Safe Start School

Safe Start Education 4 Henry Square Chambers, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester OL6 7ST

p.1

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)  Leaders have provided a suitable policy on the curriculum, which they have labelled a ‘teaching and learning policy’. The intended curriculum and its schemes of work cover the full range of expected subjects. They are matched to pupils’ ages and aptitudes. The policy and schemes of work do not undermine fundamental British values.  The curriculum covers ages 14 to 16 years, not 13 to 19 years which was the requested age range in the proprietor’s application to the Department for Education (DfE). This is because leaders have decided, since making the application, that they no longer wish to offer places to pupils outside key stage 4. Paragraphs 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)  The scheme of work for personal, social, health and economic (PHSE) education is

p.1

Main inspection findings

detailed and is in line with the school’s ethos. It contains opportunities to explore protected characteristics, including matters regarding gender reassignment and sexual orientation.  The proprietor has an appropriate policy for providing careers advice and guidance. Leaders intend to ensure impartiality by, for example, commissioning external advisers. They will focus on the needs and interests of pupils to encourage them to achieve their potential. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  Evidence from the school’s proposed planning documents and schemes of work indicates that teaching is likely to enable pupils to make progress according to their age and ability. Many learning resources, such as online activities in English, mathematics and construction, are already in place. Leaders have also created display boards in the classroom area to promote equality and diversity.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 4  The proposed school has a written assessment policy in place. It identifies the types of assessments that will be undertaken. These cover a range of aspects, including pupils’ academic progress and how successfully they develop positive attitudes. Functional skills tests and GCSE studies are included in the assessment procedures for the school, demonstrating leaders’ ambitions for pupils.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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 school’s curriculum policy states that leaders intend to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development fully within the range of subjects which leaders will provide. Policies, statements and resources to support PSHE education and the promotion of fundamental British values are likely to support this aspect of pupils’ education. The proposed school’s equality policy emphasises the importance of respecting the full range of protected characteristics. The PSHE education scheme of work contains, for instance, respect and self-worth as themes. Leaders have devised an enrichment calendar which contains various activities beyond the academic curriculum to support pupils’ SMSC development.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s proposed safeguarding policy is fit for purpose. It is up to date and makes reference to the most recent guidance from the government. The policy is supported by other relevant documents, such as suitable policies on whistle-blowing and internet safety. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Leaders have an appropriate behaviour policy in place. The policy sets clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour. It identifies the rewards and sanctions to be used within the proposed school. There are also separate policies on bullying and exclusion. Leaders have an intended system for recording incidents of serious misbehaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There are appropriate policies and procedures in place relating to matters such as fire safety, first aid and risk assessment. These are likely to ensure that pupils’ welfare,

p.2

Main inspection findings

health and safety are promoted in the school, when it opens. Paragraph 14  The proprietor is likely to ensure that staff supervise pupils effectively. The proposed ratio of staff to pupils and the intended behaviour policy support this. Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate electronic systems in place for recording pupils’ admission details and their attendance. They are likely to contain all the required information.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 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(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)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor has created a suitable electronic document to record the checks that will be made on staff before they are appointed to work in the school. It contains all the correct details for staff and leaders who are already in place. Leaders will make

