Educ8 Liverpool

School pre-registration inspection report

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Educ8 Liverpool Elm Road, Seaforth, Liverpool, Merseyside L21 3TG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable written curriculum policy in place to meet the needs and developmental stages of the pupils. The intended curriculum offers a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor places a strong focus on the development of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Leaders have also ensured that schemes of work, including those for PSHE, promote an understanding of fundamental British values.  The proprietor has a suitable careers programme in place to ensure that pupils will have access to impartial careers advice. The intention is that pupils will be well prepared for the next stages in their education or employment.  Pupils will have access to a range of academic and vocational qualifications according

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Main inspection findings

to their ability and need. This will include key stage 4 national assessments if appropriate. Paragraph 2A–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  There is a suitable policy in place for relationships and sex education. The policy pays due regard to the statutory guidance. Leaders have already consulted on the final contents of the policy with proposed parents and carers. Leaders have ensured that the planned curriculum is supported by appropriate schemes of work suitable for the ages and emotional development of the proposed pupils. Paragraph 3–3(g)  The proposed school’s schemes of work identify the knowledge that pupils will gain over time across a broad range of subjects. The proposed assessment policy explains how information will be gathered to identify what pupils know and can do. This information will be used to help teachers to plan what pupils need to learn next. This will help pupils to acquire knowledge and make progress.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor and leaders are in the process of recruiting the staff who will work at the school. Leaders have a clear idea of the calibre and expertise that they are looking for in their new teachers and other staff, to meet the needs of the proposed pupils.  Leaders have ensured that there are suitable resources available to enable staff to deliver the planned curriculum effectively. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proposed behaviour policy provides guidance for staff on how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. The proposed strategies are likely to help pupils to understand their own emotions and regulate their behaviour independently. Leaders intend to help pupils to realise how their actions impact others while promoting mutual respect and tolerance for others.  Leaders plan to provide additional support to staff during the induction process so that they can implement the proposed behaviour management policy consistently

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Main inspection findings

well. Paragraph 4  Leaders will assess pupils’ attainment and personal needs when they start at the school. Pupils’ progress and attainment will be assessed regularly. Teachers will use these assessments to inform their teaching. They are mindful of the likely wide range of pupils’ abilities and needs. Pupils’ progress will be shared regularly with parents and those responsible for governance.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)(i)–5(b)(vii)  The plans for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are suitable for the pupils who will attend the proposed school.  Leaders have placed a strong emphasis on how British values will be positively promoted in an age-appropriate way. The associated schemes of work also set out how teachers will encourage tolerance and respect for others, paying due regard to the protected characteristics.  Enrichment activities will be offered to all pupils to ensure that they develop knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. The proprietor has considered how pupils will gain a broad general knowledge and respect for public institutions and services in England. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  There are appropriate procedures in place to ensure that staff employed at the proposed school will not promote any partisan or biased political views.

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Main inspection findings

 The planned curriculum for pupils’ PSHE development will help them to understand how their actions affect others. There will be a positive emphasis on promoting tolerance, respect and understanding for other faiths, cultures and religions. Guidance for staff will enable them to support pupils further to understand right from wrong.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  There is a suitable safeguarding and child protection policy which takes account of current guidance from the Secretary of State. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of how to keep pupils safe in a variety of situations, including when out in the community and when using social media.  The proprietor intends to provide suitable safeguarding training for all staff prior to starting work at the proposed school. This includes guidance on how to recognise the

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Main inspection findings

signs of possible abuse in pupils and the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a pupil’s welfare. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is a suitable written behaviour policy and exclusions policy in place for the proposed school. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded. The policy includes appropriate and proportionate sanctions.  The proprietor has also ensured that there is a suitable written policy for the prevention of bullying. This includes the different forms that bullying can take. There is guidance for staff on the procedures to follow should bullying occur.  There is an appropriate record-keeping system should any incidents of unacceptable behaviour or bullying take place. The records will form part of each pupil’s individual learning plan and will be kept securely. Paragraphs 11, 12  There is a detailed health and safety policy for the proposed school. This is appropriately tailored to the premises of the proposed school. Training relating to the

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Main inspection findings

health and safety of pupils will be part of the induction procedures for new staff.  The proprietor has ensured that the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. The fire alarm system and emergency lighting will be frequently checked by a competent person. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the building. All fire exits are in good working order and free from clutter. Paragraphs 13, 14, 15  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable first-aid policy in place for the proposed school. Leaders are up to date with their knowledge of first aid. The proprietor intends to provide suitable first-aid training for staff prior to them starting work at the proposed school.  The proposed staff-to-pupil ratio is appropriate for the age and aptitude of the pupils. This will ensure that pupils will be well supervised throughout the school day.

