Bolton School Primary Division

School pre-registration inspection report

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)  The proprietor body has a written curriculum policy in place. This policy is supported by schemes of work and plans that cover the teaching of technology, human and social, aesthetic and creative education across the proposed age range.  The schemes of work take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  Leaders have developed a clear overview of curriculum themes to be covered during the school year, from early years to Year 6. The schemes of work include what pupils will learn and when it will be taught. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body has ensured that the curriculum and schemes of work for the development of pupils’ personal, social, health, citizenship and economic (PSHCE) education are in place. These plans take account of the different ages and needs of

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Main inspection findings

the pupils who may attend the proposed school.  The proprietor body has ensured that the PSHCE education curriculum plans clearly include how respect and tolerance for all of the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010, will be positively promoted.  The planned PSHCE education curriculum will be further enhanced through a broad range of experiences and opportunities that will prepare pupils for the future.  For the children in early years, the proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitably planned curriculum that positively promotes all aspects of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework. This includes opportunities for the development of children’s communication and language skills, as well as children’s personal, social, emotional and physical development.  Through the intended curriculum, the proprietor body has ensured that all pupils will have the opportunity to learn and make progress.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(c)–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a policy in place for relationships and sex education that pays due regard to current statutory guidance. The proprietor body has plans in place to consult with parents and carers about the policy when the school opens. Paragraph 3–3(g)  The proposed school’s schemes of work include clear sequences of lessons. These identify the knowledge and understanding that pupils will gain over time from early years to Year 6. There is a clear focus on developing pupils’ vocabulary and mathematical knowledge so that they can apply their learning effectively when learning something new in other curriculum subjects.  The proposed school’s assessment policy identifies how information will be gathered throughout the school year. The broad range of assessments to be carried out will be used to identify what pupils know and can do. The policy explains how teachers will

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Main inspection findings

use this information to plan what pupils need to know next, including for pupils with SEND. This will help all pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress.  The proprietor body has ensured that all departments, from early years to Year 6, are suitably resourced. These resources will enable teachers to support pupils’ learning across the broad range of subjects set out in the independent school standards (the standards).  The proprietor body expect that, across the proposed school, all subject leaders and staff will work together to share ideas and expertise. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i)  The proposed school’s behaviour policy provides appropriate guidance for staff on how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. The proposed strategies encourage pupils to behave in a responsible manner and with mutual respect, tolerance and understanding for others, paying due regard to fundamental British values and

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Main inspection findings

preparing pupils for the future. Paragraph 3(j)  The proprietor body plans for the girls and boys in key stage 2 to be taught separately. Although they will be taught the same curriculum, the school has produced a sex-separation policy and seeks to justify the separation by sex in key stage 2 by relying on the positive action exemption in section 158 of the Equality Act 2010.  As this is a pre-registration inspection and there are no pupils on site, we cannot fully assess the level of detriment to pupils if separation by sex were to be implemented, and similarly, the school is unable to definitively say that this practice will not be to the detriment of pupils. However, guidance from both Ofsted 1 and the Department for Education 2 states that any separation by sex that does not meet a specific exception, such as the positive action exemption, will amount to direct discrimination and will not be compliant with the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

1 www.gov.uk/government/publications/separation-by-sex-implications-for-inspections-of-mixed-sexco- educational-schools/separation-by-sex-implications-for-inspections-of-mixed-sexco-educational-schools 2 www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulating-independent-schools  In order for a school to rely on the positive action exemption, the school must meet two basic requirements. First, the school must reasonably think that one of three circumstances applies:  a group sharing a protected characteristic is suffering a disadvantage compared with pupils who do not share it (for example, boys are underperforming compared with girls)  a group sharing a protected characteristic has different needs from those of pupils not sharing that characteristic (for example, some teaching methods help boys more than girls)  the participation of a group sharing a protected characteristic in a particular subject or activity is disproportionately low.

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Main inspection findings

 Second, the school has taken action that is proportionate to do any of the following:  overcome/minimise the disadvantage  meet the different needs  encourage participation.  A school could potentially meet the requirements for positive action if, for example, the school’s reason for separation is educational and it supports the educational reason by evidence. However, little evidence was presented that one of the three circumstances above applied, or that educational outcomes would be supported if pupils were separated by sex.  Any separation by sex should also be kept under review to ensure that it continues to be proportionate and reasonably necessary. The school’s policy indicates that the proposed separation by sex would be permanent, and so would be unlikely to be proportionate.  Furthermore, when determining whether such a practice is proportionate, inspectors consider whether it would be possible to achieve the aim effectively with other actions

