Seva Independent School

Seva Independent School 205 - 207 Uxbridge Road, London W13 9AA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  Leaders have a clear vision to provide a high standard of education. The curriculum policy is suitable for the age range of pupils, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils are likely to gain experience in a wide range of subjects.  Pupils enrolling in the school are likely to be those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Leaders have a strong understanding of the subjects they want pupils to learn. Taught subjects include English, mathematics, science, humanities, computing, and physical education (PE). In all year groups, subjects taught will closely reflect the national curriculum, including entry level and foundation level qualifications. Pupils able to access GCSEs will be encouraged to do so. For PE, pupils will be able to access local gyms andswimming pools, and take part in outdoor

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Main inspection findings

activities to encourage team building.  Leaders place a high priority on how pupils will learn how to live independently. They intend to do this through the curriculum, including vocational subjects. The school will offer a number of additional provisions for pupils to access. These include two cafés and an allotment which are run by Seva Care Group. Leaders intend that these experiences will help pupils to learn about communication, citizenship, baking and how to engage positively in the wider community.  Leaders have a thorough understanding of the different complex needs of pupils who may join the school. All pupils are likely to have education, health and care (EHC) plans. Leaders intend to give these pupils wide-ranging experiences based on their needs. For example, they plan to work closely with art studios, theatres and charities to raise pupils’ self-esteem.  The programme for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education

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Main inspection findings

curriculum is comprehensive. Pupils will be taught about rights and responsibilities, equalities and an understanding of civil and criminal law. Leaders intend for pupils to learn about themes through tutor groups, weekly assemblies and lessons. Leaders place a strong priority on pupils’ career options, particularly through the PSHE programme. This includes opportunities for work experience, visiting speakers and support for pupils with their applications to further employment.  Leaders plan to take pupils’ academic and social starting points into account when planning for their needs. Assessment procedures are in place for each subject. Regular assessments will help to monitor pupils’ progress. Leaders intend to provide each pupil with an ‘individual pathway’. They plan to work with parents, pupils and staff to ensure pupils’ interests are at the centre of their planning.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  Leaders place a high priority on developing pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Comprehensive plans exist to support pupils’ understanding of British society.  Leaders intend to teach pupils through weekly assembly themes, PSHE lessons and tutor groups. Pupils will learn about criminal and civil law. They will learn about how to become positive citizens. Leaders plan for all pupils to explore different faiths and beliefs.  The development of pupils’ social skills is central to the school’s work. Leaders have clear plans of how to ensure pupils leave school with well-developed social skills. For example, leaders intend to help pupils learn about different employers through trips within the local community. They plan to use their own vocational provisions to help pupils develop their social skills. Leaders plan to work with a range of external groups

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Main inspection findings

to give pupils wide-ranging cultural experiences.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  Leaders demonstrate a strong understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities. Detailed and well-understood policies are in place, including those for safeguarding, anti-bullying, health and safety and risk assessments. The designated safeguarding leader has undertaken the relevant training. Leaders have access to a broad range of expertise, including supporting pupils with SEMH needs. They understand the importance of pupils recognising the risks that they may face. These include those relating to gang culture and knife crime.  Policies related to the health and safety of the premises are detailed. The site has recently been refurbished. The proprietor places a high importance on the maintenance of the site.  Leaders have a thorough understanding of their responsibilities, including those related to risk assessments, first aid and fire safety. For example, leaders have

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Main inspection findings

ensured that they have undertaken detailed risk assessments related to the local park, which pupils will use as an outdoor play area. Furthermore, leaders have comprehensive risk assessments for the use of alternative provision.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The single central register is maintained electronically. It contains the required information with the relevant checks completed for the headteacher.  The proprietor applied for relevant checks to be carried out for him in March 2020. The inspector was shown evidence of the proprietor’s correspondence with the relevant bodies. However, these checks had still not been completed during the time of the inspection.  Teaching staff have not yet been recruited.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met if the required checks are completed by the appropriate bodies.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23 (1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c) and 23(2)  Toilet and washing facilities are available for the sole use of pupils. Washing facilities include an adequate supply of hot and cold water. Leaders understand the importance of regular checks on the hot water temperature so that it is safe for pupils’ use.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2) and 24(3)  A medical room exists for the treatment of pupils. It is close to the toilet facilities.  During the inspection, the medical room did not have a washing facility. The proprietor showed details of work to be undertaken so that this will be rectified in advance of pupils coming on site. Paragraphs 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) and 29(1)(b)  The premises have recently been refurbished, and this has been completed to a high standard. The school has a mixture of group rooms, shared spaces and breakout rooms. These are well lit and appropriate for the number of pupils the school intends to admit. The site’s entrance is from the street, which provides appropriate external lighting.  The site does not have any outdoor space. Leaders intend to use a local park to

