LS-TEN

School pre-registration inspection report

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)  The proprietors have ensured that there is a written curriculum policy in place. There is a clear overview of what will be taught. However, the curriculum plans do not show how work can be adapted to meet the needs of pupils with different abilities and starting points, so that all pupils can make good progress in their learning.  The schemes of work are insufficiently developed. They do not show coherent planning or sequencing that will develop pupils’ knowledge and skills for future learning and employment.  Some areas, including scientific and human and social experiences, are not clearly included in the schemes of work. Similarly, the school’s plans do not adequately identify opportunities for pupils to develop pupils’ speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  It is not possible to say that these standards are likely to be met as documentation is

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Main inspection findings

incomplete.  Therefore, these standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The school’s ‘motivate’ programme is designed to break down emotional and social barriers to education. It includes a taught programme of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  The wide-ranging PSHE programme includes a variety of topics to support pupils’ personal development. Pupils will also learn about life in modern Britain. PSHE lessons promote respect and tolerance of others and teach pupils how to keep themselves safe.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  The proprietors have not ensured that pupils can access careers advice and guidance. As an alternative provision, the school currently relies on commissioning schools to undertake this requirement.  The proprietors have not prepared a careers education programme and have not yet

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Main inspection findings

planned to provide impartial careers guidance.  Therefore, these standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(c)  The school is currently operating as an alternative provision and the work of some pupils was seen during the inspection. There is evidence, particularly in mathematics, that the school is working to close gaps in pupils’ knowledge and skills. However, there is insufficient evidence that the work that pupils undertake is carefully sequenced and builds on their prior learning.  Weaknesses in the curriculum limits teachers’ effectiveness. Consequently, their lesson planning and choice of activities is compromised. This means that the progress which pupils can make is reduced.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 3(b), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Teachers have a variety of relevant qualifications. In particular, some have qualifications and experience to work with young people who have been or are close

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Main inspection findings

to being excluded from their mainstream school. This means that their classroom management skills are strong and support pupils to make good progress.  Teachers have access to good-quality pupil profiles which include comprehensive individual learning plans. This helps them to understand what pupils can and cannot do when they arrive at the school.  The school ensures that trained and experienced staff teach in the skate park and climbing and fitness suite areas.  A range of resources are available for pupils to use. These include art materials, food, and fitness equipment.  A comprehensive framework for pupil performance is in place. This will ensure that the progress that pupils make both academically and in their personal development will be assessed regularly and thoroughly.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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 proprietors have considered how to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and have ensured that pupils will learn about life in modern Britain.  The PSHE programme will include topics such as crime and punishment, and relationships and sex education. School leaders are aware of the challenges that many of their young people face. They ensure that relevant issues are covered, including topics about drugs, alcohol and diversity.  The school involves local people, such as a police community support officer, to work formally and informally with pupils to educate them about the rule of law and public institutions.  The proprietors have developed a policy to ensure that appropriate checks are made

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Main inspection findings

on visitors to the school and that they will be accompanied by staff members. It is also the school’s policy to ensure that pupils receive a balanced view of material presented to them.  The standards in Part 2 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietors have planned for all staff to have regular safeguarding training. This includes training about keeping children safe and signs to look out for if a pupil is experiencing harm. The designated safeguarding lead ensures that staff receive regular updates about safeguarding, including information relating to current pupils.  The proprietors are keen to rapidly establish a strong safeguarding culture in the school. They intend to track pupils’ well-being so that early help can be provided in the event of any vulnerability being identified.  The proprietors have ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy is compliant with the latest government requirements and will be available to parents and carers.  A recent city council audit of safeguarding in the school identified a small number of deficiencies. Most of these had been quickly addressed before this inspection.

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Main inspection findings

 Safer recruitment practice systems are in place, which should ensure that all appropriate checks are made on adults and recorded in their staff files. However, at the start of the inspection, leaders had not made all the necessary checks on staff. This was rectified by the end of the inspection.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9(a), 9(b)  There is an appropriate behaviour policy in place. Staff receive training in behaviour management as part of their induction process.  Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. They promote a positive approach to the management of behaviour and have a system of rewards to reinforce good behaviours.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9, 9(c), 10  Teachers record behaviour issues in individual pupil files but there is no central recording system in place. This means that information about trends in the extent of any behaviour issues is not available to leaders and trustees.

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Main inspection findings

 There is an anti-bullying policy in place. However, there are no central bullying records and, as a result, leaders and trustees are unable to evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-bullying strategy.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place which is complemented by comprehensive monitoring processes. Appropriate checks of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and fire escapes will take place regularly. Fire drills will also take place so that pupils and staff know what to do in an emergency.  The school benefits from a knowledgeable trustee with fire safety expertise who has been able to advise leaders about the safe management of the old building in which the school operates.  A first aid policy is in place and there is a book for recording any accidents that may occur. The school intends that every member of staff will have a first aid qualification.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff supervise pupils well throughout the day. Where necessary, such as in the skate park area, staff have radios and can summon assistance if required.  A written risk assessment policy is in place. Proprietors have a clear understanding about hazard identification and a comprehensive suite of risk assessments is in place.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 15  The school does not have an admissions register. At the moment, admissions information is only maintained in individual pupil files.  The school does not have its own attendance registration system. Currently, pupils are registered using a computer system that is appropriate to an alternative provision and which sends attendance information to the commissioning schools.  The school, therefore, is not yet in a position to meet these legal requirements.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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), 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)  The proprietor has established a comprehensive policy that should ensure that all appropriate checks are carried out on staff that are employed before they take up their posts. At the time of the inspection, checks on prohibition from teaching and section 128 checks on staff involved with management had not been made. This was quickly rectified.  The proprietors do not intend to have supply staff working at the school. Paragraphs 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(6)  There is a single central register in place where all appropriate checks that have been

