Assure Community College

Inspection of Assure Community College Unit 4 Northbrook Industrial Estate, Hollybrook Road, Shirley, Hampshire SO16 6RB

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Overall effectiveness Insufficient evidence

The quality of education Insufficient evidence Behaviour and attitudes Insufficient evidence Personal development Insufficient evidence Leadership and management Inadequate Early years provision Insufficient evidence Sixth-form provision Insufficient evidence Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Overall effectiveness Insufficient evidence

Does the school meet the independent school standards?

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What is it like to attend this school?

No pupils are currently registered at this school. No pupils attend.

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better?

As there are no pupils at the school, inspectors were unable to evaluate the quality of education provided, how well the school promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes or provision for their personal development. Inspectors were able to scrutinise the school’s policies and organisational arrangements linked to these areas, informing the leadership and management judgement.

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better?

The curriculum and teaching policies provided to the pre-registration inspection in 2017 remain in place. These continue to provide a valid and helpful summary of education provision for all age groups. The documents reflect an ambition for pupils to achieve well and to learn progressively over time: within the national curriculum and in accredited examination subjects at key stage 4 and beyond. These curriculum overview documents amply express the positive and equitable aims and ethos of the school. They explicitly promote fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance. A clear assessment framework is in place, ready to gauge pupils’ progress and ensure that this is reported as appropriate.

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better?

However, details such as schemes of work and how learning will be promoted for pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans and for whom English is an additional language are not available. Furthermore, curriculum information has not been developed to meet requirements for careers information, advice and guidance. Plans discussed at the pre-registration inspection to provide outdoor play locally and physical education with changing and showering facilities at a local sports centre are no longer in place.

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better?

The proprietor maintains a helpful policy for the management of pupils’ behaviour, including principles of respect and equality. This sits within a framework which aims to mediate difficulties between students or between students and staff. Nevertheless, the proprietor has not maintained a framework to ensure the overall welfare, health and safety of pupils.

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better?

The safeguarding policy has not been updated since 2016. As a result, this document does not comply with current statutory requirements. Aligned policies, such as the anti-bullying policy and health and safety policy, are similarly deficient. Action discussed at the pre-registration inspection, to create a single central record of recruitment checks and to ensure that relevant staff are entered onto this, has not been undertaken. The proprietor, as the sole manager, has a broad, but not specific, understanding of all the recruitment checks required. This creates a risk that not all checks are reliably completed, for example checks under section 128 of the relevant legislation or of professional qualifications. 10–12 March 2020

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The proprietor has not ensured that other aspects to support pupils’ welfare, health and safety have been attended to as discussed at the pre-registration inspection. Fire exits and some storage arrangements continue to present a fire-safety risk. Risk assessments are not available for all the school accommodation and activities. Risks identified by inspectors, such as inefficient fire doors, had not been identified by the proprietor. Facilities for the provision of first aid and medical care and for the care of any pupils with complex needs have not been developed. The temperature of water for washing remains too hot: scaldingly so. Separate toilet facilities for pupils and staff, and for boys and girls, are not available. An admissions policy, admissions register and attendance register are not in place.

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Acoustic and lighting conditions in the proposed classroom areas are sufficient, and suitable drinking water is provided from appropriate locations. The school’s premises at Northbrook House are accessible. The proprietor informed us that the school now only operates from the Northbrook House site.

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The school does not have a website. What information is available, for example curriculum and behaviour policies, would be freely available on request to any interested party. However, the proprietor has not ensured that all the information required by the independent school standards is available as required.

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A complete complaints policy is not available. In 2019, the proprietor did not make statutory census returns to the Department for Education (DfE), despite a number of reminders. An admissions policy, admissions and attendance registers are not available.

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Documents available at the pre-registration inspection were drafted by the headteacher then in post. No pupils have been admitted to the school, and there are no staff appointed and no headteacher. There is therefore no-one currently engaged in the school’s leadership and management who demonstrates the skills and knowledge appropriate to ensure that all the independent school standards are met consistently. Furthermore, the proprietor has not ensured that the school remains well placed to actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding and associated policies do not comply with current statutory requirements. All the independent school standards in relation to pupils’ welfare, health and safety are not met consistently.

