Kingdom Christian School

School material change inspection report

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Watchorn Christian School Watchorn Church, Derby Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7AQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders have revised the school’s curriculum policy to cover the proposed curriculum for key stage 2. The school intends to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils aged three to 11. This is closely linked to the national curriculum. It covers all the required areas of learning. Leaders have considered the development of pupils’ speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  Leaders have developed a curriculum overview and schemes of work for a range of subjects. They have developed planning that takes into consideration the ages and aptitudes of pupils whom they plan to teach. These include pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The plans include a suitable range of teaching approaches, resources and additional learning experiences.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed education provision closely matches the school’s aims and ethos. Leaders are planning the key stage 2 curriculum so that it will build on pupils’ learning in early years and key stage 1.  Leaders have planned a personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum that will be taught through discrete lessons. There is also a range of wider opportunities. It is clear how staff will ensure that pupils develop respect for others. This includes those with protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The PSHE programme of study is supported by curriculum plans. It ensures progression across the proposed age range. The aim is to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills for their future lives. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have considered the range of experiences and skills that staff will need if the proposed age-range increase is approved by the Department for Education (DfE). The

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Main inspection findings

school has employed experienced teachers. They are well prepared to teach pupils in key stage 2.  Current pupils are taught by staff who have strong subject knowledge. Teachers make good use of detailed curriculum plans to deliver lessons. They structure and tailor lessons to meet the individual needs of pupils in small classes. Teachers have the capacity to teach pupils across the proposed age range.  Leaders and staff closely monitor the behaviour and attendance of pupils. The school’s existing behaviour policy clearly outlines the school’s expectations. It explains how specific rewards and sanctions should be used by all staff. This policy will be suitable for older pupils, should the age-range proposal be approved.  There is an established assessment framework in place to assess, monitor and evaluate pupils’ progress. Assessment is linked to the planned curriculum. This information is shared with parents. This system will be extended to key stage 2 if the

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Main inspection findings

proposed change is approved.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The school provides rich opportunities for current pupils to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Pupils learn about different cultures. For example, they learn about different foods, customs and celebrations. They reflect on big questions and consider how people celebrate their different faiths and beliefs. These opportunities will be further developed and made available to pupils in the proposed key stage 2 classes.  Pupils benefit from regular educational visits. For example, pupils recently visited a local supermarket as part of fair-trade week. They have reflected on the changing seasons in the park nearby. Pupils deepened their learning about harvest through a visit to a windmill.

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Main inspection findings

 Fundamental British values of respect, the rule of law, individual liberty and tolerance are planned across the curriculum. This will be extended to the proposed key stage 2 classes. Staff teach pupils to value and respect the opinions of others. Pupils have the opportunity to appreciate different cultures. Pupils are active members of the community. They fundraise for charities and visit the local war memorial to lay their remembrance wreath.  Teachers are skilled in capturing moments with pupils in and out of lessons to promote tolerance, understanding and respect. Leaders are establishing links with a special school. Positive opportunities are being created for pupils of both schools.  Leaders have planned a PSHE education curriculum that contributes to pupils’ understanding of healthy lifestyles and relationships. This is preparing them well for life in modern Britain.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part

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Main inspection findings

if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34, 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c), 34(2)  Leaders have given very careful thought to the proposed change in age range. They are committed to providing high-quality education for each pupil. They propose to increase the number of pupils gradually. They are mindful that any changes should not have an adverse impact on pupils currently at the school but enhance the provision for all pupils.  Members of the governing body visit the school regularly. They support leaders and discuss the progress leaders are making. They also hold leaders to account. The governing body has recently been strengthened following a restructure. They fulfil their responsibilities well. They have ensured that the independent school standards in scope of this inspection remain met.  Leaders ensure that the school promotes pupils’ well-being very well. The pastoral

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Main inspection findings

care of pupils lies at the heart of the school’s ethos. There are many opportunities for pupils to learn how to keep themselves safe. Pupils are nurtured to develop a core school value focused on respect.  Leaders have developed a comprehensive safeguarding policy that considers current statutory requirements. This policy is published on the school’s website. All staff undertake appropriate safeguarding training. Safeguarding leaders fulfil their responsibilities well. Staff know pupils very well. Leaders work well with external agencies to ensure that safeguarding processes are appropriate. Leaders support pupils when needed.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material change.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Website www.watchornchristianschool.co.uk

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School details

Email address info@watchornchristianschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 26–28 June 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 3 to 7 3 to 11 3 to 11

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 18 45 45

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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 6 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 2 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 1

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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 1 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 1

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Information about this school

 The school has a Christian ethos. The school is located in the premises of Watchorn Church.  The school gained charitable status in August 2019. The board of trustees acts as the proprietorial body. The governing body has recently been restructured, and trustees have been nominated as governors.  The school’s previous full standard inspection took place in June 2018. The school was judged to be good, with all independent school standards being met.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic of 2020. The inspection evidence was gathered to check whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards. I could not visit the school site due to travel restrictions and social distancing requirements. This did not limit the evidence that needed to be gathered for this material change inspection.  The inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2020, to check the school’s compliance with independent school standards relevant to the school’s application to make material changes to its provision. These changes are to admit pupils aged three to 11 years from the current three to seven. This does not require any extension to the overall capacity of the school.  This is the school’s first material change inspection.  I scrutinised a range of documentation; this included various policies, schemes of

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Information about this inspection

work and minutes of governors’ meetings. I held phone call discussions with the headteacher, business manager and chair of governors. I scrutinised documents related to safeguarding, pupils’ attendance, health and safety and the single central record. I also scrutinised documents related to the school’s planned curriculum.

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Inspection team

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

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Inspection team

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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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 .

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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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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