Crisp Vocational Provision Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Crisp Vocational Provision Ltd 11 & 12 Bennerley Court, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8UT

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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)(h), 2(2)(i)  Pupils will study a range of academic and work-related subjects. They will all study mathematics, English, information and communication technology (ICT), art and physical education (PE), as well as vehicle maintenance and construction.  Through studying these subjects, pupils will develop their communication and numeracy skills. Senior leaders have also ensured that pupils will develop their scientific knowledge.  Pupils will learn in mixed-age groups. Senior leaders will assign pupils to groups dependent on their stage of learning. This will enable teachers to plan learning that is appropriate to pupils’ needs and that helps them to make progress.  Many pupils who will attend the school will have had poor records of attendance at their previous school. Senior leaders will assess the gaps in pupils’ learning due to any

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Main inspection findings

sustained absence. Teachers will plan learning that helps these pupils to catch up.  Pupils will work towards completing qualifications in the subjects they study. When they have completed a qualification, pupils will study for the next level of qualification in that subject. In this manner, pupils will work towards completing the highest level of qualification of which they are capable in each subject. This will help them to prepare for their next steps, including preparing them for employment. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  Pupils will receive impartial careers advice and guidance from a professional who is external to the school. They will also visit different places of work and colleges of further education and complete work experience placements. These opportunities will enable pupils to learn about the next steps in their education, as well as about different careers and the skills required to be successful in the workplace.

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Main inspection findings

 Through the personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme, pupils will learn how to apply for employment, including by completing mock interviews. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proposed school currently operates as an alternative provision. It was not possible to visit any lessons at the time of the on-site inspection, as there were none taking place.  Teaching staff will receive opportunities to undertake training to ensure that they have good subject knowledge. They will be able to work with professionals from other schools, to share and learn from best practice.  Through regular visits to lessons, senior leaders will check the quality of teaching. Staff will be able to observe each other teach, to learn from others’ practice.  Teachers will regularly assess pupils’ understanding, both in lessons and through checking pupils’ work. They will use this information to provide further support when

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Main inspection findings

it is needed and to plan future learning.  Daily discussions about each pupil’s learning will ensure that all staff have an up-to- date understanding of the progress pupils are making and any gaps in their learning. This will enable staff to provide any well-targeted support that may be required.  Senior leaders will regularly check pupils’ work to assess the progress they are making. They will ensure that those pupils who need it receive further support.  Staff will set pupils challenging but achievable targets. These will take into account each pupil’s stage of education, any additional needs they may have, and any gaps in their learning due to previous sustained absence from education.  There are appropriate resources in place to help pupils learn. These include a suite of five laptops, a recording studio, and tools and machinery for the study of construction and vehicle maintenance.  Senior leaders will purchase further resources when they are required, including any

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Main inspection findings

resources necessary to meet pupils’ additional needs.  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 promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is at the core of the school’s PSHE programme.  Through their study of health and well-being, relationships, self-image and managing emotions, pupils will be able to learn about themselves and grow in self-esteem.  Completing qualifications across the full range of subjects they study will help pupils grow in confidence and understand the importance of education in preparing them for their next steps, including for the world of work.  Pupils will learn about different cultures and beliefs. They will learn about the importance of respecting those who are different to them, including those whose

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Main inspection findings

differences fall within the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act.  Staff will adapt the PSHE curriculum and use tutor time to hold discussions to challenge any intolerant views that pupils may express.  Pupils will be involved in the local community through visits from those who live or work near the school and help by contributing to a foodbank.  Pupils will learn about fundamental British values, including individual rights, such as the right to vote.  When finding out about current events, including political events, pupils will receive a balanced view. This includes from any visitors who come to meet with pupils.  The school is likely to meet all 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), 32, 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding policy does not reflect the latest national guidance. This policy provides safeguarding guidance for staff who work at the alternative provision that the proprietorial body currently operates at the premises.  The policy does not provide accurate information about what staff should do when they have concerns about possible peer-on-peer abuse or the actions of an adult towards a pupil, including those of the chair of the proprietorial body. Instructions about who staff should report any such concerns to and when do not reflect the latest guidance. Furthermore, the instructions do not accurately reflect the nature and staffing of the provision.  There are plans in place to review the outdated and inaccurate safeguarding policy before the start of the new academic year. However, leaders were not aware of some

