Abney Hastings

School pre-registration inspection report

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South Street, Ashby-De-La-Zouch, LE65 1BR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a written curriculum policy in place but this is not supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work for all pupils. The curriculum policy does not consider a curriculum for children in early years, for example.  Children in early years who are below compulsory school age do not have an appropriate programme of activities to meet their educational and developmental needs.  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate schemes of work are in place for pupils aged 5 to 16. The curriculum is likely to provide these pupils with a broad education. For example, pupils will be taught subjects to develop their artistic, linguistic, historical, mathematical, technological, social and physical education.

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Main inspection findings

 The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum is wide ranging. Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils develop a good understanding of diversity and good mental health.  Leaders have made arrangements to establish links with a range of businesses to ensure that careers advice and guidance are appropriately up to date and impartial. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Resources are provided to support learning but many of these are not of good quality. The range and quality of resources do not meet the needs of all pupils effectively. For example, the school does not have appropriate resources to successfully teach science to pupils in key stages 3 and 4.  A suitable assessment system is in place. Pupils will be assessed when they enter the school. Termly checks on pupils’ progress are planned. Teachers will use this information to support pupils’ learning across different subjects.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have appropriate plans in place to ensure that the school is well staffed. Teachers already identified to work at the school and who are currently teaching in the school’s tuition centre are suitably qualified.  Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Effective strategies are planned to ensure that pupils are well supported to manage their behaviour.  The teaching of British values is planned cohesively across the curriculum and enhanced through PSHE lessons. Leaders are determined to ensure that pupils know about, and are taught to respect, those who meet the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.  The school is unlikely to meet the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The school’s curriculum plans, including the PSHE programme, demonstrate a strong focus on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is reinforced by the school’s vision to build an ‘inclusive community which places life-long learning at the heart of everything we do’.  The school will teach pupils about different faiths and cultures. It will welcome pupils of all faiths. Effective partnerships with local religious communities have been established to support pupils to learn about a range of religions.  Leaders have a good understanding of the importance of teaching British values. Plans exemplify how these will be promoted through explicit teaching and additional activities.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders are keen to develop pupils’ resilience and independence. Pupils will benefit from an array of extra-curricular experiences, clubs and activities designed to broaden their experiences and prepare them for their next steps. Pupils will be able to work with organisations such as English Heritage and take part in sporting events. They will learn to respect the opinions and values of others through elected roles and responsibilities such as those of house captain or member of the school council.  The proprietor is clear that pupils should receive balanced presentations of views. Staff and visitors are carefully checked to ensure that they support the school’s values and ethos.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding arrangements are not effective.  Leaders have not ensured that appropriate measures have been taken to keep pupils safe when on the school site.  The welfare of all pupils has not been carefully considered. Leaders have not made sufficient efforts to ensure that the building is safe and suitable for pupils.  The safeguarding policy does not clearly identify for staff the procedure for reporting concerns about an adult’s conduct.  The safeguarding policy does not identify all the potential risks to pupils as stated in the guidance issued by the Secretary of State. For example, the policy does not refer to pupils who may be at risk of harm from honour-based violence.  Safeguarding for children in early years has not been carefully considered. Paragraph 11  The school has an effective health and safety policy but it is not effectively

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Main inspection findings

implemented. The proprietor has not ensured that the premises are safe for pupils to use. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is no risk assessment policy in place. Leaders have not taken the appropriate actions to reduce risks for pupils in and around the school premises. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies set out clear expectations for pupils. All incidents of poor behaviour and bullying will be logged. Details of procedures to deal with incidents of misbehaviour are outlined, including any sanctions likely to be imposed.  Pupils will be taught about the impact of bullying and how to deal with potential risks through the school’s PSHE programme. Paragraph 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured that the appropriate policy is in place in relation to fire safety. He has employed external agencies to conduct the necessary fire-safety checks. Fire-safety equipment is tested on a regular basis.

