use of toilet facilities in a neighbouring building during the school day.  Though there are no on-site shower and changing facilities, leaders’ plans indicate that all PE sessions booked at local leisure facilities will provide pupils with the required access to these facilities.  The medical room is suitably located near to the pupils’ toilets. It includes a washing facility, suitable medical supplies and a bed.  A drinking water supply is suitably marked as such in the kitchen area.

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Main inspection findings

 The acoustic features, sound insulation, regulated hot water supplies and internal and external lighting are all suitable.  The outdoor space is not large enough for PE or recreation. However, appropriate arrangements are in place for pupils to use local parks and leisure facilities on a daily basis when the school begins operating.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  All the required policies and information, including those relating to safeguarding, are appropriate and currently available in hard copy. Leaders plan to make them available on the school’s website once it is created.  The school’s intended termly report template for parents and carers is likely to be suitable as it identifies pupils’ progress and attainment in all the required areas of learning.  Leaders are aware of their duty to provide local authorities with annual statements of income and expenditure for pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The school’s proposed complaints policy and complaints log are likely to meet all the requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  Leaders are well organised and have paid good attention to detail in planning to open this independent school. They demonstrate a rapidly developing knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards.  The chair of the proprietorial body is committed to undertaking regular checks on compliance with all the requirements when the school opens.  All the independent school standards are likely to be met and pupils’ well-being is likely to be assured if Social Arts for Education is registered as an independent school.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s accessibility plan is likely to meet requirements.

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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

Type of school Secondary day special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £7,600 to £40,482

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Proposed school details

Email address info@safeschoolbexley.co.uk

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proposal

Inspector’s recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 18 11 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 25

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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 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Up to 25 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 25

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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 Up to 25

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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 Up to 25

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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 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

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Information about this proposed school

 Social Arts for Education will be an independent special day school for secondary-aged pupils in the London Borough of Greenwich.  The school intends to operate from September 2019. It will cater for pupils with SEND, such as autism spectrum disorder, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. It is anticipated that around half the pupils will have an EHC plan.  The school is not currently in operation. The provider currently operates alternative provision, which consists of part-time tuition and support for 21 secondary-aged pupils.  The school’s proprietorial body will also fulfil the role of governing body.  The school has no current plans to use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The 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.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietorial body, the headteacher and the deputy headteacher.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all of the independent school standards. For example, he toured the premises, reviewed key documents and policies and considered the school’s proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

James Waite, 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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