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Main inspection findings

of the inaccuracies contained within the guidance until the lead inspector brought them to their attention.  The capacity of the safeguarding leaders to fulfil their roles effectively is limited. For example, the number of safeguarding responsibilities the chair of the proprietorial body holds is unmanageable and does not provide for appropriate accountability. Working with other senior leaders, the chair is currently reviewing the leadership of safeguarding to improve capacity and create accountability. For example, a third member of staff has completed the training necessary to take on a safeguarding leadership role.  Staff will receive regular safeguarding training, at which they will discuss the school’s safeguarding procedures and recent national updates.  Senior leaders will ensure that staff know the risks that their pupils may face and the signs to look for, particularly any changes in pupils’ behaviour or appearance.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff will be alert to the nature and content of any discussions that pupils hold with them, or with other pupils, including during social times. They will be vigilant of any discussions that may indicate possible safeguarding concerns.  Meetings held every morning before school starts will allow staff to discuss any safeguarding concerns they may have about pupils. During tutor time, staff will discuss with pupils any difficulties pupils may be experiencing, to provide them with appropriate support.  The school will use an online system to record safeguarding concerns. Senior leaders will be able to monitor concerns about pupils and the actions taken to support them.  Senior leaders currently work closely with a range of external agencies to provide appropriate support for pupils. They will continue this practice in the proposed school.  Pupils will learn how to keep themselves safe, including through studying PSHE.

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Main inspection findings

 Senior leaders will make the safeguarding policy available to parents and carers. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  There is a comprehensive policy that outlines expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Staff will use a system of sanctions and rewards to encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour.  Daily discussions about pupils’ behaviour will enable staff to put in place strategies to support pupils to manage their own behaviour.  Senior leaders will keep a record of incidents of serious misbehaviour and the sanctions they impose, including when they exclude a pupil. Paragraph 10  The school’s anti-bullying policy provides staff with appropriate guidance on how to respond to any such incidents.  Staff will act in a timely manner to resolve any bullying that occurs. Pupils who engage in bullying will receive support to help them change their behaviour.  Through the PSHE programme and discussions in form time, pupils will learn the value

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Main inspection findings

of respect for others, including those whose opinions may be different to their own. Paragraph 11  There is a detailed health and safety policy that provides the necessary guidance.  However, senior leaders have not ensured that they have acted on this guidance effectively in the alternative provision they currently offer.  Senior leaders’ checks on the premises have failed to identify risks to pupils’ welfare. Leaders have not ensured that the premises are safe for pupils. They were unaware of some of these risks until the lead inspector brought them to their attention. Paragraph 12  Currently, senior leaders have not made sure that fire safety procedures and practice comply with their own fire safety policy. For example, senior leaders have not maintained fire exits in an appropriate state. Some are locked, using bolts at the top and bottom of the doors. On one fire exit, the bolts are stiff and difficult to open. The

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Main inspection findings

locked fire doors pose a hazard to pupils’ and staff’s safety in the event of a fire.  The quantity and type of fire extinguishers on the first floor are inadequate.  To date, senior leaders have not ensured that there has been a formal fire risk assessment of the premises by a suitably trained professional. Paragraph 13  There is an appropriate policy relating to first aid. In completing an accident form, staff will record the nature of the accident and the treatment the pupil has received. Paragraph 14  Senior leaders have ensured that there will be appropriate supervision of pupils. Paragraph 15  The admission register will contain the required details of pupils who will be on roll.  Staff will take the register twice daily and will record attendance appropriately.  Senior leaders will contact parents when pupils are absent. They will visit pupils’ homes when absence raises concerns about pupils’ welfare.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The risk assessment policy provides staff with appropriate guidance on how to calculate risk for activities that will take place on, and away from, the school site. Risk assessments will include a consideration of pupils’ behaviours and additional needs.  Senior leaders will review all risk assessments to check that staff have correctly identified risk and have put in place appropriate measures to reduce any such risk.  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), 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)  Senior leaders know the necessary recruitment checks they must make on new staff. They will ensure that they make all such checks.  Senior leaders will check that supply staff are suitably experienced to work at the school.  All recruitment checks are recorded on the single central register. The chair of the proprietorial body checks the accuracy of these records.

