Ameina Community Education

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Ameina Community Education 93 London Road, Luton LU1 3RG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(g)  The inspection in June 2019 found that quality of teaching, learning and assessment was too variable. Teachers lacked subject knowledge and experience to be able to deliver the curriculum fully. Assessment systems were not developed in subjects beyond mathematics and English.  In the action plan, the proprietor proposed to: – recruit suitably skilled personnel for all subjects – make links with other pupil referral units – allocate mentors to less experienced and non-teachers – ensure that lessons are planned – observe teachers termly, as part of the appraisal process – produce pupil targets based on initial assessments – purchase a new scheme of work with in-built assessment and train all staff to use it – allocate time for daily reading to take place in small groups or independently.  There are no teachers currently employed in the setting and there are no pupils studying

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Main inspection findings

at the school. The proprietorial body is waiting for the recruitment of new teaching staff before deciding what training and support to put in place.  The standard remains unmet. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The inspection in June 2019 found that safeguarding was ineffective. The safeguarding policy was not specific to the school. The single central record of recruitment checks on staff was poorly maintained, and there were omissions in the employment checks made on staff. Leaders for safeguarding were not sufficiently knowledgeable about the extent of their role.  In the action plan, the proprietor proposed to: – ensure that the safeguarding policy is on the school website when the website is functional – ensure that all of the necessary pre-employment checks are recorded on the single central record – de-register the London Road site for education.  The proprietorial body is using an external company to undertake appropriate

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Main inspection findings

employment checks. Checks on the three proprietorial body members are appropriate.  Despite the improvements in the checks being made, the proprietorial body does not know enough about what these checks are for. As a result, the single central record has not been completed accurately.  The chair of the proprietorial body has undertaken appropriate training to be the designated lead for safeguarding. However, at the beginning of this inspection, the proprietorial body was not clear on whether this training was sufficient and in date. They had to seek clarification from the training provider.  There are no other appropriately trained adults employed by the school to support the chair of the proprietorial body in her role as the designated safeguarding leader.  The safeguarding policy references staff that are not currently employed at the school. It does not reference the most up-to-date legal guidance.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard remains unmet. Paragraph 11  The inspection in June 2019 found that the site, most notably the London Road site, posed a series of hazards and safeguarding risks for pupils.  In the action plan, the proprietor proposed to de-register the London Road site for education.  The proprietorial body recognises that in its current state, the London Road site is not fit for purpose for pupils and needs significant work. The proprietorial body is not using the London Road site. The proprietorial body has requested to the Department for Education (DfE) to de-register the London Road site for education.  This inspection only reviewed the Ambleside site.  However, the school’s health and safety policy is not bespoke to the school. It references staff that no longer work at the school. It also references things like ‘nappy changing’ which are not relevant to the school.  There are no risk assessments in place as per the requirements of the school’s own

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Main inspection findings

health and safety policy.  Legionella and water checks have not been kept up to date.  The standard remains unmet. Paragraph 12  In June 2019, inspectors found that fire alarm systems were not being tested routinely. Routine recording of tests and checks was not appropriate.  In the action plan, the proprietor proposed to engage an external consultant to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Fire Safety Order 2005.  The focus for this inspection was solely on the Ambleside site, as the proposed sole site for education. Appropriate checks are being made for this site. These are now being recorded and reviewed in a timely manner.  This standard is now met. Paragraph 13  In the June 2019 inspection, there was no first aid policy.  The action plan did not include the actions to explain how the independent school standard will be met.  Although there is now a first aid policy, it is not precise to the current situation of the

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Main inspection findings

school.  During the inspection, the proprietorial body was unable to provide evidence of there being a suitably qualified first aider currently employed. Although they were able to provide this evidence after the inspection finished, this does not reflect effective record- keeping and oversight in line with this standard.  The standard remains unmet. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  In the June 2019 inspection, inspectors found that the day-to-day risk assessments lacked detail, and those for off-site activities were not being checked and signed off by leaders.  The action plan did not include the actions to explain how the independent school standard will be met.  There is not a risk assessment policy.  The most recent risk assessments for off-site visits in the summer have been signed off. There are no more updated risk assessments for off-site visits as there are no pupils being educated at the school currently.

