Core Training and Development limited

School pre-registration inspection report

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Core Training and Development Networks House, Whitehall Industrial Estate, Whitehall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS12 5JB

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school does not yet have a curriculum policy in place. Subject plans are in place for English, mathematics, science and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. These plans cover each key stage and will be bespoke to the needs of the pupils. Schemes of work provide details of the knowledge and skills that pupils need to remember. Tutors will use this guidance to plan their lessons.  Pupils will study a range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, art, physical education (PE), careers education, history and geography. At key stage 4, pupils will study a range of relevant qualifications at GCSE level. Vocational subjects such as childcare will be part of the curriculum offer.  Pupils who will attend the school are likely to have missed significant periods of

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Main inspection findings

education. They may have gaps in their learning. The proprietor intends to assess pupils on their entry to school to identify where the gaps are in their understanding. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will have a personalised approach to the curriculum, to meet their specific needs. Half-termly quizzes will inform teachers of how much pupils have remembered about the subjects being taught.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Paragraph 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)  The proprietor has put in place a PSHE policy and programme of work. This includes how to teach pupils about healthy lifestyles, aspects of the protected characteristics and British values.  Leaders intend to provide impartial careers advice to all pupils. The PSHE programme supports pupils in their preparation and planning for life after school. Pupils will learn

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Main inspection findings

about the things to consider before applying for further education. They will consider the investment and commitment required to decide whether it is a viable option.  Visiting speakers and local college representatives will talk to pupils about options during careers workshops. Pupils in Year 11 will participate in work experience.  The proprietor is keen to involve pupils in the community. Plans are being considered to engage pupils in gardening activities to help others. Leaders are benchmarking their careers programme against the Gatsby benchmarks.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Teachers already in place have a range of experience and expertise. They are subject specialists in English, mathematics and science. Future staff will be selected for their specialist knowledge. If the school is given permission to open by the Department for

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Main inspection findings

Education (DfE) a humanities specialist will be recruited.  Leaders talk clearly about how strong relationships will be part of their ethos. Pupils will choose their own key worker. Pupils will work closely with that person who will help them to think and learn for themselves.  Staff are experienced in working with pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. They understand the strategies that will help pupils to manage their behaviour. Key workers will help pupils to regulate their emotions. They will guide pupils to see what the consequences of their actions will be and seek other solutions.  British values are promoted throughout the curriculum. Leaders intend pupils to understand the protected characteristics, as defined in the Equality Act 2010. This will be taught by discussing related issues, such as radical views, religious prejudice, sexual orientation and age discrimination.

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Main inspection findings

 A variety of assessment methods are planned to check that pupils are making appropriate levels of progress. For instance, previous statutory assessment papers will indicate how much pupils have remembered. Interventions will take place where gaps in knowledge are highlighted.  Parents will receive regular reports on the academic and emotional progress that their child is making.  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 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)  PSHE has been considered carefully. Leaders have put in place a relevant programme of study. This will support pupils to understand the issues that could arise in the wider world. Pupils will learn about how to live independently and be law-abiding citizens. They will know what a healthy relationship looks like and understand the concept of consent.  Leaders place a high priority on pupils developing resilience and self-esteem, so that they are better prepared for life after school. Pupils will have an assessment of their social and emotional needs. Activities will be planned to address any areas where pupils need help.  Leaders have a relationship and sex education and health education curriculum in place. They intend to discuss the programme with all future parents.

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Main inspection findings

 Tolerance and harmony will be promoted through celebrating different religions and cultures. Pupils will contribute to the lives of others in the community by participating in fundraising events. Pupils will gain an understanding of right and wrong from talking to the police about the consequences of criminal activity. They will hear about knife crime from a visiting speaker. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Leaders are clear that pupils will hear a balanced presentation of views in lessons. Staff will not promote any particular political views. Visiting speakers will be monitored closely to ensure that they present unbiased accounts to pupils.  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 Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy is informed by the most recent government guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The up-to-date safeguarding policy is available to parents on the school’s website. The policy sets out what staff should do if they have any concerns about a pupil’s safety or well-being.  The proprietor and headteacher are already trained as the designated safeguarding lead and deputy designated safeguarding lead. Plans are for other staff to be trained to this level. Leaders have a comprehensive understanding of the risks that pupils may face in the wider world. Leaders intend to provide updates on safeguarding issues to the staff. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Leaders have put in place a behaviour policy which is personalised to the needs of the pupils who will attend the school. Leaders intend to use exclusions as a very last

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Main inspection findings

resort. Instead, the ethos of the policy is to help pupils to make the right choices in managing their own behaviour. Behaviour support plans will provide guidance and strategies to improve behaviour. Behaviour incidents will be recorded.  There is an anti-bullying policy on the school’s website. The policy defines bullying and how pupils can suffer from prejudiced bullying. Measures will be put in place to support victims and educate those responsible to prevent any reoccurrence. Paragraph 11, 12, 13  There is a health and safety policy on the school’s website. It is related to the premises of the proposed school. The proprietor has systems in place to monitor the safety of the building. Regular fire drills are planned so that pupils can evacuate the building safely in the event of a fire. Regular checks of fire extinguishers and fire alarms will be undertaken. The proprietor will ensure compliance with the Regulatory

