NexGen Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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NexGen Academy Dovecot Multi-Activity Centre, Back of Dovecot Place, Dovecot, Liverpool, Merseyside L14 9BA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proprietor company has a written curriculum policy in place. The proprietor company has ensured that leaders have designed a curriculum that considers the anticipated needs of the pupils who will attend the proposed school. The curriculum design provides opportunities for pupils to close gaps in their knowledge brought about from any previously missed education.  Curriculum plans are in place that aim to give pupils suitable, broad experiences. These plans include schemes of work for pupils in English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE), design, art, computing, human and social studies and personal, social and health education (PSHE).

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders propose to carry out assessments of pupils’ learning and welfare needs on admission to the school. These assessments will detail pupils’ future requirements. Leaders have considered the order in which learning will be taught. Plans show that teaching will enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and make progress. Leaders plan to use nationally recognised tests and examinations in vocational and entry-level awards to assess pupils’ outcomes.  The proprietor company plans to provide impartial advice that will enable pupils to make informed choices about their future education, employment or training. Leaders intend to make use of links with external, professional careers advisers. In addition, the proposed curriculum includes activities which will help develop pupils’ knowledge of applications and interviews.  The chair of the proprietor company proposes to employ staff that are suitably qualified and experienced to deliver the curriculum effectively. The proprietor

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Main inspection findings

company has an appropriate safer recruitment process in place to ensure that suitable staff are employed at the school.  The proprietor company has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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 curriculum plans for PSHE show that leaders will actively promote fundamental British values, including such aspects as the understanding of right from wrong and resilience.  Leaders will actively promote pupils’ mutual respect and tolerance of those with protected characteristics, including those relating to gender, sexuality and different beliefs. Additionally, activities linked to the community and local charities plan to develop pupils’ understanding of making appropriate choices and their sense of

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Main inspection findings

responsibility.  The code of conduct and handbook for staff are clear that leaders expect staff to promote the school’s ethos. Leaders’ expectations of staff also include that no partisan political views will be promoted. Leaders plan to train staff in strategies to act on any concerns relating to radicalisation or extremism.  The proprietor company has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding policy is detailed. Leaders have taken account of the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. In drawing up this policy, leaders have also considered the context of the proposed school. The policy will be available on request as the school does not have a website.  Leaders will ensure that safeguarding procedures form part of the interview and induction process for staff. Leaders plan for staff to receive a broad range of training

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Main inspection findings

linked to welfare, health and safety. This will develop staff’s understanding of how to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietor company’s written policy relating to behaviour is appropriate. The policy outlines the roles of senior staff, teaching staff and pupils. Leaders intend that staff will receive training on how they deal with the impact of any poor behaviour.  The proprietor company has an electronic system in place to record any behaviour incidents. It also intends to use this analysis to provide any training required for staff.  The proprietor company’s anti-bullying policy is suitable. The policy identifies the types of bullying that may occur within the school. It details how staff will deal with any bullying. It also details how pupils may raise any concerns they have about bullying. Paragraph 11  The proprietor company has a suite of suitable health and safety policies in place.

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Main inspection findings

Systems to ensure frequent checks on those responsible for carrying out routine checks across the premises and the appropriate recording of these are in place. Health and safety checks have been carried out by a suitable person. There is a plan for these to continue in the future to ensure that compliance with regulations is maintained. Paragraph 12  The school complies with the relevant fire safety regulations. The proprietor company has organised checks on firefighting equipment by an external company to ensure that they are in a suitable condition. Fire evacuation procedures are in place and the fire alarm is operational. There is signage showing fire exits throughout the site, including in classrooms and the outdoor area.  The proprietor company has a fire risk assessment in place. This identifies any risks to the safety of pupils and staff, with the aim to manage and minimise these. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15

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Main inspection findings

 There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. The proprietor company intends for an appropriate number of staff to have a first-aid certificate. Leaders have ensured a suitable number of first-aid boxes are available to ensure that aid is administered in a timely manner.  Leaders have put in place record-keeping systems to record and evaluate any incidents relating to health and safety and behaviour. These will be used to minimise risks for pupils and staff.  The proprietor company intends to maintain a suitable staff-to-pupil ratio. Planned numbers of staff are sufficient to ensure the appropriate supervision of pupils at all times when the school is operating, including when undertaking outdoor activities.  Leaders have established an appropriate system that follows regulations to record pupils’ admission to the school and their attendance. This will be kept in a secure area in the school. Paragraph 16(a), 16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor company’s written policy on risk assessment and risk management includes detailed risk assessments. These demonstrate leaders’ secure understanding of the management of risk. Leaders intend to regularly review risk assessments to ensure the safety of pupils and manage any risks identified effectively.  Risk assessments are appropriately detailed and cover a wide range of activities. These include risk assessments for the use of the sports hall and gym and for educational visits.  The proprietor company has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 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), 19(2), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii),

