BFC School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Blackpool Football Club School Blackpool Football Club Community Trust Education and Community Centre, Seasiders Way, Blackpool FY1 6JJ

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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) ◼ The proprietor body has developed a curriculum policy, schemes of work and plans for English, mathematics, science and sport. These plans include how leaders will develop pupils’ speaking, listening and numeracy skills. However, there are no curriculum plans or schemes of work for the teaching of linguistic, technological, human and social or aesthetic and creative education. As a result, the range of subjects covered in the curriculum do not meet the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards). ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are not likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii) ◼ The personal, social, health, citizenship and economic (PSHCE) education programme is adequate. The teaching of fundamental British values is planned. This includes that

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Main inspection findings

pupils will know about and will be taught to respect all of the protected characteristics as identified in the Equality Act 2010. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii) ◼ Leaders have created a careers programme so that pupils will access appropriate independent advice and guidance. Pupils will have opportunities to take part in relevant work experience. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Paragraphs (2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g), ◼ The written assessment policy explains that assessments will be used to check on pupils’ progress and inform teaching. However, when implemented, it is unlikely that the use of assessment will be effective as the policy does not relate to all the required areas of learning within the standards. ◼ The range of resources to support the delivery of the curriculum is not in place.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders have plans to order resources, for example for science and mathematics. However, as leaders have not planned to deliver all the required subjects there is a lack of consideration about the full range of resources needed to deliver the curriculum. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i) and 3(j) ◼ The guidance that leaders have in place will inform teachers how to manage behaviour effectively. Leaders are clear that this will not discriminate against pupils. The proprietor body is clear that the school will only employ qualified staff to teach pupils. Some of these staff will have subject specialisms, for example in science and mathematics. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met. Paragraph 4 ◼ An assessment system is in place. Pupils’ starting points will be identified when they join the school. Their progress will then be tracked at regular intervals. However, as

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Main inspection findings

the curriculum does not cover all the required areas of learning, teachers will be unable to use this information to help support pupils’ learning in all areas. ◼ The standard in this paragraph is unlikely to be met. ◼ The proprietor body has not ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii) ◼ The proprietor body has ensured that the curriculum plans for PSHCE education will promote British values and equality. The planned PSHCE programme will ensure that pupils will learn about a range of religions and cultures. ◼ Leaders have an appropriate behaviour policy in place to support pupils in how to understand right from wrong. ◼ The proprietor body’s code of conduct is clear that staff must always present balanced

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Main inspection findings

viewpoints to pupils. ◼ The proprietor body has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) ◼ There is a suite of safeguarding documents in place to support staff in keeping pupils safe. Leaders have developed a detailed safeguarding and child protection policy. They have extensive experience in this area and understand how important it is to remain vigilant. Leaders understand how to record concerns and make referrals to external agencies. They understand the safeguarding risks within the local context, such as county lines (where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs) and knife crime, and plan to work with pupils to mitigate these concerns. ◼ The designated lead for safeguarding and the head of school have appropriate training to undertake the role of designated safeguarding leaders. The proprietor body

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Main inspection findings

plans to ensure that all staff receive suitable safeguarding training as part of their induction. ◼ However, safeguarding arrangements are not as strong as they should be. This is because leaders have not fully understood the checks required for those in positions of management. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10 ◼ The proprietor body has suitable written policies in place for the management of pupil exclusions and for preventing bullying. ◼ The written behaviour policy reflects leaders’ expectations of staff and pupils. The policy contains information about the strategies, sanctions and rewards that staff may use to promote positive behaviour. Leaders intend to record any incidents of serious misbehaviour in a suitable way. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met Paragraphs 11, 12 ◼ The required health and safety, including fire safety, policies are not fully in place. The

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Main inspection findings

policies do not adequately detail staff responsibilities in keeping the premises, pupils, staff and visitors safe. ◼ Leaders have not arranged for a fire safety audit to ensure that the school’s building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15 ◼ Leaders have a suitable first-aid policy which defines procedures staff will follow in the event of an accident. Arrangements are in place to maintain accident records and to take any actions, if needed, after an incident. ◼ The proprietor body has considered the number of staff required. The proposed number of staff will allow for pupils to be safely supervised. ◼ The proprietor body has established appropriate systems to record admissions and attendance at the school. These comply with current legislation. ◼ The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 16 ◼ Leaders have created a risk assessment policy. However, the proprietor body has not completed assessments for all possible risks within the school building. Therefore, leaders have not considered measures needed to mitigate identified risks to pupils and staff. ◼ The standards in this paragraph are unlikely to be met. ◼ The proprietor body has not ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18 ◼ Leaders have systems in place to check that staff are suitable to work with pupils. These include enhanced criminal record checks and identity checks. These checks are recorded on the school’s single central register. However, there is no information recorded as to whether any staff are prohibited from the leadership of a school under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. ◼ The standards in this paragraph are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 19 ◼ Appropriate checks for supply staff are in place. Leaders will check that supply staff are suitable to work with pupils and that all the required checks are complete before supply staff work at the school. ◼ The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraphs 20, 21 ◼ The proprietor body does not have a secure knowledge of the need to carry out the required prohibition checks on trustees of the proposed school before they begin their roles. This means that the full safeguarding checks have not been carried out by the proprietor body, including whether any trustees are prohibited from the management of a school under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. ◼ The proprietor body has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 25, 26, 27,