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Main inspection findings

that are less discriminatory. In this case, the proprietor body does not appear to have considered any alternate measures of improving the educational performance of boys or girls before reaching the decision to separate pupils by sex. Paragraph 4  The proprietor body has ensured that a format for reporting to parents is in place. Leaders propose that there will be a short interim report during the school year and a more formal report at the end of the summer term. The report will inform parents about their children’s academic progress, personal development and achievements.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)(iii)  The proprietor body has ensured that there are suitable plans in place for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The plans are appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the pupils who will attend the school, including those children in early years.  The plans include how British values will be promoted across the key stages. They set out how teachers will encourage respect and tolerance for others, paying due regard to the protected characteristics.  The proprietor body has procedures in place to ensure that staff will not promote any partisan or political views in the teaching of any subject.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable behaviour policy in place. The policy will be enhanced and promoted through the delivery of the school’s PSHCE

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education curriculum. Staff will support pupils to understand right from wrong.  The proprietor body has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor body ensures that robust checks are completed on all staff prior to employment. There will be an appropriate number of staff with responsibility for safeguarding in each building. All staff will receive suitable safeguarding training, which will be undertaken in line with current guidance from the Secretary of State.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a detailed safeguarding and child protection policy in place. The policy takes account of current government guidance. Leaders demonstrate an understanding of how to help pupils to keep themselves safe in a range of situations. The policy also provides guidance on how to support staff in keeping pupils safe. Paragraph 9, 9(a)–10  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable written behaviour policy in place for the proposed school. The policy takes account of the different ages and

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Main inspection findings

stages of development of the pupils who will attend the proposed school. The policy provides appropriate guidance for staff about the strategies that they can use. A range of rewards and sanctions are identified that will help to promote pupils’ positive behaviour across all of the key stages.  There is a suitable written policy for the prevention of bullying. The policy clearly explains the different forms that bullying may take. There is guidance on the strategies that staff may use to prevent bullying. The policy also provides guidance for staff on the signs to look out for, and the procedures to follow, should bullying occur.  The proprietor body intends for the proposed school to use the current Bolton School Foundation online record-keeping system to record any incidents of inappropriate behaviour, including bullying. Paragraph 11  The proprietor body has ensured that a comprehensive health and safety policy is in

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Main inspection findings

place. Leaders plan for staff to receive appropriate training relating to the health and safety of pupils, and others, when on or off the school site. Paragraph 12  The proprietor body has ensured that a fire alarm system in each building has been installed and will continue to be serviced frequently by a competent person. All emergency lighting and emergency fire exits are also linked to the fire alarm system. These too are subject to the same frequent safety checks.  Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout each building. The proprietor body has ensured that all school buildings are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. Paragraph 13, 14, 15  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable first-aid policy in place. There will be an appropriate number of staff in each building with up-to-date first-aid training, including paediatric first-aid training for staff who are working with children

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Main inspection findings

in early years. There is a suitable recording system that aligns with the online record- keeping system across all of the current schools.  The proprietor body proposes to employ staff currently working within the current schools. The proposed number of staff–pupil ratio is appropriate for the age and development of pupils, including children in early years. This will ensure that pupils will be well supervised throughout the school day.  The admissions policy for the proposed school aligns with the admissions policy for the current schools. The admissions policy for the proposed school complies with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006. There is a suitable attendance registration procedure in place for the proposed school. Paragraph 16  The risk assessment policy is in line with the policies for the current schools. The policy includes guidance for staff on how to complete risk assessments for both on-

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Main inspection findings

and off-site activities in order to mitigate risk to themselves and pupils, for example when staff take pupils to visit the local food bank.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e)  The proprietor body proposes to employ staff currently working within the Bolton School Foundation. The proprietor body has appropriate systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils. These include an enhanced criminal records check, identity checks and checks to ensure that all staff have the appropriate qualifications to enable them to deliver the planned curriculum effectively. Paragraph 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii)  The proprietor body intends to use supply staff from a reputable external agency if required. Leaders know the checks that need to be made on supply staff before they start working at the school. Paragraph 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)  All of the required prohibition checks for the members of the proprietor body, governors and leaders have been completed.  The proprietor body has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23–23(1)(c), 24–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The proposed school will be the primary division of the current Bolton School Foundation. The school will be housed in four distinct buildings across the current site. Each building is located within its own secure site with its own outdoor space and car- parking area. A secure perimeter fence of a suitable height is in place. The maintenance and upkeep of the overall site will remain under the jurisdiction of the estate manager and his team.  Each building is in good order and maintained to a high standard. Each building is suitable in size for the numbers and ages of the intended pupils. Accommodation in all of the buildings is over either two or three floors. All corridors and stairwells are well lit and spacious. Banisters are at a suitable height for the ages of the proposed pupils.

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The lifts are well maintained and serviced frequently.  All of the rooms are equally well ventilated with suitable acoustics, heating and lighting. This includes the dedicated music rooms, and science and art rooms available in each of the key stage 2 buildings.  All of the teaching rooms are equally well resourced and furnished. The equipment and furniture in each teaching area are suitable for the age and stage of development of the proposed pupils.  Each of the rooms designated for the children in early years is suitably well resourced to enable the children to access all elements of the EYFS. Children will also have access to high-quality resources outside to enhance their learning further.  All pupils, including children in early years, will have access to suitable drinking water. Drinking water is clearly labelled and will be available for pupils throughout the day. This will be from either integrated drinking fountains or from clearly marked taps.

