Blue Sky Learning

School pre-registration inspection report

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Blue Sky Learning Harburwell Cottage, 27–29 Anchor Road, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 8DZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(b)–2(2)(d)(ii), 3(b), 3(f), 3(h)–3(j), 4  The proprietor, who is also the principal, is already providing part-time alternative provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The current approach to learning, set out in curriculum plans, is intended to be used in the proposed school. These place a strong emphasis on fundamental skills and pupils’ personal and social development.  Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education plans reflect the aims of the proposed school. This includes ensuring that pupils build self-confidence and learn to respect others, paying regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The curriculum plans also show that British values will be actively promoted.  The inspector observed three lessons. Leaders and staff at the alternative provision

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Main inspection findings

provide very effective support to develop pupils’ self-motivation and manage pupils’ challenging behaviour well. Pupils are helped to think and learn for themselves.  A wide range of teaching resources are already available, and staff use them well to promote and aid pupils’ learning.  Staff provide an annual report to parents of pupils in the alternative provision. It includes a framework to evaluate pupils’ achievement. The principal intends to adapt this format for the school to ensure that pupils’ progress can be reported across all of the proposed subjects.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(1), 2(1), 2(1)(a)–2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(h), 2A(1)–2A(3), 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g)  The proprietor has not yet considered how the curriculum should develop to provide effective full-time, long-term learning that meets pupils’ needs. Furthermore, leaders

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Main inspection findings

have not determined carefully enough the range of special educational needs that they intend to cater for.  Schemes of work are incomplete and do not set out well enough how pupils’ ages will be taken to account. It is not clear how pupils’ skills and knowledge will build over time. The schemes are not suitable to support effective lesson planning or set out the subject knowledge that teachers will require.  Staff currently produce and implement detailed plans to support pupils’ individual needs. However, leaders have not determined how pupils with a wider range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will be supported in the school.  Leaders have identified how teachers will assess pupils’ learning, but they are not clear enough about what teachers will be using to measure pupils’ achievement. Too wide a range of conflicting approaches are set out for staff to use.  There are no developed plans to provide secondary age pupils with an impartial and

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Main inspection findings

effective careers guidance.  Plans to provide pupils with relationships and sex education are at an early stage of development. There is no policy in place yet.  These standards are not likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  Leaders are committed to providing for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Existing schemes of work show that there are opportunities for pupils to learn about different faiths, people and places. Plans for PSHE education will support pupils to consider their individual qualities and how they should interact with others.  Evidence from documents and discussions with the principal indicate that the curriculum will provide for pupils’ personal and social development so that they can contribute to British society effectively. Due to the needs of the pupils that the school

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Main inspection findings

is intending to serve, the curriculum is particularly focused on giving pupils a range of useful experiences for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  All policies reflect the promotion of fundamental British values. This includes ensuring that pupils are not exposed to partisan political views in teaching or any other activities. Leaders have also ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are met.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 9–14, 16  Leaders are already managing concerns relating to pupils’ welfare effectively. Staff have received the right training, so they know what actions to take if they have concerns about a pupil. Leaders have a safeguarding policy that meets current requirements and is published on their website. Staff report concerns promptly and in accordance with the policy.  Records show that leaders are proactive and tenacious in following up concerns about

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Main inspection findings

pupils at risk of harm. They work well with other agencies to promote pupils’ welfare.  The behaviour policy for the proposed school is based on the arrangements for the alternative provision. The policy sets out suitable rewards and sanctions for misbehaviour. Detailed records show that pupils at the alternative provision have responded well to this approach. Incidents of challenging behaviour have reduced as pupils have settled at Blue Sky Learning.  An effective anti-bullying strategy is in place.  The proprietor has worked closely with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service to ensure that the site complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment has been undertaken and the resulting actions are complete. For example, there are suitable signs to indicate fire escape routes, firefighting equipment and records of checks and drills.  There is an effective first aid policy in place. Staff have all completed training; this

