Stanley House

School pre-registration inspection report

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Stanley House Crown Lane, Horwich, Bolton, Greater Manchester BL6 5HY

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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)  Leaders have prepared a curriculum policy and schemes of work (SoW) that set out an overall framework for the subjects to be taught. However, these provide little information or guidance for staff about how subject content should be adapted to meet the needs of the pupils likely to attend the school.  Some of the SoW for older pupils are based on programmes designed to lead to GCSE qualifications, including English, mathematics and science. These do not adequately provide for any pupils who are working towards other qualifications.  The curriculum plans and draft timetables indicate that the school will teach a suitably broad range of subjects.  Leaders intend that careers education will be provided for all pupils. The plans for this

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Main inspection findings

set out that pupils will be supported to develop important skills and knowledge, including by having opportunities to experience work first-hand, for example through work experience. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  Leaders have not appointed a full complement of teaching staff at this stage. However, they have considered how to build up a suitable team of specialist staff as the school starts to grow.  Leaders will require staff to be flexible so that they can take pupils’ needs into account as they plan teaching. However, the curriculum documentation does not give clear information about how this will be achieved.  Leaders have provided some basic resources for pupils to use in their learning. However, they have not considered how they will ensure that the specific resources required for some subjects will be available when needed. For example, the SoW for science includes reference to practical activities but the equipment for these is not

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Main inspection findings

available. Paragraphs 3(g), 4, 32(1)(f)  Leaders intend to make an initial assessment of pupils as they join the school. As part of this, they will use commercially available tests. The SoW indicate that teachers will be expected to regularly assess pupils and to use this assessment to plan future learning.  Leaders have prepared a draft calendar setting out when formal assessments will be completed.  Leaders have prepared a clear format to allow staff to report pupils’ academic and other achievement to parents and carers.  The proprietor has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely 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 prepared a detailed SoW for pupils’ personal, social and health education. This is based on a scheme published by specialists in this subject area. This SoW provides for teaching about spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) issues. In addition, the school’s policy about pupils’ wider SMSC development commits staff to help pupils to develop aspects such as their self-esteem and respect for others.  Leaders intend that pupils will visit places of cultural interest such as museums and libraries.  Leaders have prepared a policy statement about arrangements for visiting speakers. This will contribute to ensuring that pupils receive a properly balanced view about political issues and other sensitive matters.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the school has a suitably detailed child protection and safeguarding policy. This reflects current government guidance, for example by including information about the safeguarding implications of arrangements to provide education during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.  The child protection and safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Leaders have ensured that staff with particular safeguarding responsibilities have received suitable training. This includes training to give the knowledge and confidence needed to leaders with overall responsibility for safeguarding and the person who leads on staff recruitment.  Safeguarding training provided by the local authority forms part of the induction procedure for new members of staff. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 10  The school’s policies about pupils’ behaviour and preventing and tackling any bullying

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Main inspection findings

are suitably detailed and clear. These give staff, and others, helpful information about leaders’ expectations and the systems and processes to follow when any incidents of poor behaviour occur. Leaders are aware of the experiences pupils are likely to have had in the past which may have led to poor behaviour in previous educational settings. They are seeking to avoid such experiences at Stanley House, for example exclusion of pupils will only be used as a last resort.  Leaders have prepared a format to allow any incidents of serious misbehaviour to be recorded. They have arranged for this to be included in a computer system to allow for easier recording and analysis of such incidents. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have ensured that there are comprehensive policies about the health and safety of pupils and others using the school buildings.  A fire risk assessment was completed in August 2020 by a specialist contractor. This

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Main inspection findings

was before the conversion of the premises for use as a school. This fire risk assessment identified that some doors needed modification to be made more fire resistant. This work has not been completed.  First-aid kits are available at suitable locations in the school. A leader is already trained in providing first aid. Leaders intend that two other members of staff will also attend such training.  Leaders have provided a risk assessment policy for the school. This includes a straightforward template for preparing written risk assessments. Leaders have completed risk assessments relating to identified risks. These include, for example, the transportation of pupils by staff, off-site visits by pupils and the impact of an electricity sub-station that is situated in the school grounds. Possible unauthorised access to this sub-station was identified as a concern in the school’s previous pre- registration inspection. This risk has been reduced because the sub-station is now

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Main inspection findings

surrounded by a secure fence. Paragraph 14  Leaders expect classes to have no more than four pupils and to be supervised by a teacher and a learning mentor. This will ensure that staffing levels are high enough to provide close supervision of, and support to, pupils. Paragraph 15  Leaders have prepared for accurate recording of the admission of pupils to the school and their daily attendance. Leaders intend to use an electronic system to record such information. The school’s policies reflect the government’s requirements about the information to be kept about pupils and the codes to be used when recording any absences from school.  The proprietor body has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that arrangements are properly in place to complete the required checks on the suitability of staff to work with pupils before they start work at the school.  These checks have already been completed for those staff already employed Paragraph 19(2), 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)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  Leaders may use employment businesses to provide the details of staff who may then work at the school. In addition to any information about the suitability of such staff provided by these businesses, leaders confirmed that these staff will not be employed until the full range of suitability checks have also been completed by 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(5),