p.3

Main inspection findings

sure that they check employees’ medical history and have a suitable method for doing this.  The proprietor has provided documentation which indicates that leaders are aware of the checks that they need to carry out on supply staff, if they need to use them.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has carried out the necessary work to ensure that there are toilets and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils. Photographic evidence received before the end of the inspection shows that there are now suitable, separate facilities for staff. There are two existing lockable cubicles, which are now designated for pupils’ individual use. These should be sufficient if the number of pupils on roll is limited to 25. The water supply is adequate and there is hot and cold water for washing. The temperature of the hot water does not present a risk of scalding. A labelled drinking water supply is available for prospective pupils to use throughout the day.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 There are no changing or showering facilities on the premises for the purposes of physical education (PE). The proprietor intends to use local sports facilities to provide PE lessons. Leaders have risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety and welfare while taking part in these activities.  The classroom area is suitable and well resourced. The lighting and the acoustic conditions are appropriate for the needs of pupils and staff. The proprietor has had an external light installed to enable people to enter and leave the building safely. The inspector received photographic evidence of this before the end of the inspection.  The proprietor has carried out the necessary work to ensure that there is a room for providing pupils with medical attention. It is suitably equipped and positioned near a toilet. Photographic evidence received before the end of the inspection shows that these facilities are now in place.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The premises are well maintained. The proprietor is likely to be able to ensure pupils’ health and safety while the premises are in use, as far as is reasonably practicable.  The proposed school has no outdoor space on site for pupils to play. Leaders intend to use a public, outdoor recreation area which is nearby. The proprietor has drawn up a suitable risk assessment to ensure pupils’ safety while using this facility.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.4

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)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c) ,32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e)  The school has a website set up which is ready for use. All the required information and policies are in place and are likely to be on it. These include the proposed school’s safeguarding policy and contact information.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 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 proposed school’s complaints policy is likely to comply with requirements. For example, it is in writing and contains appropriate timescales for responses to complaints. There is an initial informal stage, followed by formal stages if required. The proprietor will make the policy available on the school’s website.  Leaders intend to publish on the school’s website the number of formal complaints in the previous school year.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders show a secure knowledge and understanding of the independent school

p.4

Main inspection findings

standards and have ensured that all other standards are likely to be met when the school opens. The proprietor and the curriculum leader have previous experience of working in relevant educational settings.  The proprietor has devised suitable policies and procedures that are likely to promote pupils’ well-being and safety. There are suitable schemes of work in place. The premises are well maintained. Leaders are likely to provide all relevant facilities.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has devised an extensive accessibility plan. It includes provision for regular review and revision. There are a range of actions in l to make the premises, the curriculum and information more accessible for pupils who are disabled. For example, leaders plan to use speech therapists where appropriate to improve pupils’ access to the curriculum.  Leaders have ensured that this requirement is likely to be met when the school opens.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 25

p.8

recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  The proposed school will have two individual toilets for pupils. 25 pupils on roll as a maximum number makes the use of the toilets more manageable.

p.8

recommendation above)

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 20

p.8

recommendation above)

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 5

p.8

recommendation above)

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 5

p.8

recommendation above)

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 5

p.8

recommendation above)

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority an education, health and care plan Not applicable 5

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 Safe Start Education will be an independent school based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside.  The school will cater for pupils aged 14 to 16 years. Leaders intend to provide education for pupils at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools. There may be some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. There may also be pupils who are looked after by the local authority.  It is not proposed that the school will cater for pupils who have complex needs.

p.9

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 to minimise the risk of infection during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The inspection was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the DfE to consider the school’s application to open an independent school, registered for 30 pupils aged 13 to 19 years. After communication between the proprietor and the DfE during the inspection, it was agreed that the age range should be amended to 14 to 16 years. This is because the proprietor no longer wishes to provide for pupils outside key stage 4. In addition, the inspector has recommended that the maximum number on roll be reduced to 25 for the better management of pupils’ toilet facilities.  The inspector met with the curriculum lead of the proposed school. He also held a

p.10

Information about this inspection

discussion by means of a video link with the chair of the proprietor body, who is also the headteacher. He analysed a wide range of documents remotely, including curriculum plans and documents relating to safeguarding and matters of health and safety. He undertook a tour of the premises. This was limited to inspecting standards under Part 4 (Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors) and Part 5 (Premises of and accommodation at schools), plus evaluating documents relating to various other standards as required. This was to reduce the amount of time spent on site.  The inspector also considered photographic evidence, sent by the proprietor before the end of the inspection of work carried out to ensure that the school is likely to meet Part 5 of the independent school standards (Premises of and accommodation at schools).

p.10

Inspection team

Mark Quinn, 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 .

p.10

Inspection team

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.

p.11

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 .

p.11

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.

p.11

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11