Solutions Pledge2learn Limited

School pre-registration inspection report

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Solutions Pledge2Learn Limited Bottesford Town Football Club, Ontario Road, Scunthorpe DN17 2TQ

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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(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The directors have a vision for a curriculum that is broad, balanced and provides rich vocational and sporting experiences. These include English, mathematics, science, humanities, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, food technology, aesthetic and creative studies, and physical education.  Schemes of work covering the proposed curriculum are not in place. Most of those that have been written do not contain sufficient information to aid teachers’ planning. This is because they do not consider the ages and abilities of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The school proposes to admit pupils with a wide range of SEND, including behavioural and emotional development needs, autistic spectrum disorder and sensory needs.

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Main inspection findings

Schemes of learning do not provide a range of strategies that teachers can follow to ensure that all pupils make good progress.  The curriculum does not address the differing needs of pupils who will attend the school for different lengths of time. The school has not given sufficient consideration to the programme of study that part-time pupils will follow.  The timetable is designed to ensure that there is a taught programme of PSHE education. It is planned that pupils cover a wide variety of topics that support them in developing life skills, as well as learning about life in modern Britain and how to keep themselves safe.  There are opportunities across all curriculum subjects for pupils to develop their speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills.  Leaders have prioritised literacy and numeracy across the curriculum. Reading is to be part of their strategy. Some staff will be trained in phonics so that they can better

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Main inspection findings

support pupils who do not read well. A library of appropriate children’s literature is being built. Paragraph 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  The directors have developed a clear careers strategy which includes the provision of impartial careers education and guidance and access to online resources. There is a commitment to working towards the Gatsby benchmarks.  Pupils will have at least one meaningful encounter with an employer each year. They will also be taken to visit local colleges. The school plans to include an employability award in the curriculum, and the resources developed for this so far are of a high quality. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Teachers’ planning and use of effective teaching methods is impeded by weaknesses in the schemes of work. As a result, pupils’ ability to participate with their lessons and increase their understanding is compromised.

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Main inspection findings

 An assessment framework has been developed which includes a simple scale linked to national standards. Assessment will take a variety of forms and will be frequent, to provide sufficient information for teachers to use when planning their lessons. In addition, baseline assessments will be used along with data from commissioning schools to provide information about pupils’ prior learning.  Policies and plans for the curriculum show that leaders intend to ensure that pupils show respect for people who have protected characteristics, as defined in the Equality Act (2010).  Since the school benefits from extensive, modern indoor and outdoor sports facilities, leaders intend to engage professional coaches to work with pupils across a variety of sports. These include football, badminton and basketball.  The standards in Part 1 are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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)  Leaders have considered how to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development thoroughly. Their plans demonstrate leaders’ ambitions to create a happy, challenging, stimulating, kind and caring environment.  The school plans to weave opportunities to develop pupils’ confidence, resilience, and empathy across the curriculum. This is exemplified in a humanities project which compares the Black Death to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. In addition to learning about the social and economic impact of the diseases, pupils will consider developments in medicine and compare myths with ‘fake news’.  There is a planned enrichment programme which will include visits to places of

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Main inspection findings

worship, local shops and places of work, and a country park and regency mansion. There will be a rich programme of sporting opportunities.  When external speakers visit the school, leaders will make appropriate checks. The speakers will be accompanied by staff members to ensure that pupils receive a balanced view of what is being presented.  The standards in Part 2 are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The directors are keen to rapidly establish a strong safeguarding culture in the school. A detailed safeguarding policy is in place. This has been updated recently to take account of the latest government guidance. The policy has a strong focus on prevention and helping pupils to recognise and manage risks. There is clear awareness of local risks and of the vulnerability of pupils with SEND.  The directors have a strong awareness of the impact of COVID-19 and its implications

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Main inspection findings

for safeguarding. A COVID-19 risk assessment has been produced.  Two staff have received designated safeguarding leader training. In addition, all staff will have regular, focused safeguarding training. Topics include tackling hate crime, child sexual exploitation awareness and the ‘Prevent’ duty.  The school maintains close contact with relevant agencies, such as local authority children’s social care. There is a secure system in place for staff to record any concerns. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is an appropriate behaviour policy in place. Leaders have a positive approach to behaviour and this is centred on helping pupils through difficult times and building respect. There is also an anti-bullying policy in place.  A system is in place to monitor the behaviour of all pupils closely. This will include any bullying incidents, and leaders will have an overview of these. Information will be

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Main inspection findings

shared with the directors appropriately. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place which is complemented by a comprehensive monitoring process. A visual site safety check is made every day and the grounds are similarly checked before each use. In response to the large size of the school site, the directors have invested in a radio system so that rapid communication can be made if the need arises.  A first-aid policy is in place and there is a system for recording any accidents that take place. The school currently has four qualified first aiders and aims to have eight.  Appropriate checks of fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and fire exits take place regularly. Fire drills will also take place so that pupils and staff know what to do in an emergency. There are currently two trained fire marshals and the school plans to train a further four.

