Progress Schools - Tees Valley

School pre-registration inspection report

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114 Fabian Road, Eston, Middlesbrough TS6 9RQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has a curriculum policy in place. Pupils will study a range of subjects as required by the independent school standards (the standards). Subjects will include English, mathematics, science, history, geography, physical education (PE), personal development, expressive and creative arts, information and communication technology, careers education and enrichment.  Long-term curriculum plans are in place for all subjects. These will be adapted to take into account pupils’ needs and aptitudes once the proposed school’s pupil intake is known.  Pupils will be able to study a range of vocational and academic qualifications, depending on their needs. It is intended that the curriculum will be bespoke to the needs of each pupil.  Leaders intend to actively promote fundamental British values. Leaders will ensure

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Main inspection findings

that pupils understand the values of respect and tolerance and understand the meaning of democracy and democratic processes.  If the curriculum is implemented effectively, these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(a)(1), 2(a)(1)(a), 2a(1)(b), 2(a)(1)(d), 2(a)(1)(e), 2(a)(1)(f), 2(a)(1)(g), 2(a)(2), 2(a)(3),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)  Leaders have in place a relationships and sex education (RSE) policy. This will be made available to parents and carers on the proposed school’s website. This policy includes the right of parents to withdraw their child from sex education. When the proposed school opens, leaders intend to consult parents on the RSE policy. A curriculum plan has been developed for the teaching of RSE. This covers the subject content specified in the RSE statutory guidance.  There is a weekly lesson of personal, social, health and economic education on the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school’s timetable. Leaders intend to ensure that these lessons pay particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders have plans in place to ensure that pupils have access to impartial careers advice and guidance. Leaders intend to check the school’s careers provision against the Gatsby benchmarks. Leaders intend to provide opportunities for pupils to partake in work experience. Leaders have plans in place to ensure that all work experience placements have the appropriate health and safety and safeguarding checks, in line with ‘Keeping children safe in education’.  If leaders implement their plans effectively, these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders intend to appoint staff who either have qualified teacher status or who have expertise in the subjects they are teaching. Staff appointed so far all have qualified

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Main inspection findings

teacher status.  Curriculum leaders from across Progress Schools Limited will work with the proposed school to ensure that the school’s curriculum is implemented effectively and to provide support for teachers.  The proposed school has a system in place to assess pupils’ work, as required by the standards. As well as assessing pupils’ attainment, their personal and emotional needs will also be assessed when pupils join the proposed school.  Leaders intend that pupils will use online resources in lessons. The proposed school has laptops for all pupils. Not all of the teaching resources were in school at the time of the inspection. Order forms were seen for some of the resources already purchased. More classroom resources will be purchased when the specific needs of pupils are known.  These standards are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

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)  The proposed school’s curriculum policy makes it clear that staff must not promote any particular political views. They must offer a balanced view in their teaching. Leaders also intend to check that this is also the case when visiting speakers and outside organisations are used.  Leaders were clear that there will be opportunities for pupils to learn about different faiths and religions. Leaders will provide opportunities for pupils to visit places of worship.  The proposed school’s ‘five expectations’ are centred around respect and tolerance and pupils being respectful towards themselves and others, including those in the local community.  At the start of each day, there will be opportunities for pupils to discuss a current

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Main inspection findings

affairs topic.  Leaders have plans in place for pupils to learn about public institutions and services in England.  Leaders intend that pupils will have opportunities to contribute to the local and wider community, for example by providing opportunities for pupils to lead enterprise and fundraising projects.  Leaders have plans to establish a student forum to help pupils to develop their self- esteem and self-confidence.  If leaders’ plans and policies are implemented effectively, it is likely that the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proposed school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. This is in line with the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. This policy will be made available on the school’s website.  The national designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for Progress Schools Limited will work with the proposed school. The head of school is the on-site DSL. The DSL has already undertaken appropriate training. The DSL will receive additional training before the proposed school opens. All staff will have an induction programme. This will include ensuring that staff are knowledgeable about the proposed school’s safeguarding policies and procedures.  Leaders are aware of the local safeguarding risks. Staff will receive regular safeguarding updates at weekly staff meetings.  The proposed school will have internet filtering in place on staff and pupil laptops and

