Nazene Danielle School of Performing Arts

School pre-registration inspection report

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Nazene Danielle School of Performing Arts

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3 Newton Court, Faraday Road, Liverpool, Merseyside L13 1EJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(i), 3–3(j), 4  The proprietor intends for the planned curriculum to match the national curriculum. The written curriculum policy is detailed and coherent. It includes all the subjects, as specified by the independent school standards (the standards), to be taught. Additionally, the policy includes a focus on physical education and the performing arts. This reflects the proprietor’s vision to use pupils’ interest in the performing arts to build their self-esteem and confidence in other subject areas.  Initially, the proprietor plans to admit Year 7 pupils and grow the school as these pupils move through the different years until Year 11.  Each subject is supported by clear schemes of work. Each scheme of work reflects leaders’ high ambitions for all pupils and details what knowledge pupils will learn in

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Main inspection findings

Year 7.  Curriculum plans include lessons on life skills. These lessons cover planned opportunities for pupils to build their knowledge and skills about relationships, health, citizenship and careers.  Leaders know that pupils need to be given opportunities to explore different careers, including those not associated with the performing arts. Leaders have matched their plans for careers education to those set by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Additionally, the proprietor has plans to develop links with local businesses to provide work experience.  The proprietor has already appointed two members of staff. The recruitment of more staff is currently taking place. The proprietor aims to appoint staff with suitable expertise in the subjects to be taught. The selection process is rigorous and includes leaders observing each candidate teaching a lesson to a group of pupils.  There is a clear induction programme for new staff that sets out the high expectations

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Main inspection findings

required by leaders. The proprietor has plans in place for the professional development of staff. These include making links with the local authority and local schools to benefit from training courses.  The proprietor has purchased the basic resources that staff will need to support teaching. These include laptops, textbooks and other materials to support the teaching of English, mathematics and the wider curriculum. There is also a digital reading resource that will provide pupils with access to a range of fiction and non- fiction reading materials. Additionally, subject-specific resources will be purchased in consultation with the teacher appointed to teach that subject.  The assessment policy outlines the approach staff will take to assessment. The assessment of pupils’ learning will be covered by a variety of methods that relate directly to the subject being studied. All staff will be involved in checking pupils’

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Main inspection findings

learning daily, and use this information to plan pupils’ future learning. This process will contribute to an overall view of pupils’ achievements.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met when the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  Curriculum plans for pupils’ personal, social, health and citizenship education provide ample opportunities for pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. In addition, leaders intend that pupils will broaden their education through visits, such as to museums and the theatre.  The life skills lessons will enable pupils to develop their understanding of responsibility, tolerance and the rule of law.  The proprietor has suitable policies and procedures in place to ensure the appropriateness of speakers and visitors to the school and that there is no political bias in the work of staff. As part of the induction to the school, staff will be trained to identify and act on any concerns relating to extremism.  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 Paragraph 7–7(b)  The procedures in place to promote the welfare, health and safety of pupils are now secure.  The written child protection policy sets out appropriate arrangements for ensuring that pupils are kept safe. It takes account of the current statutory guidance. The policy details the procedures staff need to follow when managing and recording safeguarding concerns and disclosures.  The proprietor will be the main person to follow up any safeguarding concerns. She and two other members of staff have now been trained to the required level of expertise to be able to fulfil this role. This means that there will always be a member of staff available who can follow up any concerns raised about the safety of a pupil.  Since the first pre-registration inspection, a senior leader has completed suitable training in the safe recruitment of staff. Recruitment processes take account of the

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Main inspection findings

current guidance from the Secretary of State. This recruitment and induction process for new staff is now robust. Paragraph 9–16(b)  The proprietor has several written policies to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff.  The suitable health and safety policy is supported by other relevant policies, such as those concerning first aid and internet safety. The proprietor already has a plan for the maintenance of the building in place and makes regular checks of the site. Any issues identified are swiftly remedied.  The behaviour policy sets clear expectations for pupils and staff. It includes a range of strategies that staff will use to promote pupils’ good behaviour, and a graduated set of sanctions that may be used in the event of any misbehaviour. Leaders have a system in place to record any instances of serious misbehaviour. They plan to use the information recorded to analyse any trends in behavioural issues and take appropriate