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Main inspection findings

19(3), 19(4), 20(1), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(5), 20(5)(a), 20(5)(a)(i), 20(5)(a)(ii), 20(5)(b), 20(5)(b)(i), 20(5)(b)(ii), 20(5)(b)(iii), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor company has systems in place for checking the suitability of staff in the proposed school. The school’s single central register demonstrates the relevant checks made to ensure that those in leadership roles are not disqualified from working within the proposed school.  Leaders intend that suitable checks would be completed before any supply staff undertake any work in school.  The proprietor company has 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  The school is located on the ground floor of a multi-activity centre. Building work has

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Main inspection findings

been completed to provide pupils with a learning environment that will be fit for purpose.  The school includes a staff room, meeting room, school office and four large classrooms. Suitable furniture is in place in the school for the proposed age range. There is also a well-maintained kitchen and dining space for lunchtimes.  Suitable, well-maintained toilet facilities are provided for the use of pupils. This includes a toilet for any pupil with a disability. Toilets are in cubicles provided with suitable locks. Toilets are for the sole use of the pupils.  The school has a suitable room designated for the sole provision of medical care. It contains a bed and washing facilities and is close to a toilet. There is a first-aid kit in place. This will allow provision for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The lighting in all rooms is suitable for pupils’ learning. External lighting meets

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Main inspection findings

requirements. This aids safe entry and exit from the building. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to drinking water at all times from fountains outside classrooms. Drinking water facilities are labelled.  Washing facilities are available for all pupils. Hot water of a suitable temperature is available for hand washing. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk to users. Regular checks are carried out on the water temperature. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a large, secure, outdoor space for pupils to play and socialise in. This area is of a suitable size for the number of pupils and the range of ages proposed to be on the school roll. There is also a gardening space in the outdoor area. Leaders intend for pupils to use this as part of their curriculum.  PE is provided in accordance with the curriculum and is suitable for boys and girls.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders have designed a curriculum for PE which intends to make effective use of the gym and sports hall within the same building. This has appropriate separate changing and showering facilities for boys and girls to use.  The proprietor company has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(i), 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)  The school does not have a website. Information is available on request and available through the school office at the front of the building. The information available includes a school prospectus. This provides the necessary information for prospective parents and carers as specified in the standards.  Leaders have produced information about the intended curriculum. An assessment

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Main inspection findings

policy that details the arrangements for assessing pupils’ progress in learning is available. Leaders intend to provide a report on each pupil’s progress annually. Leaders also propose to report regularly to parents in regard to behaviour, attendance and welfare.  Leaders intend to provide information in regard to funding for each pupil who has an education, health and care plan. This will detail how the provision provided is matched to pupils’ needs. This will also be reported to the relevant local authority.  The proprietor company 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), 33(k)  The complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. It identifies suitable independent reviewers. The policy sets out the steps for each stage of the process

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Main inspection findings

with appropriate timescales. The policy includes the action to take if a parent is not satisfied with the response. The holding of information and the use of outcomes follows the requirements set out in the standards.  The proprietor company has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The chair of the proprietor company shows knowledge and understanding of the standards. Leaders have high expectations and demonstrate a clear vision for the school.  Leaders have ensured that school policies reflect their school, paying regard to appropriate legislation. Leaders are currently completing a nationally recognised professional qualification in leadership. This has contributed to developing their understanding of working with pupils in educational settings. Leaders demonstrate secure knowledge of the curriculum to be taught.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor company has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place. The plan details how leaders will support pupils with disabilities to access and participate in the curriculum. The requirements under schedule 10 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 inspection 2 October 2019

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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 35 35

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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 35 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 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The school occupies one side of the first floor of the Dovecot Multi-Activity Centre. This is a community centre which includes a gymnasium, sports hall, library and other facilities for local community activities. The building is located at the rear of a row of shops in Huyton.  The proprietor company intends that the school will re-engage pupils in education and prepare them to move onto further education, work-based learning or employment.  The school will cater for pupils who have experienced educational failure in their mainstream schools. These pupils have a history of challenging behaviour and/or poor school attendance. The proprietor company intends to offer full-time places, though it may provide some part-time provision.  The headteacher is one of the members of the proprietor company.

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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 second pre-registration inspection of NexGen Academy. The preceding pre-registration inspection was carried out on 2 October 2019.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher. The headteacher is also the chair of the proprietor company.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy, that were supplied by the school’s leadership.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor company’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the school premises with the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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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