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Main inspection findings

computers. Leaders explained that the filtering system will immediately alert them to any pupils who attempt to access inappropriate online material that could put them at risk of harm.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school’s policies and procedures are implemented effectively. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proposed school has a behaviour and anti-bullying policy. There are systems in place to log bullying and behavioural incidents. These will be regularly analysed by leaders. The behaviour policy includes reference to the proposed school’s exclusion procedures. Pupils who are excluded will receive a phone call to their home, an exclusion letter and a reintegration meeting when they return to school. All exclusions will be recorded on the proposed school’s attendance register using the appropriate code for exclusions.  If the proposed school’s policies and procedures are implemented effectively, these

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Main inspection findings

standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proposed school has a health and safety policy in place.  All staff will be trained in fire safety. The head of school has received fire marshal training. A fire risk assessment has been completed for the building. Fire exits are clearly shown. There is a fire assembly point. There will be regular fire drills. The head of school will carry out weekly checks on, for example, fire equipment and external lighting. These will be recorded. Personal emergency evaluation plans will be put in place if required.  A first-aid and administration of medication policy is in place. One member of staff has completed training on the administration of medication. Other staff will be trained when they are appointed. Systems are in place to log medication and accidents.  The proposed school has a risk assessment policy in place. Examples of risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments seen during the inspection show that when the proposed school opens, leaders are likely to take appropriate action to minimise risks to pupils. Risk assessments also include details of the supervision of pupils. Pupils will be appropriately supervised.  At the time of the inspection, there were no pupils on the school’s roll. The proposed school will use a management information system to record all statutory admissions information. This system is already used across the organisation.  The proposed school has an appropriate system in place for recording pupils’ attendance. A register will be taken in the morning when pupils arrive, in the afternoon and at every lesson.  If the proposed school’s policies and procedures are implemented effectively, these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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), 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), 21(7)(b)  Safer recruitment procedures are detailed in the school’s safeguarding policy. There is a single central record in place. At the time of the inspection, leaders were in the

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Main inspection findings

process of transferring the single central record to another electronic system. This had not been fully completed at the time of the inspection. The single central record includes checks on staff from Progress Schools Limited central team.  At the time of the inspection, three members of staff had been appointed: the head of school, the headteacher and a teacher. The chair of the board of proprietors understands the checks that need to be carried out before any further staff are appointed. The remaining appointments for the proposed school are under way.  Staff do not take up their posts until all checks are complete. If a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check has not been completed by the time a member of staff is due to take up their post, leaders ensure that all other checks are completed, including a barred list check, and a risk assessment is put in place. At the time of the inspection, leaders were waiting for a DBS check for one of the central team.

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Main inspection findings

 There were some administrative errors on the proposed school’s single central record. For example, a record of the checks made on a member of staff’s qualifications was missing. There were also missing section 128 checks for two Progress Schools Limited curriculum leaders. These and a few other administrative errors were resolved by the end of the inspection.  The required checks for the three members of the proprietor body, Progress Schools Limited, are on the proposed school’s single central record. There are no other governors.  Leaders understand the checks that need to be made should the proposed school use any alternative education providers or work experience placements. These checks are also detailed in the school’s safeguarding policy.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff. However, the chair is aware of the necessary checks that will be required if supply staff were to be used.  If the statutory checks are made for the remaining staff who are still to be appointed,

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The proposed school has a separate toilet for boys and girls and a unisex toilet. The toilets are provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and are intended for one pupil at a time. There are separate toilets for staff. These are clearly labelled.  There are signs in the toilets to indicate that there is hot water and that the water is not suitable for drinking.  Changing accommodation and showers will be used at a local off-site leisure centre. There is a risk assessment in place. This specifies that the facilities, including the changing room, showers and toilets, will be used solely by pupils from the proposed school.  There is a medical room with a bed and bedding, first-aid kit, a locked cupboard for the storage of medication and a sink. The medical room is close to a toilet.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 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)  A water cooler is available and is clearly marked as drinking water.  In each toilet, there is a sink and hot and cold water. During the inspection, there was an issue with the hot water in two of the toilets. One of the hot water taps was too hot and the other was not running hot water. Both of these issues were resolved quickly during the inspection.  There are suitable acoustics and lighting in each of the five classrooms. The proposed school includes some rooms that will be used for mentoring spaces. There is also a sensory room.  The building is well decorated. All classrooms have new tables and chairs and new laptops for pupils to use. In two of the classrooms, some flooring was being completed. The proposed school has external lighting. One of the external lights was not working. Leaders showed the inspector evidence that this will be fixed imminently.

