Balance Alternative Provision

School pre-registration inspection report

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Balance Alternative Provision A1 Football Factory, Skinner Lane, Pontefract, WF8 1HG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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 proprietor has ensured that there is a curriculum policy in place. The policy sets out the school’s intention to support and prepare pupils to return to mainstream education. The policy is available to parents on the school’s website.  English, mathematics and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will provide the core curriculum. The wider curriculum will be delivered through a themed approach. For example, a topic on the Romans covers the subjects of music, history, geography and art. Physical education (PE) will be delivered as a series of units to include fitness and a variety of team sports.  Leaders’ intention is for pupils to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics. Pupils will experience varied and frequent practice, with increasingly difficult

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Main inspection findings

mathematical problems to solve over time. The English scheme of work incorporates the areas of reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary so that pupils can gain confidence in applying their comprehension skills to a variety of questions and problems.  The timetable is designed to ensure that pupils experience a broad range of subjects, even if they attend on a part-time basis. English and mathematics, the themed curriculum, PSHE and PE are taught every day.  Leaders have high aspirations for the pupils. They expect them to achieve a range of GCSE qualifications to improve their life chances. Paragraph 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), 2(2)(g)  Leaders have made a start to planning careers guidance. Links with possible work experience providers have been established for motor mechanics, hair and beauty and horticulture. This will help pupils understand the world of work and experience

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Main inspection findings

possible career choices.  Leaders are preparing a careers scheme of work. This will show what pupils from age 11 to 16 years will be taught about the world of work and the careers support they will receive. Leaders intend to arrange for an independent careers adviser to visit the school on a regular basis to prepare pupils for the next stage of their lives.  As a careers scheme of work and impartial careers advice is not in place, it is not clear how pupils will be supported to make informed choices about their future options. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  Leaders have prepared a relationships and sex education policy. This statement has been published on the school’s website and is easily accessible to parents.  Relationships and sex education are delivered through the PSHE curriculum across all year groups. Pupils will learn about gender equality, healthy relationships, consent and

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Main inspection findings

making positive choices.  Leaders intend to consult with parents about any revisions they make to the relationships and sex education statement when the school opens. Arrangements will be made for parents to excuse their child from aspects of sex education on request. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have written schemes of work for each subject. This means that teachers can deliver the curriculum through well-planned lessons.  The proprietor and head of provision have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum, particularly in mathematics and PE. This will help pupils to increase their understanding and develop their skills across all subjects.  A framework for assessment is in place. Pupils will be assessed when they join the school. Leaders will provide teachers with this information, as well as detailed information about pupils’ prior attainment from their previous school. Teachers will

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Main inspection findings

use this knowledge to plan personalised lessons for each pupil.  Leaders plan for pupils to have an understanding of the protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010. This will be taught through lessons that focus on related issues, such as discrimination of cultures and religions, human rights and fairness and justice.  The head of provision is experienced in teaching pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Gaps in pupils’ knowledge will be identified and personalised plans will be written to get pupils to where they need to be. There will be sufficient staffing to support pupils with SEND and their social and emotional needs.  Parents and host schools will receive regular reports on their child’s progress and personal development.  The standards in part 1 are not likely to be met. 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),

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Main inspection findings

5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Leaders share a vision for pupils to be ‘responsible and effective members of the community’ and to ‘improve their life chances’. Leaders have considered how spiritual, moral, social and cultural development will contribute to this vision. They have developed a programme which includes health and well-being, relationships and living in the wider world.  Leaders have a thorough understanding of the social, emotional and mental health needs of the pupils who will attend the proposed school. They intend to provide a supportive and nurturing environment that prepares pupils to return to their mainstream school.  The PSHE scheme of work shows that pupils will learn about democracy and the rule of law. Pupils will learn about free speech, as well as rights and responsibilities at work.  To help pupils to manage their own behaviour, there will be an emphasis on building

