Colours Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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Colours Academy Lower Unit 2, Redlake Trading Estate, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0EZ

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Overall outcome

The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards when it opens

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)-2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)-2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3-3(f), 3(j)  The proprietor has drawn up a curriculum policy, available to parents and carers on the school’s website. This policy sets out the subject areas that pupils can study. Pupils can study a range of academic, creative and practical subjects. These subjects include mathematics, English, science, geography, history, art, business studies and photography. In addition, the school employs specialist teachers to teach music, dance and Spanish.  Staff have drawn up schemes of work for each subject offered, detailing the knowledge and skills that will be taught in each year group, and also termly and weekly. This work provides a basis for planning effective teaching and learning.  The proprietor has drawn up a detailed careers education programme for pupils in key stage 4 to prepare them for the world of work and to support pupils to make

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Main inspection findings

appropriate choices for their next steps for further education, training and employment. Pupils in key stage 3 receive careers advice, taught through other subjects such as English and mathematics.  The proprietor has drawn up a scheme of work for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education for pupils in Years 7 to 11. This work will enable pupils to develop their understanding of building positive relationships, recognising risks they may face and living a healthy lifestyle. In addition, this work is planned to develop pupils’ understanding of British values and to understand and respect other cultures and religions. The schemes of work record the work planned to teach pupils about the risks associated with extremist views or radicalisation. Paragraph 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The school has no post-16 pupils currently. The school has plans in place to offer a BTEC level 3 in art and design. The staff who will deliver this work have the

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Main inspection findings

appropriate subject knowledge and experience in subject areas such as art and photography. Paragraph 3 (a-j), 4  Staff plan lessons to enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and make progress according to their abilities. Schemes of work set out the adjustments to be made so that pupils’ individual needs are met.  The proprietor has drawn up an assessment framework to evaluate pupils’ progress. Pupils are assessed on entry to the school. Staff carry out assessments to check learning in subjects termly – ‘medium-term’ assessments – and also at the end of the year – ‘long-term’ assessments. The information from these assessments is used to inform annual reports to parents.  The school is currently operating without registration. The school had four pupils at the time of the inspection who attend the school full time. None has an education, health and care plan and there are no children looked after. The school offers sessions

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Main inspection findings

to home-educated children on a part-time basis.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The PSHE schemes of work, in place for all year groups, set out how the school intends to develop pupils’ understanding of British values and teach pupils how to recognise risks associated with extremism and radicalisation. Pupils learn to understand their rights but also their responsibilities.  Pupils arrive at the school with a range of school experiences. Many have experienced disruption in their education. The PSHE education scheme of work records the work planned to develop pupils’ self-esteem and build self-confidence. The proprietor intends that pupils learn approaches to develop positive mental and physical health and understand risks associated with drugs and alcohol use.  Pupils learn to manage money and understand personal finance. They also learn about diversity, including other cultures and faiths and to respect those with no faith.

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Main inspection findings

Pupils are encouraged to understand and respect individual differences in an impartial manner, including respecting others from the LGBT 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), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that arrangements are in place to safeguard pupils. The proprietor appointed a member of staff with safeguarding experience to strengthen the school’s systems and procedures, following the previous pre-registration inspection in December 2018. The proprietor also sought an external review in September 2019 to check that the school’s work to safeguard pupils meets the independent school standards.  The proprietor has ensured that all staff have the required training to safeguard pupils. Regular updates are provided to staff. The proprietor and designated safeguarding lead have completed further training. Staff read the Secretary of State’s guidance contained in ‘Keeping children safe in education, 2019’ so that they know what action to take if they identify a safeguarding concern.  The school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents on the school’s website.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 9-9(c), 3(h)  The proprietor has drawn up a behaviour policy, available on the school’s website, to promote positive behaviour. The actions to be taken if behaviour falls short of the school’s expectations are set out in the policy. Paragraph 10  The anti-bullying policy sets out the school’s approach to tackling any form of bullying or discrimination. This policy is available on the school’s website. Paragraph 11, 16  The proprietor has drawn up a health and safety policy which sets out the school’s systems and procedures to keep pupils safe and promote their welfare. The school’s risk assessment policy demonstrates that the proprietor has considered pupils’ individual risks and also risks identified with the school building. Risk assessments are completed prior to off-site trips and visits, such as to the Old Vic theatre in Bristol. Paragraph 12  The school has taken appropriate action to meet the requirements of the Regulatory

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Main inspection findings

Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. An evacuation procedure is in place, and exits are marked. The fire alarm is tested weekly by the owners of the building. Pupils practise evacuating the school on a regular basis. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has drawn up a first-aid policy as required by the standards. Since the previous pre-registration inspection, a trained paediatric nursing practitioner has joined the staff. Medical records are kept, setting out the nature of any injury and the treatment provided. This information is given to parents. The proprietor is also trained to administer first aid. Paragraph 14  The number of staff employed is sufficient to ensure appropriate supervision. The proprietor is planning to increase numbers on roll slowly if registration is agreed, so that staffing levels can be considered and planned appropriately. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has drawn up an admissions register to comply with The Education

