Mill School - Bury

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Mill School Bury Wellington House, Wellington Street, Bury, Greater Manchester BL8 2BD

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(i), 3–3(j), 4  Leaders have appointed a team of teachers and support staff who are ready to open the school. They have provided a programme of specialist training on the best ways for teachers to meet pupils’ educational and wider needs. This has included, for example, training about safeguarding risks that may affect pupils, how to support pupils with different types of special educational needs, and ways to design the school’s curriculum. In addition, staff are working jointly with those from other schools to plan for effective teaching, learning and assessment of pupils.  Rooms equipped to provide specialist therapy and intensive support for pupils have been installed. These spaces are for trampoline-based therapy, programmes designed to help pupils and their families build their resilience and emotional strength, 3-D video projection, and supporting pupils’ sensory needs.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 Leaders have purchased sufficient resources to allow teaching to begin. These range from basic equipment to specialist items, for example as needed in science. They intend to further increase the school’s stock of books and other resources once the needs of individual pupils are known.  The proprietor had ensured that all but one of the standards in this part were likely to be met at the first pre-registration inspection (PRI). All the standards in this part are now likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  As at the first PRI, the proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b)  The school’s child protection policy is published on the school’s webpage on the Kedleston Group’s (KG) website. Leaders are aware of and respond to the government’s guidance on safeguarding pupils. For example, they have prepared and

p.1

Main inspection findings

published an additional policy statement about safeguarding pupils during the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.  The training of newly appointed staff on safeguarding has been systematic. Three members of staff, including the headteacher, have completed additional training on safeguarding so that they are ready to take the lead in responding to any safeguarding concerns. Paragraph 9–9(b), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16–16(b)  Staff training on how they can reduce the impact of any poor behaviour, including, if other strategies fail, by physical intervention, has been delayed due to the current restrictions on normal working. However, this training has already been rescheduled to take place before any pupils are admitted.  Leaders have continued their active approach to understanding and managing the risks that pupils may face while at school. For example, a risk assessment is in place concerning trampoline-based therapy and a programme for checking the electrical

p.2

Main inspection findings

safety of equipment has been established.  As at the first PRI, the proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(3), 19(1)–19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(7)  Leaders have made the required checks on the suitability of staff appointed to work at the school since the first PRI. The details of these checks have been added to the school’s well-organised record.  As at the first PRI, the proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The internal refurbishment of the main school building has been completed to a high standard. The accommodation has been carefully planned and equipped. It provides the facilities and environment that will help those pupils with the types of special

p.2

Main inspection findings

educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) that the school will cater for to thrive. While there is, initially, ample classroom space for the intended final number of pupils, leaders have only furnished half of these.  A small amount of building work remains to be completed. This has been delayed because of the current restrictions on normal working. This work is mainly to the outside areas of the school. Even without this being completed, the available provision is sufficient for pupils to have access to a suitable outside space for play and physical education. Leaders and the building contractors have worked together to make sure that the building work, once it resumes, will not pose a risk to pupils.  The premises include a science laboratory and other specialist rooms, for example for teaching art and food technology. The only internal building work that remains to be completed is on a Nissen hut that will provide a workshop and extra inside space for

p.2

Main inspection findings

physical education.  The toilets, showers, changing rooms and medical room are suitable and will properly ensure pupils’ privacy. The medical room is adjacent to a toilet. Where the position of cold-water taps means that the water is suitable, or not suitable, for drinking, this is clearly indicated. In addition, leaders have also arranged for drinking-water dispensers to be available around the school. The hot-water taps that pupils will have access to have regulator valves to ensure that the water is at a safe temperature.  The internal lighting has been carefully planned to ensure that light levels are sufficient. In addition, in many rooms, the colour of the lighting can be changed to allow staff to create a particular environment, for example to respond to pupils’ needs.  The arrangements for the safety of people who use the premises have been properly considered. External lighting has been installed and there are suitable measures to

p.3

Main inspection findings

makes sure that areas of the school accessible to visitors are separate from the areas to be used by pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(3)(g)  As at the first PRI, the proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  As at the first PRI, the proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor and other leaders have continued their systematic preparation for the school to be ready to open. This has included the appointment of staff and their comprehensive training so that they are ready to meet the learning and other needs of pupils.  The proprietor and other leaders from KG’s central team have experience in opening

p.3

Main inspection findings

new schools and operating effective schools.  Leaders intend to admit around two pupils each month for the first few months of the school’s work. They will only admit pupils once they are sure that they have identified and are able to fully respond to any vulnerabilities that the pupils may have.  Leaders have demonstrated that the school is likely to meet the Independent School Standards (ISS), including those relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

p.3

Main inspection findings

 As at the first PRI, the proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act are likely to be met.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.6

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) Not yet determined

p.6

Proposed school details

Website https://kedlestongroup.com/Our-Schools- Homes/Day-Schools/Mill-School-Bury/Home Email address s.sarwar-azim@kedlestongroup.com

p.6

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 17 7 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 70 35

p.7

recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Internal building work on the school’s premises has been completed and there are sufficient classrooms for 70 pupils. However, at present, only half of these have been furnished and made ready for pupils. Leaders plan to fully equip more rooms and appoint more staff when the school roll requires this. At that time, they will seek approval from the Department for Education for the school to take more pupils.

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 70

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 70

p.7

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 Not applicable 70

p.7

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 Not applicable 70

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 13

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable None

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 15

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in a converted mill building close to the centre of Bury. It is in an area of commercial and light industrial properties.  The building was previously used for offices and has been converted to make it suitable for use as a school. The conversion of the interior of the main buildings has now been completed. A small amount of building work remains to be finished. The building project has been delayed because the contactors involved are currently not working as a result of the current pandemic.  The school will be part of KG. This group is experienced in operating effective independent schools.  The school will provide education for pupils with SEND. Leaders expect that most pupils will have autism spectrum disorder and/or social, emotional and mental health needs.  Leaders do not intend that the school will use alternative provision. However, they may use links with a local college to provide vocational courses for individual pupils.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. The restrictions on non-essential travel and the need to protect people’s health meant that it was not possible to visit the school during this inspection. In order to determine whether the school is likely to meet the ISS, the inspector examined documentary, photographic and video evidence provided by the school. He had a detailed discussion with the headteacher by telephone and reviewed further documentary evidence provided by the school in response to specific requests arising from this discussion. He also considered the evidence collected during the first PRI of the school.  This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in order to confirm whether the school was likely to meet the ISS and other requirements needed to operate as an independent school.  This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 The inspector paid particular attention to the ISS that were found unlikely to be met during the first pre-registration inspection. These standards related directly, or indirectly, to the need to complete the building works on the premises at that time.

p.9

Inspection team

David Selby, 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 .

p.9

Inspection team

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.

p.10

Inspection team

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 .

p.10

Inspection team

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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.10