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Main inspection findings

confidence and self-esteem. Well-being questionnaires will be completed when pupils join the school. Pupils will be encouraged to reflect on their work and their self-belief. Leaders have high expectations about how pupils should behave. Staff will use praise to reward pupils and help improve their confidence.  Plans for the curriculum show that pupils will learn the difference between right and wrong. Pupils will learn about the school rules. They will not be allowed to bring telephones into school or smoke on the school site.  The school’s documentation includes positive references to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. Pupils will explore what the protected characteristics are and how to challenge discriminatory behaviour.  Leaders are aware of the need to ensure that when staff and visitors discuss political views with pupils, there is a balance of views presented.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in part 2 are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has taken account of the statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils. A safeguarding policy is in place and is easily accessible on the school’s website. The head of provision will be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). Appropriate training has been undertaken for this role. It is intended that, in time, another member of staff will become the deputy designated safeguarding lead.  New staff will receive an induction which will include training about keeping children safe. Staff will receive regular updates about safeguarding.  Leaders have a comprehensive understanding of the safeguarding risks to the pupils. A learning mentor will keep track of pupils’ well-being so that any emerging issues can be quickly acted on.  Arrangements for the safe recruitment of staff have been considered carefully.

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Main inspection findings

Systems are in place to ensure that all appropriate checks are made on new staff before they join the school. The proprietor has received safer recruitment training. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate behaviour policy in place. The policy is based on the high expectations that leaders have about behaviour. Pupils will be provided with clear guidance on what is acceptable behaviour. The policy includes proportionate sanctions.  There is a written anti-bullying policy in place. Pupils will learn about the different types of bullying in PSHE lessons. They will be taught to challenge stereotypes and treat each other with respect. Pupils will be encouraged to report any incidents of bullying immediately to a member of staff. The proprietor has a system in place for recording incidents of bullying. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A health and safety policy has been developed. It considers the premises of the

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Main inspection findings

school. The roles and responsibilities of all staff are made clear so that the school is safe for everyone. The proprietor has ensured that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has been complied with. A recent fire risk assessment has been carried out by an external company.  The proprietor has established systems for checking the fire alarm and fire extinguishers. Fire evacuations take place on a termly basis. Two members of staff are suitably trained fire wardens. They are responsible for evacuating pupils and staff safely from the building in the event of a fire.  Systems and records are in place for checking other aspects of the safety of the premises. Electrical testing and smoke alarms, emergency lighting and legionella water tests are carried out at appropriate intervals.  There is a first-aid policy which explains what staff must do in the case of an accident. The head of provision has received first-aid training and is the appointed person for

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Main inspection findings

first aid. There are first-aid boxes located in the classroom and the office. There is an accident form to record any incidents or injuries that take place.  An admissions register is in place to record the appropriate details of all pupils joining the school. The current attendance register is not maintained in accordance with the registration regulations. It does not reflect the correct codes for marking the attendance of the pupils.  There is currently no risk assessment policy in place. However, risk assessments seen during the inspection were fit for purpose.  The standards in part 3 are not likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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),

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Main inspection findings

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)  The proprietor has ensured that there are systems in place for checking that all staff are suitable to work in the school. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training and understand their responsibilities when employing new staff.  The proprietor and DSL know the checks that are required where supply staff are engaged from employment agencies. Paragraph 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  There is a single central record in place which highlights the pre-employment checks leaders make to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. This record is in electronic form.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in part 4 are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities which are designated for pupil use only. The toilets are separate facilities for girls and boys.  Changing facilities and showers are provided for pupils to use before and after physical education lessons.  The school does not have a medical room for the examination and treatment of pupils. Paragraphs 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)  The proprietor has ensured that the school premises are maintained to an acceptable level. However, the first-floor school building can be accessed by visitors who use the ground floor facilities. The proprietor is intending to fit a secure door to separate the school from the other facilities before the school opens.