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Main inspection findings

 There are no risk assessments in line with the school’s own health and safety policy.  There are no risk assessments for any off-site sporting or physical education (PE) provision.  The standard remains unmet. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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) Paragraph 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)  At the previous inspection, leaders had not ensured that all required pre-employment checks had been carried out on staff and members of the proprietorial body, such as the section 128 check.  In the action plan, the proprietor proposed to carry out all of the required checks.  There are no staff currently employed by the school.  The school intends to recruit staff in the coming months. The proprietorial body uses a

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Main inspection findings

commercial company to undertake all pre-employment checks. The evidence provided during this inspection shows that the planned checks to undertake on staff in the future are appropriate.  The relevant checks have been undertaken on all members of the proprietorial body.  These standards are now met. Paragraph 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)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  At the previous inspection, alongside checks not being made, there were numerous errors in the recording of these checks.  In the action plan, the proprietor proposed to make sure that all checks were recorded accurately.  Although there have been some improvements in the maintenance of the single central record, there are still errors in the recording. This is because the proprietorial body does not know enough about the checks that are being undertaken and the reason for each of

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Main inspection findings

them. As a result, there is not thorough oversight of the single central record; most notably in the recording of the prohibition check.  The standard remains unmet. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  This standard was met at the inspection in June 2019.  During this inspection, this standard was only checked for the Ambleside site.  Although there are appropriate toilet facilities, there are no shower facilities for pupils who undertake physical education at the Ambleside site. There are no formal plans about how the school are going to meet this requirement for their PE curriculum.  This standard is now unmet. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  This standard was only checked for the Ambleside site.  This standard was met at the inspection in June 2019.  This standard remains met. Paragraph 25 Paragraph 26 Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b)

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  At the inspection in June 2019, inspectors found that drinking water was not readily available nor suitably labelled. External lighting was not well maintained. The London Road site posed hazards and risks to pupils that were not being well considered and addressed by leaders.  The action plan did not include the actions to explain how the independent school standards will be met.  These standards were only checked for the Ambleside site during this inspection.  These standards are now met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  This standard was met at the inspection in June 2019.  The Ambleside site provides appropriate outdoor space for pupils to play outside. However, the proprietorial body does not have a formal plan about how the premises will provide for the PE curriculum, and access to the shower facilities as identified in 23(1)

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Main inspection findings

and 23(1)(c).  This standard is not met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(2), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  This standard was not met at the inspection in June 2019. The safeguarding policy was not on the website and was not specific to the school. Policies and arrangements related to the statement of the school’s aims, health and safety and first aid were not available and/or not appropriate.  The action plan did not include the actions to explain how the independent school standard will be met.  The school’s website is currently under construction.  The proprietorial body is still developing a formal aims and ethos statement.  As already identified in Part 3, the policies for health and safety and first aid are not bespoke to the school.  The standard remains unmet. 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),

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Main inspection findings

33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  This standard was not met in June 2019 because there was an omission in the school’s handling of complaints; during a panel hearing of a complaint, there needs to be a panel member who is independent of the management of the school.  The action plan did not include the actions to explain how the independent school standard will be met.  The proprietorial body has made sure that there is now an established independent panel member. However, subsequent amendments to the policy have created further omissions in the school’s handling of complaints. The current policy focuses almost solely on whether complaints are related to the headteacher only.  The proprietorial body does not have a full understanding about the requirements of the independent school standards in Part 7. As a result, the new policy is confused and unclear.  This standard remains unmet. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  This standard was not met at the inspection in June 2019. Inspectors found that leaders had not quickly addressed the independent school standards since becoming a school. There were a significant number of unmet standards. Additionally, leaders’ self- evaluation was too generous. Action plans were not closely aligned to what leaders knew about the school. Leaders’ monitoring systems were not well developed. Safeguarding was ineffective.  The proprietorial body was required to submit an action plan in September 2019 to show how they were going to address the unmet standards. This plan was deemed not fit for purpose. The proprietorial body has not developed this plan any further.  Since the June 2019 inspection, significant changes have occurred in leadership and governance at the school. The last pupils on roll left the school in September 2019. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietorial body has released staff from their contracts, including the headteacher who joined in April 2019; there are no staff currently employed by the school. The governing body has been disbanded.  The chair of the proprietorial body is dedicated in trying to address the weaknesses in the school’s provision. She has started auditing how well the school are meeting each of the independent school standards. She is also beginning recruitment processes for new staff. However, she is undertaking the majority of the work on site on her own. There is not currently leadership capacity in the school to address the multitude of issues facing the school.  Many of the policies seen during this inspection are not relevant to the school in its current state and staffing. There are no formal plans about how the proprietorial body would ensure that it has the necessary capacity should new pupils join the school.