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Main inspection findings

provide pupils with daily timetabled outdoor provision for social times. They plan to use nearby leisure centres to deliver the PE curriculum. Leaders intend to use the changing and shower facilities of the local leisure centres.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met if the required remedial work on the medical room is carried out. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  The school’s website includes all the required documentation, including policies related to behaviour, safeguarding, admissions and the curriculum.  Leaders plan to involve parents closely in their children’s education. Suitable templates exist to ensure that parents receive clear information about their children’s learning. This includes an annual written report on pupils’ academic and social achievements.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The complaints policy provides parents and pupils with clear guidance. It sets out how the school intends to deal with concerns informally and formally. This includes a timescale for each stage and the use of an independent panel when required.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  Leaders are knowledgeable and experienced in working with pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs. They have a broad range of expertise, particularly in supporting pupils to access employment through vocational training. Leaders are committed to helping these pupils to succeed in life.  The premises are maintained to a very high standard. Policies and procedures are detailed. Leaders understand their safeguarding responsibilities in relation to current statutory documentation.  Leaders have credible plans to appoint a governing body. It is likely that governing body members will hold leaders to account when they are appointed.  This part of the independent school standards is likely to be met if remedial work to the medical room and statutory checks on the proprietor are completed in a timely manner.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan is likely to comply with the relevant requirements. The site is fully accessible, including the school’s vocational provision at two cafés and an allotment. Corridors have been widened to ensure there is appropriate wheelchair access. Tables are adjustable and specialised seating is available should it be required.

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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.

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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) £24,000 to £70,000

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Proposed school details

Email address education@sevacaregroup.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 15 Up to 15

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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 Up to 15

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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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 15

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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 15

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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 15

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

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Information about this proposed school

 Seva Independent School plans to provide pupils aged 14 to 16 with full-time education. The school is located in the London borough of Ealing.  The school will be run by Seva Care Group. This provides a range of specialist services, including supporting pupils with learning disabilities, autism, behavioural, emotional and social needs. The Seva Care Group also provides day and night respite and employment opportunities, and has its own fully accessible transport.  Pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs are likely to be admitted to the school. These pupils are likely to have experienced difficulties with their education at mainstream schools, including permanent exclusions. The school aims to provide specialist provision for pupils who require social and emotional support.  The school’s ethos is centred on the encouragement of all pupils to make independent choices and to achieve the best they can across every area of the school. The school

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Information about this proposed school

intends to offer a rich and broad curriculum, a wide range of extra-curricular activities and participation in outreach opportunities.  The school intends to use its own alternative provision to provide vocational training to pupils. Pupils will attend three sites: Park Café, Harrow Recreation Ground, Harrow, HA1 1PB; Wealdstone Café, 1–3 High Street, Wealdstone, Harrow, HA3 5DB; and Roxeth Allotments, Wood End Avenues, South Harrow, HA2 8NT. These provisions were not visited as part of this inspection.  At the time of the inspection, Disclosure and Barring Service and section 48 checks had not been completed for the proprietor, who had submitted these prior to the inspection to the relevant bodies.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the registration authority 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.  This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. The registration authority commissioned Ofsted to consider whether the school was likely to comply with the independent school standards and associated requirements.  The inspector conducted the inspection with the proprietor, headteacher and deputy headteacher. A telephone discussion was held with these leaders. The inspector met with leaders and visited the school to check the safety and suitability of the premises.  Documentation relating to safeguarding, curriculum, health and safety and suitability of staff was scrutinised, alongside other policies and procedures.

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Inspection team

Noeman Anwar, lead inspector Her Majesty's Inspector

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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. 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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