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(Information for the school and proprietor)

 Ensure that curriculum policies and plans include: 10–12 March 2020

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‒ relevant schemes of work, taking account of the ages and needs of all pupils, including those with an EHC plan and those for whom English is an additional language ‒ appropriate reference to careers information, advice and guidance ‒ suitable arrangements for the provision of physical education, including for showering where appropriate.  Ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils by: – updating safeguarding policy and related policies, for example the anti- bullying and health and safety policies, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019 and other relevant statutory guidance – urgently compiling a single central record of recruitment checks, including all relevant Healthcare Group staff, and ensuring that all relevant checks are completed – establishing a suitable admissions policy, admissions register and attendance register – urgently attending to shortcomings in fire precautions, risk assessments,

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water temperature and pupils’ medical, first aid and toilet facilities – establishing firm arrangements for suitable outside play space.  Ensure the reliable availability and provision of all the required information, including: – information relating to curriculum schemes of work – a compliant complaints policy – a compliant policy on admissions arrangements – information about education and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and any for whom English is an additional language – information required by the DfE, particularly the annual school census.

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How can I feed back my views?

or to find out what other parents and carers think. We use Ofsted Parent View information when deciding which schools to inspect, when to inspect them and as part of their inspection.

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How can I feed back my views?

The Department for Education has further guidance on how to complain about a school.

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How can I feed back my views?

If you are the provider and you are not happy with the inspection or the report, you can complain to Ofsted . 10–12 March 2020

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School details

Unique reference number 144855 DfE registration number 852/6012

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School details

Inspection number 10054082 Type of school Other independent school

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School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

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sixth form

Annual fees (day pupils) No pupils currently on roll

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sixth form

Email address daycareservices@assurehealthcaregroup.com

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sixth form

Date of previous inspection Not previously inspected 10–12 March 2020

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Information about this school

 Assure Community College was first registered by the DfE on 11 October 2017, following the pre-registration inspection on 6 September 2017.  This was the school’s first standard inspection.  The school’s proprietor is the sole proprietor.  At registration, the school operated on two sites. The school now operates only at Unit 4, Northbrook Industrial Estate, Hollybrook Road, Shirley, Southampton SO16 6RB.  The school is registered to cater for pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  No pupils have been admitted to the school since its registration.  The headteacher in post at the time of the pre-registration inspection no longer works at the school. There are no school staff appointed.

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Information about this inspection

We carried out this inspection under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. The purpose of the inspection 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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Information about this inspection

We met with the proprietor to discuss the school’s policies and arrangements. We scrutinised all the available documentation. We toured the premises with the headteacher, to consider suitability and health and safety. The lead inspector considered correspondence from the DfE to the proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

The school has failed to meet the independent school standards. These are the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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Information about this inspection

 Further information about this part of the inspection is available in the annex of this report.

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Inspection team

Sian Thornton, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Dan Lambert Her Majesty’s Inspector 10–12 March 2020

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.

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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-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

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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[12].

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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[13].

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- 10–12 March 2020

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– 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

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– 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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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

– 18(2)(b) no such person 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 if contained in either such direction;

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

– 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person-

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

– 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications;

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

 18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.

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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.

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

 21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form.

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

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

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

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether-

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

– 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act;

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

– 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; 10–12 March 2020

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– 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications;

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– 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S;

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– 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d);

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– 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and

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– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e),

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– 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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 21(4) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of staff in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007, whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (3) was made and whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

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 21(7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007-

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– 21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and

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– 21(7)(b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

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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-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 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. 10–12 March 2020

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 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including-

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– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

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– 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and

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– 24(1)(c) where a school caters for pupils with complex needs, additional medical accommodation which caters for those needs.

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 24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the 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.

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 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable-

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– 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and

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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-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 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[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15];

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 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; 10–12 March 2020

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– 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;

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– 32(1)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection is provided to the body conducting the inspection and that body is given access to the school’s admission and attendance registers.

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 32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is-

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– 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher;

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– 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor’s full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted.

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 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is-

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– 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions;

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– 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language;

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– 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2;

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– 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13.

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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-

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(c) sets out clear time scales for the management of a complaint.

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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- 10–12 March 2020

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– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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– 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 10–12 March 2020

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to 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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