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Main inspection findings

 Planning permission has been submitted to the local authority to build a perimeter fence around the proposed school. The proposed school has a secure door-entry system. The proposed school is accessed via a reception area. Signing-in procedures are in place.  Leaders have systems in place to check the building to ensure the health and safety of pupils and staff. For example, the 2010 asbestos survey shows the areas where asbestos is or may be present. Staff will be informed where asbestos is in the school and regular checks of these areas will be made. Legionella checks will be carried out. Portable appliance testing will be done annually. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is an outdoor grassed area. This area will be fenced off before the proposed school opens.  There is a small courtyard area and an indoor recreational area for pupils to use during breaktimes and lunchtimes. These areas will be supervised by staff at all times.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school will use an off-site leisure centre for weekly PE lessons. A risk assessment is in place for the use of this facility. PE lessons at the off-site leisure centre will be delivered by school staff.  The standards in part 5 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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)(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)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  Progress Schools Limited has a website with links to all of the schools within the organisation. Leaders intend that the proposed school will also have a website. The website will contain some of the required policies. When pupils join the school, there will be an induction meeting with parents. At this meeting, parents will be informed that they can request any policies and information required by the standards.  Leaders are aware that an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect to a pupil wholly or partly funded by the local authority will need to be provided to the local authority. Leaders are also clear that

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Main inspection findings

staff will attend, and provide any information, for annual reviews of pupils with an education, health and care plan.  Leaders intend to provide a termly report to parents. This will include progress and attainment information for all subjects, including pupils’ personal development and well-being.  These standards 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 proposed school has a complaints policy. This policy has been established across all Progress Schools Limited schools. The complaints policy contains all of the requirements as set out in the standards. During the inspection, a small amendment was made to the policy for clarification.  If the complaints policy is implemented effectively, these standards 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), 34(2)  Leaders understand the importance of meeting the standards consistently and continually over time.  The head of school and the headteacher have experience in school leadership. The chair of the board of proprietors has experience of setting up and running other independent schools within the organisation.  Leaders understand the important role they play in actively promoting the well-being of pupils and ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are consistently in line with the most recent statutory guidance. There are systems in place to regularly review and monitor the impact of policies. The chair of the board of proprietors intends to have regular board meetings with the head of school and headteacher to provide challenge and support to school leaders.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed schools policies, procedures and

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school has an accessibility plan. This plan covers the curriculum, improving information and improving the physical environment, as required by 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

Email address MiddlesbroughPS@progress-schools.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 Not applicable 11–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 50 50

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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 Mot applicable 50 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 Not known

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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 Not known

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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 Not known

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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 0

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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

 The proposed school is located in a former medical centre. The building has undergone extensive work for use as a school building.  Most places at the proposed school will be commissioned by Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough local authority. Pupils who have been permanently excluded from school will attend on a full-time basis. Some pupils will be dual registered and will remain on the roll of their mainstream school. When not at the proposed school, they will attend their mainstream school.  The proposed school will gradually increase the number of pupils on roll. The proposed school will open to pupils at the start of the summer term 2022, when the perimeter fence is erected.  Progress Schools Limited runs 13 schools across England. Progress Schools Limited is the proprietor of the proposed school. The board of proprietors is made up of the three directors of Progress Schools Limited.  Progress Schools Limited is owned by Progress Group Holdings Limited. Progress Group

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Information about this proposed school

Holdings Limited includes two directors who are members of the board of proprietors from Progress Schools Limited. There are four other directors of Progress Group Holdings Limited. During the inspection, the chair of the board of proprietors, who is a director of Progress Schools Limited, was clear that Progress Group Holdings Limited has no involvement in the management of the proposed school.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s site. The inspector also visited the off-site leisure centre that the proposed school intends to use for PE lessons. A range of documentation and policies relevant to the independent school standards were reviewed. Meetings were held with the head of school, the headteacher, the national DSL for Progress Schools Limited and the chair of the board of proprietors.

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Inspection team

Michele Costello, 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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