The Becklands

School pre-registration inspection report

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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)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(i), 3–3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The planned curriculum of the proposed school will provide pupils with experience in a wide range of subjects. These include all of the areas prescribed by the independent school standards.  Curriculum plans do not undermine fundamental British values. In fact, plans show that pupils will be actively taught about matters relating to equalities, democratic values and preparation for life in British society.  Leaders intend to source independent and impartial careers advice from the local authority.  Leaders have thought about how they will meet the needs of pupils, all of whom will have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is likely that pupils will have missed periods of time at school and could have gaps in their learning as a result. Leaders have secured the involvement of an external special educational needs

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Main inspection findings

coordinator, who will carry out an assessment of every pupil on arrival, so that gaps in learning are identified. Leaders plan to use an individual learning plan to set out exactly what support the pupil will need so that they can catch up on lost learning.  To further ensure that pupils are supported to catch up and make good progress, leaders plan to appoint teachers with suitable experience and qualifications. Leaders know that their staff must be sufficiently experienced to support pupils to achieve the very highest grades in the GCSE courses offered, for those pupils who are capable of doing so. They know that teaching must also be able to support pupils who, for example, are struggling with their reading.  Curriculum plans are based on the relevant awarding bodies’ specifications, together with the associated school year or termly schemes of work provided by the awarding bodies. Leaders plan to use their management information system (MIS) to provide

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Main inspection findings

regular reports about pupils’ attainment and progress, to assist teachers in their planning.  Plans for the programme of activities for students aged 16–18 are appropriate, as they will be tailored to individual needs. This will be based around suitable part-time college placements.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3(h)  Weaknesses in the behaviour policy mean that strategies for managing behaviour are not clear. As such, the ability of staff to encourage responsible pupil behaviour will be limited.  Leaders have not ensured that this standard is 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)(vii), 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  Leaders’ plans for teaching pupils about fundamental British values are threaded throughout the proposed school’s curriculum plans and policies.  The life studies curriculum makes frequent and clear reference to appropriate guidance for teaching pupils about relationships, distinguishing right from wrong, and individual responsibilities in a democracy.  Curriculum plans and policies are unambiguous in stating how the proposed school will actively encourage pupils to have respect for other people. Relevant guidance and legislation relating to equalities, especially the protected characteristics, are stated throughout plans for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development.  Leaders are determined that pupils will be active contributors to the proposed school’s

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Main inspection findings

local community. This includes planned charity work and volunteering.  The planned curriculum for SMSC is based on a relevant national association’s resources. This, together with leaders’ processes for the recruitment of staff and their plans for the supervision of pupils at all times, indicate that there will be appropriate balance in the presentation of opposing political views.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16–16(b)  Leaders plan to keep a record of serious incidents of misbehaviour and how they are handled. The anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose and, if implemented effectively, would support leaders in helping to prevent, or deal with, any bullying cases.  The health and safety policy is detailed and makes appropriate reference to relevant guidance and legislation. It provides information about who is responsible for which aspects of health and safety, including the role of governors. Leaders maintain logs of checks carried out on electrical and gas supplies and equipment.  There is a detailed fire risk assessment, conducted by an external professional, that indicates that leaders have taken appropriate steps to comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Order. Emergency exits are clearly signed and lit, exit routes are free

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Main inspection findings

of obstruction, and fire extinguishers are checked annually. Leaders plan to train all staff in the role of fire warden.  Leaders’ policy for the effective provision of first aid is clear and detailed. It is intended to have a qualified nurse practitioner on site, and that all staff will be trained in an appropriate first-aid qualification as part of their contract of employment.  The proprietor intends to conduct risk assessments on each pupil, so that the staff-to- pupil ratio will be sufficient to ensure that pupils are always properly supervised, including at social times.  Leaders have thought about the likely situations in which a risk assessment would be required. They have numerous such risk assessments in place, underpinned by a robust overarching approach to risk assessment, as described in their health and safety policy.  It is likely that these standards will be met. Paragraph 7–7(b), 9–9(b), 15

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school’s safeguarding policy is largely a detailed and comprehensive document, with much reference to the statutory guidance ‘Keeping children safe in education’. However, several of the specific forms of abuse and safeguarding issues that leaders are directed to be aware of are not included in the policy. As such, there is a risk that staff and governors would not be vigilant for the potential signs of the issues in question.  The behaviour policy does not contain specific information about sanctions for poor behaviour or rewards for good conduct. School rules are in draft form. It is not clear what standards pupils are expected to abide by, or what process staff should follow in managing poor behaviour.  The admission register does not include provision for notifying the local authority when a pupil leaves the roll, or the reason why.  Leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)– 20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)–21(7)(b)  Leaders are knowledgeable about all of the checks that must be carried out when recruiting staff, including what to check and how. The proprietor has extensive experience of staff recruitment procedures.  The proprietor, headteacher designate and governors understand the reasons for vigilance around the recruitment of staff. This includes the employment of cleaners, contractors and supply staff, and for volunteers.  Leaders have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1)–23(1)i, 24(1)–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(1)(d), 28(2)– 28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The proposed school’s premises are situated on the ground floor of a building that is