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Main inspection findings

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) ◼ The proposed school will be housed in Blackpool Football Club stadium. The site has received extensive building work to ensure it is fit for purpose, including the conversion of the nursey school that occupied the ground floor. ◼ There is a secure entrance and a lift to ensure that both floors are fully accessible to users with disabilities. The building comprises several large classrooms. There are also several areas to be used for small-group teaching or respite areas for pupils. Furniture is suitable for the ages of intended pupils. ◼ Physical education lessons are planned to take place at the sports facilities close by within the football stadium. Suitable changing rooms and shower facilities are available in this area. ◼ Drinking water that can be accessed by pupils is available throughout the building.

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Main inspection findings

◼ There is a medical room, which has a bed and is close to a toilet and hot and cold running water. ◼ Suitable toilets, which can be locked from the inside, are provided for pupils. There are separate facilities for staff. Washing facilities are also available throughout the building. These have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk. ◼ Pupils will have access to space at the side of the football ground for play and recreation. Leaders have plans to use outdoor space in the locality for pupils to play. ◼ The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(1)(k), 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)

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Main inspection findings

◼ Leaders know the information they intend to share with parents and carers, in accordance with the standards. The proprietor body has ensured that copies of all the school policies and a prospectus are available to parents on request. ◼ Leaders intend to provide parents with an annual report which will include information about the progress and attainment of each pupil in each subject area. ◼ Leaders are aware of the need to provide the relevant information in regard to pupils with an education, health and care plan. ◼ The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k) ◼ The proposed complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. The policy sets out the stages needed to investigate a complaint in a suitable timescale. There

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Main inspection findings

are appropriate guidelines to ensure that any complaints’ panel has at least one member who is independent of the management of the school. ◼ The proprietor body has ensured that all 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 body has developed a proposed curriculum which includes a limited number of the required curriculum aspects. Leaders have outlined how they plan to assess pupils in these planned subjects. However, plans and schemes of work are not detailed. They do not provide sufficient guidance about how to deliver suitable education for pupils to meet the requirements of the standards. This means that the curriculum is not likely to meet the anticipated needs of pupils. ◼ The proprietor body has not ensured that all the standards are likely to be met in regard to the arrangements for the health and safety of pupils. Some safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

procedures and assessments of risks are not strong enough to promote the well-being of pupils. ◼ The proprietor body has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 ◼ Leaders have prepared an accessibility plan that meets the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

Proprietor Blackpool Football Club Community Trust

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 32 32

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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 32 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 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils an education, health and care plan Not applicable 0

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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 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

◼ The vision of Blackpool Football Club (BFC) School is to build an independent school to support local secondary education with an alternative provision. ◼ The school is housed in the north stand area of Blackpool Football Club stadium. ◼ Leaders intend that pupils will remain on their secondary school roll but also be entered on roll with Blackpool Football Club School.

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Information about this inspection

◼ This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. ◼ This was the first pre-registration inspection of BFC School. ◼ During the inspection, meetings were held with the chair of the proprietor body, the head of education, the designated safeguarding lead and the chief executive officer. ◼ The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy. ◼ The inspector reviewed the proprietor body’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken. ◼ The inspector toured the school with the chair of the proprietor body and the chief executive officer.

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Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

◼ 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)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.

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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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

◼ 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

◼ 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; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

◼ 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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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

◼ 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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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)(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.

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

◼ 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend 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

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

such direction; – 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB- – 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; – 20(6)(c) subject to sub-paragraph (8), where the Secretary of State makes a request for an enhanced criminal record check relating to MB countersigned by the Secretary of State to be made, such a check is made.

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

◼ 21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.

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

◼ 21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form.

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

◼ 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

◼ 21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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

◼ 21(7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007- – 21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and – 21(7)(b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

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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

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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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