Alpha Learning Staffordshire

School pre-registration inspection report The information contained within this draft report should not be shared or published under any circumstances. Ofsted will consider the sharing of information in any manner a serious breach of confidentiality and will take appropriate action if necessary

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Alpha Learning Staffordshire Gitana Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1DY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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(d), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school. At the moment, the school operates as an alternative provision and has pupils placed at the school on a part-time basis by the local authority. Leaders want pupils to attend the proposed school full time so that they can extend and build on the work they already do.  Leaders intend to use sport, and in particular boxing, to help engage pupils who have found it difficult in mainstream schools. Many of the pupils who attend the proposed school will have special educational needs and/or disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs.  Leaders plan to offer a broad curriculum. They intend to place an emphasis on the

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Main inspection findings

core subjects of English, mathematics and science so that they are well prepared for their next steps in education or work. Leaders also hope to offer pupils a range of other subjects. The curriculum will include qualifications in functional skills and GCSEs.  Leaders intend to ensure that pupils have access to impartial careers advice and guidance. A careers adviser from the local area will come into school and provide information on colleges and courses available to pupils. Leaders also intend to have lessons on CV writing.  The proprietor has sought the support of a school improvement adviser to help with the development of the curriculum. Leaders plan to use his expertise to help with quality assurance.  There is nothing to indicate that the proposed curriculum plans would undermine fundamental British values.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(e), 3(f) and 3(g)

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Main inspection findings

 The development of the planned curriculum is still in its early stages. Some subjects, such as English and mathematics, are well established. This is because the proposed school has been delivering these subjects as part of the alternative provision. However, other subjects are not as advanced in their planning. This means it is difficult to determine how well pupils will achieve.  Leaders are aware that some schemes of work that are currently in place will not meet the needs of pupils. The proposed school has recently appointed a new curriculum leader who is beginning to put in place new schemes of work for the next academic year. Leaders are starting to put together new resources, including a library of books, but this is still at an early stage.  Leaders plan to undertake baseline assessments to help identify pupils’ learning needs. These will also include assessments that help staff to identify pupils’ social,

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Main inspection findings

emotional and mental health needs. However, leaders have not yet thought fully about how teachers will use assessment during lessons to help pupils make progress in their learning.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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) and 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have started to build in pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the curriculum. Pupils are likely to be taught some topics discretely through personal, social and health education (PSHE) lessons.  The relationships pupils have with staff are likely to facilitate developing pupils’ self- confidence.  Leaders intend to teach pupils about fundamental British values and the protected characteristics through PSHE lessons. Leaders are working with a PSHE lead in the city to put in place a programme that meets the needs of its pupils. The proposed school will also be joining the PSHE association.  Leaders are aware that it is important to protect pupils from speakers who may

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Main inspection findings

promote biased political views when teaching.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  All staff will receive initial safeguarding training as part of their induction. Leaders intend to have weekly meetings with staff where they can make them aware of any recent concerns. A copy of the safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website.  The centre manager, who will be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL), has undertaken appropriate training for her role. The school business manager will be the deputy DSL and has also completed appropriate training.  Leaders have established clear procedures should a member of staff need to raise a concern about a pupil. The school intends to use an electronic system for recording concerns and any follow up actions. The DSL is clear about what action should be taken should there be a concern about a member of staff.  Leaders intend to use PSHE lessons to teach pupils how to stay safe. Leaders are

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Main inspection findings

working with the local authority to ensure contextual issues such as gangs and child sexual exploitation are part of the school’s PSHE programme.  There is a clear behaviour policy in place. Leaders have set out an ‘Alpha Learning Reward System’ where pupils will be graded for their behaviour, work and cooperation. Leaders want to ensure that parents receive positive news from the school and celebrate pupils’ achievements.  Leaders have also set out procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour. There is a clear list of sanctions for staff to use that gradually increase in severity. Leaders also intend that pupils will hand over all personal belongings at reception in the morning to be scanned by a handheld metal detector. All incidents of serious misbehaviour will be recorded on the proposed school’s central system.  Leaders have ensured that an appropriate health and safety policy is in place. This

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Main inspection findings

also includes first-aid arrangements and fire precautions. There are also suitable risk assessments in place.  A fire risk assessment of the Gitana Street premises was completed in May 2019. All risks that were identified have been resolved. Leaders were able to provide evidence of weekly fire checks and arrangements for fire drills.  Leaders undertake regular health and safety checks of classrooms. Issues that have been identified have been addressed.  The electronic information that the school plan to keep on the admissions register is in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance.  Leaders are clear that pupils will be supervised at all times during the school day. There are appropriate staffing levels based on the projected pupil numbers.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 7, 7(b), 12  Aspects of the school’s safeguarding policy are not fully compliant with the latest government guidance. Leaders were also unaware of some of the requirements of the

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Main inspection findings

single central record. For example, the section 128 checks had not been completed for those in management positions. This was corrected during the inspection.  Actions from the fire risk assessment for the Alpha Gym site conducted in March 2020 have not been addressed. A smoke detector, manual early warning system and fire action notices have not been put in the upstairs of the building.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 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), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 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), 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)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b) and 21(5)(c)  The school has appropriate procedures in place for appointing new staff. Leaders ensure that all the necessary pre-employment checks are made, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references. However, leaders had not carried out section 128 checks; they completed these during the inspection.

