Arco Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Arco Academy Camberwell Leisure Centre, Artichoke Place, Camberwell SE5 8TS

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  Leaders have written and developed an appropriate curriculum policy and teaching plans, which cover the required areas of learning and appropriately consider the learning needs of pupils aged 11 to 16. Teaching is likely to take account of pupils’ different ages, abilities and, in most pupils’ cases, their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Suitable arrangements are in place to monitor the quality of teachers’ planning, teaching and assessment.  Leaders’ plans for careers education are likely to be suitable. An external, qualified careers adviser from a placing local authority has been commissioned to support pupils regularly.  An appropriate assessment system, supported by a suitable marking and feedback policy, has been planned. Pupils’ starting points will be identified when they join the school using tests in English and mathematics. Individual teacher assessments will be

p.1

Main inspection findings

used in all other subjects. Pupils’ progress will be monitored on a half-termly basis, and teachers will use this information to plan for pupils’ learning.  The school is likely to be suitably resourced and a suitable number of staff is likely to be appropriately deployed.  Fundamental British values and respect for all the protected characteristics (as identified in the Equality Act 2010) are likely to be referenced across the curriculum. Leaders have not planned a personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s assemblies, trips and visitors programme outlines a suitable commitment to the promotion of fundamental British values and to ensuring that pupils learn to

p.1

Main inspection findings

respect people with protected characteristics. Planned experiences, such as visits to the Houses of Parliament, are likely to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  The school will not have a religious ethos and will welcome pupils of all faiths. The planned religious education programme ensures that pupils learn about a range of religions, cultures and beliefs. Pupils are likely to develop tolerance and appreciate the diversity of British life.  The school’s curriculum policy makes it clear that no member of staff may promote partisan views, and that balanced viewpoints must always be presented in the teaching of all subjects.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s child protection policy does not take account of the latest statutory guidance. It makes no reference to ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (September

p.1

Main inspection findings

2018).  Designated safeguarding leaders have not completed an appropriately enhanced level of safeguarding training.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to meet requirements. However, leaders have not prepared an appropriate log of sanctions for incidents of serious misbehaviour.  Arrangements for the implementation of the appropriate first aid policy are likely to meet requirements. There are two qualified first aiders. The systems for recording accidents are likely to be appropriate.  It is unclear as to whether or not the school is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This is because the school’s external fire risk assessment and the associated logs on the checks undertaken were not available during the inspection. Leaders are working with the leisure centre’s management to ensure that their premises meet all the requirements for fire safety, and that they

p.2

Main inspection findings

have immediate access to all the required documentation.  The school’s health and safety and risk assessment policies are likely to meet the required aspects of health and safety in reducing identified risks. However, even though an appropriate risk assessment is in place for some of the premises, it does not include coverage of all areas used, such as the off-site sports facility and local library. Leaders are also in the process of installing vision panels in classroom doors.  Admission and attendance registers will be kept electronically. The template for the admission register is not likely to meet requirements, as it does not include all the required information.  An appropriate number of staff will be deployed to ensure that there is always at least a ratio of one adult for every five pupils.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met, as identified in the annex to this report.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  This inspection found that leaders were not clear about all the required vetting checks on staff and governors.  An appropriate single central register (SCR) of checks has been created, but the required checks have not all been undertaken. The recording of checks, including those that have been completed, is haphazard, and there are too many gaps.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met, as identified in the annex to this report. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school comprises a secure area within a public leisure centre. Pupils have use of all the centre’s facilities, including the swimming pool, gym and dance studio. There are three classrooms, offices, a mentoring room and an open-space kitchen area. The school makes use of a very local public library for computing, and

p.3

Main inspection findings

an all-weather sports pitch for physical education and outdoor play.  There are suitable toilet, washing, shower and changing facilities.  All requirements for hot, cold and drinking water supplies are likely to be met.  The acoustic features and internal and external lighting are all suitable.  There is a leisure centre medical room a short distance away from the school’s premises and pupils’ toilets. However, this was only identified as the school’s potential medical facility during the inspection, and plans for its use have not been agreed with the building’s owners, nor have they been appropriately thought-through and risk assessed.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  Many of the required policies and most of the required information are available on

p.3

Main inspection findings

the school’s proposed website. However, leaders have not published information for parents to explain how the school would meet the needs of pupils with English as an additional language, or those with an education, health and care plan.  The school’s intended report templates for parents are likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met, as listed in the annex to this report. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The school’s complaints policy and complaints log are likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  All the independent school standards are not likely to be met, and pupils’ well-being is not likely to be assured if Arco Academy is registered as an independent school at this

p.3

Main inspection findings

time. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school is not likely to be compliant with this requirement because leaders have not written an accessibility plan.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

Proposed school details

Type of school Alternative provider and day school

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Registration not recommended Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 Registration not recommended

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable Up to 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Up to 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan Not applicable Up to 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan Not applicable Up to 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 6

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 8

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 Arco Academy is not currently operating as an independent school. However, it is operating as an alternative provision. For a year, it has provided part-time placements for pupils through a dual-role arrangement, and also provides full-time placements for up to four pupils, none of whom have an education, health and care plan.  The proposed school is likely to make use of alternative provision, including a motor mechanics project and a neighbouring independent alternative provision.  The proprietor, who is also the headteacher, will lead the proposed school.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The 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.  The inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspector met with the proprietor/headteacher, the deputy headteacher and the designated safeguarding leader.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all of the independent school standards. As examples, he toured the premises, reviewed key documents and policies, and considered the school’s proposed curriculum.

p.9

Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

p.9

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if   2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are  – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which  – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act.

p.10

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.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour among pupils by ensuring that  – 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed on pupils for serious misbehaviour.  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.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil

p.10

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  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.

p.10

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; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person  – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub-

p.10

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

paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is  – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether  – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 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; – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including  – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

p.11

Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is  – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

p.11

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 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.12

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.

p.13

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 visitwww.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

p.13

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.13

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.13

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.13

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.13