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Main inspection findings

 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)  There are toilets available for boys and girls. However, these are not for the sole use of pupils.  The toilets have suitable supplies of water, including hot and cold water for pupils to use to wash their hands.  There is a shower facility for pupils to use. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  There is a medical room available for the provision of care to pupils who are sick. This room has a washing facility but is not near a toilet. Paragraph 25  Senior leaders have not made sure that all parts of the premises are safe for pupils. There are multiple hazards that pose a potential risk to pupils’ health and safety.  There is no barrier to stop pupils from climbing onto an exposed ledge that runs alongside the full length of the first floor. Additionally, there are no safety barriers that

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Main inspection findings

run along the ledge that would prevent pupils who may choose to climb onto the ledge from falling off, onto the construction bays that are directly below.  There is a trip hazard close to a fire exit.  There are insufficient safety signs where pupils undertake vehicle maintenance work, including where there is a vehicle lift.  There are tools and car parts in the vehicle maintenance area that are not stored securely.  Cupboards that contain a fuse box and an electricity meter are not secured with locks.  A cleaning cupboard, in which there were cleaning products, was unlocked at the time of the on-site inspection.  There are cables dangling from televisions that are attached to the walls. In one room, an extension cable that was in use hung down from a desk.  There are tools that are not stored securely in an area on the landing where the chair of the proprietorial body’s office is located. Pupils are not allowed on this landing.

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Main inspection findings

However, there is no barrier to prevent them from going into this area. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The acoustics and lighting of the classrooms and work areas are acceptable.  There is appropriate lighting to the outside of the building. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils will have access to bottles of water at all times. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Senior leaders have suitable plans in place to enable pupils to undertake PE lessons away from the school site.  However, there is no available outdoor space for pupils to be able to play during their social times. At both the front and rear of the buildings, there are car parks and access roads to other parts of the industrial estate on which the proposed school is located. These are not suitable areas for pupils to spend their social time outdoors playing, should they so wish.  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)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e)  All the necessary documentation and policies are available.  Senior leaders will provide information about pupils’ achievement at the end of each academic year.  Senior leaders will work with local authorities to support the academic progress and welfare of pupils who are in the care of local authorities and pupils who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  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 complaints policy provides suitable information about how parents can make a complaint to the school.  The policy outlines how and when senior leaders will respond to any such complaints.  There is appropriate guidance about how parents can take their complaint further if they are unhappy with how senior leaders have responded to their concerns.  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)  The chair of the proprietorial body does not have a thorough understanding of the independent school standards. He has not ensured that the arrangements for the proposed school are likely to meet all the standards.  The school’s policies and practice in relation to safeguarding, fire safety and health and safety do not meet the relevant standards. Senior leaders have not ensured that the site for the proposed school is safe for pupils to use. They have not made sure that the policies in relation to safeguarding comply with the latest national guidance.  During the inspection, the chair identified that the proposed site for the school is unsuitable to meet the standards that relate to the premises, including for the provision of an outdoor area in which pupils can play.  Senior leaders are intending to withdraw their application for the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan identifies how leaders will adapt the school’s premises, curriculum and published documentation for any pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  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 Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Website www.crispvocationalprovision.co.uk

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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 28 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 Total hours operating as a school per week Not applicable

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 21

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11-16 11-16 11-16 Number of pupils on the school roll 28 35 24

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The site is suitable for only 17 pupils to be present at any one time.  The school proposes to provide full-time education for up to 10 pupils.  This will allow the school to provide for up to a further 14 pupils to attend on a part- time basis across the week.

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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 3 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 14 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 3 To be confirmed

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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 3 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 2

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Information about this proposed school

 Crisp Vocational Provision Ltd will provide education for up to 24 pupils who are at risk of permanent exclusion.  The school will provide for pupils with SEND, including those who have an EHC plan. The school will cater for pupils who have a range of learning difficulties and/or behavioural, social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Pupils may have a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).  The school will be located in Bulwell, in a unit on an industrial estate.  The company that has proposed to set up the school currently runs an alternative provision on the proposed school’s site.  The school will not make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic of 2020. Some of the inspection was conducted remotely.  The DfE commissioned the inspection to check the provision’s suitability to operate as a school.  This was the school’s first 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 by the need to observe social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The inspector conducted all remaining inspection activities remotely. He spoke with the chair of the proprietorial body, who will also be the school’s headteacher, and the provision manager.

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Inspection team

Simon Hollingsworth, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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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

 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.

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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

 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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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 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.

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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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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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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

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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