ReFocus Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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ReFocus Ltd 6 Knox Road, Wellingborough NN8 1HW

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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)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The directors, who act as the school’s proprietor, have ensured that there is a written curriculum supported by schemes of work. The curriculum includes such subjects as English, mathematics, computing, physical education (PE) and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  Pupils will have the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications in vocational areas, such as plumbing, plastering, building and painting and decorating.  The curriculum policy, plans and schemes of work do not undermine fundamental British values. They encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Pupils will receive up-to-date independent careers advice and guidance. Pupils will

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Main inspection findings

have the opportunity to undertake work experience with local businesses.  Curriculum plans and schemes of work cater for all pupils’ needs, apart from those pupils with sensory needs. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proprietor will ensure that pupils will acquire new knowledge and make good progress. Lessons will be well planned using effective classroom resources.  The headteacher plans to undertake frequent monitoring activities. These checks will ensure that staff are following the school’s teaching, learning and assessment procedures.  Pupils will undertake assessments that will enable leaders to ascertain their starting points in the different subjects. There is a suitable framework in place to assess pupils’ work and progress.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

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Main inspection findings

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)  The PSHE curriculum actively promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Topics such as ‘tackling racism’ and ‘healthy relationships’ will help to prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.  Pupils will learn about cultures different to their own, by celebrating various world festivals and traditions during the academic year.  The curriculum will enable pupils to learn about living a healthy lifestyle and to develop their self-confidence and self-esteem.  Pupils will have opportunities to share their opinions thoughtfully and respectfully with others who may have a different point of view.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy, which is on the school’s website, does not meet

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Main inspection findings

statutory requirements. It does not have regard to current government guidelines.  There are important contact numbers missing on the school’s safeguarding and whistleblowing policies.  The proprietor has not ensured that there are appropriate procedures in place should a safeguarding allegation be made about a member of staff.  The proprietor has not ensured that enough staff have received appropriate positive handling training.  There are clear procedures for staff to follow should they have a concern about pupils’ welfare. Staff are aware of the importance of keeping accurate safeguarding records.  Staff have received appropriate safeguarding training. They are aware of such issues as the ‘Prevent’ duty and the potential dangers around county lines drug trafficking. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is an appropriate behaviour policy. It clearly sets out rewards, and any sanctions for pupils should they misbehave. Pupils will receive credits for good

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Main inspection findings

behaviour. Rewards will include off-site visits at the end of term.  The headteacher will keep a record of sanctions for serious misbehaviour and incidents of bullying.  The anti-bullying policy is appropriate. It contains useful links for pupils to access should they need to. Staff will use the latest government guidance on searching and screening pupils, when this is necessary. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  Appropriate health and safety and first-aid policies are in place.  The premises, which have undergone an independent fire risk assessment, are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The headteacher will ensure that regular checks are made on fire extinguishers. Pupils will experience frequent fire evacuation practices.  There is appropriate first-aid equipment. Staff have received appropriate first-aid training and know what to do in an emergency. Any incidents will be recorded in an

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Main inspection findings

accident book. Paragraph 14  The proprietor will ensure that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate admissions and exclusions policies are in place.  Pupils will be dual registered during their time at the school. The proprietor will communicate effectively with the ‘home school’ should a pupil be absent. Parents will be contacted on the first day of absence and any prolonged absence will result in a home visit.  The proprietor has not ensured that the school’s admission register contains all the necessary, statutory information. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school’s risk assessment policy is not appropriate and is not being implemented effectively. Existing risk assessments for off-site visits are not detailed enough. They do not contain information about transporting pupils nor do they contain specific risk

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Main inspection findings

assessment information regarding individual pupils and any additional needs they may have.  The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part. 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(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), 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(6)  Staff have received appropriate safer recruitment training.  The proprietor will ensure that thorough recruitment checks are made on new staff

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Main inspection findings

members. New staff will not be permitted to start working at the school until these checks have been completed.  The single central register contains all the statutory guidance.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. 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 suitable, separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils.  Toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water and washing facilities. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding.  The proprietor will ensure that pupils will use the local leisure centre for PE. Pupils will use the changing and showering facilities at the leisure centre. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  There is a suitable medical room for the medical examination and short-term care of sick or injured pupils. This room contains a washing facility and is near a toilet. It will

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Main inspection findings

always be available to be used for this purpose. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The proprietor has ensured that the premises and facilities are clean and maintained to a good standard. As far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  The acoustics and lighting in all areas of the school are suitable. They have regard to the nature of the activities that will take place in them. There is external lighting to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors when it is dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There is suitable drinking water available in the upstairs kitchen. This is accessible at all times. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Pupils will be able to access a local park and leisure centre to receive PE. There is a small outdoor area at the school. The proprietor intends to develop this area for pupils to go outside during social times. Currently, this area is unsuitable.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 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)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  The school does not have in place a policy regarding pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The headteacher will publish annually the school’s academic performance and provide parents with an annual written report of their child’s progress and attainment.  The headteacher will ensure that policies are available to parents to either download or have in paper form upon request.  The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part. 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),

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Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The complaints policy sets out how parents may complain to the school. There are clear timescales for the management of any such complaint.  The policy states that parents can escalate their complaint to a panel. Parents may attend this meeting with a representative. Findings will be provided in writing.  The school will retain a record of all complaints. This will be made available during inspection.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor does not yet demonstrate a thorough knowledge or understanding of the independent school standards to ensure that they are likely to be met.  School systems and policies do not ensure that pupils’ safety and well-being are fully considered. For example, the safeguarding policy does not contain the most up-to-

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Main inspection findings

date statutory guidance. Risk assessments for off-site visits do not consider travel or pupils’ individual needs. Not enough staff have the required positive handling training.  The newly formed governing body has met once. It has been allocated various roles and responsibilities and has undertaken some relevant training.  The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan identifies the actions leaders will take to ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities will be able to access the school site, its facilities and curriculum.  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

Annual fees (day pupils) £2,950 for 6 weeks or £4,995 for 12 weeks

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Proposed school details

Email address enquiries@refocusltd.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 4 (dual registered) Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who is looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 15

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 15

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 14 to 16 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 4 (dual registered) 40 20

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The proposed premises are suitable for 20 pupils to be 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 None 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 4 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 4 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 None 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 None To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 1 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will mainly offer six-week or 12-week bespoke packages of education and vocational training. Pupils will be dual registered and will return to their ‘home’ school when the package ends.  The proposed school will also offer part-time and longer periods of provision, depending on individual pupils’ needs.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. These include autism spectrum disorder and pupils with behavioural, emotional, communication and social needs.  The proposed school currently operates as an alternative provision. It was not possible to visit any teaching at the time of the on-site inspection.  The proposed school uses Northampton Town Football Club as an alternative provider.  The proposed school is situated in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.  At the time of the inspection, the proprietor stated that it would no longer be proposing

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Information about this proposed school

to provide an education for disabled pupils and for pupils with sensory impairments. The judgment that the school is likely to meet those standards relating to the curriculum is based on the school’s decision not to admit these pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned the inspection to check the provision’s suitability to operate as a school.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  I met with the four directors (the proprietor) and the chair of the governing body.  I conducted a tour of the proposed site.  I scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, schemes of work and the school’s website.  I checked the school’s single central register.

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Inspection team

Peter Stonier, 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

 15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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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 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 6. Provision of information

 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.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

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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 1231, 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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