A.R.T.S. Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Artistic Re-engagement Teaching Strategies (ARTS) Education Huyton With Roby Sea Cadet Unit, The Park, Huyton, Merseyside L36 5SU

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable written curriculum policy in place to meet the needs and developmental stages of the pupils. The intended curriculum will be similar to the national curriculum. The associated schemes of work clearly set out what pupils will learn in a broad range of subjects. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body places a strong focus on the development of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Leaders have also ensured that schemes of work, including those for PSHE, promote an understanding of fundamental British values. The PSHE curriculum will be further enhanced through a wide range of planned experiences and opportunities that will prepare pupils for the future.  The proprietor body has a suitable careers programme in place to ensure that pupils

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Main inspection findings

will have access to impartial careers advice. Leaders also intend to provide experience of work for older pupils. The intention is that pupils will be well prepared for the next stages in their education or employment. Paragraph 2A–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  There is a suitable policy in place for relationships and sex education. The policy pays due regard to the statutory guidance. Leaders will consult on the final contents of the policy, with parents and carers, when the school opens. Leaders have ensured that the planned curriculum is supported by appropriate schemes of work suitable for the ages and emotional development of the pupils. Paragraph 3 3(g)  The proposed school’s schemes of work identify the knowledge that pupils will gain over time across a broad range of subjects. The proposed assessment policy explains how information will be gathered to identify what pupils know and can do. This information will be used to help teachers to plan what pupils need to learn next. This

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Main inspection findings

will help pupils to acquire knowledge and make progress.  The proprietor body has ensured that the staff employed at the proposed school will have the experience that they need to support pupils’ learning effectively.  Leaders have ensured that there are suitable resources available to enable staff to deliver the planned curriculum effectively. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proposed behaviour policy provides guidance for staff on how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. The proposed strategies are likely to help pupils to understand their own emotions and regulate their behaviour independently. Leaders intend to help pupils to realise how their actions impact on others while promoting mutual respect and tolerance for others.  Leaders plan to provide additional support to staff during the induction process so that they can implement the proposed behaviour management policy consistently well. Paragraph 4

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Main inspection findings

 There is a suitable format in place for reporting to parents. The proprietor body intends to report on pupils’ academic progress as well as their personal development and achievements. The report will also be part of the planned annual review for each pupil. It will include the views of the pupil and comments from their parents.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)(i)–5(b)(vii)  The plans for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are suitable for the pupils who will attend the proposed school.  Leaders have placed a strong emphasis on how British values will be positively promoted in an age-appropriate way. The associated schemes of work also set out how teachers will encourage tolerance and respect for others, paying due regard to the protected characteristics.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  There are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that staff employed at the proposed school will not promote any partisan or biased political views during the teaching of any subject.  The planned curriculum for pupils’ PSHE development will help them to understand how their actions affect others. There will be a positive emphasis on promoting tolerance, respect and understanding for other faiths, cultures and religions. Guidance for staff will enable them to support pupils further to understand right from wrong.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  There is a suitable safeguarding and child protection policy which takes account of current guidance from the Secretary of State. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of how to keep pupils safe in a variety of situations, including when out

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Main inspection findings

in the community and when using social media.  The proprietor body intends to provide suitable safeguarding training for all staff prior to starting work at the proposed school. This includes guidance on how to recognise the signs of possible abuse in pupils and the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a pupil’s welfare. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is a suitable written behaviour policy in place for the proposed school. The policy takes account of the additional needs of pupils. The policy provides guidance for staff on how to promote positive behaviour. This includes strategies to help pupils learn how to regulate their own behaviour.  The proprietor body has also ensured that there is a suitable written policy for the prevention of bullying. This includes the different forms that bullying can take. There is guidance for staff on the procedures to follow should bullying occur.

