Progress Schools - Hamilton Square

School pre-registration inspection report

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Progress Schools – Hamilton Square 60 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead CH41 5AT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 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)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders have an appropriate policy in place for the curriculum. Schemes of work support the policy effectively, ensuring that pupils are likely to experience the required range of subjects. These include linguistic, mathematical and human and social education. The policies and schemes of work do not undermine fundamental British values. Paragraph 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)  The scheme of work that relates to personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education contains many opportunities for pupils to develop their appreciation of equality and diversity. There is a clear emphasis on promoting understanding of the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. Leaders also have suitable arrangements planned to ensure that pupils receive impartial careers advice and

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Main inspection findings

guidance. These include regular lessons and other activities to find out about a wide range of employment and educational opportunities. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The school’s proposed schemes of work indicate that teaching is likely to enable pupils to make progress according to their age and ability. Many learning resources, such as online activities in English and mathematics, are already in place. Other resources are ready for delivery in time for the proposed opening of the school. Paragraph 4  The school’s assessment policy and procedures show that there is likely to be a well- organised accurate framework for evaluating pupils’ performance. Pupils are likely to be supported in their progress because the policy contains strategies for using assessment to plan for pupils’ future learning.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely

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Main inspection findings

to be met when the school opens. 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)  Leaders will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through planned activities that are based on learning in PSHE education. Pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values and respect for people with different protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010 forms a constant thread through the school’s planned provision.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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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 policy is detailed and thorough. It has regard to the most recent guidance from the government. In drawing up this policy, leaders have considered such matters as the context of the proposed school. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Leaders have a detailed behaviour policy in place, which also covers matters of bullying and exclusion. There is already a system in place to record incidents of poor behaviour and leaders’ responses to them. This is likely to contribute to the effective implementation of the school’s policy. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There are a variety of suitable policies and procedures concerning matters such as fire safety, first aid and risk assessment. Leaders also have suitable systems for checking the quality and safety of providers of off-site placements for pupils. These are likely to

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Main inspection findings

ensure that leaders will manage pupils’ welfare and health and safety considerations effectively in school. Paragraph 14  The supervision of pupils is likely to be properly organised. This is because of leaders’ intended ratio of staff to pupils and the policy that clearly explains the school’s approach to managing behaviour in school. Paragraph 15  Electronic documents are in place to record pupils’ admission details and their attendance. They are likely to contain all the required information.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors Paragraphs 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(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), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3),

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Main inspection findings

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(6)  The proprietor has established systems for checking the suitability of staff in the proposed school. Some staff have already been appointed in anticipation of the school’s opening. Leaders have made all necessary checks on these members of staff and have recorded them on their electronic register.  The members of the proprietorial body have had relevant checks made. These have indicated that they are not disqualified from working with the proposed school.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The premises are well maintained. Leaders are likely to be able to ensure pupils’ health and safety while the premises are in use, as far as is reasonably practicable.  Classrooms and other areas intended for use by pupils are in good condition and well furnished. The lighting and the acoustic conditions are suitable for the needs of pupils and staff.  Toilet facilities are separate for boys and girls and are in a good state of repair. The water supply is adequate and there is hot and cold water for washing. The temperature of the hot water is controlled by a central thermostat to avoid the risk of scalding. Separate drinking water supplies are available for pupils throughout the day.

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Main inspection findings

 The room for providing pupils with medical attention is suitably equipped and sited near a toilet.  The top floor contains rooms which leaders are considering using to develop pupils’ independent living skills. It contains a kitchen area and other rooms that can be used to support pupils’ development in this regard. It is accessed by a lockable door at the bottom of a flight of stairs. The rooms are in good condition and suitable for the school to use. Leaders intend to keep this floor locked and out of use until they have determined its final purpose.  There is an annex close to the building, which is accessible by means of a rear courtyard. This annex is currently used, with the Department for Education’s approval, by an existing school in the group. It is suitable to be included as part of the proposed school. Toilet facilities and the general furnishings are all of a good standard. There is also a room that is appropriate for the medical examination and treatment of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 There is adequate outdoor space for recreation. The school intends to use facilities at the nearby school that is part of Progress Schools Limited to provide physical education activities. These facilities include showers. Leaders have suitable risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety and welfare.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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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)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c) ,32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(g)  The proposed school will have its own link on Progress Schools Limited’s group website. All required information will be available. Leaders will also provide instructions on how to access policies and information that are not on the website.  Contact information for the chair of governors and the proprietor are already available on the group website.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3)(f), 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 follows the requirements set out in the independent school standards.  Confidentiality is assured throughout the complaints process, except where access is required by an approved official body.  Leaders intend to follow the practice of existing schools in the group by publishing on the school’s website the number of complaints in the previous school year.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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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)  Leaders show good knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards and have ensured that they are all likely to be met when the school opens.  The proprietor has put appropriate strategies and policies in place to secure pupils’ welfare and safety.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place. It contains detailed actions that describe how leaders will ensure access for disabled pupils to the curriculum, the premises and information. For example, staff must make use of alternative means of communication, depending on pupils’ needs, when sharing information.  Leaders have ensured that this requirement is likely to be met when the school opens.

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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

Headteacher Charlotte Barton (executive headteacher) Sion Hughes (headteacher)

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Proposed school details

Email address hamiltonsquarePS@progress-schools.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory Not applicable 60 school age Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 15

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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 15

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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 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 Progress Schools – Hamilton Square is an independent school based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The proprietor, Progress Schools Limited, has several registered independent schools operating across the country.  In liaison with the local authority, the school is likely to provide education for pupils who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools. Initially, these pupils will be in key stage 4.  Leaders intend to use some external providers for activities such as work placements. They already use these providers in an existing school in Wirral.  It is not proposed that the school will cater for pupils who have complex needs.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Department for Education to consider the school’s application to open as an independent school registered for 60 pupils aged 11 to 16. This includes a separate annex at 62 Hamilton Square, which is currently used by a nearby registered independent school operated by Progress Schools Limited.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor body, the executive headteacher of the existing schools in the group and the proposed headteacher. He undertook a tour of the premises, including the annex at 62 Hamilton Square. He analysed a wide range of documents, including curriculum plans and documents relating to safeguarding and matters of health and safety.

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Inspection team

Mark Quinn, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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