WV2 Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Wv2 Education 434 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 3AQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(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)(f), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  The proprietor has produced curriculum plans in a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, art, history, geography, physical education, religious education and biology. These plans are appropriate to the ages and needs of the pupils that the school proposes to admit. The school aims to offer programmes of study that lead to accredited qualifications. It is likely that these well-planned schemes will enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and understanding.  The school’s assessment plans specify a range of formal and informal procedures to check on pupils’ attainment and progress in the subjects taught. Given that most

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Main inspection findings

pupils are likely to have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), staff plan to liaise with feeder schools and use their own assessments on entry to determine where to pitch learning when pupils first start.  The school intends to offer enrichment programmes, such as the Duke of Edinburgh award, to help pupils broaden their horizons. In addition, the proprietor has made contact with a nearby college and a national life skills programme provider. The school intends to work with these partners as part of its careers guidance programme.  The school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) policy makes specific reference to fundamental British values and how the school plans to promote these. It also describes the school’s plans for teaching pupils about the protected characteristics and the harmful effects of prejudice and discrimination.  The school intends to take pupils to a local library and has purchased e-book readers

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Main inspection findings

so that pupils may access a broad range of reading material. Classrooms are equipped with portable laptop computers and text books in different subjects.  The school plans to create a pupil-led school council so that pupils can have a say in decision-making.  The proprietor has created a behaviour policy that takes account of the needs of the pupils that the school is likely to admit. It sets out the rewards and sanctions to be used.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. 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) and 5(d)(iii)  The school’s curriculum plans include a focus on building self-esteem and good mental health.  Safeguarding and behaviour policies include an appropriate focus on the difference between right and wrong. These documents set out the school’s expectations and

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Main inspection findings

guidance for staff and pupils, and promote responsible and safe behaviours.  The proprietor has produced a guest speaker policy. This sets out the school’s commitment to democracy and freedom of speech. It also highlights respect for the rule of law and the need to safeguard pupils from the promotion of partisan political views.  School staff intend to take pupils to visit different places of worship and public institutions, such as a Crown court.  Numerous policies make reference to the Equality Act 2010 and describe how the school intends to ensure pupils and staff are treated fairly and with respect. The school’s PSHE policy and schemes include a suitable focus on helping pupils learn about different people’s lives and beliefs.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The school has an up-to-date safeguarding policy that is informed by recent government guidance. The proprietor and other staff are able to talk about the September 2020 updates to ‘Keeping children safe in education’, such as the increased attention to pupils’ mental health. At present, the school does not have a website and no immediate plans to create one. The proprietor states that the safeguarding policy and other policy documents will be available to parents and other stakeholders on request.  The school’s current behaviour policy is fit for purpose. A separate anti-bullying policy provides guidance about different types of bullying and how to identify it. This policy sets out the school’s response to any instances of bullying and describes ways to minimise the likelihood of it happening.  Heath and safety policies are up to date. A fire risk assessment was completed by a professional contactor in August 2020. This assessment confirmed that the school’s

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Main inspection findings

emergency lighting, firefighting equipment and signage are adequate. It also noted that travel distances from the first floor areas are within acceptable limits for escape. As such, the assessment confirms compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  First-aid equipment is easily accessible, and all four staff currently employed at the school have recent first-aid qualifications.  Risk assessments for planned activities and those relating to the premises are in place and are suitably informed by known or anticipated risks.  Cleaning chemicals and materials are kept in a locked cupboard.  The school has an appropriate system for recording admissions and attendance.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. 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),

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Main inspection findings

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(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  A single central register of employment checks on staff is in place. It is informed by the required information and also notes the receipt of references. Staff files are kept in a locked cabinet in an office.  The proprietor has checked that staff are not subject to any orders that prohibit them from teaching or holding a management position in a school.

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Main inspection findings

 The school plans to employ supply staff to cover absence. The proprietor intends to use an agency to recruit these staff and is aware of the employment checks that need to be in place.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 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) and 29(1)(b)  The premises are located on the first floor of a Victorian building. The premises have recently been refurbished to provide three small classrooms, a staff toilet and washroom, a toilet and washroom for pupils, a medical room, an office and a one-to- one room with a small private changing room. Paintwork and fittings are in good condition. Lighting and acoustics in rooms used for teaching are suitable.

