Medical Tuition School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Parkfield, Colin Road, Paignton, Devon TQ3 2NR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2  Leaders have a curriculum policy in place. The plans for personal, social and health education span the full age range of pupils for whom the proposed school wishes to provide education. These plans reflect the proposed school’s aims and ethos and encourage respect for other people. However, curriculum plans and schemes of work in other subjects are limited to key stages 3 and 4. There is a notable void in the schemes of work to support children in early years and pupils in key stages 1 and 2.  Leaders have considered the individual needs of pupils, including many who have had significant disruption to their education prior to attending. Curriculum plans do not undermine fundamental British values.  The proposed school’s curriculum for pupils in key stages 3 and 4 is broad. It will provide pupils with a range of academic experiences. Careers advice will be provided

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Main inspection findings

impartially, helping pupils to make informed choices about their future aspirations.  The standards in this paragraph are not likely to be met. Paragraph 2A  Relationships and sex education (RSE) plans are comprehensive and make clear what content must be taught and when. Leaders are clear about the content from which parents and carers can choose to withdraw their children. The proposed school has an RSE policy that went through a consultation process with parents.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraphs 3 and 4  Leaders have an assessment system in place so they can track how well pupils are learning the curriculum. Leaders have made clear the key content they want pupils to know and remember. They have considered the ways in which they will deliver the curriculum. Classrooms are purposely designed for teaching specific subjects, for example for science, food technology, and art and design. However, insufficient

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Main inspection findings

thought has been given to how assessment systems will consider children in early years and pupils in key stages 1 and 2.  The standards in these paragraphs are not likely to be met.  Overall, 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  Leaders have detailed plans to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including for those children in early years and pupils in key stages 1 and 2. This includes approaches to support pupils’ self-esteem and confidence. Curriculum plans also cover the importance of respect for other people and respect for, and toleration of, people who may have beliefs that are different from their own. Fundamental British values form a key part of the proposed school’s curriculum. There are strong links with the local police, which help build pupils’ understanding of public institutions.  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(a–b)  Leaders have established systems for safeguarding pupils. This starts with an appropriate policy, which considers guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Staff have the training they need to spot potential signs of harm. There are effective systems in place for recording and handling concerns. This helps leaders spot any worrying patterns or trends. Leaders keep staff up to date with regular safeguarding updates on local and national issues, such as sexual abuse and violence. Despite the clear strengths, leaders have not given sufficient thought to how they will meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements for children in early years.  The standards in this paragraph are not likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a–c)  The proposed school’s behaviour policy sets out how leaders intend to support pupils’ behaviour and engagement. The policy also sets out the exclusions process. There is

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Main inspection findings

a range of supporting documents to help staff support individual pupils, both medically and behaviourally. This helps staff to implement leaders’ approach to behaviour well. Leaders have methods of recording incidents of poor behaviour so they can track and spot any patterns or trends.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 10  The proposed school has an anti-bullying strategy in place. The strategy details the types of bullying that leaders aim to notice and reduce. These are: physical, verbal, indirect, cyber-bullying, sexting and peer-on-peer abuse.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 11  Leaders have had the necessary health and safety checks carried out on the premises. These checks include those on the water quality and fixed-wire testing. An on-site maintenance team is on hand to deal with any minor health and safety issues.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 12  Leaders have ensured that the premises have the necessary checks and equipment required. A comprehensive fire risk assessment has been carried out, with recommendations acted on. Fire extinguishing equipment is regularly checked by staff in between annual checks carried out by external specialists. Areas that require fire blankets have them in place and near to the potential fire source. Leaders carry out regular fire drills and evacuations from the premises to ensure that staff and pupils can leave the premises in a timely manner.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 13  The proposed school has an appropriate first-aid policy in place. There is a first-aid log in place that records when first aid was needed for pupils and staff. First-aid equipment is located across the premises, in line with the policy. The member of staff responsible for providing off-site teaching is first-aid trained and takes first-aid

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Main inspection findings

equipment to each setting.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 14  Leaders have appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that staff supervise pupils well. These arrangements cover time before, during and after the school day. During the school day, leaders have clear plans for supervising pupils during less structured times, such as lunch- and breaktimes.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 15  The proposed school has an appropriate admissions register in place that holds important information about each pupil who attends. The attendance register is taken twice daily using appropriate coding for marking pupils’ attendance or absence.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 16(a–b)  Leaders have considered how they intend to overcome risks and the likelihood of these occurring. This is a strength of the proposed school. There is a wide range of

