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 a relevant curriculum policy that indicates that pupils will study a broad range of subjects. The curriculum is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work and covers all the areas of learning required for pupils aged three to 11. A system is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly, with the intention to use this information to inform teaching and thus support pupils’ progress.  The Family Learning School’s philosophy regarding the curriculum and assessment is based on the Finnish model of ‘Less is more’ and ‘If a child does not master a skill one year, they will the following one.’ Reflecting this, the school proposes an ‘adaptable and flexible approach to teaching and learning’.  The planned curriculum will be enriched by ‘outdoor exploration’ to help pupils to be creative and environmentally aware. This will involve weekly ‘adventure days’,

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Main inspection findings

including swimming, yoga and horse riding. Educational visits will be used to widen pupils’ knowledge and experience. Foreign languages, music, dance, sports and drama will be taught by specialists.  The curriculum has an appropriate emphasis on developing pupils’ basic skills in mathematics and English.  Plans are in place to develop pupils’ personal, social and emotional well-being. Pupils will learn about other cultures and religions and develop respect for others, including those with protected characteristics.  Staff are qualified appropriately to meet the different needs of pupils, including children in the early years.  Classrooms are light and airy and resourced well with books and equipment to support the curriculum.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  School policies and the curriculum plans indicate that leaders have a strong

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Main inspection findings

commitment to promoting pupils’ personal and social development and self- confidence.  Pupils will be encouraged to have respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics. This will include learning about a range of religions, cultures and beliefs, thereby helping pupils to be well prepared for life in modern Britain.  British values will be actively promoted and pupils will be encouraged to respect democracy and the rule of law.  Pupils will be encouraged to accept responsibility for their behaviour and have a well- developed understanding of right and wrong.  Pupils will have opportunities to learn about healthy living and well-being.  The school’s policy on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is clear in stating that no member of staff may promote partisan views and that pupils will be offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.

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Main inspection findings

 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  Policies and procedures in relation to pupils’ welfare, health and safety are comprehensive. The safeguarding policy reflects the current statutory requirements and is available to parents and carers on request. There is appropriate provision for staff to receive regular training on safeguarding and child protection procedures to keep pupils safe. The behaviour policy is likely to promote good behaviour among pupils. Sanctions are clear in the event of misbehaviour and a record will be kept of any poor behaviour and sanctions imposed.  There are appropriate checks carried out to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Health and safety policies are underpinned by a suitable policy on risk assessment and first aid. There are appropriate risk assessments in place to reduce any potential risks to pupils, including when in school and on educational

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Main inspection findings

visits. Staff will receive training on fire safety and first aid. There will be adequate supervision of pupils to keep them safe.  Leaders have ensured that the school’s admissions and attendance registers meet requirements.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors All paragraphs  All relevant checks have been made on staff prior to them starting employment at the school. In addition, appropriate checks have been made on senior leaders and the proprietor. Safer recruitment training has been undertaken by senior leaders to ensure that appropriate practices have been followed when appointing staff. The single central record is in place and meets current requirements.  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 proprietor has ensured that all the building work has been completed to ensure that the school building is fit for purpose.  The large open-plan learning area and an additional classroom are light and airy. There are sufficient toilet facilities for pupils, which are separate from staff toilets. Pupils will access the neighbouring park for physical education. There is also an allocated outdoor space on the roof terrace for outdoor play and learning for children in the early years. Both of these play areas have been appropriately risk-assessed.  The medical room has a bed, first-aid equipment and washing facilities, and is close to the toilets.  Pupils have appropriate access to drinking water.  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 an up-to-date safeguarding policy and information on admissions, are available to parents on request. The school website is in the process of being constructed and all the relevant policies and information will be made available to parents.  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 complaints policy is detailed and clearly written. It contains provision for complaints to be resolved efficiently, informally or formally. There are suitable arrangements for a panel hearing if parents are dissatisfied with the outcomes.  A record of complaints is to be kept, together with actions taken and outcomes when a complaint is made. Copies of the policy will be made available to parents on request.  Parents will be informed of the number of complaints, if any are received.  The independent school standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  Leaders have been rigorous in addressing the areas for improvement identified in the previous inspection. They have ensured that the building work is fully completed and that premises and accommodation meet the requirements of the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards.  Leaders demonstrate strong knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to their roles so that the independent school standards are met consistently.  Leaders have a secure understanding of the independent school standards. They are also clear about how they will continue to monitor provision to bring about improvements.  Experienced governors have been appointed to hold senior leaders to account for the work they do to bring about continuous improvement.  Leaders have a strong commitment to promoting pupils’ personal development and well-being. They have appropriate policies and procedures in place to keep pupils safe, including a safeguarding policy that meets current statutory requirements.  The independent school standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a written equalities policy and an accessibility plan.  Arrangements to fulfil duties under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

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Main inspection findings

 The early years foundation stage (EYFS) will initially open with a Reception class of no more than 15 children.  Leaders have a secure understanding of successfully operating provision for children in the EYFS. The early years curriculum covers all areas of the EYFS.  The appointed staff are suitably qualified and experienced. All the safeguarding requirements are likely to be met. All other welfare requirements are secure.  All the statutory requirements for the early years are likely to be met.

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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

Email address office@familylearningschool.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection 9 May 2019

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 3 to 11 Registration recommended Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable Up to 45 Registration 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 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 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 7

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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 the sole proprietor, and a director of operations and finance. Currently, three governors have been appointed, including the chair of governors.  The school initially intends to open with 30 pupils and children aged four to eight in two classes.  The school does not intend to have any off-site provision.  The school will not have a religious character.  The school’s website is currently under construction.  The school has never operated. The proprietor currently runs 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.  The school has undergone some extensive building work since its previous inspection in

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Information about this inspection

 This is the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. The school’s first pre- registration inspection took place on 9 May 2019, when it was judged as unlikely to meet all the independent school standards when it opens.  The inspection was conducted with two working days of notice.  The inspector conducted the inspection with the proposed school’s headteacher, who is also the proprietor.  The inspector considered all the evidence available to check the likelihood of the school meeting all the independent school standards. He toured the premises and reviewed key documents and policies, including those related to safeguarding, pupils’ welfare, and health and safety. The school’s proposed curriculum was also considered.

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Inspection team

Avtar Sherri, 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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