Invested Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Invested Education Hall Close, Marske-by-the-Sea, Redcar & Cleveland, North Yorkshire TS11 6AB

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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) and 4  Leaders have made sure that the curriculum plan in place is supported by schemes of work for each curriculum area. It is planned that the curriculum will be bespoke to individual pupils to enable them to catch up on any missed learning. It is also planned that the curriculum will be sequential to enable pupils to build on previous learning.  An alternative provision (AP) has been run by leaders for some time and it is intended the school will encompass many of the values and the ethos of the AP. Work from previous pupils was looked at during the inspection and demonstrated a bespoke and sequential approach to the curriculum.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders’ ethos is focused on pupils becoming valued citizens who understand the need for democracy and British values. The school’s proposed personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum reflects this well. Within the proposed English curriculum, books have been sensitively chosen which deal with issues surrounding gender, race and religion. This is designed to support and deepen pupils’ learning within PSHE and in relation to the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders recognise that pupils’ behaviour has often had an impact on their learning in the past. Links with the therapy team are to be put in place in order to assist new staff with strategies to support pupils’ behaviour. This, leaders believe, will increase pupils’ capacity to learn by managing their own behaviour in the classroom.  School leaders aim to extend the established system they have in place to support pupils to make informed choices about future careers. Opportunities for unbiased

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Main inspection findings

careers education are planned, alongside an increase in the number of pupils accessing work experience once COVID-19 (coronavirus) precautions allow.  The proprietor is clear that the school will only employ qualified staff to teach pupils. Leaders believe this will ensure staff are knowledgeable in different subject areas and will plan learning effectively.  Assessing pupils’ knowledge and understanding is to be carried out in lessons and at the end of units of work. An assessment scheme has been designed by the school based on a commercial scheme. This, it is planned, will enable staff to measure pupils’ progress from their starting points.  School leaders have ensured the standards in this part are likely 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)  School leaders plan to ensure pupils develop an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of the curriculum through the PSHE curriculum. It is also planned that pupils will learn through ‘talk and draw‘ classes to discuss their feelings as well as develop their drawing skills and appreciation of art.  Part of the school’s ethos is to ensure pupils become successful learners. Leaders believe this contributes directly to improving pupils’ self-esteem and self-confidence.  Behaving well is to be rewarded using a star system. This enables pupils to collect stars each day as rewards for good behaviour and focusing on their learning. Over a period of time, stars are exchanged for gift vouchers which pupils use to purchase a

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Main inspection findings

chosen article. This system is used in the company’s AP and enables pupils to develop the important skill of working to achieve praise and reward.  Leaders are keen for pupils to contribute to the local community. Up until now COVID- 19 restrictions have reduced opportunities for fundraising activities. However, leaders’ plans show that this area is to be developed in the future.  Visits from members of public services, such as the police and ambulance service, are planned. This aims to help pupils develop a respect for public institutions and services.  Leaders have followed national guidance to ensure the prospective school delivers relationships and sex education. Plans include a section to ensure pupils develop an understanding of groups protected by the 2010 Equality Act.  School leaders have ensured 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 Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9c, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  School leaders have ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy and proposed practice link closely to the guidance within ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (2021).  The school’s single central record shows that the required safer recruitment checks have been undertaken for staff who have already been appointed. However, at the time of the inspection, no members of staff or the proprietorial board had completed the required safer recruitment training. Despite this, further checks of staff files showed that all required vetting procedures had been carried out on new staff.  Staff have completed designated safeguarding training, as has the headteacher.  An online system is already in place to record incidents of bullying and difficult behaviour within the AP. Leaders plan to develop this further as the number of pupils

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Main inspection findings

in school increases.  It is planned that teachers will work with the therapy team to support pupils to manage their behaviour. This will include the monitoring of incidents in order to try to understand what has caused pupils’ difficult behaviour.  The school’s health and safety policy is comprehensive and covers fire safety as well as the required checks for legionnaire’s disease. The teacher appointed as health and safety officer had yet to complete her required training. A place for this was booked for the week following the inspection.  A recent fire safety audit shows that the school’s new building is compliant with the 2005 fire safety requirements. However, a recommendation was made that the overgrown shrubbery next to the school should be removed. School leaders had taken appropriate and timely actions to remove the offending plants. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the landscaping company, leaders were awaiting the

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Main inspection findings

completion of the job.  Leaders are planning to ensure members of staff are first-aid trained. Three new staff members were booked on to courses to complete their training.  Examples of risk assessments to be used in the school were scrutinised during the inspection. The risk assessment proforma showed how leaders identify risk effectively and how risk is minimised.  School leaders have ensured 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 Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(3), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 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), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 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(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  Leaders have ensured all the required safer recruitment checks have been carried out on staff recruited to work in the school.  A single central record is in place which contains the names of current staff and a

