East Hall School

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Calf House, East Hall Farm, St Paul’s Walden, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 8DJ

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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)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  This is the second pre-registration inspection. Since the previous inspection, the proprietorial body has changed the age range of pupils and has applied to the Department for Education (DfE) for full-time education for 14–16-year-old pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. The proprietors also revised the number of pupils from 18 to 12 during the inspection.  Leaders have reviewed all curriculum plans for all of the subjects they offer. However, curriculum plans for most subjects are still not fully developed. Plans are in place for mathematics, science, art, computing and English. While the mathematics curriculum is fully developed, the plans for other subjects do not specify in enough detail what

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Main inspection findings

leaders want pupils to learn and how new learning will build upon pupils’ prior knowledge.  Leaders want pupils to undertake a range of qualifications in subjects such as science and English. However, schemes of work for English do not consider pupils’ past and future learning. There is not a planned sequence of learning towards clear curricular goals.  The school has a service level agreement with another school to teach the science curriculum. Pupils will attend for one day a week. Leaders have been provided with a science curriculum intent and overview, but have not had an in-depth discussion with the other school about the scheme of work to be taught.  Although leaders have plans for pupils to have opportunities to engage in debate and to read for pleasure, the library is not adequately resourced. Plans for English do not detail specifically how leaders intend to develop pupils’ speaking and reading skills.

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Main inspection findings

 The personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) scheme of work should ensure that pupils learn about, and contribute towards, British society, with a planned learning focus on fundamental British values. The policy actively encourages pupils to develop a respect for, and understanding of, the needs of those groups protected by the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders have plans in place to provide pupils with impartial careers advice. This will help pupils to make informed choices about a broad range of career options.  Although improvements have been made since the previous pre-registration inspection, there remain significant weaknesses in the planning of the curriculum.  This independent standard is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proprietors have recruited a headteacher and a pastoral leader. No further appointments have been made currently. The proprietors plan to recruit mathematics,

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Main inspection findings

English and physical education (PE) teachers. They have not yet advertised for these posts.  Leaders are reliant on external specialists to develop curriculum plans for subjects such as English and science. These plans are not well enough developed to help teachers deliver these subjects effectively, nor to enable leaders to assess the quality of teaching accurately.  Leaders have yet to purchase resources to support pupils’ learning, such as a whiteboard and electronic devices. Paragraph 4  In some subjects, leaders have begun to put a curriculum in place to cover the content required for academic qualifications such as GCSEs. Leaders describe how they will assess pupils’ starting points on entry to the school. It is unclear how leaders will use ongoing assessment to ensure that pupils’ learning is on track and how gaps in pupils’ prior knowledge will be addressed.  The headteacher can describe the systems in place to assess pupils’ learning. Reports

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Main inspection findings

to parents and carers show that they will receive information about their child’s educational performance. However, the curriculum in place at the time of the inspection does not suggest that learning is planned effectively to gain an accurate view of pupils’ achievement in all subjects.  These two independent standards are unlikely 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(b)(viii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  As recognised by inspectors in the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders are committed to improving young people’s social and emotional and mental well-being. Within their PSHE curriculum, leaders have ensured that pupils will learn about a healthy self-image, self-esteem and body confidence, including the role and influence of the media on lifestyle, for example.  Pupils will develop an understanding of British values through the PSHE curriculum. Pupils will learn about democracy by working with others to deliver a community project. In addition, pupils will be involved in managing events to raise money for charities.  Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils understand the importance of

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Main inspection findings

respecting the groups protected under 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.  Pupils will learn respect for other cultures as well as their own through studying different religious beliefs and traditions.  This independent standard is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The headteacher and proprietors have made sure that there are effective arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. Leaders have a good understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities and have completed appropriate designated safeguarding lead and safer recruitment training. The school’s safeguarding policy includes the latest government guidance. Leaders have systems in place to ensure that all prospective staff are trained appropriately and understand fully their duty to safeguard pupils.  The planned PSHE curriculum will teach pupils about potential dangers within their community and society as a whole. Plans show that pupils will learn about how to stay healthy and safe.  This independent standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The behaviour policy has been updated since the previous pre-registration inspection

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Main inspection findings

and is now fit for purpose. The policy clearly explains the systems and procedures in place to promote positive and appropriate behaviour. It includes details about how staff will manage poor behaviour.  Leaders have systems in place to record incidents of inappropriate behaviour.  This independent standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 10  The proposed school’s anti-bullying policy was fit for purpose at the previous pre- registration inspection. This is still the case.  This independent standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 11  The written health and safety policy is now detailed and personalised to the proposed school. The policy now contains all the required information, with references to all the required and relevant policies. The policy details individual responsibilities for managing healthy and safety checks.  This independent standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 12, 13, 14  There is still uncompleted work in relation to fire risks. There are significant

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Main inspection findings

weaknesses in the arrangements for fire safety identified in the external fire risk audit. Although work is planned to address these weaknesses, the school was not compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at the time of this inspection.  There is a first-aid policy in place. Staff have had appropriate first-aid training and there is one fire marshal. There are plans for more staff to be trained. A fully equipped first-aid kit is in place. Since the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders have purchased a lockable first-aid cabinet. They have not yet purchased a fridge for storing prescribed medicines.  Leaders have not clearly thought through the number of pupils they will cater for when the proposed school opens. Therefore, there is a lack of clarity around supervision of pupils. No posts have been advertised for teaching or support staff since the recruitment of the headteacher.