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Main inspection findings

plans in place, including plans for: risks on- and off-site; specific activities; pupils learning off site; and pupils’ individual needs. There are effective systems in place to ensure that plans to mitigate risk are implemented well. Despite this strong work, there is no risk assessment policy in place.  The standards in this paragraph are not likely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18  Leaders have ensured that the necessary checks on staff are complete. These include enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks and barred from regulated activity checks. Where adults have lived or worked abroad, these checks have been carried out. All checks have been carried out prior to adults commencing employment.  Other important checks, such as those for medical fitness, are also complete. These checks are kept in individual personnel files.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 19  Leaders appoint agency staff. They have established systems for making sure that these staff have the checks they need. This gives leaders assurance that they only appoint those who are suitable to work with children. Leaders check the person’s identity before they commence work, cross-referencing this with the information

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Main inspection findings

provided by the supply agency.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 20  There are two members who make up the proprietor body. The checks for both these directors are complete. Leaders know that if they open the school as an independent school, the Department for Education will carry out further checks on the chair of the proprietor body. It is then the chair of the proprietor body who will be responsible for making sure that checks on other members are complete.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 21  The checks across paragraphs 18, 19 and 20 that are required to be on the school’s single central record are in place. No members of the proprietor body or staff were appointed before 1 May 2007.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met.  Overall, 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  There are several toilets and washing facilities on site. Toilets can be secured from the inside and are intended for individual pupil use. There are separate toilets for staff and visiting adults. The site also has an accessible toilet. The premises have showers and changing accommodation for pupils aged 11 or over who receive physical education.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 24  There is a medical room on site. This designated space is ready for immediate use and does not require the assembly or disassembly of equipment prior to use. The room has access to washing facilities and is near toilet facilities. The medical room is appropriate to meet the medical needs of the pupils for whom the proposed school will provide education.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 25  The premises are extremely well maintained and well cared for. Obvious hazards to

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Main inspection findings

pupils, such as cleaning products and liquids used for teaching chemistry, are stored away safely, beyond the reach of pupils. The communal and teaching spaces are clean and tidy.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 26  The acoustic conditions and sound insulation in all rooms across the premises are suitable for their intended use.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met. Paragraph 27  There is adequate lighting inside and outside the premises. In some spaces, such as the toilet facilities, lighting is prompted by a motion sensor.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 28  The proposed school has several drinking water facilities. These are readily available and are positioned in a separate area from the toilet facilities. Drinking water facilities are clearly labelled as such.  Toilets have a constant supply of cold water, and washing facilities have an adequate

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Main inspection findings

supply of hot and cold water. The temperature of hot water does not pose a scalding risk to users.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met. Paragraph 29  The proposed school has suitable outdoor space for pupils to play outside. The outdoor space is clearly demarcated and separated from public and private land by a green perimeter fence. The proposed school boasts a generously sized sports hall for physical education.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The proposed school has a website in preparation for its designation as an independent school. This website lets users know: the school address and telephone number; the name of the headteacher; details about the proprietor body, including the address and telephone number of the registered office; the name and address for

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Main inspection findings

correspondence to the chair of the governing body; and the statement of the school’s ethos and aims.  Leaders have ensured that parents have access to the following policies on: admissions, behaviour and exclusions; first aid, anti-bullying and health and safety; curriculum; safeguarding; and complaints. There is also information about how the proposed school will support the education and welfare of pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Leaders also know the information they must share about pupils’ progress through an annual written report to parents. For those pupils with an EHC plan that is wholly or partly funded by a local authority, leaders know that they must share information that is required for the purpose of the annual review with the local authority.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met.  Overall, 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 (a–k)  Leaders have an appropriate complaints policy and complaints procedures in place. The policy is in writing and made available to parents. It allows for complainants to make an informal or formal complaint. The policy makes clear how a panel hearing will be assembled if the complainant remains dissatisfied after the informal stage. The panel hearing will consist of three representatives not directly involved in the complaint and one person independent of the day-to-day running of the school. The policy lets the complainant know that they can be accompanied to the panel hearing.  Leaders know that they must keep a record of complaints that captures the nature of the complaint, at what stage the complaint was resolved and any actions or recommendations made.  The inspector allowed leaders to make tweaks to the policy on the day of the