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Main inspection findings

record of all checks that have been carried out.  The headteacher is knowledgeable about the required checks and follows the advice and guidance set by the Department for Education (DfE).  School leaders have ensured 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), 24(2), 25, 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), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)30  The proposed school premises are located in a building which was previously a doctor’s surgery. The small rooms, previously consulting rooms, should lend themselves well to the proposed model of teaching in small groups of pupils.  At the time of the inspection, some resources were in place, including desks and chairs, some books and video projectors. All resources were maintained to a

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Main inspection findings

satisfactory standard. Other resources were on order to arrive by September 2021, and include a wider range of books and specialist equipment, for example for the teaching of science.  Information technology equipment will, it is planned, be accessible in every classroom and include laptops for pupils.  There are sufficient toilets to meet the needs of up to 20 pupils. All are single stall. Two stalls are in a room with a door to the corridor. A disabled toilet is also available.  The building does not have a shower. Physical education is to be delivered off site at all times. Leaders produced email confirmation of bookings at sports facilities close to the school.  The hot water temperature was checked in both hand basins and at the kitchen sink. At the time of the inspection, the temperature of the water was low enough to not cause a scald to skin.  Fresh water is to be made available for pupils to drink in the kitchen area and in

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Main inspection findings

classrooms, nearly all of which have small sinks. A sign directs pupils to the correct tap.  The medical room has been located in one of the consulting rooms with sufficient room for a bed. It has a sink and is close to toilet facilities. A first-aid kit was checked and found to meet requirements.  The building’s open plan central area offers pupils an opportunity to meet and socialise at break and lunchtime. A partially covered area allows pupils outdoor space in inclement weather. It is planned that the smaller space behind the building will contain raised beds which will allow pupils to develop an understanding of how to grow their own food. It is envisaged this will promote healthy eating.  Both external and internal lighting meet requirements. The acoustics in classrooms support teaching and learning well.  School leaders have ensured the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b) ,32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h),32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(b)(i), 32(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), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b) and 32(4)(c).  The school does not yet have a website. A website is planned should the school be registered to open.  All relevant information is available to parents from a prospectus or by visiting the school premises.  It is planned that all of the school’s policies and procedures will be made available in paper form, including the safeguarding policy, should parents request them.  Leaders intend to provide parents with an annual report which provides information about the progress and attainment of each pupil in each subject area. A proforma for this was viewed by the inspector at the time of the inspection.  The proprietors are aware of the need to provide information to local authorities for

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ annual reviews. The role of collating the information and scheduling annual reviews will be carried out by the headteacher in the first instance.  Leaders have 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 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) and 33(k)  The school’s proposed complaints policy meets the requirements of the independent school standards. The policy lays out clearly the stages required to investigate a complaint in a timely manner.  It is planned that parents who wish to access the policy may do so through the school’s website, or by application to the school’s office.  Leaders have ensured 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 Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietors are passionate about the needs of disadvantaged pupils. Leaders’ research, coupled with their very recent experience of running an AP, has led them to believe there is the need for a new school within the locality.  School leaders aim to engage pupils, raise their self-esteem and expectations of their own abilities and address pupils’ emotional needs. Therapeutic services will be in place to support these aims.  Leaders aim to offer a bespoke curriculum which meets pupils’ individual needs and focuses on developing pupils’ self-esteem in order for them to be successful in the future.  Leaders have ensured the standards are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have put in place an accessibility plan which outlines their plans for future improvements to their building.

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Main inspection findings

 School leaders’ application to be registered for up to 20 pupils includes prospective pupils with identified visual and hearing needs. Currently it seems unlikely that many pupils will have these needs. However, leaders have made reference to improvements within the accessibility plan for these groups.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address information@invested-education.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils NA 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll NA 20 Up to 20 including AP pupils

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recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  School leaders intend to continue to provide alternative provision (AP) to a small number of pupils. The outside provision is small and offers adequate provision for up to 20 pupils, but these numbers should include any pupils attending AP.

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils NA Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 20

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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 0 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 6

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in Marske-by-the Sea, a small town within Redcar and Clevedon.  The proposed school plans to meet the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and other associated special educational needs and/or disabilities. It also plans to meet the needs of pupils with sight and or hearing impairment.  The proposed school does not have a religious denomination.  The proposed school does not intend to use alternative education provision.  Staff who teach at the school will have access to therapeutic support in order to develop strategies to meet the behavioural needs of their pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE.  The inspection was the first pre-registration inspection for the proposed school.  The school was not operating at the time of the inspection.  The inspector analysed documents provided by the proprietor prior to the inspection and others on site. These included safeguarding documents, the curriculum policy and schemes of work, health and safety documents and some examples of risk assessments.  The inspector met with the headteacher and the proprietor and discussed the proposed arrangements for safeguarding pupils and the proposed curriculum.  The inspector also carried out an inspection of the premises and outdoor provision.

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Inspection team

Marian Thomas, lead inspector Ofsted 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 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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