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Main inspection findings

 The first-aid policy makes arrangements for first-aid procedures clear. Processes for managing and providing first aid are likely to be fit for purpose. Leaders are ensuring that at least four members of staff are trained to deliver paediatric first aid. Paragraph 14  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities to ensure that staff supervision levels are appropriate. Proposed plans indicate that pupils will be well supervised by staff. Paragraph 15  The school’s proposed admission and attendance registers comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 18(3), 18(4), 18(4)(a), 18(4)(b), 18(4)(c), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6) and 21(8)  The proprietor undertakes appropriate checks on staff’s suitability to work with pupils. All necessary checks are completed before staff take up their posts. This includes

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Main inspection findings

supply staff and governors.  A single central record of the checks undertaken is in place and completed in detail.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  The school does not have appropriate toilet facilities. Most of the toilets are in poor condition. One toilet did not have a suitable door to ensure privacy.  Separate toilets are provided for boys and girls. These can be locked from inside. However, these are in poor condition and are not accessible to all pupils due to the small size of the cubicles.  Some toilet facilities do not have adequate supplies of hot water, while some provide water that is too hot and may pose a scalding risk.  There is no suitable changing accommodation or showers provided for pupils to use after physical education (PE) lessons. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  A room has been allocated for use as a medical room, but it is currently unfit for purpose. Exposed pipework makes the room unhygienic.  The medical room has washing facilities, but these are not fit for purpose. Toilets are

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Main inspection findings

located nearby. Paragraph 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The school premises and classrooms are not well maintained. They do not provide suitable accommodation for the proposed school. The health, safety and welfare of the pupils cannot be ensured.  Classrooms are cluttered and poorly maintained. Electrical and chemical equipment is not stored safely and poses a significant danger to pupils. Some windows are not adequately secured. Pupils could be in danger of falling.  Acoustics and lighting in the classrooms are suitable.  External areas are generally well lit. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are suitable drinking water facilities. These are clearly labelled. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school has a large external area. However, only some of this is suitable for pupils to use. The playground has been poorly maintained. The uneven surface poses a danger to pupils. It is unsafe for pupils to play there or to use it for PE lessons.

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Main inspection findings

 The external playground provides unacceptable access for pupils to areas that have been used to store rubble and other dangerous items.  A large grassed area is suitable for pupils to use for part of the year. This will not be suitable to use all year round.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g), 32(5)  The required policies and information are available on the school’s website.  The school’s proposed format for reporting to parents and carers identifies pupils’ progress and attainment in different subjects. It also refers to pupils’ personal development.  Leaders understand their duties with regard to pupils with education, health and care plans. They intend to work closely with the local authority to ensure that these pupils are well provided for.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy outlines the actions that parents should take if they have a complaint about the school’s work.  Leaders are clear about the actions they will take in response to complaints. These actions are thoroughly detailed in the policy.  The standards in this part are 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)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and senior leaders do not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards.  Systems to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils are not good enough. Leaders have not taken the actions necessary to ensure that pupils are protected from dangers in the school environment.  Policies to safeguard pupils are not secure and are not implemented rigorously.  During the inspection, leaders recognised that the premises were currently unsuitable for the proposed number and age of children. They acknowledged that pupils who attend the tuition centre were not safe and stated that they would not use the building until essential maintenance and improvement work has been carried out.  Leaders are intending to withdraw their current application for the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan does not mirror the provision in the school. For example, the school’s toilet and washing facilities are not accessible to all pupils, including those who may require a wheelchair.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  The curriculum makes no provision for early years children.  The school does not provide an environment suitable for the development and education of early years children. Resources and furniture are unsuitable for these children’s needs.  The proprietor has not carefully considered the safety and welfare of children in early years.  During the inspection, leaders, including the proprietor, stated that they would no longer be proposing to submit an application for children aged four. Leaders explained that they understood that the building was unsuitable for children of this age and a different approach to teaching would be required to meet their needs.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £8,900 to £12,400

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Proposed school details

Email address zaheer.esat@lewischarltongroup.org.uk

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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 11 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 15

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 15

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7–14 4–16 Number of pupils on the school roll 11 153

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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 0 153

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 3 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 To be confirmed

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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 0 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 11

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A 3

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor is also the proprietor of The Linnet Independent Learning Centre and the Lewis Charlton Learning Centre.  The school currently operates as a tuition centre. Pupils are taught by staff employed by the Lewis Charlton Learning Centre.  The proposed school will provide full-time education for pupils. It is likely that some pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the proprietor, headteacher, a senior teacher and an education consultant.  The inspector undertook a tour of the site.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including schemes of work, policies and the school’s website.  The inspector checked the school’s single central record.

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Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor, 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)(f) where the school has pupils below compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their educational needs in relation to personal, social, emotional and physical development and communication and language skills;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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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

 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 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– – 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)(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;

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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

 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)(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)(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

 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and

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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/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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