The Family Learning School

School material change inspection report

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The Family Learning School Capital House, 47 Rushey Green, Lewisham, London SE6 4AS

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and Paragraphs 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding policy is comprehensive and includes the most recent statutory guidance. Leaders update the policy regularly to take account of any changes in legislation.  Staff receive regular safeguarding training. This includes training on how to spot the signs and symptoms of different types of abuse, such as those related to extremism and online grooming. The safeguarding policy sets out clear procedures that staff must follow if they have concerns about a pupil. These include concerns regarding the conduct of adults who work with pupils. All new staff take part in a thorough induction programme to ensure that they understand and follow safeguarding procedures. The induction programme also includes suitable training on first aid, fire safety, and the ‘Prevent’ duty.  The safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers on the school’s website.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11, 12, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The proprietor has implemented suitable policies related to health and safety, including the identification and management of risks to pupils’ welfare.  Leaders and staff check the premises regularly to make sure that it is safe and well maintained. For example, at the start of each day, staff check that classroom spaces are clean, tidy and free from hazards. Leaders act promptly to resolve any issues that are identified.  Leaders and staff carry out appropriate checks to ensure that the premises comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The fire alarm system and emergency lighting are tested regularly to make sure that they are in good working order. Emergency evacuation routes are clearly marked and free from obstructions. Leaders and staff ensure that pupils take part in regular fire drills.  Suitable risk assessments are in place for pupils, both for the school site and external

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Main inspection findings

activities. Leaders and staff identify potential risks to pupils’ welfare and put in place appropriate measures to reduce these risks. Leaders adjust staffing ratios and first-aid provision to ensure that arrangements are suitable for each activity. Paragraph 14  The proposed staffing arrangements are likely to ensure that pupils are well supervised and kept safe. Currently, pupils are typically taught in small classes of up to 15 pupils. Each class is supervised by at least two members of staff. During off-site activities, classes are supervised by three members of staff. These arrangements are also in place for children in the early years. Leaders plan to maintain these staffing ratios if the material change request is approved. In order to achieve this, leaders have increased the working hours of some part-time staff.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the request

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The proprietor ensures that staff are appointed in accordance with statutory guidance. Leaders have undertaken training in the safer recruitment of staff. The single central record of pre-employment checks is in place and maintained in accordance with the requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The premises are situated within a large commercial building. The school has its own separate, secure entrance with suitable external lighting.  Classroom spaces are bright, spacious and well maintained. Classrooms are sufficient in size to safely accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils. All rooms have appropriate acoustics, internal lighting and ventilation. The outside roof terrace provides a suitable space for pupils to learn and socialise. Children in the early years also benefit from using the roof terrace. Pupils use local outside spaces for play and the teaching of physical education. Leaders carry out appropriate risk assessments for the roof terrace and off-site activities.  Drinking water is available and clearly labelled. Toilets and washing facilities meet requirements. This includes a supply of hot water at a safe temperature for pupils’

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Main inspection findings

use.  The medical room contains a washbasin and is located close to the toilet facilities. Pupils’ medication and first-aid supplies are stored securely. Appropriate records are kept regarding first aid, accidents and pupils’ medical needs.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear and ambitious vision for school. Experienced governors have been appointed to support the proprietor to realise this vision. Leaders have a secure understanding of the independent school standards and the requirements of the early years foundation stage. They demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.  The proprietor and leaders are committed to promoting pupils’ well-being. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

have put in place suitable policies and procedures related to safeguarding, risk assessment and health and safety. Leaders have planned carefully to make sure that the school can safely accommodate the increase in pupil numbers if the material change request is approved.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  If the material change is approved, it is likely that the number of children in the early years will increase. Leaders have a good understanding of providing early years education. They have ensured that staff have suitable experience and qualifications. Staffing ratios and first-aid arrangements meet requirements.  The statutory welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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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

Proprietor The Family Learning Group Ltd

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School details

Chair Padraic Fahy (chair of the governing body)

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School details

Email address office@familylearningschool.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 3 to 11 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 45 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Up to 45 Up to 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Up to 45 Up to 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities None Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None Not applicable

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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 None Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 3 3

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Information about this school

 The Family Learning School is registered as an independent day school for boys and girls aged from three to 11 years. It is located in the London Borough of Lewisham.  The school opened in September 2019. There are currently 36 pupils on roll. Pupils attend on a full- or part-time basis. There are currently no pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The school aims to provide personalised education in order to develop and celebrate the unique potential of each pupil.  The school was founded by The Family Learning Group Limited. The company has two directors. One director is also the school’s headteacher.  The school’s previous inspection was a pre-registration visit carried out by Ofsted in August 2019. The pre-registration inspection found that the school is likely to meet all the independent school standards when it opens. Since opening in September 2019, the school has not had its first standard inspection.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) following the school’s request to increase the capacity of the school from 45 to 60 pupils. The DfE requested that Ofsted consider the relevant requirements of the independent school standards in Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 8. This is the school’s first material change inspection.  The inspection was commissioned by the DfE during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic of 2020. Some of the inspection was conducted remotely. This was to ensure that the inspection was conducted in accordance with the most recent government guidance related to COVID-19.  The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also a member of the proprietor body. The inspector visited the school to check the safety and suitability of the premises. Documentation related to safeguarding, the suitability of staff and the health and safety of the premises was evaluated. The evaluation took place remotely and during

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Information about this inspection

the on-site visit. The inspector also looked at the school’s website and held a telephone discussion with the chair of the governing body. No pupils or staff were present during the inspector’s visit to the premises.

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Inspection team

Sarah Murphy, 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

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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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