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Main inspection findings

 There is an appropriate record-keeping system should any incidents of unacceptable behaviour or bullying take place. The records will form part of each pupil’s individual learning plan and will be kept securely. Paragraph 11, 12  There is a detailed health and safety policy for the proposed school. Training relating to the health and safety of pupils will be part of the induction procedures for new staff.  The proprietor body has ensured that the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. The fire alarm system and emergency lighting will be frequently checked by a competent person. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the building. All fire exits are in good working order and free from clutter. Paragraph 13, 14, 15  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable first-aid policy in place for the proposed school. Leaders are up to date with their knowledge of first aid. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor body intends to provide suitable first-aid training for all staff prior to them starting work at the proposed school.  The proposed number of staff to pupil ratio is appropriate for the age and aptitude of the pupils. This will ensure that pupils will be well supervised throughout the school day.  The admissions policy for the proposed school complies with the Education (Pupils Registration) Regulations 2006. Pupils who attend the proposed school will be placed there through the commissioning local authority. Paragraph 16  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place for the proposed school. Leaders have completed detailed risk assessments for when pupils will be off site, for example when going to the adjacent park for physical education lessons.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has ensured that there are appropriate systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils. These checks include identity checks, the right to work in the United Kingdom, and an enhanced criminal record check. All staff who will be employed by the school will be qualified teachers as well as having experience of working with pupils with SEND. Paragraph 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii)  Leaders plan to use staff from a reputable agency when supply staff are required. Any supply staff will have the appropriate knowledge, skills and understanding to be able to work with the pupils who will attend school. Paragraph 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)  All of the required prohibition checks for the proprietor body and leaders have been completed. These include all safeguarding checks and checks under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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 accommodation for the proposed school will be situated in the Huyton with Roby Sea Cadets ‘TS Iron Duke’ building. There is appropriate external lighting at the main entrance. The building is in good order and is maintained to a suitable standard.  There is a secure perimeter fence of an appropriate height and a clearly demarcated parking area. The outdoor space surrounding the building is grassed and wooded. It is suitable for playing, but not suitable for the physical education (PE) curriculum. It is intended that pupils will use the multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment, which are situated in the park adjacent to the building, for PE lessons.  Within the building, all corridors are well lit and free from clutter. The furniture in the classrooms is of the right size for the ages of the pupils. All rooms are equally well lit.

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Main inspection findings

The acoustics, heating and ventilation are appropriate. This is also the case for the main hall.  The medical room is positioned in the headteacher’s office. It is suitably furnished and has a bed with a blanket and a pillow. It is in close proximity to a toilet facility, where there is a shower and hot and cold running water. There is also a well-stocked first-aid kit in each teaching room.  There are separate toilet facilities for girls and boys. Each facility has individual cubicle toilets. There is also a suitable changing area and a shower for the sole use of pupils.  The hot water is tested frequently and does not pose a scalding risk to users. Drinking water is clearly labelled and is available for the proposed pupils throughout the day.  There is a toilet suitable for use by people with disabilities. This toilet is also for the use of visitors to the school. There is a separate toilet for the use of staff.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(j), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The website for the proposed school is currently under construction. Contact details for the proposed school and the proprietor body are available on the website domain.  The proprietor body has ensured that a range of information is available to parents and others on request. This includes the safeguarding policy, complaints policy and admission arrangements for the proposed school.  The proprietor intends that all pupils who will attend the proposed school will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The proprietor body understands its duty to report the expenditure of funds for pupils placed in the school to the commissioning local authorities.  Leaders have designed an appropriate format for reporting a pupil’s progress and achievements to parents. The report will include pupils’ academic, personal and social

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Main inspection findings

development, throughout the academic year.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The proprietor body has a suitable written policy in place for the handling of complaints. The policy is available for parents on request.  The policy clearly explains the three-stage process to be followed in the case of a complaint. This includes the inclusion of an independent member at the stage three panel hearing and the right for a parent to attend. Timescales for responding to a complaint, as set out in the policy, are appropriate.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. 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 sufficient knowledge and understanding of the standards to ensure that they will be met consistently.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum in place

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Main inspection findings

ready for the school to open. The planned curriculum has been designed to meet the anticipated needs and ages of the intended pupils at the school. There are suitable arrangements in place so that teachers can check what pupils know and can do.  The proprietor body has ensured that all standards relating to the safety and welfare of pupils and staff are likely to be met.  All standards in this part are likely to be met. 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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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

Annual fees (day pupils) From £25,215.00

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Proposed school details

Telephone number 01514 809636/ 07749 846945

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Proposed school details

Website The school does not currently have a website Email address info@artseducation.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 14 14

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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 14

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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 14

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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 14

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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 14

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will cater for 14 pupils from 11 to 16 years of age.  It is likely that most pupils who will attend the proposed school will have an EHC plan predominantly for autistic spectrum disorder, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties as well as specific and moderate learning difficulties.  The route for a place at the school will be via a referral from a local authority. Leaders propose to work closely with the neighbouring local authorities of Knowsley, Liverpool and St Helens in the first instance.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This is the first pre-registration inspection of the school.  During the inspection, the inspector met with a representative of the proprietor body and the headteacher for the proposed school.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation relating to the independent school standards. This included policies relating to safeguarding and the procedures in place for the recruitment of staff for the proposed school.  The inspector carried out a tour of the premises. Documentation about the suitability of the school’s welfare, health and safety procedures and documentation relating to the reduction of risk was also reviewed.  The inspector checked a range of evidence relating to the proposed curriculum, including schemes of work and assessment arrangements.

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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

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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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