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Main inspection findings

 Each of the four buildings has a dedicated medical room and will be staffed by a school nurse. There is a suitable bed with pillow and coverings in each room. Each room has access to hot and cold running water and is adjacent to a separate toilet facility. There is a well-stocked first-aid kit available in each room and at designated points throughout each building.  Each of the four buildings has suitable cubical toilets and separate hand-washing facilities for the sole use of pupils. The temperature of the hot water is checked frequently and does not pose a scalding risk to users. For children in early years, these facilities are in very close proximity to the main teaching areas. There are suitable personal changing facilities and areas for resting for the very youngest children. There is also a suitable room available for parents to meet with staff to discuss their children’s development and progress.

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Main inspection findings

 In each building, there are separate toilets for the use of adults and visitors. In each building, there are also several toilets suitable for the use of people with a disability.  Each building within the proposed primary division has access to a hard surface play area suitable for playing and for the physical education curriculum. All playgrounds have suitable playground markings to promote cooperative games. They also have ‘trim trails’ at an appropriate height and complexity suitable for the age range of the proposed pupils. Each playground also has a quiet area for pupils to sit and socialise with their peers. For the youngest pupils, including children in early years, there is a range of different demarcated areas in the outside learning areas, including a story maze, imaginative play area and gardening zone.  Older pupils in key stage 2 will also have access to the extensive sporting facilities

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Main inspection findings

linked to the current school. These include a swimming pool, cricket nets, and rugby and football pitches. The buildings for key stage 2 boys and key stage 2 girls have access to a suitable playing field.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is suitable external lighting at the entrance to each building.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(j), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proposed school does not currently have its own website. Plans are in place for information to be on the website for the current school. This will include information about the organisation of, and curriculum for each of the key stages within the proposed primary school.  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy is available on request. The proprietor body has ensured that the school’s prospectus and the arrangements for admissions are available for parents and others on request.  The proprietor body intends to use the same procedures for reporting pupils’ progress and attainment to parents as for other schools in the Bolton School Foundation. The proposed format includes comments about pupils’ academic achievements, as well as their personal and social development throughout the school year.  The proprietor body understands its duty to report the expenditure of funds for pupils

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Main inspection findings

placed in the school to the commissioning local authorities.  The proprietor body has ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  There is a suitable written policy for the handling of complaints. The policy is in line with the complaints policy for the current schools. The written policy is available to parents on request.  The policy clearly sets out the three-stage process to be followed in the case of a complaint. This includes the role of the independent panel and a complainant’s right to attend the meeting. Timescales for dealing with any concerns are appropriate.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has ensured that a suitable curriculum is in place, including for children in early years, ready for the school to open.  While girls and boys in key stage 2 will be taught separately, they will study the same curriculum. The proprietor body has ensured that the quality of education that will be provided at the proposed school will meet the anticipated needs and ages of pupils.  The proprietor body has ensured that all the standards regarding the safety and welfare of pupils and staff are likely to be met.  The proprietor body has not ensured that all the standards are likely to be met consistently.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage  The proprietor body has ensured that the statutory requirements for the EYFS are met.

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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– - 3(j) does not discriminate against pupils contrary to Part 6 of the 2010 Equality Act

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Part 8. The quality of leadership in and management of schools

34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school– - 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; - 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently

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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

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 2 to 11 2 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 750 750

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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 720 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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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 As required

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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 As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 22

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Information about this proposed school

 This is the first pre-registration inspection for Bolton School Primary Division. The proposed school will cater for 750 pupils aged from two to 11 years.  The proposed school will be set within the overall site for Bolton School. Each building is currently used as a division of the current Bolton School. Each key stage within the proposed Bolton School Primary Division will be set in its own grounds and have a distinct building, outdoor space and car-parking area.  The proprietor body intends for there to be one site for children aged two to four years and one site for Reception Year and key stage 1 pupils. The proprietor body intends for the key stage 2 boys and girls to be taught separately on separate sites.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  During the inspection, an online meeting was held with the chair of the proprietor body.  Meetings were held with the head of the foundation, the headteacher and staff. The inspector checked a range of evidence relating to the proposed curriculum, including schemes of work and assessment arrangements.  The inspector also reviewed a range of documentation relating to the independent school standards.  A tour of the premises was carried out with the estate manager for the Bolton School Foundation. Documentation about the suitability of the school’s premises and documentation relating to the reduction of risk were also reviewed.  The inspector reviewed policies relating to welfare, health and safety, including the

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Information about this inspection

procedures in place for planned separation by sex for the education of key stage 2 pupils.

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Inspection team

Amanda Stringer, 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

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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Inspection team

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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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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