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Main inspection findings

shared with another company belonging to the proprietor, which is based upstairs. An electronic fob system on doors keeps the two organisations separate. When the school is registered, the fob system will be set up to prevent entry/exit between the school and the company upstairs.  Pupils have sole use of toilet facilities, with appropriate washing facilities within. Hot water does not pose a scalding risk. Drinking water is available in the kitchen area, and leaders plan to install a water dispensing unit in the reception area for the supply of drinking water.  It is leaders’ intention to provide physical education by visiting local sports centres, which will provide suitable changing and showering facilities. There is an attractive outside space for pupils to play and socialise, including picnic tables, artificial grass and sports equipment.  The nurse’s room doubles as the medical room. This is equipped with a foldable bed,

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Main inspection findings

sink, first-aid box and a lockable cabinet. The toilet is close by.  The teaching spaces consist of rooms that are well lit and have suitable acoustic conditions. They are equipped with suitable desks, chairs and cupboards. The premises are evidently well cared for and maintained to a high standard.  It is likely that these standards will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(i), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(f)  The proposed school’s website is currently under construction. Leaders plan to have it ready for when the school is registered. They understand the requirements for what items of information must be provided to parents and carers, the Secretary of State for Education and Ofsted.  They intend to make parents aware that school policies will be available on request. Such policies will include those on admissions, behaviour and exclusions, the curriculum, anti-bullying, first aid, and health and safety.  Other information, such as contact details for the proprietor, headteacher and governors, the complaints policy and provision for pupils with SEND, will also be made available to parents on request.  Leaders intend to use a function within their MIS software to enable them to produce financial information regarding children looked after and pupils with SEND for the local

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Main inspection findings

authority.  Leaders of the proposed school have ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–33(f), 33(h), 33(j), 33(j)(i)  The proposed school’s complaints policy sets out clearly how parents can make a complaint, and the timescales for managing the complaint. The policy includes information about how the complaint can progress from an informal basis to a formal panel hearing. The procedure at the formal stage makes it possible for parents to attend the panel hearing, accompanied for support if they wish.  Leaders plan to keep a record of complaints made against the school.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 33(g), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The complaints policy does not state that there will be an independent member of the panel if a complaint reaches the hearing stage.  The complaints process is not clear about the means by which the recommendations

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Main inspection findings

of the panel are to be translated into actions by the school, or, where relevant, provided to the person complained about. There is no information in the process about how complaints correspondence, statements and records will be kept confidential, or how they can be accessed by the proprietor and headteacher.  Leaders have not ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  Leaders are determined and passionate about their vision for the proposed school. They have worked very hard to establish premises that are fit for purpose. They have thought about how best to meet the needs of the pupils with SEND who it is planned will attend the school.  Governors are equally determined and steadfast in their commitment to holding the proprietor and headteacher designate to account. Governors have extensive and relevant experience in both the public and private sectors of children and young people’s services. They are especially knowledgeable about safeguarding culture and practice.  However, several policies have omissions and/or weaknesses: safeguarding, behaviour, admissions and complaints.  In the case of behaviour policy and practice, the same shortcomings identified in this inspection were identified, and reported on, at the previous pre-registration

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Main inspection findings

inspection. Considering that the proposed school is for pupils who are highly likely to display challenging behaviour, it is concerning that these weaknesses have not been addressed.  As such, leaders and managers are not consistently demonstrating good knowledge and skills appropriate to their role in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.  Therefore, it is likely that the standards in this part will not be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  An appropriate accessibility plan is in place. Matters relating to the teaching of equalities, including the protected characteristics, are woven through policies and plans.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Sally Lazenby (headteacher designate)

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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 10 10

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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 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 10

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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 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 0

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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 a modern building on a business park estate in Market Weighton.  The proprietor does not intend to make use of any alternative provision. There will be no religious ethos in the proposed school.  The school is intended to provide education for up to 10 pupils with SEND. In particular, pupils will have social, emotional and mental health needs, and behavioural needs.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE.  This is the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The first one took place on 25 February 2021.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documents on site, including those relating to safeguarding, pupils’ welfare and curriculum plans. He toured the site of the proposed school, including the outdoor area, accompanied by the proprietor and headteacher designate.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the headteacher designate and members of the governing body. Discussions considered the proposed school’s plans for the safe recruitment of staff, as well as how leaders have planned to meet the independent school standards.

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Inspection team

Steve Shaw, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 3(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly.

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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– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  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;  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 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 procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which– – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 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 – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld); and – 33(k) provides that correspondence, statements and records relating to individual

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

complaints are to be kept confidential except where the Secretary of State or a body conducting an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act requests access to them.

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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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