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Main inspection findings

Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Some staff have already undertaken fire marshal training. The proprietor intends that all staff working in the premises will complete this training.  The proprietor has put in place arrangements to administer first aid. There are three staff who have been trained in first aid. First aid boxes and provisions are positioned around the building and there is a recording system in place. However, there is currently no policy to provide guidance on the administration and monitoring of first aid across the school. Paragraph 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor intends to appoint enough staff to supervise pupils throughout the day. The intention is for staff to accompany pupils at all times.  Leaders have put in place systems to register pupils’ attendance. There is an admissions register in place to record new pupils starting at the school.  Examples of individual risk assessments, written by leaders, were seen during the

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Main inspection findings

inspection. These included the premises and subject risk assessments. These were found to assess and address specific risks to pupils. However, there is currently no overarching risk assessment policy in place to guide and advise staff on identifying and managing the risks to pupils.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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), 20(1), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(3)(b), 20(3)(b)(i), 20(3)(b)(ii), 20(3)(b)(iii), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a system in place to check the suitability of staff to work at the school. Background checks, identity checks, right to work in the United Kingdom and checks on suitability to work with children have been carried out. Leaders say that staff will not take up their posts until all the required checks are confirmed.  Leaders have undertaken the safer recruitment training to prepare them to recruit new staff.  The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff. However, leaders understand the appropriate checks that need to be made if supply staff are used.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 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)  The proprietor has put in place an electronic single central record. Details of all new staff will be entered onto this record as they are appointed.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for girls and boys. These are provided in a room that can be secured from the inside. Leaders intend that only one pupil at a time will use the facilities. There is a separate toilet for use by staff and visitors.  The proprietor intends to install a shower for use after PE if the school is given

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Main inspection findings

permission to operate by the DfE.  A medical room provides accommodation for the treatment of the pupils. It has a bed and is close to toilet facilities. Paragraph 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)  The lighting in each room is appropriate for the activities that will take place.  Drinking water is available. The proprietor is labelling taps to indicate where drinking water can be accessed.  External lighting is provided so that people can safely enter and leave the school premises. The proprietor is repairing one outside light that requires some attention.  Toilets and washing facilities have a supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk to the pupils. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Outdoor space is available to the rear of the school. The perimeter of the back of the school is enclosed by a high fence.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor is developing a paved space to provide a garden area for pupils to use at breaktimes.  The proprietor understands that any future provision for PE in the community will need to be risk assessed and safeguarding checks in place.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 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)  The school has a website. Some of the required policies are available to parents on the website. However, the admissions policy, the curriculum policy and the first aid policy are not yet available to parents.  The name of the headteacher and contact details of the proprietor during holidays are missing from the school’s website.  Information on how the school will support pupils with special educational needs and pupils who speak English as an additional language is not currently available.  Details of the previous year’s academic performance will be published on the school’s website.  Leaders have templates in place to report pupils’ academic and social progress to

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Main inspection findings

parents and local authorities. Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports to parents. The proprietor has prepared a template to report on the income and expenditure of funds relating to pupils placed by other schools or local authorities.  The proprietor intends to publish inspection reports on the school website.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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 is in writing and has been made available to parents on the website. It sets out clear timescales for processing a complaint. There are references to how the complaints can be considered initially on an informal basis. If a parent is not satisfied with the response to a complaint, a hearing before an independent panel is arranged. Written records of the complaint will be kept confidentially.  However, the proposed school’s complaints policy does not fully comply with all the requirements set out in the independent school standards. The policy does not include how the findings and recommendations will be provided to the complainant. The policy does not set out how the actions taken by the school, as a result of the

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Main inspection findings

complaint, will be communicated to the complainant.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and the headteacher work well together as a cohesive team. They share the same aspirations. They have a wide range of knowledge and experience of working with pupils with SEND. The proprietor currently runs two successful alternative provisions. At the time of the inspection the proprietor and headteacher had knowledge of the independent school standards, but were not familiar with the finer details.  The proprietor and the headteacher have a clear vision for pupils to succeed at the proposed school. This is for pupils to catch up on lost learning, gain in resilience and transition back into mainstream education.  The proprietor is considering establishing a board or panel of people who will hold leaders to account for standards in the school.  There is a strong focus on the welfare of the pupils. Restorative practice and building

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Main inspection findings

coping strategies will support pupils who have found it difficult to succeed in mainstream education. Suitable safeguarding arrangements are in place.  Leaders understand the importance of ensuring that the school meets the independent school standards consistently. They are fully committed to addressing the standards that are not likely to be met during this inspection.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan. The plan outlines how access will be improved to the curriculum, the physical environment and written materials for pupils with a disability. The proprietor intends to include more-specific targets and timescales to improve the plan further. This action will mean that the school is likely to meet the requirements of the 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £77.50 to £82.50 per day

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Proposed school details

Website www.coretraininganddevelopment.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address info@coretraininganddevelopment.org

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 16 8 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 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 35

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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 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 Not applicable Not known

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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 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 6

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is situated on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Leeds city centre.  The proprietor currently runs an eight to 16 years alternative education provision with the same name on the school site. This provision will be incorporated into the independent school when it opens.  The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, pupils with autism spectrum disorder and pupils with attention deficit disorder. Some pupils may have an education, health and care plan.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the DfE. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. It was the school’s first pre- registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The proposed school is currently operating as an alternative provider. There are three key stage 3 pupils attending.  The inspector met with the proprietor and the headteacher.  The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the proprietor and the headteacher. Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.

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Inspection team

Suzette Garland-Grimes, lead inspector Ofsted 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  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.

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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)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 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(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the headteacher; – 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor’s full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 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; – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2; – 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which– – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is– – 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld).

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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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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