The Becklands

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Becklands 18 Becklands Park, York Road, Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(c), 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)(g), 2(2)(i), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(j) and 4  The proposed curriculum does not undermine the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.  The proposed personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum is based on the PSHE society scheme. The policy actively encourages pupils to develop a respect and understanding of the needs of those groups protected by the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders are intending to work with the local authority to enable pupils to access unbiased careers advice.  Plans in place for post-16 education are likely to meet the needs of prospective pupils.  The headteacher is experienced, having taught in other independent schools with

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Main inspection findings

similar pupils. She has recently put in place a system to assess prospective pupils’ progress over time and a further system to measure pupils’ starting points.  The headteacher and proprietor are both aware of the need to support pupils to engage with learning by managing their behaviour. They are both clear about how behaviour will be managed in the classroom.  The headteacher has started to purchase a range of resources suitable to support pupils’ learning. More are planned, including extra information technology equipment.  The proprietor and school leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d) and 3(e)  However, the proposed curriculum in school at the time of the inspection is unlikely to meet the needs of all prospective pupils.  Schemes of work show that much of the proposed curriculum will be delivered

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Main inspection findings

through award scheme development and accreditation network short courses. This approach is unlikely to offer pupils the opportunity to learn sequentially by building on previous knowledge and skills. It is unlikely that the most able pupils will reach the levels they are capable of as GCSE courses are not part of planned learning in key stage 4.  Many pupils who join the school are likely to have had periods of time away from their previous schools, often due to their social emotional and mental health needs. Little information was available about how school leaders propose to help pupils to catch up on missed learning. For example, pupils arriving in Year 7 may need to catch up on work missed in key stage 2. A curriculum focused on completing short courses is unlikely to support pupils to develop their reading and writing skills.  The headteacher has the ability to assess pupils’ learning as evidenced by her

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Main inspection findings

explanation of the proposed assessment system. However, the curriculum in place at the time of the inspection does not suggest that learning is planned effectively for prospective pupils. It also does not demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs of prospective pupils.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have ensured that the proposed PSHE curriculum reflects the school’s ethos, which is that every child has potential and that they need to be able to succeed in education.  Developing pupils’ self-esteem and self-worth is key to all the school proposes to do. This is reflected in leaders’ belief that every child deserves to be given the chance to

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Main inspection findings

learn and succeed.  School leaders recognise the need for pupils to develop an understanding of British values. Plans show this is to be achieved through the PSHE curriculum that enables pupils to learn about democracy and by developing links with the local community through community projects, such as raising money for Comic Relief.  Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils understand the importance of respecting the groups protected by the Equality Act 2010. Plans to enable pupils to develop this understanding show that pupils are to be involved in age-appropriate class discussion and debate.  Through planned studies of other religions and visits to a variety of different places in the locality, it is planned that pupils will learn respect for other cultures as well as their own.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 7, 7(a) and 7(b)  The headteacher and the proprietor have made sure that there are effective arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. The school’s safeguarding policy is thorough and covers in depth many aspects of safeguarding practice. It also takes into account the most recent government guidance.  It is planned that safeguarding training for both the designated safeguarding leads and prospective staff is to be undertaken regularly and is to include safeguarding information relating to the locality of the school. Regular safeguarding updates are planned for weekly meetings.  The planned PSHE curriculum will enable pupils to learn how to stay safe in the local community as well as online.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  Leaders have put in place an effective health and safety policy and have identified a

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Main inspection findings

governor to be responsible for health and safety within school. His duties include identifying hazards and carrying out regular health and safety checks on the school and grounds.  The company currently employs a nurse, whose office is in the medical room in the school building. The headteacher has also received first-aid training and all prospective staff will receive first-aid training as part of their induction process.  The medical room is equipped with a first-aid kit containing a range of bandages and dressings. The medical room is located as close as is possible in the small building to a toilet and has a sink within it.  The school shares its building with the company offices. The building has been fire risk assessed. Fire evacuation routes are signed and suitable emergency lighting is in place. Regular fire safety checks and drills are planned. Staff will receive fire safety training as part of the school’s induction process.