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Main inspection findings

includes paediatric first aid training. The principal oversees detailed records of accidents and any first aid that staff provide.  Due to the proposed nature of pupils’ needs, the proprietor intends to have high levels of supervision for pupils. Staff currently supervise pupils at the alternative provision carefully.  There is an effective health and safety policy in place. There is also a separate risk assessment policy. Staff carry out suitable risk assessments for a range of activities, the different parts of the premises and off-site visits. They take appropriate action to reduce risks. Detailed risk assessments are in place to ensure that individual pupils’ safety and well-being are promoted.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 15  The proprietor was not aware of the requirements for admissions and attendance registers. Current systems do not meet these requirements well enough. However,

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Main inspection findings

detailed records of pupils’ attendance at the alternative provision are kept, and leaders monitor this closely to help keep pupils safe.  This standard is not likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18–21(8)  The proprietor has ensured that there are suitable checks in place for all leaders, staff and contractors. These follow the guidance set out in ‘Keeping children safe in education, 2021’.  Leaders know the checks that they need to make should they employ supply staff.  There is a single central record of suitability checks. The proprietor checks this regularly to ensure that it is up to date and complete.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23–29, 31  The proprietor is already using part of her house as the premises for the alternative

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Main inspection findings

provision. She was intending to make this the premises for the school. However, she has not yet secured planning permission to use the building as a school. Although the features of the building indicate that the premises standards are likely to be met, there is no guarantee that the site and buildings seen will be the setting for the proposed school. Therefore, none of the standards in part 5 are likely to be met.  The proposed classrooms are of sufficient size, well-lit and have appropriate acoustics. Rooms are designed to be comfortable, calming and welcoming to support pupils’ SEMH needs.  Leaders have identified that the space to the back of the property can be used for play and for physical education. Currently, the garden space is nearly all lawned, meaning there is limited hard floor space for play when there is inclement weather. There is a large park nearby that leaders also intend to use for physical education.

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Main inspection findings

 A small heated swimming pool in a secure building in the garden is available for pupils’ use.  There is one individual toilet and a shower, in a lockable room, available for pupils’ use. Staff use the toilet in the main house. There is adequate water supply and hot water is at a safe temperature.  Leaders have identified a space which will be used as a medical room when required. This is in a room close to the pupils’ toilet. The space includes a portable sink.  Suitable drinking facilities are accessible, away from the toilet and clearly labelled.  The premises and facilities are maintained to a good standard but are not suitable for wheelchair users.  These standards are likely to be met if planning permission is obtained.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a)–32(1)(g), 32(1)(j), 32(2)(a)–32(5)  The proprietor already has a website for the alternative provision. Much of the

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Main inspection findings

required information is already available there. She knows that she will need to publish inspection reports and provide a copy to parents of each registered pupil.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i)  The proprietor was not aware of the requirement to provide details of income and expenditure in respect of a pupil funded by the local authority, public funds or with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Systems to do this are not currently in place.  These standards are not likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33(a)–33(f), 33(i), 33(i)(ii)–33(k)  The proprietor has a written complaints policy that sets out clear timescales and the stages for handling a complaint. This includes ensuring that complaints can be considered initially on an informal basis.  Records of complaints will be kept securely. They will contain details of how they were

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Main inspection findings

resolved, and any actions taken.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 33(g), 33(h), 33(i)(i)  The complaints procedure is based on Department for Education guidance for maintained schools. Therefore, it does not meet all of the independent school standards (ISS). The procedure does not state that one member of any panel hearing a complaint must be independent of the management of the school. It does not make clear that a parent can be accompanied at a panel hearing or that findings and recommendations will be provided to the complainant and the person complained about.  These standards are not likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has set clear values for the proposed school and is keen to build on the successes of the alternative provision. Supporting pupils to achieve and become self-