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Main inspection findings

 The directors are aware of the legal requirement to maintain a school admission and attendance register. There are plans in place to ensure that they comply. However, while this is the case, the school’s attendance policy does not adequately reflect the level of responsibility that the school should take for ensuring that pupils attend well, especially those who will be dual registered. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The directors have developed a written risk assessment policy. It provides clear guidance on situations that may require a risk assessment and details the responsibilities of staff to ensure that risk assessments are carried out. Leaders have a clear understanding about hazard identification and the implementation of control measures.  A number of risk assessments were seen during the inspection. These include using equipment, safe working in the premises and trips. All were found to be appropriately

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Main inspection findings

assessing and minimising risks to pupils.  The standards in Part 3 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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), 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)(c)  The directors have established systems to ensure that appropriate checks are carried out on staff that are employed, before they take up their posts. However, they have not yet considered section 128 checks about the suitability of those in management positions. In addition, checks on the medical fitness of staff have not been made.  The directors do not expect to employ supply staff at the school. Paragraph 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(6)  There is a single central register in place. With the exception of section 128 checks,

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Main inspection findings

recruitment checks are recorded correctly.  The standards in Part 4 are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  The premises belong to a community football club. The school has negotiated the sole use of the building during school hours. The directors currently use these facilities for an alternative education provision which will be succeeded by the proposed school if it is registered with the Department for Education (DfE). The site is fenced and secure.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils in the school.  Spacious changing rooms, which contain showers and toilets, are available for pupils to use. In addition, there are several smaller changing and showering rooms which could be used when greater privacy might be appropriate. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a suitable medical room available for the short-term care or examination of sick and injured pupils. This room has a sink and is close to a toilet. There is also a

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Main inspection findings

well-stocked first-aid kit. Additional first-aid kits are located in other buildings and are available for visits out of school.  Medication can be safely locked in a cabinet which is located in the medical room. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The premises are maintained well, and consideration is made for the health and safety of pupils. The site is clean and bright. Each classroom has sufficient lighting, and the acoustic conditions are such that lessons can run alongside each other without interruption.  External lighting is provided to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The school provides bottled water for pupils to drink. In addition, drinking water can be obtained from the kitchen.  The water supply in the toilets is working and the toilets are flushable. The temperature of the water for handwashing does not pose a scalding risk to pupils.

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Main inspection findings

The inspector initially found the temperature of the water to be too high, but this was rectified during the inspection. Soap and hand driers are provided. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to an outside space for them to socialise at breaktimes and lunchtimes. This is provided with picnic benches.  There are a number of football pitches and extensive grassed areas which will be available for the school to use. The school will also have exclusive use of a large and well-equipped sports hall.  The standards in Part 5 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f)  Some of the required policies are available to parents via the school’s website. Where policies are not there, these policies can be obtained from the school. The directors are working to ensure that all the required policies are online.  The admissions policy does not adequately reflect the school’s practice and leaders intend to re-write it.  The directors intend to publish particulars of previous years’ academic performance on the school’s website.  The directors have documents in place which show how pupils’ progress information will be reported to parents.  The directors intend to publish inspection reports on the school’s website, so that they are available to parents.  The school does not yet have a plan for providing an annual account of income and

