Hove Micro-School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hove Micro-School 77 Station Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 1DF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(i)  The school’s curriculum and its delivery are designed to foster children’s love of learning and independence. The curriculum is broadly aligned with the requirements of the primary national curriculum. Pupils will learn a broad and balanced range of subjects with an appropriate focus on early reading and mathematics, alongside foundation subjects including music and art.  Topics for subject areas will be determined through collaborative planning, taking account of pupils’ interests, parents’ views and teachers’ assessment of what pupils already know and remember. Sequences of lessons and topics will be tailored to pupils’ abilities and particular needs, including whether they have any gaps in their knowledge.  The headteacher is planning to cater for individual pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities or who have education, health and care plans. Curriculum

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Main inspection findings

planning will be tailored appropriately to meet these pupils’ needs. Paragraph 2A(1)–2A(3)  The school has taken appropriate steps to be ready to teach relationships education. Parents of pupils currently attending the part-time provision have been consulted and their views considered. Plans are in place to introduce the school’s curriculum for relationships education when the school is registered. Paragraphs 3–4  The school benefits from qualified teachers who are familiar with national curriculum requirements. The school also plans to use specialist teachers and tutors in art, music and physical education.  The proposed school will have a strong emphasis on promoting equality and diversity. The school’s planned approach to teaching includes topics that will develop pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education. Fair debates and discussions and impartial presentations of views will be essential features in teachers’ approaches.

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Main inspection findings

 The headteacher has established a system to assess individual pupils’ progress and experiences. Regular records then feed into detailed monthly reports for parents. These reports will also help to shape pupils’ onward learning journey.  Classroom and teaching resources are plentiful and of good quality.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  The headteacher and her team will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the planned curriculum and the school’s ethos and collaborative, shared way of working.  The school’s calendar includes planned activities to foster cultural awareness and active promotion of tolerance. Different religious and non-religious festivals will be celebrated. Pupils will have opportunities to take part in sports, music and drama to

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Main inspection findings

improve their aesthetic knowledge and self-esteem.  The curriculum and different school clubs will include visits and off-site activities. These are designed to provide pupils with a breadth of experience and give them opportunities to socialise and learn about the world around them.  The headteacher has a clearly articulated vision for the school, with pupils’ abilities, families, lifestyles and interests at the heart. Within the school’s respectful culture, pupils will learn how to accept and celebrate diversity.  The headteacher expects to listen to pupils and parents and take their views into account, while not lowering ambition and standards. The headteacher fully understands how she must ensure that pupils are not exposed to extreme or partisan political, religious or cultural opinions.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 7–7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy does not meet requirements. The policy makes reference to out-of-date guidance from the Secretary of the State. Therefore, important updates are missed.  The headteacher was not aware of recent changes to statutory guidance on safeguarding and has not completed the necessary training in safeguarding and child protection. The school did not have a single central record of information about adults working in the school. The headteacher was not aware of all the checks that needed to be made and recorded on the single central record. These aspects have the potential to put pupils at risk of harm and therefore need to be addressed in order to meet the requirements of paragraph 7.  The school’s safeguarding policy is not published on the proposed school’s website. Paragraphs 9–10  The headteacher has drawn up a combined behaviour and anti-bullying policy that is

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Main inspection findings

suitable and will meet the requirements of part 3. Staff will support pupils’ positive behaviour and consideration for each other through collaborative and restorative approaches. The policy also outlines how parents will be fully involved in supporting positive behaviour. Paragraphs 11–16(b)  The headteacher has carried out suitable risk assessments for the premises and off- site activities. The headteacher and key stage two teacher both have first-aid training.  A number of required policies are not in place at the moment. The school does not have a written health and safety policy, first-aid policy or risk assessment policy.  The headteacher has completed an appropriate fire risk assessment of the premises and has made contact with the local fire service to share and confirm her findings.  A high pupil-to-staff ratio will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised in school and during off-site activities.

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Main inspection findings

 The headteacher has appropriately completed records of pupils’ admissions and attendance, in accordance with paragraph 15. The headteacher understands the importance of maintaining these records carefully if pupils leave the school.  The school is unlikely to meet all of the requirements of this part of the independent school standards. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(3), 20(6), 21(1)–21(3)(b)  The headteacher does not have a clear enough understanding of the requirements of part 4 of the independent school standards. She did not know what the single central record was and had not completed all the required checks on adults appointed to work in the school.  Although some checks had been completed, including on supply staff, the headteacher had not completed checks on prohibition from teaching or managing a school. Not all adults working with pupils in the school have the required Disclosure

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Main inspection findings

and Barring Service checks.  The headteacher of the school is the sole proprietor. The school does not have a board of governors.  The school is unlikely to meet all the requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The proposed school is in the proprietor’s house. The main living room and one of the bedrooms have been converted into classroom spaces for each class. Classroom areas are attractively laid out and well resourced, with sufficient space for the proposed numbers of pupils.  Classroom spaces are well maintained, with safely organised storage cupboards. The property is light and well ventilated. The building is externally lit at the back and from street lights at the front.  Pupils have access to a small garden at the back of the property, which can be used for growing plants and recreation. For physical education and more space to play, the

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Main inspection findings

headteacher proposes to use local parks and sports grounds.  The school does not have toilet and washing facilities for the sole use of pupils. There is one shared, lockable bathroom for staff and pupils.  There is a supply of running water that is at a suitable temperature. Pupils are expected to bring their own filled water bottle to school, which can be refilled from a filtered supply from the kitchen.  There is no dedicated space for the short-term care of injured or sick pupils.  The school is unlikely to meet all the requirements of this part of the independent school standards. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(g), 32(1)(j)–32(2)(b)(1), 32(2)(d)–32(3)(a), 32(3)(c)–32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website is at an early stage of construction. Not all information about the school is published online. The safeguarding policy is not on the website but is available on request.

