Connie Rothman

School pre-registration inspection report

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Connie Rothman 107-109 Belle Vue Road, Bournemouth Dorset BH6 3DJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(g) – 2(2)(i), 3(a) –(j) and 4  The proprietor has drafted a curriculum policy that demonstrates how pupils will benefit from a teaching programme that covers a range of subjects. Teaching staff have drafted schemes of work that provide more detail about what is to be taught. These are completed for key stage 4 and A-level programmes. However, in key stage 3, there are only completed programmes for English, mathematics and science. For subjects where there are schemes of work, they are carefully planned to ensure that pupils can make good progress.  For pupils currently attending, their programmes are adapted to meet their needs. Consequently, pupils are developing their speaking, listening, literacy and mathematics skills. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii)  A daily personal, social and health education programme is in place for pupils. This

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Main inspection findings

covers topics such as healthy lifestyles and an appreciation of the arts.  Leaders have arranged careers advice and guidance for pupils in the past. However, there is no coherent programme in place to ensure that all pupils are aware of the broad range of career options that exist.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  The one-to-one tutoring approach is used to integrate discussions about spiritual, moral, social and cultural development into pupils’ studies. Teaching staff ensure that pupils are well informed about topics such as physical disabilities, sexual orientation and gender identity. Pupils also engage in discussions about topics in the news, such as Brexit and lowering the voting age.  Teaching staff ensure that pupils are clear about the difference between right and wrong. Pupils currently attending abide by the rules.  Leaders plan activities that raise pupils’ awareness of public institutions, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. This helps pupils to understand the importance of these organisations and the contribution they make to the local community.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b)  The proprietor has not ensured that safeguarding arrangements meet the requirements of the most recent guidance published by the Secretary of State. Leaders have not ensured that all of the necessary checks have been made before appointing staff or trustees. Although staff, including leaders, have had safeguarding training, the impact of this training is not reflected in the records they maintain or the procedures they follow. Paragraphs 9–9(c) and 10  The proprietor has drafted a behaviour policy that fosters good relationships between pupils and between staff and pupils. Sanctions, including the use of exclusion, are in place, and records maintained on pupils’ individual files. The arrangements for the use of exclusion are in line with the most recent statutory guidance. A separate anti- bullying policy is in place. Paragraphs 11–14 and 16–16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has not ensured that the health and safety arrangements for the premises are adequate. The health and safety policy does not set out how health and safety will be managed in order to achieve the policy’s aims. There is no indication of how the proposed school will reduce or eliminate the risks in many of its day-to-day activities or when pupils engage in off-site activities, such as sports and visits.  Teaching staff work with pupils on a one-to-one basis and so supervision arrangements in the centre are strong. However, when pupils leave the building, there are insufficient arrangements in place to ensure their continued safety.  The proprietor has not ensured that all of the necessary checks have been carried out for the building. As a result, they cannot assure themselves that the electrical installation and equipment meet safety standards. The same is true for fire detection equipment.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 15  The proprietor does not maintain an admissions or attendance register in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations, 2006.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–21(3)(b) and 21(6)  The proprietor has not ensured that all the necessary pre-employment checks have been carried out for the staff who have already been appointed. This includes medical fitness and the additional checks for staff who have lived outside the United Kingdom. All staff currently employed do have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  Some of the required checks for members of the proprietorial board have not been undertaken. So far, trustees have undertaken DBS checks, but the full range of checks, as set out in the independent school standards, have not been completed.  The proprietor keeps a register of the DBS checks carried out for staff and trustees.