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Main inspection findings

 The risk assessment policy identifies risks and hazards effectively. The risk assessment carried out on the medical room during the inspection demonstrated leaders’ ability to measure risk competently.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b) and 10  School leaders speak of their high expectations for pupils’ behaviour both inside and outside the classroom. However, the behaviour policy presented at the time of the inspection does not reflect this well. The policy does not clearly outline how school leaders would manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. Neither the actions to reward good behaviour nor how incidents of difficult behaviour would be managed in school were described effectively. Paragraph 15  The school has in place a proforma for both attendance and admissions registers. However, the admissions register proforma does not have a specific column for

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Main inspection findings

recording the destinations of pupils who leave the school.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c) and 21(6)  Leaders have completed safer recruitment training.  School leaders are aware of the checks required to be carried out should they decide

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Main inspection findings

to employ supply teachers in the future.  Checks on staff’s health have been carried out effectively.  All relevant checks on the proprietor have been carried out.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)b, 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii)  However, several pieces of information were not recorded as they should have been on the single central register. Records of checks to ascertain whether the headteacher had been barred from teaching were incomplete.  Checks on whether the headteacher was barred from leading and managing a school were also incomplete at the time of the inspection.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26 , 27, 27(a), 27(b) 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)

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Main inspection findings

and 29(1)(b)  The school shares the building it is in with the company’s offices and the company nurse.  Refurbishment has been carried out to a satisfactory specification. At the time of the inspection, not all resources were in place but most areas were ready for pupils. The space available consisted of two small classrooms suitable for one-to-one classes, a space outside the classrooms with a desk and chairs, a kitchen area, a workshop area, a disabled toilet, and offices for the headteacher and the nurse. The nurse’s office is also the medical room.  The school asked to be registered for 12 pupils. The inspector believes the space available is more suitable for 10. The proprietor was informed of this during the inspection.  The outside space is fully enclosed and is laid with artificial turf. It is big enough for pupils to relax at break and dinner time. It would be possible to play games and undertake physical education (PE) in the space with small groups of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The school plans that most of the PE curriculum will be delivered off site at the local sports centre. Curriculum plans evidence this.  The building is in satisfactory decorative order. Offices and classrooms are well lit. Effective sound insulation ensures that the acoustics in each room meet requirements.  There are sufficient toilets to accommodate the prospective number of pupils. There are sufficient washing facilities within the toilets.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(c)  While drinking water is freely available in the kitchen area, the tap is not marked as suitable for drinking water.  School leaders have not ensured that this standard is met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h) 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d) and 32(3)(f)

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Main inspection findings

 The school is planning to launch a website after registration.  All of the school’s policies and procedures are available in paper form, including the safeguarding policy, should parents request them.  Leaders intend to provide parents with an annual report which provides information about the progress and attainment of each pupil in each subject area. A proforma for this was viewed by the inspector at the time of the inspection.  The proprietors are aware of the need to provide information to local authorities for annual reviews. The headteacher will carry out this role.  School leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 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 school’s complaints policy gives clear guidance on how to make a complaint.

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Main inspection findings

 Parents are encouraged to make their complaint in an informal manner to start with. If they remain unsatisfied, a formal procedure is clearly described. This includes the provision of an independent panel to consider the complaint.  School leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 33, 33(i) and 33(ii)  The policy does not describe how any decision made by the panel would be fed back to the complainant or the person complained about.  School leaders have not ensured that these standards have been met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has carried out the relevant research into the feasibility of the school in its current location. The proprietor aims to make provision for children looked after as well as those in danger of exclusion, or who have been excluded, from mainstream

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Main inspection findings

schools who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.  Leaders aim to involve pupils and raise their self-esteem and expectations of their own abilities as well as address their social and emotional needs.  Some members of the governing body are in place. Others are yet to be appointed.  The proprietor and headteacher have ensured that safeguarding processes and procedures are in place.  However, not all of the independent standards are likely to be met. This includes the suitability of the school curriculum and the behaviour policy.  The complaints policy does not meet all of the standards required.  Leaders accept that more needs to be done to ensure that all standards are met and that the school is ready to open.  School leaders have not ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 The school has in place an effective accessibility plan.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £42,000 per annum

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Proposed school details

Email address vicky.simpson@vcare24.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 N/A 11 to 18 11 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 12 10

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recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  The school premises are not sufficiently spacious to meet the needs of 12 pupils of mixed ages on site at the same time.

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 12

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 12

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils an education, health and care plan N/A 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 N/A 12

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 3

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A N/A

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in the town of Market Weighton.  The school plans to meet the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and other associated special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The proposed school does not have a religious denomination.  The proposed school does not intend to use alternative education provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education.  The inspection was the first pre-registration inspection for the proposed school.  The school was not operating at the time of the inspection.  The inspector analysed documents provided by the proprietor prior to the inspection and others on site.  The inspector met with the headteacher and the proprietor and discussed the proposed arrangements for safeguarding pupils and the proposed curriculum.  The inspector carried out an inspection of the premises and outdoor provision as well as analysing the effectiveness of proposed health and safety provision in order to establish whether the school will meet the independent school standards.

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Inspection team

Marian Thomas, 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 proprietor 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) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

subjects taught; – 3(b)fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and 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; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught;

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that- – 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and – 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.  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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(a) no such person is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that person is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 to that Act; – 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;  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)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity

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

relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints process is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents and pupils which- – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is- – 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and

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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- – 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; and – 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

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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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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