Want2Achieve The Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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Want2Achieve The Academy Unit 1, Trent Walk, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3HE

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(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)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Most pupils that the school is likely to admit will have special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND) and may have spent time out of school. The school’s stated overarching aim is to help such pupils emotionally, socially and academically, and support them to re-engage with education. The school’s curriculum plans, programmes of study and staff expertise indicate that the school is likely to be able to meet this aim.  The school intends to offer a curriculum that includes English, mathematics, science, humanities, art, music and physical education (PE). Curriculum plans set out what is

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Main inspection findings

to be taught. These plans also set out expectations for pupils to work towards qualifications, such as functional skills or GCSEs if appropriate.  The intended curriculum includes a vocational strand. The proprietor intends to ensure that all pupils receive careers guidance. For older pupils, the curriculum offers a ‘bridging the gap’ programme. This is intended to build on earlier careers guidance and prepare pupils for the next stage in their lives, be it employment, college or an apprenticeship .  The proprietor has drawn up plans for relationships and sex education. This programme is informed by government guidance. It sets out expectations for teaching pupils about healthy relationships, contraception and consent. Like other aspects of the school’s planned curriculum, this programme is informed by the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.  The written behaviour policy is bespoke to the school. It is designed to encourage

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Main inspection findings

responsible behaviour and describes the rewards and sanctions to be used.  Indoor and outdoor spaces are adequate, and suitably resourced, for their intended purposes.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  The intended school curriculum includes a detailed programme of personal, social and health education. Through this programme, and a range of other activities, the proprietor plans to ensure that pupils learn about British values and the consequences of the choices they make. The planned curriculum takes account of the protected characteristics.  The curriculum is designed with the intention of broadening pupils’ horizons. The proprietor aims to help pupils re-engage with education and become responsible

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Main inspection findings

members of society. By helping pupils in this way, staff aim to support pupils to find constructive pathways to future careers.  School leaders do not intend to use any alternative providers but do plan to work with different professionals to support pupils’ particular needs. The proprietor has put suitable procedures in place to check that any visiting speakers or school trips are appropriate.  Leaders plan to organise an annual residential trip to an activity centre. In addition, the proprietor has made links with sports clubs so pupils can benefit from wider opportunities beyond school.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The proprietor has produced a safeguarding policy that is informed by government statutory guidance. It provides clear guidance to staff about how to spot and respond

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Main inspection findings

to any concerns. Staff have received recent training and know a lot about safeguarding and the risks that young people can face.  Other polices, including first-aid, risk assessment, behaviour and anti-bullying policies, are in place and include all the necessary information. The proprietor has set up a recording format for logging any sanctions imposed for serious misbehaviour.  Fire exits open as they should and are not blocked by any furniture or other items. Fire extinguishers and fire alarm points are located around the building. At the time of the inspection, smoke detectors had been fitted upstairs but were still on order for fitting downstairs. The proprietor said that this would be done in the next few weeks. The proprietor has routines in place for testing the alarms and carrying out practice drills.  Admissions and attendance registers are in place.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)  The proprietor has produced a single central record for recording employment checks on staff. The format includes all the required checks and is fit for purpose.  The proprietor has not employed anyone who is prohibited from teaching or from

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Main inspection findings

running and managing a school.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is housed in a former commercial property. The proprietor has adapted it to make it suitable for education purposes. Some building work is still ongoing. Specifically, external lighting, downstairs smoke alarms and a new hot water controller are still to be fitted. At the time of the inspection, building contractors were working on site and the proprietor shared paperwork to show the planned programme of works. These plans included the necessary work already mentioned.  The rooms are suitable for their intended purposes. Indoor lighting, furniture and security are all fine. There is a well-equipped gym and music studio. In addition, there

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Main inspection findings

is suitable office space, a medical room and a room for meetings.  There are lockable toilets for both male and female pupils and adequate basins for hand washing. Wash basins have hot and cold water taps.  Drinking water is available and is marked as such.  There are no on-site showers. The proprietor has arranged to use the showers at a nearby gym, which the proprietor intends pupils to visit for PE.  There is adequate outdoor space, which the proprietor intends to upgrade in order to make it more suitable for recreation.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 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)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f) and 32(3)(g)  The proprietor has produced all the required policies. These are informed by current

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Main inspection findings

guidance and were available during the inspection.  The proprietor has an online system for recording pupils’ achievements, attendance and other relevant information. This system can be accessed by a secure login. The proprietor intends to make this information available to parents, carers and placing local authorities when required. The proprietor intends to ensure that all of the required information in relation to the annual review of a pupil’s education, health and care (EHC) plan will be supplied to the relevant local authority.  Suitable arrangements are in place to provide information about income and expenditure to placing local authorities.  There is a school website. Currently, this website does not include all the required information. The proprietor is working with the school’s website designer to update the website. The proprietor knows what is required and the necessary information is

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Main inspection findings

already available and ready to be published online when the website is updated.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii) and 33(k)  The proprietor has produced a written complaints policy. The policy explains how to make a complaint and the informal and formal arrangements for hearing a complaint. Should a complainant be dissatisfied with the outcome or processes for managing their complaint, then there is provision for convening a panel hearing. It is intended that any such panel would include someone who is not involved with the running of the school. The school has a format for logging and retaining complaints on file.  These standards are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The directors of Want2Achieve The Academy Limited know about the independent school standards. During this inspection, they were able to produce all the required information and knew how it related to different standards. They have plenty of relevant experience and present as well informed about the challenges that pupils often face and ways to help them overcome these.  Leaders’ plans, policies and programmes of work are mindful of pupils’ learning, well- being, emotional and behavioural needs. If implemented successfully, these plans are likely to help pupils to re-engage with education, make progress and aspire to worthwhile choices when they leave.  These standards are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietors have produced an accessibility plan that sets out access arrangements and proposed actions. The plan is well organised and realistic and meets the requirement of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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 Want2Achieve The Academy Limited

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Proposed school details

Chair Sharon Murphy and Daniel Rochester

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Proposed school details

Email address enquiries@want2achieve.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Inspector’s

recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 18 11 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 15

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Inspector’s

Reason for inspector’s recommendation  During the inspection, the inspector identified that the current premises would not comfortably accommodate 25 full-time pupils. Following discussions with the proprietor, the inspector agreed that 15 pupils would be a more suitable number at this time.

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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 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 15

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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 Up to 15

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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 Up to 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is housed in a former commercial property in Hanley, Stoke-on- Trent. It is currently operating as an unregistered alternative provider.  Leaders propose to work closely with Stoke-on-Trent local authority, but will accept referrals from other local authorities.  Pupils who will attend the school are likely to have had a disrupted education and/or be at risk of permanent exclusion from school because of behavioural difficulties or non- attendance. Many pupils are likely to have SEND. Some may have an EHC plan, predominantly for social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school will not have a religious character. The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the department for education to determine whether or not the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted on site.  Before and during the on-site inspection, the lead inspector reviewed a range of documents and policies provided by the proprietor.  During the on-site visit, the inspector met with both directors of the proprietor body and other staff. He discussed the school’s plans and proposals. This included the proposed curriculum, health, welfare and pastoral arrangements, safeguarding, admissions procedures and arrangements for communicating with parents and local authorities.  The inspector examined the premises with school leaders and checked the single central register of employment checks on staff.

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Inspection team

Martin Pye, 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

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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