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Main inspection findings

 The lighting and acoustics in the school premises are appropriate for the activities that will take place. External lighting is in place so that pupils and staff can leave the building safely.  Pupils will be provided with bottled water every day. The cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are marked as such.  Toilets have an adequate supply of cold water. The washing facilities in the toilet areas have hot and cold running water. However, the temperature of the hot water supply could pose a scalding risk to the pupils.  Large artificial grass football pitches are located in the same building as the school. These are available for the school’s use.  The standards in part 5 are not likely to be met. 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),

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Main inspection findings

32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  There is a school website in place. A number of policies can be accessed from the website. Appropriate information about the name and contact number of the proprietor and the head of provision is included and a statement of the school’s ethos.  The school’s safeguarding policy is published, as is the safer recruitment policy.  Most policies relating to the independent school standards are available on the school’s website. Policies are available that relate to the curriculum, pupils’ behaviour, anti-bullying, health and safety and first aid. However, a risk assessment policy is not currently in place.  Parents will receive regular reports on the progress and attainment of their child. The school will contribute to the preparation of annual review reports for pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  Information about the educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans is

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Main inspection findings

available. However, there is no information about the provision for pupils who speak English as an additional language.  An annual account of income received and expenditure for each pupil has not yet been formulated.  The standards in part 6 are not 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)  A written complaints policy is available on the school’s website.  The policy sets out arrangements for each stage of the complaints process. Where complaints escalate to a formal procedure, they will be heard by a panel. A person independent of the school will sit on this panel.  The findings and recommendations from the panel will be made available to the complainant and the person complained about. The written record will be kept confidentially and securely by the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in part 7 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 and head of provision are experienced school leaders. They have a sound knowledge of the curriculum and specialist knowledge in particular subject areas.  The head of provision has the knowledge and experience of how to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. Leaders are committed to improving the life chances of the pupils who will attend the school.  Leaders have been running alternative education provision since January 2022. The proprietor is closely involved with the alternative provision and intends to continue to be involved when the proposed school opens. The proprietor explained how she would hold the head of provision to account, through monitoring teaching and the curriculum.  Leaders understand the importance of meeting the independent school standards.

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Main inspection findings

They are keen to put right aspects of the standards that were not met in this inspection.  The standards in part 8 are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have put in place an accessibility plan. This plan sets out how the school will improve access to the curriculum and premises for pupils with SEND. Leaders are also planning how parents can access information through a variety of different methods.  The school is likely to meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

Headteacher Andrew Dean (Head of Provision)

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £120 to £130 per day

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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 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable Up to 10 per day Up to 10 per day

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable Up to 10 per day

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Up to 10 per day

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 5

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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 5

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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 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will be an independent day school for boys and girls aged 11 to 16. The school will provide education for pupils with SEND, including those with EHC plans. The school will cater mainly for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and pupils with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  The school is located on an industrial estate close to the town centre of Pontefract. The school premises are on the first floor of a community provision. The ground floor has a gymnasium, three artificial grass football pitches, a children’s play area and a café. The public does not access the first floor during school hours.  The proprietor opened an alternative provision on the same site in January 2022, with four pupils in key stage 4. This will be incorporated into the independent school when it opens. There are currently two staff: the head of provision, who is a class teacher, and

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Information about this proposed school

a learning mentor. The proprietor does not work in the alternative provision.  The school’s vision is to prepare pupils to return to mainstream education and to be ready for a career in the wider world.  The school does not have a religious character.  Leaders do not intend to use any alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This 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 an independent school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection. The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector conducted the inspection with the proprietor and the head of provision.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documents related to the independent school standards. These included the safeguarding policy, the behaviour policy, the curriculum policy and associated schemes of work and the health and safety policy.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises. Documentation relating to the fire safety arrangements and the health and safety of pupils and staff were reviewed.

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Inspection team

Suzette Garland-Grimes, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that -

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(1)(g) any information reasonably requested in connection with an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act which is required for the purposes of the inspection is provided to the body conducting the inspection and that body is given access to the school’s admission and attendance registers;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006[16]) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of State.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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