BFC School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Blackpool Football Club (BFC) School Blackpool Football Club Community Education and Community Centre, Seasiders Way, Blackpool FY1 6JJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have a written curriculum plan that sets out the knowledge and skills to be taught to all pupils. This plan and the detailed schemes of work outline learning in English, mathematics, science, human and social studies, physical education (PE), art and design and computing. The head of school intends to refine the plans, if needed, to meet the individual needs of pupils at the proposed school.  The personal, social, health, citizenship and economic (PSHCE) education curriculum is carefully planned. Leaders are clear that pupils will be taught fundamental British values and to respect all the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act

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Main inspection findings

2010.  Careers education is included in the proposed curriculum. It will also be taught as part of the PSHCE education programme. Leaders intend to provide independent careers advice for pupils from external organisations.  Leaders have recruited staff for the school. There is a suitable training plan in place. The head of school is clear about the subject knowledge and pedagogical skills that teachers will need to teach the proposed curriculum.  Leaders have a wide range of resources in place for the intended curriculum. This includes specialist science equipment, pupils’ workbooks, textbooks and mathematical equipment. These will support teachers in the delivery of the proposed curriculum.  The school’s behaviour policy is compliant. The policy and other linked documents are designed to recognise and encourage good learning behaviour. This will likely ensure disruption to learning is minimised.

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Main inspection findings

 The head of school is clear on how pupils’ learning will be assessed in each subject. She has linked assessment documents with the proposed curriculum closely. As a result, arrangements for assessment are likely to be effective.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of 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, 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)  Leaders’ curriculum plans for PSHCE education demonstrate a commitment to promote British values and equality. Pupils will also learn about a range of beliefs, religions and cultures.  The school’s code of conduct for staff is clear that no member of staff may promote partisan views and that balanced viewpoints must always be presented, including in

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Main inspection findings

any extra-curricular clubs that will take place.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities to create a strong safeguarding culture within the school. Safeguarding documents are up to date, detailed and reflect the most recent statutory guidance. There are suitable procedures in place to record any safeguarding concerns.  Designated safeguarding leads have completed the appropriate level of safeguarding training. Leaders intend that all staff will complete suitable safeguarding training before they begin working with pupils. Leaders understand, carry out and record the required checks on those in positions of management. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are likely to meet requirements. All

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Main inspection findings

incidents of misbehaviour and bullying will be recorded and analysed. This is likely to ensure that any incidents will be dealt with in a suitable way. Paragraphs 11, 12  The school is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety equipment, including emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, smoke detection systems and fire alarms, has been checked and the results of these are accurately logged. Leaders plan that fire alarm tests are completed regularly. They also intend to practise emergency evacuation with pupils regularly.  Health and safety procedures and policies are likely to comply with guidance. Leaders have ensured there are a suite of clear and comprehensive policies in place. These detail the responsibilities of all staff in keeping pupils safe in the building, on trips and during visits. As a result, it is likely that staff will manage the welfare and safety of

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Main inspection findings

pupils effectively. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15  Arrangements for the provision of first aid are likely to meet requirements. Leaders plan that all staff are trained in first aid. Processes for managing and recording accidents and the provision of first aid are likely to be fit for purpose.  The proposed number of staff will likely be suitable. Leaders propose that there will be a high staff-to-pupil ratio in lessons and at recreation times.  Admission and attendance registers are in place and are likely to meet requirements. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Health and safety procedures are compliant. There is a written risk assessment policy. This is supported by a wide range of risk assessments for all types of activities. For example, risk assessments have been completed for the safe use of classrooms, for trips and for the use of off-site facilities. Leaders have ensured a thorough risk assessment of the premises has been carried out. This relates to the building as a

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Main inspection findings

school, not just as part of the football stadium.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of 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)(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)(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), 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)  Leaders have systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils. These include whether any staff or trustees are prohibited from the leadership of a

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Main inspection findings

school under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. These checks are recorded on the school’s single central record.  Recruitment procedures for staff are suitable. Current staff and proprietor body representatives have been suitably checked.  Appropriate checks for supply staff are in place. Leaders do not plan to use supply staff but understand the need to check that supply staff are suitable to work with pupils if needed.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of 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, 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), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school will be located in Blackpool Football Club stadium. There is a separate, secure entrance to the school with a reception area.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff will use two large classrooms on the ground floor for teaching the curriculum. Furniture is suitable for the ages of the intended pupils. Resources, such as interactive technology, are in place to support the curriculum. There is a dining area, medical room and several areas for small group or individual work.  Drinking water is available from water fountains. Pupils are likely to be able to access this easily.  Suitable toilets are provided for pupils. These are separate to the facilities provided for staff.  Washing facilities are available throughout the building. These have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  PE lessons will take place at the sports facilities within the football stadium. Suitable changing rooms and shower facilities are available in this area.  Pupils will have access to space at the side of the football ground and the park next to

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Main inspection findings

the stadium for play and recreation.  All areas have been risk assessed. The proprietor body is likely to be able to ensure pupils’ health and safety while the premises are in use.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(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)  Leaders intend to provide the required information and documents to parents and carers. This includes the proposed school’s safeguarding policy and information about the curriculum.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of 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),

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Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy is likely to meet requirements. An appropriate format to record complaints has been prepared.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of 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 proprietor body has developed a proposed curriculum which includes all of the required curriculum aspects. Leaders have outlined how they will assess pupils in these subjects. The schemes of work are detailed and ambitious. They provide guidance to staff about how to deliver suitable education for pupils.  The head of school has a strong vision for the education that the school intends to provide. She brings education and leadership expertise to her role.  The proprietor body representatives are knowledgeable about their work. They check

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Main inspection findings

that the independent school standards are met as part of strategic meetings.  The proprietor body has ensured that all the independent school standards are likely to be met regarding the arrangements for the welfare and health and safety of pupils.  The proprietor body has ensured that all 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. This details how pupils will access the building, activities and the curriculum. Consequently, 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

Proprietor Blackpool Football Club Community Trust

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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 32 32

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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 32 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 with 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 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 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The vision of BFC School is to build an independent school to support local secondary education with an alternative provision.  The school is located in the north stand area of Blackpool Football Club stadium.  Leaders intend that pupils will remain on roll at their secondary school roll but will also be entered on roll with Blackpool Football Club School.  Since the last pre-registration inspection, the head of school has taken up post.  The school does not plan to use alternative provision.

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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 BFC School. The previous inspection took place on 3 June 2021.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the chair of the proprietor body, the head of education, the designated safeguarding lead and the chief executive officer.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor body’s policies in relation to welfare and health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the school with the head of school and the chief executive officer.

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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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