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Main inspection findings

(Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  Staff register pupils’ attendance twice daily. The correct codes for absence are used and staff check with parents if pupils do not arrive for school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2)-18(3)  Since the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietor has ensured that all the necessary checks have been carried out on staff, prior to their employment at the school. These include checks on the identity, employment history and suitability of staff members. Paragraph 19(1)-19(3)  The school uses supply staff from an agency. The school works with this agency to ensure that staff used have the experience required and necessary checks to work with the pupils. The proprietor checks the information and photograph of the staff member, sent prior to the working day. Paragraph 20(6)-20(6)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The school does not have a governing body. The headteacher is the proprietor and operates as a sole trader. There are no plans to form a governing body if the school is registered. The Secretary of State has carried out the necessary checks to confirm the proprietor’s suitability. Paragraph 21(1)-21(7)(b)  The proprietor has recorded all checks on staff in a single central record as required.  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 22-29(1)(b)  The premises are well maintained. The classrooms and areas in the school are clean and tidy and are of a good size. The rooms are well lit and furnished. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for tidying their own designated working space. The school occupies part of a converted clay factory. The classrooms and other school spaces are suitable for their intended purposes.  The premises have suitable toilet and washing facilities. There are individual toilets for use for boys and girls separately. There is adequate hot and cold water, suitable for pupils’ use. Hot water does not pose a scalding risk to pupils.  A drinking water station is available for pupils, supplying fresh, cold water.  Pupils use a gym, available in the building next door to the school, under supervision from school staff. This facility has showers for pupils’ use.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has recently set up a medical room with a bed to care for pupils if they are ill or require medical treatment. This room has a sink installed and is close to the toilet facilities.  The school has external lighting, in use on the day of this pre-registration inspection.  The school has an outdoor area at the front of the school. This area is currently not used extensively. Appropriate fencing has been installed to ensure pupils’ safety.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)-32(3)(f)  Since the previous pre-registration inspection in December 2018, the proprietor has drawn up a range of policies to comply with the independent school standards. Many of these policies are now on the school’s website. Others can be requested by families.  The school’s website provides contact details of the school and proprietor, including a

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Main inspection findings

telephone number to use in school holidays.  The proprietor has ensured that parents receive a report annually, detailing information about their child’s work and progress. A regular newsletter is also provided to parents reporting school news.  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  The complaints policy meets the requirements of the independent school standards. It sets out the timescales for each stage if a complaint is made and includes details about the independent panel should this be required. The proprietor’s complaints procedure states that all complaints will be recorded, including the steps taken to resolve the complaint.  The complaints procedure is not on the school’s website but can be made available to parents on request.  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 proprietor and designated safeguarding lead demonstrate the ambition and commitment to ensure that the proposed school is likely to meet all the independent school standards. Since the previous pre-registration inspection in December 2018, the proprietor has employed a designated safeguarding lead. The unmet standards have now been addressed and continue to be checked.  The proprietor has developed an understanding of the independent school standards. She has taken the action needed so that the school can provide the quality of education required by the independent school standards.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has drawn up an accessibility plan, available on request. The school’s curriculum has been planned with the adaptations required for it to be accessible to all, including pupils with additional needs. The delivery of the school’s curriculum and approach to teaching, learning and assessment does not compromise the protected characteristics set out in the Equalities Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Email address lovebugphotography@live.co.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 4 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 35

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 30

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11-18 11-18 11-18 Number of pupils on the school roll 4 50 50

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  In discussions with the proprietor during the inspection, the proprietor stated that the number on roll would be built slowly to enable appropriate staffing to be employed. The inspection recommends that this is an appropriate approach to take.

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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 4 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 0

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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 0 0

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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 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 Colours Academy is currently providing full-time education for four pupils, none of whom has an education, health and care plan or is a child looked after. It does not, therefore, meet the definition of an independent school. None of the pupils receiving full-time education is in the post-16 age range.  The school was set up in 2018 to provide sessions on a part-time basis for pupils who are home educated.  The school is situated in a converted clay factory. The majority of the rest of the building is used by artists as studio space.  The school proposes to take pupils from age 11 to18. The proprietor intends to increase the number on roll slowly, so that staffing arrangements are considered carefully.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration 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 inspection was the school’s third pre-registration inspection. The first inspection, on 23 July 2018, and the second pre-registration inspection, on 18 December 2018, identified that the independent school standards were not likely to be met if the Department for Education made the decision to register the school.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, the designated leader for safeguarding, pupils, staff and one parent who came into the school during the inspection. The inspector undertook a check of the premises, visited three lessons and scrutinised a range of documentation relating to the independent school standards and documentation relating to the school’s curriculum. The inspector also scrutinised

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Information about this inspection

records relating to the school’s work to keep pupils safe and ensure their welfare, health and safety.

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Inspection team

Catherine Leahy, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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