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Main inspection findings

pre-registration inspection. This did not affect the proposed school’s compliance with the independent school standards, but there were some parts that needed to be removed.  The standards in this paragraph are likely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Leaders have wanted to turn the current tuition service into an independent school for some time. Their analysis of the independent school standards is mostly secure. However, gaps in understanding exist. As a result, the independent school standards are not likely to be met.  Leaders have assembled an advisory body. Each representative has a focus on a specific part of the independent school standards. Leaders have made clear the information that school leaders will share with the advisory body to ensure consistency. While this is encouraging, there is still a gap in leaders’ understanding of

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Main inspection findings

the independent school standards.  The standards in this paragraph are not likely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have an appropriate accessibility plan. This plan outlines how they intend to increase pupils’ access to the curriculum, physical environment and information. The plan contains realistic targets for the time allocated to achieve these intentions.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  Leaders have not considered the curriculum that children in early years will learn. There are no curriculum plans to outline how the proposed school will support children’s learning and development.  Specific early years safeguarding and welfare requirements are not in place.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £20,000 to £35,000

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Proposed school details

Email address office@medicaltuitionschool.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 24 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 31

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 25

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 4–16 4–16 11–16 Number of pupils on the school roll 24 50 35

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Part 5 of the independent school standards, relating to the premises and accommodation, is likely to be met. However, the premises are not large enough to cater for 50 pupils. In addition, there is no suitable provision for early years. The proposed school has designated classrooms where individual subjects are taught, based on a secondary-school model. This makes it unsuitable for pupils of primary age. In addition, there is insufficient space to accommodate pupils of a primary age.  The proposal is for five full-time teachers and one part-time teacher, which is the same as the current arrangements. This is insufficient staffing for 50 pupils across early years and key stages 1 to 4.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 9 TBC

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 24 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 11 TBC

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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 11 TBC

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 1 1 Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is already operating. Most pupils attend the main premises either full time or part time. The remaining pupils receive education off site on a part-time basis.  All pupils in attendance remain on the roll of their primary or secondary school. Some pupils have been attending the proposed school on a full-time basis for several years.  The proposed school intends to support pupils whose medical condition is a barrier to their attendance at their own school. It aims for most placements to be temporary, with the intention of pupils returning to school once the barrier has been overcome. However, some pupils have never returned to their own school. Of these, a number have an EHC plan.  The proprietor is Torbay Education Ltd, a company set up by the local authority. There are two directors, who form the proprietor body.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the Secretary of State for Education. It was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education during the COVID-19 pandemic. All inspection activity took place on site.  The inspector held initial discussions with the chair of the proprietor body, the principal, the education leader and a member of the local advisory body.  The inspector undertook a tour of the proposed school’s site and premises to determine whether the standards in part 3 and part 5 of the independent school standards are likely to be met.  The inspector scrutinised the proposed school’s website and requested specific documents to determine whether the standards within part 6 are likely to be met.  The inspector considered schemes of work to determine whether part 1 of the

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Information about this inspection

independent school standards is likely to be met. He considered these alongside the education leader and the principal.  The inspector considered leaders’ plans and schemes of work to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development to determine whether part 2 of the independent school standards is likely to be met. He considered these alongside leaders responsible for this aspect of the school’s work.  The inspector considered documentation such as policies, safeguarding records and plans in place to maintain pupils’ safety while on site. He considered these with members of the safeguarding team. This helped to determine whether the standards within part 3 of the independent school standards are likely to be met.  The inspector evaluated the complaints policy, procedure and log to determine whether the standards in part 7 of the independent school standards are likely to be met.  The inspector checked the single central record and several staff recruitment files to

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Information about this inspection

determine whether the standards within part 4 of the independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Inspection team

Nathan Kemp, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 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; and – 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  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(f) where the school has pupils below compulsory school age, a programme of

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

activities which is appropriate to their educational needs in relation to personal, social, emotional and physical development and communication and language skills;  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 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; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress;

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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– – 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.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 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;

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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– – 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

 Safeguarding and welfare requirements  Learning and development requirements 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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Early Years Foundation Stage

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