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Main inspection findings

The school’s business manager is safer recruitment trained and sits on all staff appointment panels.  Leaders have put in place an electronic document for recording the single central record. The business manager will update this when all new appointments are made, and this will be checked by the centre manager.  The school does not currently intend to use supply staff but is aware of the checks and procedures that need to be made for any appointment.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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), 24(2), 26, 27, 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),  The proposed school is in a building that was formerly a solicitor’s office. The accommodation spans over three floors. The proposed school also intends to use a warehouse space on an industrial estate at a separate address. This has a well- equipped boxing gym and an upstairs teaching space.  The ground floor of the main building comprises of a reception area, a small office and a larger area with punchbags and a boxing ring. There are three classrooms on the first floor that are appropriately set out, well lit and have good acoustics. There is also an intervention room where leaders intend to have one-to-one sessions with pupils. A kitchen area is also on the first floor, which leaders intend to use as a multi-

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Main inspection findings

purpose room for cooking and art. On the second floor is a larger recreation area with chairs and tables and a separate ‘chill out’ room with a sofa and a TV.  There is a boys’ toilet that has one cubicle that can be secured from the inside. A separate area also includes a wash basin. On the second floor is a girls’ toilet that also includes a shower facility. There is a separate room next to the toilet which is to be used as a medical room.  Drinking water will be available to pupils throughout the day and each will have their own separate water bottle. Drinking water has been clearly labelled.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 25, 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The school does not have an outdoor space to provide physical education (PE) or for pupils to play outside.  Many of the large windows are screwed shut and therefore unable to open. This limits ventilation and could make conditions uncomfortable on hot days.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1)(a), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 3 2(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f)  The school currently has a website provided by an external company. The website sets out the proposed school’s ethos and vision.  The majority of policies and documents that are required can be viewed via the proposed school’s website, including the safeguarding and curriculum policies.  Leaders intend to provide parents with a termly report outlining their child’s progress. This will include how their child is progressing in each of their subjects and information about their behaviour for learning. There will also be information about a pupil’s attendance. The centre manager intends to make a final comment on each report summarising the pupil’s academic and personal progress.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b),  Leaders do not currently have an admissions policy outlining how they will admit pupils to the school. Their intention is that it will follow a similar format to their current arrangement where pupils are placed at the proposed school by the local authority.  Leaders do not currently have information about the provision in place for those pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans and those who speak English as an additional language.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 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 proposed school has a suitable complaints procedure that guides parents through the process of making a complaint. Leaders have tried to make the policy simple and easy to follow. It includes clear timescales and the opportunity for a panel hearing if a complaint moves to a formal stage. However, it should be noted that leaders updated the policy during the inspection after inspectors identified some omissions.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1)(c)  The proprietor is clear about how the proposed school can offer pupils an alternative curriculum to mainstream education. He has experience of working with children and young adults from challenging backgrounds and is keen to ensure that all pupils get the chance to succeed. He is committed to using boxing as a way to engage pupils and promote their well-being.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  Although leaders have taken several steps to meet the independent school standards, there are several that are unlikely to be met securely and consistently. Leaders are still at an early stage with the planning of the wider curriculum that will work alongside the sporting activities they have planned. The school building does not currently have an outdoor space for pupils to play outside or use as part of their PE curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders do not have a comprehensive understanding of the independent school standards and some of the additional requirements for establishing a school. For example, leaders were unaware of the arrangements a school has to make to fulfil its duties under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders do not have an accessibility plan in place. Therefore they are unlikely to fulfil their duties under 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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Alpha Learning Staffordshire Limited

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Proposed school details

Website www.alphalearningstaffordshire.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address info@alphalearningstaffordshire.co.uk

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Age range of pupils Not applicable 11-16 11-16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

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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 20

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School's current position School's proposal

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 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils an education, health and care plan Not applicable 5

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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 20

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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 0

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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 proposed school will operate from a site that was formerly a solicitor’s office. This is in an urban area in the centre of Stoke. The proposed school will also use a separate building on an industrial site in Crabtree Close, Fenton which contains a large boxing gym and an upstairs classroom. The main school building is being rented from a private landlord and the proprietor has a long-term lease.  The proposed school does not have a religious ethos.  The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls from Year 7 to Year 11.  The school does not intend to make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many documents were submitted electronically and were reviewed remotely by the lead inspector prior to the inspection. Several additional documents, including the format of the school’s single central record, were scrutinised on site.  As the inspection included a full-day on-site visit, a tour of the premises was possible.  The lead inspector also visited the school’s other proposed site which is to be used as a boxing gym and classroom.  Social distancing was maintained throughout the inspection. This was aided by the fact that no pupils were currently on site.  The inspection team met with proprietor, centre manager, business manager and the

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Information about this inspection

school improvement adviser.  The proprietor, centre manager and business manager attended the final feedback meeting which was conducted on site.

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Inspection team

Mark Howes, 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; and  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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 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; – 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 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school's policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language;

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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; 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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