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Main inspection findings

However, the register does not include the details of any of the other checks that are required.  Leaders do not expect to employ agency staff.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–23(1)(c) and 24(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2)  The proposed school is in a converted commercial building. It consists of two teaching areas on the ground floor and a further teaching area in the basement. There are separate toilets for boys, girls and staff. However, there is no identified area for the medical examination and treatment of pupils. There are no showers available for pupils. Paragraph 25  The premises are heated by portable electric heaters. There is no evidence to show that these heaters, other electrical equipment and the electrical installation have had the necessary checks. Furthermore, the fire detection system has been compromised, and no records of weekly checks and routine evacuations are available. Paragraphs 26 – 29(1)(b)  Teaching areas have adequate acoustic conditions, good lighting and natural ventilation. The proposed school is on a main road which is lit from dusk until dawn,

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Main inspection findings

providing adequate external lighting.  Pupils can access drinking water throughout the day from a small kitchenette. Hand basins have an adequate supply of cold and hot, but not scalding, water.  Pupils undertake physical education and outdoor play in a variety of locations in the local area, including the nearby beach, community centre and outdoor tennis courts.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(3), 32(3)(a) and 32(3)(d)  The proprietor has not drafted an admissions or first-aid policy. The safeguarding and health and safety policies do not meet the requirements. Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(i), 32(2) –32(2)(d), 32(3)(b)–32(3)(c), 32(3)(e) and 32(3)(f)  The school’s website provides contact details for the school and for the trustees, who are the governors. Other policies are available on request from the school office. Plans

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Main inspection findings

are in place for the provision of financial information for pupils wholly or partly funded by a local authority and for the school’s academic performance to be summarised and made available.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The proprietor has drafted a complaints procedure that follows a graduated approach. The procedure expects most complaints to be resolved informally but makes provision for formal complaints to be investigated. A complaints panel is to be convened should the complainant remain dissatisfied with the outcome. The panel will comprise two trustees who have not been involved in the matter and a member who is independent of the management and running of the school.  The 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 Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The trustees and leaders do not demonstrate the skills and knowledge that they need to ensure that all the independent school standards are likely to be met. They do not have sufficient understanding of the safeguarding requirements set out in ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (2019), particularly with reference to staff recruitment checks and the legal requirements relating to the registration of pupils.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The trustees and leaders are committed to meeting the needs of pupils wherever reasonable and practicable. For example, they have plans to create an accessible toilet, should anyone need such an arrangement. The curriculum and the resources used reflect the proposed school’s inclusive approach.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Connie Rothman Learning Trust

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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 15 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 30

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 25

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11-19 11-20 11-19 Number of pupils on the school roll 17 40 20

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The premises do not have sufficient capacity for more than 20 pupils.  The proprietor does not intend to register as an independent specialist college. Therefore, the maximum age of a pupil, in line with school registration regulations, is limited to 19.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 1 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 17 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 6 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 6 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7.6 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 16 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 2

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Information about this proposed school

 Connie Rothman is based in a converted commercial unit in the Southbourne area of Bournemouth. It consists of one large and two smaller classrooms. The proprietor intends to admit more pupils on a full-time basis. They recognise that, in doing so, they need to register with the Department for Education, which is the registration authority for schools. The centre is currently registered on the voluntary childcare register for after-school tuition.  Connie Rothman aims to provide all children with highest-quality, personalised learning support to fulfil their potential and raise their self-confidence. The charity currently offers full-time tuition to a small number of pupils, after-school tuition and events, such as science festivals. Some tuition is provided in pupils’ homes.  The school proposes to take pupils from age 11 to 19. The proprietor originally applied to register for students to the age of 20 but later amended this.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor is clear that reasonable adjustments should be made so that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities can attend.  The proposed school is owned by Connie Rothman Learning Trust, a community interest organisation registered with the Charity Commission. There are seven trustees, who form the proprietorial board.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The school is currently operating and meets the definition of an independent school. The inspector made the proprietor aware of this during this inspection and explained that it is an offence to operate an independent school without registration.  The inspector held meetings with four trustees, who form part of the proprietorial board, the chief executive office, who is also the headteacher, and one teacher. He undertook a check to confirm the suitability of the premises and evaluated the required policies, schemes of work and documents regarding safeguarding, including the single central register.

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Inspection team

Iain Freeland, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.

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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

 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.  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.

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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

– 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person–

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

– 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness;

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

– 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and

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

– 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications;

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

– 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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

 18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.

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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

– 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB–

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

– 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and

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

– 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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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(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)(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)(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

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

– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 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)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.

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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; and

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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 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)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;

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

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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. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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