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Main inspection findings

 While there has been effective action to address some of the weaknesses identified in the previous inspection, there are now new standards that are unmet and others that remain not met.  This standard remains unmet.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Number of pupils on the school roll none

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School details

Headteacher Melrose Davis (acting headteacher)

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £19,500 to £25,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 4–6 June 2019

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Information about this school

 Ameina Centre CIC operates from two sites currently. The registered address for the school is 93 London Road, Luton LU1 3RG. The site that was being used for education is at 19a Ambleside, Luton LU3 2SF. There are currently no pupils on roll.  The proprietorial body has requested to de-register the London Road site and use the Ambleside site only. This request was considered during this inspection as a material change request.  The school admits pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) predominantly relating to social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school’s previous inspection history: – The school had a pre-registered inspection in August 2018. At that time, it was operating as an alternative provision. Permission was granted to admit up to 15 pupils. The school’s official date of opening was October 2018. – The proprietor informed the DfE in January 2019 that the school opening would be

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Information about this school

delayed until April 2019. However, in the meantime, pupils continued to be educated by the provider. – In the school’s first standard inspection in June 2019, the overall effectiveness of the school was judged to be inadequate. Several independent school standards were unmet. – In September 2019, the school submitted an action plan to Ofsted about how it was going to address unmet standards. The plan was deemed not acceptable.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This inspection was also commissioned by the DfE to consider the school’s request for a material change to its registered address. The current registered address for the school is 93 London Road, Luton LU1 3RG. However, no pupils are educated at this site. The site that the proprietor would like to be its registered address is 19a Ambleside, Luton LU3 2SF. This is the only site where education takes place.  The DfE commissioned Ofsted to also consider a material change for the school to become a residential special school. However, on arrival, the proprietorial body stated that although they had long-term plans to make the London Road site a residential site,

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Information about this inspection

they had not requested this material change as yet, as the site is not ready. As a result, this material change request was not considered at this inspection.  The focus of this inspection was on the Ambleside site. The proprietorial body informed the lead inspector that no education takes place at the London Road site and that it is not currently fit for purpose for education. No visits or checks were made on the London Road site.  This inspection is the first progress monitoring inspection of the school since the inspection in January 2019.  Meetings were held with the chair of the proprietorial body. The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, school policies and procedures.

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Inspection team

Kim Pigram, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain unmet at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

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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- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  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.  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.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 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 – 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

 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.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether- – 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; – 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 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 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; – 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(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(d) a statement of the school’s ethos (including any religious ethos) and aims.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13; – 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is- – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and- – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld); and – 33(k) provides that correspondence, statements and records relating to individual complaints are to be kept confidential except where the Secretary of State or a body conducting an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act requests access to them.

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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- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

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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)(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.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum.

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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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such persons 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 in contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries our appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(i) the person’s identity; – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 18(2)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications; – 18(2)(d) the proprietor ensures that, where relevant to any such person, an enhanced criminal record check is made in respect of that person and an enhanced criminal record certificate is obtained before or as soon as practicable after that person’s

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

appointment, and in light of the information from the checks referred to in paragraphs (c) to (f) the proprietor considers that the person is suitable for the position to which the person is appointed.  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 a proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and 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.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when premises are in use. guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website:

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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