Hillel Park School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hillel Park School Cornerstone House, 14 Willis Road, Croydon CR0 2XX

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  The proposed school’s curriculum and teaching policies are based on templates for other schools. They have not been adapted to suit the school’s specific intentions. It is therefore unclear what leaders’ intentions are for teaching pupils, including in the early years.  There are schemes of work in every national curriculum subject for pupils aged five to 12 years. They are likely to be suitable for each separate subject. However, they are not sequenced to reflect what the school expects pupils to learn from year to year, especially from Year 6 into Year 7.  Assessment arrangements across all subjects and age groups are likely to be suitable.  A commercial personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education scheme of work has been printed, but not adapted to suit the proposed school’s specific context.  Leaders do not know the statutory requirements for relationships and sex education

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Main inspection findings

(RSE). None of the requirements for RSE education are likely to be met.  Arrangements for providing impartial careers information, advice and guidance to pupils in Year 7 are in development, but not finalised.  The proposed school’s classrooms are not furnished or resourced.  Overall, the proposed provision is not likely to meet the needs of pupils that the school proposes to admit. Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. These are listed in the annex to this report.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The proposed school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural programme includes assemblies, religious education, PSHE education and themed days. The curriculum and approach will be underpinned by a Christian ethos. Pupils will learn about differences, including all the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. The planned programme includes opportunities for pupils to learn about a range of religions, faiths and cultures. These plans contain opportunities to develop pupils’ tolerance and appreciation of diverse, modern society.  Leaders have not prepared guidance on the promotion of partisan political views. This includes the requirement for teachers to always present a balanced presentation of opposing views when teaching a political topic.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  None of the proposed school’s policies that are required in this part are likely to be suitable.  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects statutory guidance from 2019, not 2021. Leaders do not have a sufficient understanding of the latest guidance. There are no suitably trained safeguarding leaders. Although a safer recruitment policy has been written, leaders do not understand it.  The behaviour, anti-bullying, health and safety, first-aid and risk assessment policies are all based on templates for different schools. They have not been suitably adapted to suit the specific intentions of the proposed school.  The proposed school’s external fire safety risk assessment confirms that no actions are required to improve fire safety. However, fire safety certificates were unavailable for this inspection. The most recent portable appliance testing certificate available was

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Main inspection findings

from 2015. The last available electrical certification available deemed the building’s electrics to be ‘unsatisfactory’ in 2014. The latest risk assessment for legionella is several years out of date. Fire and health and safety requirements are therefore not likely to be met.  Arrangements for the supervision of pupils are likely to be suitable. The intention is to provide support at a ratio of one adult for every six pupils.  The proposed school’s admission register is not likely to be suitable. It does not include all the required information. The attendance registers are unlikely to be appropriate because they use incorrect attendance codes.  The proposed school’s premises risk assessment is too sparse. It does not include, for example, consideration of the shared use of the premises at weekends.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The single central record (SCR) of pre-employment checks is not likely to meet requirements.  Not all the required vetting checks on adults who will work at the proposed school have been completed and recorded accurately on the SCR.  Barred-list checks, additional overseas checks, prohibition-from-teaching checks and prohibition-from-management checks are all missing or incomplete.  Almost none of the vetting checks on the SCR are dated.  Leaders have not considered how to check employees’ medical fitness for work.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school will be located in a building previously used as a special school. The premises comprise the ground floor of a building leased from the local authority.  The premises include six classrooms, a suitable medical room, a hall for dining and play, and an outdoor play area. There are suitable toilets and washing facilities.  There are no changing room and shower facilities on site for pupils in Year 7. However, there is a suitable plan to use a local leisure centre for physical education, which includes these facilities.  The acoustics, lighting, drinking water and hot water supplies are all likely to be suitable.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  Most of the required information and policies are available on the proposed school’s website. However, information about the proposed school’s proprietor, headteacher and governors is missing, including how to contact them.  Leaders were not aware about the need to provide funding authorities with annual statements of income and expenditure for pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans. This requirement is not likely to be met.  Leaders have not prepared to report annually pupils’ progress and attainment to parents and carers.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  Leaders have written both a detailed complaints policy and a separate, more succinct complaints procedure for parents. The proposed school’s policy is unlikely to be suitable because it is written for a maintained school. The proposed complaints procedure, however, is more suitable, as it is written mostly in line with the independent school standard in this part. However, it does not confirm that one of the members of the formal complaints panel must be independent of the school’s management. Leaders have not considered how to record complaints, including their stage of resolution and any action taken.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  The proposed school’s leaders do not have sufficient knowledge of the independent school standards and associated requirements.  Leaders have not ensured that the independent school standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school’s accessibility plan is not likely to meet this requirement. This is because it does not outline the proposed school’s intended actions to make the premises, curriculum and provision of information accessible to pupils and parents.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  Leaders have developed thematic curriculum plans for children in Reception. These have been written in line with all the required areas of learning and the early learning goals. Leaders have also considered how to manage children’s behaviour. They have written a policy about children’s transition into Year 1.  Beyond this, leaders do not demonstrate a secure understanding of the statutory requirements. They have not considered how the proposed school will comply with all the requirements of the ‘Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage’.

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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

Type of school Day school with a Christian ethos

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £8,000 to £12,500

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Proposed school details

Email address info@brightfutures4all.com

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proposal

Inspector's recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 12 - Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 60 0

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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 Up to 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 30

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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 6

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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 6

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable None

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 5

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Information about this proposed school

 Hillel Park School intends to register as an independent day school in Croydon.  The school intends to open in February 2022 on a ‘hybrid’ model, whereby pupils attend four days per week, and access remote learning on the fifth day.  The school will be led by a sole proprietor, who will also be the interim headteacher.  The wider organisation, Bright Futures 4 All, provides a community hub that seeks to create ‘professional pupils’ and ‘confident parents’ through the ‘British Christian values of faith, love, service and resilience’.  Leaders do not intend to make use of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the Department for Education to consider the school’s proposal to open.  The inspection was conducted with two days of notice.  The inspector met with the proposed school’s proprietor and an administrator. He also met with the premises manager and toured the premises.  The inspector considered a range of evidence to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting all the independent school standards.

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school's aim and ethos.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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) – 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) – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(A)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 extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor-

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(c) precludes the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and – 5(d) takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils- – 5(d)(i) while they are in attendance at the school, – 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school, or – 5(d)(iii) in the promotion at the school, including through the distribution of promotional material, of extra-curricular activities taking place at the school or elsewhere.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and – 9(c) a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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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.

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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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(a) no such person is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that person is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 to that Act; – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person's medical fitness; – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

establish the person's suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person's appointment.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether- – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S; – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S's right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e),

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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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-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(1)(f) an annual written report of each registered pupil's progress and attainment in the main subject areas taught is provided to the parents of that registered pupil except that no report need be provided where the parent has agreed otherwise.

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 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.  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(b) either- – 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 – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair.

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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-

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 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(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and- – 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-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

The proposed school’s accessibility plan is not likely to meet this requirement. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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