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Main inspection findings

 All opening windows can be locked. They are fitted with securing devices that prevent them from opening too wide when unlocked.  Pupils have access to a toilet and washroom that can be locked from the inside when in use. It is intended that this will be used by one pupil at a time. The proprietor intends to install sanitary bins in both the staff and pupil toilets. These are currently on order.  There is a medical room. This includes a bed, a washbasin and drinking water. It is next door to a toilet.  There is an adequate supply of drinking water, both from a mains water tap and a commercial water cooler.  The washbasins are served by hot and cold running water. The hot water is heated by a gas boiler, which also controls the temperature. At the time of the inspection, the hot water was at a safe temperature and did not pose a risk of scalding.  The school does not have any outdoor space. Instead, the proprietor plans to use a

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Main inspection findings

local park area located on the same street and a short walk from the school. The proprietor has drawn up a risk assessment for this. This assessment includes expectations for supervision and links with guidance in the school’s behaviour and safeguarding policies. In addition, the proprietor intends for pupils to use a local gymnasium for physical activity. This facility is a few minutes’ walk from the school and has showers that pupils could use. The school itself does not have showers.  At the time of the inspection, the proprietor was in the process of installing an external light by the main entrance to the school. Once this installation is complete, external lighting is likely to be adequate.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d),

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Main inspection findings

32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b) and 32(4)(c)  The school’s prospectus and induction pack include all the necessary information. The school does not have a website.  The proprietor intends to ensure that all of the required information in relation to the annual review of a pupil’s education, health and care plan (EHC plan) will be supplied to the relevant local authority. The school has a system in place for tracking and recording pupils’ progress and attainment. Staff intend to use information from this to inform an annual written report to parents and placing local authorities.  Suitable arrangements are in place to provide information about income and expenditure to placing local authorities.  The proprietor and other leaders were able to supply all of the required information for this pre-registration inspection. The proprietor states that all of the necessary

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Main inspection findings

information that may arise from any future inspections will be made available to those who need it.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. 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) and 33(k)  The complaints policy contains all the information that it should. There is also a pupil friendly complaints policy. Both these policies set out the arrangements for making a complaint and how it would be heard and responded to. If a complainant were to be dissatisfied with the school’s response, there is a procedure for a complaint to be heard by an independent panel.  The proprietor is aware of the need to keep a written record of any complaints.  The school’s prospectus includes information about the complaints procedure and how to obtain a copy of the policy.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and school leaders understand the independent school standards. They have taken effective steps to improve provision following the first pre-registration inspection.  The proposed provision aims to promote the well-being of pupils who have failed to cope in other school settings.  Suitable safeguarding arrangements are in place.  The proprietor has ensured that all standards are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has devised an appropriate accessibility plan that outlines leaders’ plans to improve access to the premises, curriculum and information. It is designed to meet potential pupils’ needs and improve the accessibility of information provided by the school to parents and others.

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Main inspection findings

 The plan aims to ensure that the school promotes equality and celebrates diversity.  The proprietor’s actions mean that the school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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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 Not applicable 12 12

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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 12 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 12

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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 12

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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 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 8

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on the first floor of a building in an urban street. The school is not currently operating.  Leaders propose that the school will cater for pupils with SEND in relation to their social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs and those with autism spectrum disorder. All pupils are likely to have an EHC plan.  The proposed school will not have a religious character.  The proposed school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the department for education to determine whether or not the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open. This is the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted on site.  Before and during the on-site inspection, the lead inspector reviewed a range of documents and policies provided by the proprietor and other leaders.  During the on-site visit, the lead inspector met with the proprietor and other staff. He discussed the school’s plans and proposals. This included the proposed curriculum, health, welfare and pastoral arrangements, safeguarding, admissions procedures and arrangements for communicating with parents and local authorities.  The lead inspector conducted a tour of the premises with the proprietor and checked the single central register of employment checks on staff. The lead inspector visited a

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Information about this inspection

nearby park and gymnasium that the school proposes to use.

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Inspection team

Martin Pye, 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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