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Main inspection findings

21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c)  The school’s single central register is an electronic document. It contains the required information about staff currently appointed to work in the school and about the proprietor. Leaders intend to add other members of staff to this record as they are appointed.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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(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), 29(1)(b)  Since the first pre-registration inspection, construction work has been completed within the school’s building shell to provide three new classrooms and a medical room.  The new classrooms form a small block of fully enclosed rooms with doors opening into a corridor. They have no external walls and no windows. Each is lit by a single ceiling light fitment. However, these fitments do not provide bright enough lighting. In addition, the new classrooms have no means of ventilation, other than by opening their doors. It is likely that the rooms would become stuffy and unpleasant, or even unhygienic, when in regular use.  The new medical room provides suitable facilities. It is equipped with a washbasin

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Main inspection findings

with hot and cold running water, a lockable medicine cupboard and other storage, and a bed. The medical room opens into a common room area which also gives easy access to a toilet.  The school building opens onto a tarmacked area previously used as a car park for the premises. The space available in this area is smaller than shown on the plans of the school submitted by the proprietor with his application for the school’s registration. This is because another building, designed for light industrial use, has been erected facing the school building. The proprietor has secured planning permission for the premises to be used as a school. However, the planning permission sets a condition that car parking will be available on the school site. If this was to happen, it would take up the only outside area available for pupils’ play and on-site physical education. The proprietor has arranged for off-site car parking to be available nearby and is

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Main inspection findings

seeking for the planning condition to be waived. However, this has not been confirmed. The proprietor has expressed an interest in taking on responsibility for the new building and to use it as part of the school, but this has also not been confirmed.  The premises are tidy and appear to be well maintained, with the exception of the required improvements to the fire doors identified in the fire risk assessment completed in August 2020.  Other features of the premises, for example in the provision of toilet facilities for pupils, drinking water and external lighting, are suitable to meet the relevant standards.  The proprietor has not ensured that the standards in this part 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(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f)  Leaders have prepared a comprehensive set of school policies. The proprietor has made essential information about how the school will operate available to parents by publishing the relevant policies on the school’s website. The policies provide suitable information. However, there is a lack of consistency in details across policies. For example, a leader who was previously, but is no longer, involved in the development of the school is still named in some policies, and the overall group of senior leaders is referred to in different ways in different policies.  The proprietor expects all pupils to be paid for by other schools or local authorities. Leaders have prepared a record sheet to allow them to account for the use of any

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Main inspection findings

public funding received by the school.  Leaders made some minor adjustments to the school’s website during this inspection. These were to provide clearer information about the proprietor and how he may be contacted and to explain the school’s approach should any pupils need to receive remote education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely 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 school has a clear complaints policy. This provides suitable information for any parent who may wish to make a complaint. The procedures set out indicate that staff will first try to resolve any complaints informally before using more formal approaches.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and other leaders have taken a systematic approach to considering how to ensure that the school meets the required standards. This has included using advice from an education professional independent from the school.  A number of the standards found not likely to be met at the first pre-registration

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Main inspection findings

inspection are now likely to be met. However, other standards remain unlikely to be met. Some of these standards relate to the welfare of pupils.  The proprietor has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have prepared a suitable accessibility plan. This considers how the school can ensure that pupils can access the curriculum whatever their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and also access the premises. The plan commits leaders to provide suitable training for staff about how best to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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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) £22,000–£40,000

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Proposed school details

Website https://stanleyhouseschool.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous 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 30 24

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Leaders intend the school to have a maximum class size of four pupils. There are six spaces suitable for general teaching, comprising five classrooms and a dining area that could also accommodate one class. Other rooms, including the school’s nurture room and workshop, together with its common room area, are not suitable for general teaching.

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 30

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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 30

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 18

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 2

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Information about this proposed school

 Stanley House School is situated on an industrial estate in Horwich. The premises have been converted from a building originally designed for light industrial use.  The proprietor intends that the school will provide education for pupils previously excluded from mainstream schools.  The school proposes to cater for pupils who have cognitive and learning needs; specific learning difficulties; moderate learning difficulties; behavioural, emotional and social development needs and difficulties; communication and interaction needs; speech language and communication needs; and autism spectrum disorder.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards and other requirements necessary for a school to be registered.  This was the second pre-registration inspection of the school. A previous pre- registration inspection was completed in September 2020.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the head of school, the centre manager and other staff.  The inspector toured the school premises accompanied by the head of school and the proprietor.  The inspector scrutinised school documents, including those concerning the safeguarding and welfare of pupils and the curriculum, and other information about the school. The inspector reviewed the school website and other publicly available information about the school.

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Inspection team

David Selby, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 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(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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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