Lisa Lashes School of Music

School pre-registration inspection report

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Lisa Lashes School of Music The Platform, George Row, Northampton, NN1 1DF

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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(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There are schemes of work in place for all subjects, supported by an overall curriculum policy and clear curricular aims. The curriculum plan shows how pupils will gain experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. Some pupils will complete qualifications in these subjects.  The curriculum plans show how pupils will develop their speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  Leaders plan to assess each pupil when they start at the school to ensure that the curriculum is matched to their particular needs. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  Leaders have developed links with a provider of careers advice and guidance. There are plans in place to teach pupils about careers opportunities in the curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 Links with local employers and training providers will enable pupils to gain experience of the workplace and improve their understanding of different careers. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have plans in place to check on the quality of teaching in each subject. For some subjects, leaders will use external quality assurance to verify the standard of teaching and learning.  The school’s curriculum and teaching methods are designed to increase pupils’ motivation and their enjoyment of learning.  Leaders will gather detailed information about each pupil on arrival to ensure that teaching best meets their needs.  There are appropriate plans in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly, and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 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 scheme for the programme of personal, social health and economic (PSHE) education shows how pupils will develop their self-knowledge and self-esteem, for example, through lessons and assemblies on a range of topics, such as healthy eating and healthy relationships.  The school has suitable policies and plans in place to ensure that pupils will be taught about the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. The curriculum sets out how pupils will be taught about the impact of breaking the law.  Leaders have planned a range of practical activities to develop other aspects of pupils’

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Main inspection findings

spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. These include opportunities for pupils to take on positions of responsibility and leadership and to take part in live performances.  Leaders have set out plans for a range of visits to develop pupils’ cultural knowledge, such as to local museums. There are plans in place to teach pupils about different cultures and religions. Leaders have begun to think about how pupils can make a positive contribution to the community, for example by doing work experience in local settings. They have developed links with local businesses and agencies to facilitate these plans.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders are aware of the forthcoming changes to the relevant guidance and have plans to ensure that staff receive appropriate training. Leaders will gather very detailed information about pupils before they start at the school and have developed very effective links with local partners, such as the police.  Leaders know the routes to take if they have concerns about pupils and can describe the steps they would take, for example, if pupil were missing education. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  There is a suitable behaviour policy in place. Leaders have plans in place to ensure that all staff are suitably trained in all aspects of behaviour management, including de-escalation techniques. The school uses a management information system to record all incidents of behaviour. Paragraph 10  The school’s anti-bullying policy makes a clear commitment to ensuring that incidents

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Main inspection findings

of bullying are avoided, for example by teaching pupils about the importance of respecting others, including those who share a protected characteristic as defined by the Equality Act 2010. There are appropriate procedures in place to deal with any incidents of bullying that do occur. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  Leaders have drawn up a health and safety policy. This does not refer to relevant legislation or detail the steps that leaders will take to ensure that it is implemented effectively. It is not clear how the policy and its implementation will be monitored.  Leaders have not thought carefully enough about all the aspects of health and safety that they need to consider.  The policy does not make any mention of how the school will support pupils with medical conditions.  Leaders were not able to produce the school’s current fire risk assessment. The assessment drawn up by the headteacher on the day of the inspection did not

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Main inspection findings

adequately address the issues noted in the previous fire risk assessment. The documentation did not make clear how leaders would check and monitor fire safety on an ongoing basis.  The school has a first-aid policy. This does not state where the first-aid boxes are located or detail exactly what they should contain. The person named in the policy as being in charge of first aid is not a current member of staff. The policy does not provide enough information to staff on what to do, for example, with spillages of bodily fluids. Paragraph 14  Leaders have planned for appropriate levels of supervision. Paragraph 15  The school’s admission register contains the necessary information about pupils.  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to record and monitor pupils’ absence. They know the steps to take if they have concerns about a pupil’s absence. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have drawn up an appropriate risk assessment policy. However, they have not

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Main inspection findings

thought carefully enough about all of the areas of risk that they need to consider. These include aspects of the school’s site. There are several hazards that have not been carefully risk assessed.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 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(3), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(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), 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders have drawn up a policy that details the checks that they will make on staff before they start at the school.  The school’s single central record shows that these checks have been carried out.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  The toilet and washing facilities are more than adequate. Toilets are lockable from the inside and have hot and cold running water. The hot water is of a suitable temperature. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The school’s medical room is adequate for its purpose. It has a sink and is near to a toilet. Paragraph 25  Leaders have not made sure that all parts of the premises are safe for pupils, including risks that pupils may face in the car park. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The teaching spaces are suitable for their purpose. Although some areas are less well lit, this is appropriate for the subjects, such as music technology and DJing, that are taught in these rooms. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils will be able to get drinking water from the café that is situated inside the

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Main inspection findings

school. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school intends to use the facilities of a local sports ground for the provision of physical education. These grounds have changing facilities and showers.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e)  Leaders intend to redesign the school’s website. It contains links to the necessary policy documents, including safeguarding. The school’s website includes details for leaders and the proprietor. It provides information about the school’s ethos and what leaders hope to achieve.  Leaders understand the information that they need to provide to parents, such as inspection reports. They will publish information about pupils’ achievements on the school’s website when appropriate.  Leaders understand their responsibilities to work with the local authority to review pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3), 32(3)(f), 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 school has an appropriate complaints policy in place that sets out the steps to take in case of a complaint. This policy is on the school’s website.  The policy sets out appropriate timescales for the resolution of complaints.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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)  Leaders have addressed some of the issues from the previous inspection. For example, the school now has a written curriculum policy, which sets out its vision, aims and details of a full-time curriculum structure.  However, other standards, in relation to pupils’ welfare, health and safety, remain unlikely to be met. Leaders have not thought carefully about these aspects of their work. There are a number of issues connected to health and safety, fire risk, first aid and risk assessment that need addressing.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan. The building is fitted with a lift and an evacuation chair in case of fire.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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

Type of school Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Lisa Lashes School of Music Ltd

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Proposed school details

Website https://www.lisalashesschoolofmusic.com/

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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 0 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 Not applicable

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week 0

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 10

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 16-18 11 — 18 11 — 18 Number of pupils on the school roll 8 50 25

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recommendation

 The school currently operates as a very bespoke alternative provision for a very small number of pupils with a very small number of staff. The inspector does not recommend that the school admits 50 pupils.

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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 0 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 8 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 20

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Information about this proposed school

 The Lisa Lashes School of Music is located in the centre of Northampton. The school currently provides part-time, 12-week courses for 16- to 18-year-old students and for adults.  The school will occupy premises owned by the University of Northampton and currently used as a club and café.  The school is seeking registration as an independent school, providing part- and full- time education for up to 50 pupils in the age range 11 to 18 years. The school will provide an academic and vocational curriculum for pupils with social, emotional and mental health conditions together with associated behavioural difficulties.  The school is due to open during the autumn term of 2020, once approved by the Department for Education (DfE).  The school does not propose to use the services of any additional providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic of 2020. Some of the inspection was conducted remotely. This was due to restrictions placed on non-essential travel during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The DfE commissioned the inspection to check the provision’s suitability to operate as a school.  This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection.  The inspector visited the site to check the suitability of the premises, as well as the school’s health and safety and risk assessment policies and the fire safety procedures. The on-site visit was limited to the need to observe social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The inspector conducted all remaining inspection activities remotely. She spoke with the managing director, who is the proprietor, and the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Deirdre Duignan, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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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

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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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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-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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

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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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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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