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Main inspection findings

action.  The anti-bullying policy is detailed. It includes appropriate steps to be taken by leaders and staff to prevent bullying and to deal with any instances that arise.  The proprietor plans for the school to be registered for 15 pupils. This is an increase of five pupils from the time of the first pre-registration inspection. There will be two full-time teachers and several tutors. The planned staff numbers will be enough to ensure the appropriate supervision of pupils at all times when the school is operating.  Leaders have a written admissions policy. This sets out the process to be used for pupils to be admitted to the school. It is fit for purpose.  Leaders have continued to complete regular maintenance checks of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and the fire alarm. Additionally, checks have been made on electrical equipment in readiness for the school’s opening.  The proprietor has a written risk assessment policy in place. This links to a document

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Main inspection findings

that covers a suitable assessment of an array of potential risks associated with the premises, specialist equipment, classroom activities, pupil visits and visiting speakers.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)– 21(3)(b), 21(5)–21(6)  The proprietor has made the required checks on the suitability of staff already appointed to work at the school. There is a well-organised electronic record of these checks. Leaders will add the details of the checks made on new staff appointed to the school to this single central register.  Leaders understand the checks required if any agency worker were to commence employment at the school in the future.  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 Paragraph 23(1)–29(1)(b)  The school is based in a one-floor, stand-alone industrial unit. There are enough learning areas and an area that can be used flexibly for learning and recreation. There are plenty of toilets, showers and changing rooms for the planned number of male and female pupils.  The medical room has a bed and clean bedding for when it is needed. It contains a washbasin with hot and cold running water. The room is near a toilet.  Water supplies meet requirements for temperature control of hot water. Labelled drinking water is available for pupils.  The internal acoustics and lighting are suitable to enable effective learning. External lighting is in place to ensure safe access to and from the premises after dark. Appropriate emergency lighting is also in place.  Outdoor space is available at the side and front of the school for pupils to relax at

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Main inspection findings

breaktimes.  The proprietor has 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(3)(f)  Currently, there is no school website. The proprietor has ensured that a prospectus and copies of all relevant policies, including the safeguarding policy, are available for parents and carers on request.  The contact details of the proprietor are in the prospectus. As the school site is open all year, the proprietor is available to receive any correspondence sent to the school.  The proprietor plans to provide parents with an annual report on their children’s progress in each subject, and their attendance, over the year.  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(k)  The written complaints policy is suitable. It sets out the process to be followed in the event of any complaints.  The policy includes suitable timescales for each step of the process. It also makes it clear that complainants can attend a formal panel hearing and that they can be accompanied by a person of their choice.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part 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)  The proprietor’s vision is translated effectively into the proposed curriculum, which offers a balance between academic subjects and the specialism of dance.  The suite of policies and documents that leaders have prepared demonstrates that the school is likely to meet the standards. Leaders have thought carefully about the proposed curriculum and how it will be assessed. Policies and documents are detailed and provide sufficient guidance about how the proprietor and other leaders intend to run the school and provide suitable education for pupils.  The proprietor and other leaders are a well-organised team with complementary skills. Together, they have swiftly acted to remedy the standards found likely to be unmet at the first pre-registration inspection. A rolling programme of monitoring is in place to ensure that the standards are consistently met.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a group of four people ready to take on the roles and responsibilities of governance when the school opens. School policies already include the specific role that members of the governing body will take to challenge and support the proprietor and leaders in ensuring the effectiveness of the school.  The proprietor has 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  The school has an appropriate accessibility plan in place.  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 likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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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

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 11–12 11–12 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 15 15

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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 15 Number of part-time pupils N/A 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 0

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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 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 N/A 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is based on an industrial park in Liverpool. The premises are also used for the teaching of dance in clubs out of school hours.  The proprietor intends for the school to cater for 15 pupils aged 11 to 12 years. Leaders plan to cater for pupils who wish to study a vocational path in performing arts alongside a curriculum that gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human, and social and other aesthetic and creative education studies.  Leaders do not intend that the school will use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards and other requirements needed to operate as an independent school.  This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The first pre- registration inspection took place in March 2021.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, who is also the headteacher, and the head of education and the head of school administration.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the proprietor and other senior leaders. These documents included those relating to curriculum planning, proposed schemes of work and plans for assessment.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor’s policies in relation to welfare, and health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector toured the site of the proposed school with the proprietor.  The inspector paid particular attention to the standards that were found to be unlikely to be met during the first pre-registration inspection. These standards related directly to the welfare, and health and safety of pupils.

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Inspection team

Eileen Mulgrew, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector 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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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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