Aspire School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Aspire School Ashford United Football Club Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN26 1NJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2)(a)  The proprietor has reproduced a range of schemes of work from mainstream maintained secondary schools. The curriculum has not been designed to meet the specific needs of the types of pupils who the proprietor intends to admit to the school.  The curriculum takes no account of the fact that many pupils may have significant gaps in their school attendance and therefore in their knowledge and skills.  The curriculum plans shared with inspectors included subjects that could not be taught at the school due to a lack of facilities. There were no subjects in the proposed curriculum that included the scientific or human and social experiences expected by the independent school standards.  The proprietor explained that technological aspects of pupils’ education would be taught off site. However, there are no firm plans for this arranged with specific

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Main inspection findings

schools, colleges or alternative providers.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The planned curriculum does promote personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and does not undermine British values. Pupils are likely to be well prepared for life in British society.  The planned curriculum is designed to help pupils learn and make progress, acquiring basic literacy and numeracy skills.  The proprietor plans to commission a charitable organisation to provide impartial careers advice.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(g)  The proprietor has applied to provide education for sixth-form students but has not produced a suitable curriculum for these students.  School leaders have not ensured that this standard is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3, 4  Although the proprietor has applied for the school to have a maximum of 120 pupils, he plans to open with between 15 and 20 pupils and three full-time qualified teachers.  The qualified teachers are all experienced and likely to meet the teacher standards. They have experience and expertise in the subjects that the school plans to teach. They have relevant experience of using the assessment system that the school proposes to use.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The school curriculum is likely to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well. The proprietor has sourced a scheme that will help broaden pupils’ experiences and develop their character.  The PSHE curriculum is planned to help promote respect for other people, including those with protected characteristics.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has adopted the local authority model safeguarding policy. However, they have not considered the additional risks of sharing a building with other users or the contextual safeguarding issues associated with the types of pupils they plan to admit.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The behaviour policy is too generic and has not been written for the specific needs of this school. It mentions reflection rooms that do not exist. It makes no mention of restrictive physical interventions, which staff will be trained to use if pupils put themselves or others in danger.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 10  The behaviour policy does outline clearly the school’s proposed anti-bullying strategy.  School leaders have ensured this standard is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11, 13  The first-aid policy is incorporated in the health and safety policy. The document is very generic and makes no reference to the particular health and safety risks of this setting.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 12  There is a fire risk assessment and evacuation plan for the whole building. However, there has been no specific assessment of how this would operate as a school. It is especially concerning given the plan to lock a fire door to keep the school separate from other building users.  School leaders have not ensured that this standard is likely to be met. Paragraphs 14, 15  The proprietor has adequate plans to ensure that staffing levels will provide enough supervision for pupils in the first year of operation.  The proprietor intends to use a computer-based management information system for the school’s admissions and attendance registers.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is no risk assessment policy. Risk assessments have not been carried out on the building, proposed activities in the building or any activities that may take place off site.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2)(c)(ii)  The proprietor did not know that he was required to carry out medical fitness checks on staff.  School leaders have not ensured that this standard is likely to be met. Paragraphs 18, 19, 20, 21  The proprietor and governor have a secure understanding of safer recruitment procedures. The school will carry out all of the other necessary pre-employment checks on staff and record them on a single central record. Appropriate checks will also be carried out on people who are appointed to governance roles.  The school does not intend to use supply staff or supply agencies.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are separate toilets for boys and girls with running water.  There are showers and changing rooms on site. However, they are not in the part of the building the school will occupy. Further work on these facilities is needed to negotiate safe access arrangements for pupils.  There is currently no labelled drinking water. The proprietor plans to use stand-alone water coolers to provide this. There was no hot running water in the bathrooms at the time of the inspection.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The proprietor was unaware of the need for a medical room. A suitable room is available on site with the required facilities. However, it is not in the part of the building that the school is due to occupy.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a)  The main proposed teaching spaces were still set up as large function rooms. It was not possible to check the acoustics and lighting without seeing how the rooms will be partitioned into teaching spaces.  There are parts of the building that are not well maintained. These include trip hazards in doorways .  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is suitable outdoor space, including a full-size football pitch, available for physical education and recreation.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The school does not yet have a website. The proprietor was able to explain how he would make paper copies of all required documents and policies available to parents.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The draft complaints policy meets all of the requirements in the independent school standards. The proprietor was able to explain how suitable independent panel members would be sourced if needed.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has experience of leadership in maintained secondary schools. However, they do not know the independent school standards well enough. They have not thought through the specifics about how this school will operate. They have not considered the specific steps they will need to take to meet the independent school standards and protect the welfare of the potential pupils they will admit.  Leaders have produced policies and procedures and a curriculum that is too generic.

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Main inspection findings

They have not considered the needs of the type of pupil they intend to cater for.  The proprietor is in the process of recruiting a governing body with relevant expertise. However, none of the governors appointed so far have a secure understanding of the independent school standards.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  None of the school’s proposed policies or procedures are likely to contradict the requirements of this act.  School leaders have ensured that this standard is likely 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

Annual fees (day pupils) To be confirmed

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Proposed school details

Email address richardsoneducation@outlook.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7–19 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 120 20

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Given the design of the proposed curriculum and the facilities available, the school, if it met standards, would be most suited to key stage 3 and 4 pupils initially. The proprietor recognises the need to start with a smaller intake, should he be able to demonstrate that he meets the independent school standards.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable N/A

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable Up to 120

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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 Not applicable Up to 120

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable N/A

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is to be situated in the main stand of Ashford Football Club. The accommodation consists of two large function rooms that are to be split into teaching spaces and three additional executive boxes that can be used for smaller groups. There are associated toilet facilities and a large football pitch outside.  The building is also used for the daily work of the football club, by an independent sports therapist and as a used car sales site.  The proprietor will also be the headteacher.  The school is proposed to cater for those pupils who have been excluded from mainstream schools or are at risk of exclusion. It is likely that many of the pupils will have special educational needs.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection commissioned by the DfE. The inspection is to determine whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it opened.  I met with the proprietor/headteacher and a governor. We discussed the vision for the school and many aspects of how they intended to operate the school.  I toured the proposed school premises.  I looked at a wide range of documentation, including the single central record of recruitment checks, policies and schemes of work.

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Inspection team

Lee Selby, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 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)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs.

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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- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that- – 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and – 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.  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.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  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.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 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 – 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)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness;

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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.  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- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 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  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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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.  26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.

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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

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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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