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Main inspection findings

expenditure incurred by the school in respect of pupils who are wholly or partly funded by a local authority.  There is no policy in place which relates to the support to be provided for pupils with SEND or for pupils who speak English as an additional language. Paragraph 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d)  The ‘centre managers’ are not named on the school’s website.  The contact information for the directors on the school’s website is incomplete and contains an inaccuracy.  There is currently no governing body. Plans are in place to establish an advisory board which will have a consultative and scrutiny role.  The standards in Part 6 are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 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 directors have ensured that a comprehensive complaints policy is in place and accessible to parents. Timescales are clearly mapped out alongside explanations of each stage of the complaints procedure.  The complaints policy is available to parents upon request and is also be available on the school’s website.  The policy was partly re-written during this inspection. It is now compliant with the relevant standards.  The standards in Part 7 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The directors are keen to improve the lives of young people with SEND who currently struggle in mainstream education settings.  The directors intend to build a school that has bespoke learning plans for each pupil which address individual special educational needs. A significant proportion of the tuition provided is expected to be on a one-to-one basis.  There is no governing body in place at the moment. However, the directors have plans to establish an advisory board to act as critical friends and advisors shortly after the school opens. A well-qualified and experienced consultant is currently working with leaders, particularly in the development of the curriculum.  Leaders plan to develop pupils’ social and emotional skills through activities both across the curriculum and through individual mentoring sessions. Through their bespoke programmes

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Main inspection findings

for pupils, leaders aim to support pupils’ personal development. They aim to build resilience and emotional well-being through the provision of a calm and supportive environment.  Although leaders understand the importance of ensuring that the school meets the independent school standards, they have not fully addressed the detail of some standards. In particular, they have yet to complete their curriculum planning. Preparation for the wide range of pupils with SEND that they propose to admit is limited.  Several policies required minor changes during the inspection in order to meet some standards.  Leaders have shown a strong commitment to the continuing professional development of staff. Those currently in post at the school have impressive portfolios of certificates especially in relation to training about safeguarding and also special educational needs. There is a programme in place which details the training planned when the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders are committed to pupils’ well-being and the creation of a safeguarding culture in the school. They have a particularly good awareness of the risks that young people face in the local area.  The standards in Part 8 are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The directors have not ensured that there is a suitable plan in place to improve access to the curriculum, physical environment and written materials for pupils with a disability.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Emma Lappin and Sue Walmsley (Joint headteachers) Annual fees (day pupils) £160 per day

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Proposed school details

Email address patrick@solutionspledge2learn.co.uk

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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 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 80 60

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendation  The premises are large but consist mainly of sports facilities. There is insufficient classroom space, particularly in view of the school’s proposal to operate with small teacher-to-pupil ratios.  The recommendation of 60 on the school roll considers that a significant proportion of pupils will be part-time. Therefore, there should not be more than 40 pupils on site at any one time.

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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 Not applicable Up to 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Up to 35

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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 60

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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 60

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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 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 3

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Information about this proposed school

 Solutions Pledge2Learn, based in Scunthorpe, will be an independent special day school for boys and girls aged between 11 and 16 years. The school plans to open in February 2021. The school will be based in premises that are owned by a local football club.  The school’s vision is ‘for every child to have access to a bespoke, person-centred nurture environment that meets their individual needs and helps them to develop their potential and improve their outcomes and life opportunities’.  The school will not have a religious ethos.  The school does not intend to use any alternative education provision or have any additional off-site units. The school proposes to enrol pupils with a wide range of special educational needs. The proprietor’s application is to cater for the following types of special educational needs: cognitive and learning needs; specific learning difficulties; moderate learning difficulties; behavioural, emotional and social

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Information about this proposed school

development needs; behavioural, emotional and social difficulty; communication and interaction needs; speech, language and communication needs; autistic spectrum disorder; sensory and/or physical needs; visual impairment; hearing impairment; multi- sensory impairment; and physical disability. Most are expected to have education, health and care plans.  The school will admit pupils on both a part-time basis or a full-time basis. Part-time pupils will be dual registered with a commissioning school. The total number of pupils on roll at the school will not exceed 60.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Some of the inspection was conducted remotely. This was to reduce social contact during the COVID-19 outbreak.  This first pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE, following the directors’ application to open an independent special school.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  I held a number of meetings with some of the directors. I also met with the joint headteachers (known as centre managers) and a consultant who has been engaged by the school.  I reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. I conducted a tour of the school building and outside space. The directors currently operate an alternative education provision on the same site. This will close when the proposed independent school opens.

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Inspection team

Steve Rogers, lead inspector Ofsted 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 directors 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 – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the directors ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and directors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the directors carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness.  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the directors of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and directors

contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the directors keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether- – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the directors ensures that- – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006[16]) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of

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Part 6. Provision of information

State.  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher; – 32(2)(b) either- – 32(2)(b)(ii) where the directors is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2.

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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 directors 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. 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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