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Main inspection findings

carried out on adults are recorded.  The standards in Part 4 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b)  The school is located in a large former railway engineering building. A significant proportion of this building has been developed as a skate park and there is an adjacent climbing wall centre. Although these premises are used by people outside of the school, when it is in session, the school has exclusive use. Access to the school rooms is controlled by secure keypads and maglocks. The building is fully accessible for disabled people.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils in the school.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(c)  There are currently no changing or showering facilities available for pupils to use. In addition, there is no disabled toilet facility as the existing one has been designated as the medical room.  New changing rooms, showers and a disabled toilet are being built at one end of the

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Main inspection findings

skate park, but these are not yet ready for use.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The medical room has been located in a large disabled toilet. This includes a sink, toilet and collapsible bed together with an appropriately equipped first aid box.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The premises are old and in parts reflect their former use. However, consideration is made for the health and safety of pupils exemplified by the recent fitting of a number of new fire doors.  The site is clean, and each classroom has sufficient lighting, and the acoustic conditions are such that lessons can run alongside each other without interruption.  There is appropriate external lighting in place, so people can enter and leave the building safely.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 There are clearly labelled water supplies available from the kitchen. Teachers also ensure that jugs of fresh water are readily available for pupils to drink.  The water supply in the toilets is working and toilets are flushable. The temperature of the water for hand washing does not pose a scalding risk to pupils.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The skate park, climbing wall centre and fitness suite provide large and well-equipped spaces for physical education.  Two large and secure outdoor spaces are located on either side of the skate park. One is in the process of being cleared and will be ready for use at pupils’ social times. It will meet the standard and will provide a significant space for recreation. The other contains a lot of rubble and needs more extensive attention before it is safe for pupils to use.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(2), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(e)  Although the school has a website, this does not contain all of the information that should be provided for parents of pupils and for parents of prospective pupils. Some of the missing information is available on request from the school.  There is no published information about the school’s arrangements for admissions, or about the arrangements for pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), or for whom English is an additional language.  The proprietors have not yet planned for the publication of previous years’ academic performance on the school’s website.  The contact information for the chair of governors is not yet available to parents.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b),

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Main inspection findings

32(2)(b)(ii), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  The school’s policies about safeguarding, behaviour, the curriculum, anti-bullying, health and safety, first aid and complaints are available for parents.  The proprietor intends to publish inspection reports on the school’s website, so that they are available to parents.  The contact information for the proprietors and the head of education is available on the school’s website.  Leaders have developed a half-termly report for parents. This will be detailed, containing information about academic progress, personal development, attendance and behaviour.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 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 proprietor has ensured that a comprehensive complaints policy is in place and accessible to parents. Timescales are clearly mapped out alongside explanations of each stage of the complaints procedure.  The complaints policy is available on request from the school.  The standards in Part 7 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietors and leaders have a passion and commitment to improving the lives of young people who have faced difficulties in their education. Their vision for creating an independent school around a skate park is impressive. The board of trustees includes people with significant expertise who will be able to strongly support the school.  However, the school’s plans for the curriculum are underdeveloped and do not reflect the unique nature of the proposed independent school. This undermines teachers’ ability to plan lessons well and ensure that pupils make good progress.  The proprietors have not provided access to accurate and up-to-date careers education and guidance.  Several aspects of the school do not yet have policies in place to support and direct staff. These include admissions and arrangements for pupils with special educational

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Main inspection findings

needs.  Arrangements are not in place to centrally record incidences of poor behaviour, bullying and attendance. Insufficient attention has been given to planning for the monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of the school’s performance.  The proprietors and leaders have not been able to demonstrate that they have a strong understanding of the independent school standards.  The standards in Part 8 are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has not ensured that there is a relevant and up-to-date plan in place to improve access to the curriculum, the physical environment and written materials for pupils with a disability.  This standard is unlikely to be met.

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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

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11–16 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 24 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils n/a Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 Up to 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Up to 24 Up to 24

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Up to 5 Up to 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Up to 5 Up to 5

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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 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 8 8

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Information about this proposed school

 LS-TEN is located in an industrial area in Hunslet, Leeds. The school is currently operating as an alternative provision and caters for pupils who are at risk of permanent exclusion or have been permanently excluded from their mainstream schools. The school will be part of a large skate park facility.  The school will admit pupils who are referred from local schools. Most pupils will attend on a part-time basis.  The school intends to cater for some pupils with special educational needs, including behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.  The school does not have a religious character.  The school does not use any alternative provision or have any additional off-site units.

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Information about this inspection

 This first pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education following the proprietors’ application to open an independent school.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector conducted the inspection with members of the school’s leadership team. The inspector also met with the chair of governors and a trustee. A meeting was also held with a representative of one of the local schools that currently uses the school as an alternative provision.  The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. In addition, the inspector examined a sample of work completed by pupils currently at the school. The school building was toured inside and out.

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Inspection team

Steve Rogers, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if: – 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 – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work: – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are: – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

careers guidance that: – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.  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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that: – 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.  10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

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Part 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.

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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(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is: – 32(2)(b) either: – 32(2)(b)(ii) where the proprietor is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office; – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair; and – 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)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(e) particulars of the school’s academic performance during the preceding school year, including the results of any public examinations.

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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. 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

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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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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