Assess Education North West

School pre-registration inspection report

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Assess North West 260 Picton Road, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 4LP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 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), 2A(1),2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3)3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have a clear vision for the school. They plan to provide education to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The planned curriculum shows suitable breadth and ambition. This curriculum will give pupils experiences in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, creative and aesthetic and physical activities. Leaders intend that pupils will achieve a range of either functional skills or GCSE qualifications.  Detailed schemes of work are in place. These provide a framework for teaching.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders that intend these will be adapted to meet pupils’ needs. These plans demonstrate how teachers will deliver the curriculum to each year group.  The policy for the teaching of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is in place. The intended scheme of work is likely to enable pupils to develop their understanding of building positive relationships, recognising risks they may face and living a healthy lifestyle.  Leaders’ plans and policies show that relationships and sex education will be taught as part of the curriculum. In addition, leaders plan to develop pupils’ understanding of British values and to understand and respect other cultures and religions.  Pupils will have access to impartial careers information, advice and guidance. This includes work with local businesses and further education providers. It is likely that this will support pupils to make appropriate choices for their next steps for further

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Main inspection findings

education, training or employment.  There is a clear assessment policy in place. Leaders intend to provide parents and carers with annual reports which detail their children’s progress in all subjects.  The proprietor has ensured that 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 have planned a curriculum to develop pupils’ PSHE education. Plans also show how leaders intend to develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness and relationships and sex education.  Through the curriculum, leaders intend that pupils will acquire a secure understanding of making appropriate choices. For example, leaders plan to develop pupils’ understanding of the importance of being law-abiding citizens alongside the dangers

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Main inspection findings

of county lines and of gang membership.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy is suitable. It refers to the latest statutory guidance from the government. The systems that leaders will use to report and respond to concerns about pupils are appropriate. The designated safeguarding leader has received appropriate training. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The behaviour policy is detailed. Leaders plan to keep records and analyse any incidents of misbehaviour. This is based on the system currently in use in the proprietor’s existing school which is on the same site. They will review this information regularly to revise procedures if necessary.  The anti-bullying policy outlines leaders’ views that bullying will not be tolerated in the school. Records are in place to record any incidents of bullying.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has drawn up a health and safety policy which sets out the expected systems and procedures to keep pupils safe and promote their welfare. The school’s risk assessment policy demonstrates that the proprietor has considered pupils’ individual risks.  The school has taken appropriate action to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Leaders plan to undertake regular fire drills, which will be recorded along with any required actions. Records show that fire alarms are already tested regularly. Evacuation procedures are in place and exits are labelled.  The arrangements for first aid are suitable for the proposed school. The proprietor is trained to administer first aid. Leaders plan that staff will be trained in first aid as part of their induction. A template is in place to record any administration of first aid.

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Main inspection findings

 Risk assessments are detailed and identify any potential hazards and any action required to mitigate the identified risks. The risk assessment policy is comprehensive and outlines the responsibility of all staff. Staff will also be expected to read the suite of health and safety policies as part of their induction.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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),

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Main inspection findings

20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that all the necessary checks have been carried out on staff who are already employed at the proprietor’s existing school, prior to their employment at this proposed school. These include checks on the identity, employment history and suitability of staff members.  The school will not have a governing body. The headteacher is the proprietor. The Department for Education has carried out the necessary checks to confirm the proprietor’s suitability.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 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), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is located on the first floor of the building that houses the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor’s existing school. The building is comprised of a large classroom and several smaller learning areas. This will be adequate for the proposed number of pupils. There are also several areas to be used for small-group teaching, when needed. Furniture is suitable for the ages of the intended pupils.  There is a secure entrance at the front of the building. Leaders have given thought to how pupils’ arrival and departure will be managed safely as the building is situated next to a busy road.  There is a room on the ground floor that can be used for the treatment of pupils if they are ill or require medical treatment. This room has a bed and is close to a toilet. The basin has hot and cold running water.  Pupils will have access to space near the school for play and recreation. Leaders have risk assessed the outdoor space and the short journey from the school.  There are toilets and washing facilities on each floor of the building. Each toilet can be

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Main inspection findings

locked from the inside and is for individual pupil use.  Pupils will have access to fresh drinking water at all times in the school. This will be provided through bottled water and free access to an appropriately labelled mains water tap.  Leaders do not intend to teach physical education (PE) from the school site. They have appropriate plans and risk assessments in place to ensure pupils have safe access to suitable shower facilities in the locations where PE will be taught.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. 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)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), Paragraph 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(i), 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)  Leaders have a website ready if the proposed school is registered. All of the necessary information and policies are in place. Leaders intend to upload the required

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Main inspection findings

information and documents to the website if the school is registered. These include the proposed school’s safeguarding policy. Information for parents and carers will also be available on request and will be sent out to prospective parents.  The proprietor has ensured that 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), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The complaints policy sets out the school’s procedures for handling complaints. It adheres to government guidance, including setting out the timescales for each stage if a complaint is made. It also includes details about the independent panel, should this be required.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of the standards. The proprietor and other leaders have experience of school leadership within the existing school on the same site. They have ensured that the standards are likely to be met when the school opens.  The proprietor and other leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting the health, safety and well-being of pupils. They plan appropriate training for staff to promote their knowledge of safeguarding and pupil welfare. The proprietor has ensured that all the health and safety standards are met.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 The school has an appropriate accessibility plan in place. This outlines how leaders will ensure accessibility to all school areas. The school is located on the first floor. There are ramps in place for use on the stairs. Leaders have also planned to use learning areas on the ground floor, if needed, to meet pupils’ welfare needs.  Leaders have also outlined how they will meet the learning needs of all pupils. They plan to ensure that all literature is in an appropriate format, so that pupils will be able to understand the literature. The requirements 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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Assess Education North West Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £9,000 to £10,000

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Proposed school details

Email address d.robinson@assesseducation.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 11–19 11–19 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 30

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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 N/A 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will occupy the same building as Assess Education and Assess Tuition. The building is located in Wavertree, Liverpool.  The headteacher is the proprietor.  The school does not plan to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of Assess North West.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the headteacher, the designated safeguarding leader and the curriculum leader.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum including schemes of work and the curriculum policy, which were supplied by the school’s leaders.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the school premises and visited the site identified by leaders for pupils’ recreation during the school day.

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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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