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Main inspection findings

 The headteacher understands the requirements of part 6 of the independent school standards and what information needs to be published on the website or available to parents and other agencies upon request.  The school plans to provide monthly reports to parents on pupils’ progress and experiences. Regular meetings with parents are also planned formally and informally.  The school has a suitable complaints policy which is available to parents and will be published on the school’s website.  The school is likely to meet the requirements of this part of the independent school standards. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The headteacher has drawn up a complaints policy and procedure which is available on request. The policy outlines the timescale for managing any complaints. The policy meets all requirements of part 7.  The headteacher has made provision for complaints to be managed informally in the

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Main inspection findings

first instance but also understands the requirement for independent representation on any complaints panel.  The policy includes procedures for keeping copies of complaints securely and available for inspection if needed.  The school is likely to meet all requirements in this part of the independent school standards. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The headteacher’s knowledge of her statutory duties as the proprietor of an independent school is at an early stage. Her understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards is not as strong as it needs to be. As a result, the school was not completely ready for this pre-registration inspection.  In particular, the headteacher has not ensured that her knowledge is sufficiently deep, precise or up to date regarding her statutory safeguarding requirements under parts 3 and 4 of the independent school standards. In addition, the headteacher had not

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Main inspection findings

considered carefully enough some of the requirements relating to the school premises under part 5. During the inspection, the proprietor began planning potential changes to the premises in order to meet the standard relating to toilet facilities and the short- term care of sick or injured pupils.  However, the headteacher is able to demonstrate some understanding of how to keep pupils safe and work effectively with parents to promote pupils’ best interests. The headteacher has a strong sense of moral purpose and a determination to provide an effective education, while also understanding potential risks around this type of provision. The headteacher has helpfully set up some networks of local education contacts to support her own oversight of the school. These include a leadership coach and a named contact in the local authority safeguarding team.  The headteacher was receptive to the findings of this pre-registration inspection.

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Main inspection findings

During the inspection, she began to prioritise what she should do next to address the aspects of the independent school standards judged unlikely to be met. However, it is essential that the headteacher urgently improves her understanding of her statutory safeguarding duties, especially as the school is currently operating as a part-time alternative provision. It is also crucial that the headteacher fully understands how to meet the independent school standards consistently. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The headteacher has not drawn up a specific accessibility plan for the school premises. However, she has included details of how to make reasonable adjustments to the provision, should pupils with specific needs be enrolled at the school. The school is likely to meet paragraph 3 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £3,040 to £13,500

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Proposed school details

Email address rachaelammari@hovemicro-school.com

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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 13 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 18

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 16

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n

Age range of pupils 5 to 10 5 to 11 5 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll 13 10 10

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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 13 Up to 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 2 2

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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 Up to 2

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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 Up to 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is currently operating as a part-time alternative provision in the proprietor’s house, with two rooms converted to classrooms. The school proposes to have two classes: one for key stage 1 pupils and one for key stage 2.  The proposed school will offer a mixture of full-time and part-time provision on a flexible basis. It is likely that pupils enrolled will be home educated by their parents if they do not attend the proposed school full time. The headteacher plans to offer a few places for pupils who have education, health and care plans.  The school will provide a personalised curriculum for individual pupils, selected and planned in collaboration with parents and following pupils’ interests, but aligned to the national curriculum.  The school will be led and managed by the headteacher, who has qualified teacher status. Two other qualified teachers, a supply teacher and a teaching assistant will

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Information about this proposed school

make up the rest of the teaching staff, either on a full- or part-time basis. Specialist staff will provide tuition in art, music and physical education.  The school will not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, including safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector met with the headteacher to discuss the proposed school. She reviewed a range of documentation provided by the headteacher, including policies, checks on staff appointed to work in the school and curriculum and assessment information.  The inspector toured the premises and visited lessons attended by the part-time pupils.

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Inspection team

Janet Pearce, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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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-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.

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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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d);

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e),

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(5) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to supply staff-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(5)(a) whether written notification has been received from the employment business that-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(5)(a)(i) checks corresponding to those referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(a)(i) to (iv), (vi) and (vii) have been made to the extent relevant to any such person; and – 21(5)(a)(ii) an enhanced criminal record check has been made and that it or another employment business has obtained an enhanced criminal record certificate in response to such a check,

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(5)(b) whether a check has been made in accordance with paragraph 19(2)(e) together with the date the check was completed; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(5)(c) where written notification has been received from the employment business in accordance with a contract or other arrangements referred to in paragraph 19(2)(d) that it has obtained an enhanced criminal record certificate, whether the employment business supplied a copy of the certificate to the school.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(7)(b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time.

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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.  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 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. 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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