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Main inspection findings

confident learners is at the heart of her work. She is an open, honest and principled leader.  Leaders have established effective systems to actively promote pupils’ welfare. Procedures to help keep pupils safe from harm are secure.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  The proprietor has put some of the important systems and policies in place. However, there is not enough oversight, understanding or effective leadership in place yet to ensure that all the requirements of the ISS are likely to be met.  The principal has started to develop the leadership structures to support her in building and running a school. Others are taking on roles such as the designated safeguarding leader and the health and safety officer. Some expertise is lacking. There are plans to ensure that there is a qualified special educational needs coordinator.  External advisers have provided some helpful support to the principal. She values the

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Main inspection findings

assistance that she has received in finance and safeguarding. The principal has started to consider creating an advisory board to provide some oversight and ongoing challenge to leaders’ work.  These standards are not likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor was unaware of the need to produce and maintain an accessibility plan. Therefore, no plan is in place. Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Safeguarding and welfare requirements, Learning and development requirements 1.7– 3.80  The requirements relating to children’s safeguarding and welfare are met as set out above.  Leaders ensure that pupils at the alternative provision have a key person and intend to continue this for all children who attend the school.  One of the assessment systems already in place enables staff to record children’s progress against the early learning goals. The principal is aware of the requirements

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Main inspection findings

to assess children’s learning against the early years foundation stage (EYFS) profile at the end of the Reception Year.  These requirements are likely to be met. Learning and development requirements 1.1–1.6  The current proposed curriculum does not include children in the early years. It is not clear how children’s development across the seven areas of learning will be promoted.  These requirements are not likely to be met.  The statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are not likely to be met.

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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

Email address kirsty@bluesky-learning.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 14 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 20

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 16

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 11 4 to 13 4 to 13 Number of pupils on the school roll 14 12 10

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The proprietor does not have planning permission for the current premises. However, if these premises were to be used, there is insufficient space for 12 pupils. A maximum of ten pupils could be accommodated.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 14 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 14 12

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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 14 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 12

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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

 Blue Sky Learning Ltd has applied to provide education for up to 12 pupils aged 4 to 13. The intended site of the school is in Calne, Wiltshire.  The proposed school will be for any pupils with SEND. It is anticipated that pupils will be allocated by local authorities and will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor is Blue Sky Learning Centre Ltd. There is one director of the company who intends to be the principal of the school. The proprietor does not run any other school.  The proposed school is currently operating. Blue Sky Learning provides alternative provision for 14 pupils with SEMH needs on a part-time basis. Pupils do not attend for more than 16 hours each week.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The setting is already operating. It opened in January 2020. There are 14 pupils on roll who all have an EHC plan. The inspector visited three lessons.  The inspector held discussions about all parts of the independent school standards and the statutory requirements of the EYFS with both the principal and the deputy principal.  The inspector considered documentation related to the proposed school curriculum, including the curriculum policy and schemes of work. The inspector also evaluated the complaints policy.  The inspector considered documentation, including policies, safeguarding records, and plans in place to maintain pupils’ safety. The inspector met with the deputy principal,

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Information about this inspection

who is also the designated safeguarding leader, and the principal to discuss arrangements to keep pupils safe.  The lead inspector also toured the site and premises, both internally and externally, to determine if Part 5 of the independent school standards is likely to be met.

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Inspection team

Caroline Dulon, 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.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(f) where the school has pupils below compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their educational needs in relation to personal, social, emotional and physical development and communication and language skills; and – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor– – 2A(1)(a) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with primary education at the school is provided with relationships education, – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2),

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one. – 2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  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(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; and – 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

 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 Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  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

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and – 24(1)(c) where a school caters for pupils with complex needs, additional medical accommodation which caters for those needs.  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).  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.  26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if– – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  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)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006[16]) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of State; and – 32(1)(i) where a pupil with an EHC plan wholly or partly funded by a local authority or other body through public funds is registered at the school, such information as may reasonably be required for the purpose of the annual review of the EHC plan is provided to the responsible local authority.

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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(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 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.

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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; and – 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

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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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