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Main inspection findings

 These independent standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraph 15  There are suitable policies in place for attendance and admissions. There are suitable templates in place to record attendance, absence, admissions and when pupils are taken off the school roll.  This independent standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 16, 16a  Leaders have completed a number of risk assessments. These include room- and PE- specific risk assessments. Leaders have drawn up appropriate risk assessment templates to be used for each individual pupil. There are written risk assessments for different activities in the school and for off-site travel.  If leaders’ risk assessments are implemented effectively, risks are likely to be reduced.  This independent standard is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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) 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), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3) Paragraph 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) 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)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central register is maintained electronically. It now contains the required information, with the relevant checks completed.  All prohibition checks, including section 128 management checks, have been carried

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Main inspection findings

out for all proprietors, the headteacher and one member of staff due to start at the proposed school.  Not all teaching staff have been recruited.  All of the independent standards in Part 4 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The building is a converted calf house, a farm building located on the East Hall Farm estate. The internal accommodation comprises:  one large classroom  a kitchen area at the entrance of the building  toilet facilities  a communal area that is to be used as a dining facility  a school office  a multi-functional room incorporating the medical care accommodation.  The external premises of the proposed school comprise:  fenced areas around the proposed school with benches and tables  a security gate into the proposed school  security gates into the car park areas  access to fields for play. Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2)  There are two separate toilet facilities for boys and girls that can be secured from the inside. There is another toilet for staff, visitors and for persons who are disabled. All toilets are accessed from the entrance area.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders plan to offer PE off site at local sports centres. Shower and changing room facilities are provided at the sports centres for pupils to use.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a medical room provided to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils. There is a bed that will be made available for short-term medical care, with access to water. Currently, pupils will have to walk through a communal area that is to be used as a dining facility, in order to access toilet facilities. Leaders have plans to move the medical room so that this is not the case.  This standard is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 25  Although leaders state that there are plans in place to maintain the premises to a high standard, exact details of how this will happen are yet to be confirmed. In addition, there is still outstanding work to be completed, as detailed in the section for the

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Main inspection findings

welfare, health and safety of pupils.  This standard is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 26 Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The internal areas of the building are well lit, with adequate natural and electric lighting. They are well ventilated, and acoustics are suitable.  There is external lighting fitted to the exterior of the building.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Drinking water is available in the kitchen area and is labelled as such.  The hot water in the kitchen has now been adjusted so that it no longer presents a scalding risk to pupils.  All toilets now have hot and cold water available.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is suitable outside space for pupils to sit and play. Additional playing space is provided on the farm site.  PE is included in the timetable and leaders intend to provide this subject at a local

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Main inspection findings

sports centre.  This standard is 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)(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)(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), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b), 32(4)(c)  The school is planning to launch a website after registration.  Leaders have considered the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic in the arrangements to keep pupils safe on site. Updated information about how leaders will provide education will be shared directly with parents in the event of a further lockdown.  All of the school’s policies and procedures are available in paper form, including the proposed school’s prospectus.  Leaders intend to provide several reports to parents over the school year. This will provide information about their child’s effort and achievement. It will also provide

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Main inspection findings

information linked to careers information connected with their child’s learning.  This independent standard is 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), 33(k)  The complaints procedure has been reviewed and now includes all of the required information and arrangements for the handling of complaints.  This independent standard is 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)a, 34(1)b, 34(1)c  The proprietorial body and the headteacher have taken steps towards meeting some of the independent school standards. However, not all of the independent school standards are likely to be met. This includes those relating to the suitability of the school curriculum.  The proprietorial body has not ensured that there is adequate consideration of pupils’ well-being when managing some health and safety risks. The external fire risk audit identifies areas that are not compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The first-aid policy identifies a fridge for medicine, which is not available. There is a lack of clarity around supervision of pupils, as leaders have not clearly thought through the number of pupils with which the school will open.  The proprietorial body has not checked carefully enough on how well the school is

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Main inspection findings

able to consistently meet the independent school standards.  The independent standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an effective accessibility plan in place.

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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

Date of previous standard inspection 20 October 2020

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 14–16 Not made Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 12 Not made

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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 Number of part-time pupils N/A Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A Not yet determined

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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 Not yet determined

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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 Not yet determined

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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 part-time teaching staff N/A Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A Not yet determined

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietorial body seeks registration with the DfE for an independent special school to cater for pupils between the ages of 14 and 16 years.  The proprietorial body has changed the proposed age range for the school. It proposes to provide education for key stage 4 pupils only.  The proprietorial body seeks permission to provide education for up to 12 pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. The number of pupils was revised during the inspection from 18 to 12 pupils. Most will have an education, health and care plan or will be looked after by the local authority. Pupils are likely to be placed by the local authority.  The proprietorial body, East Hall School Ltd, consists of three directors: Joanne Richardson, who is chair of the proprietorial body; Johanna Osborn, and Sarah Ilaria Northe. Since the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietorial body has recruited a new headteacher.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor wishes to open the school in October 2021.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the DfE to consider a second application to open an independent school for pupils aged 14 to 16 years. The first pre-registration inspection was carried out on 20 October 2020. The school is currently not operating.  Two inspectors visited the proposed school to undertake a tour of the premises with relevant staff, and check employment and safeguarding arrangements. Socially distanced meetings were held with leaders.  Meetings were held with the proprietorial body, which along with the headteacher has oversight of curriculum planning, the quality of education and the welfare of pupils.  The inspectors scrutinised school policies relating to the independent school standards, documentation relating to the curriculum and the single central register of employment checks.

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Inspection team

Cindy Impey, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Stefanie Lipinski-Barltrop 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; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 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.

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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(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 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; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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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[12].

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility;  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.

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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

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

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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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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