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Main inspection findings

 The admissions policy for the proposed school complies with the Education (Pupils Registration) Regulations 2006. Pupils who attend the proposed school will be placed there through the commissioning local authority. Paragraph 16  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place for the proposed school. Leaders have completed detailed risk assessments for different activities, for example when pupils are undertaking learning in hair and beauty.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1)–19(2)(d)(ii)  The single central record is already in place and meets the requirements for the information it must contain.  The proprietor has ensured that there are appropriate systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils. These checks include identity checks, the right to work in the United Kingdom and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  Leaders are aware of the procedures that they should follow in the event of employing supply staff, to ensure that they are suitable to work with pupils. Paragraphs 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)  All of the required prohibition checks for the proprietor and leaders have been completed. These include all safeguarding checks and checks under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23–23(1)(c), 24–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The accommodation for the proposed school is housed within a former social club. The accommodation comprises several teaching rooms, a hair and beauty salon, a small reception area, an office and a large area to teach construction. The building is in adequate order and meets requirements.  There is appropriate external lighting at the main entrance and around the building’s exterior. Emergency lighting is fitted above fire exits.  The outdoor space at the rear of the building contains both grassed and hard-surfaced areas. It is suitable for playing, but not suitable for the physical education (PE) curriculum. It is intended that pupils will use a nearby sports facility for PE lessons. The facility has suitable showers and changing areas.  Within the building, all corridors are well-lit and free from clutter. The furniture in the

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Main inspection findings

classrooms is of the right size for the ages of the pupils. All rooms are equally well-lit. The acoustics, heating and ventilation are appropriate.  The medical room is suitably furnished and has a bed with a blanket and a pillow. It is in close proximity to a toilet facility. It includes a sink, with hot and cold running water. There is also a well-stocked first-aid kit.  There are separate toilet facilities for girls and boys. Each facility has individual, lockable cubicle toilets.  The hot water is tested frequently and does not pose a scalding risk to users. Bottled drinking water is clearly labelled and is available for the proposed pupils throughout the day.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(j), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The website contains contact details for the proposed school and the proprietor.  The proprietor has ensured that a range of information is available to parents and others on request. This includes the safeguarding policy, complaints policy and admission arrangements for the proposed school.  Leaders have designed an appropriate format for reporting a pupil’s progress and achievements to parents. The report will include pupils’ academic, personal and social development throughout the academic year.  Leaders are aware that any inspection reports and examination results need to be made available when released.  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 33–33(k)  The proprietor has a suitable written policy in place for the handling of complaints. The policy is available for the proposed parents on request.  The policy clearly explains the three-stage process to be followed in the case of a complaint. This includes the inclusion of an independent member at the stage three panel hearing and the right for a parent to attend. Timescales for responding to a complaint, as set out in the policy, are appropriate.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards to ensure that they will be met consistently.  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum in place, ready for the school to open. The planned curriculum has been designed to meet the anticipated needs and ages of the intended pupils at the school. There are suitable arrangements in place so that teachers can check what pupils know and can do.  The proprietor has ensured that all standards relating to the safety and welfare of pupils and staff are likely to be met.  All the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £15,000 to £17,000

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Proposed school details

Email address rachel.smee@educ8group.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 20 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 35

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 25

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 13 to 16 13 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 20 40 40

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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 2 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 15 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 6 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 6 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 1

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent special school is located in a former social club and has undergone renovation. The building is owned by the proprietor. There is a boxing club adjoining the school which is in use after school hours. Pupils at the proposed school will not have access to the boxing club.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 40 pupils irrespective of gender, aged between 13 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who are disengaged from mainstream school and wish to pursue vocational studies. It is expected that a number of pupils will have special educational needs and/or disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs, autism spectrum disorder and behaviour difficulties. Some will have an education, health and care plan. Referrals will be taken from the Liverpool City Region local authorities and Lancashire.

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Information about this proposed school

 The school aims to re-engage pupils not suited to or struggling with traditional education pathways by engaging them in personalised, high-quality vocational courses that encourage and motivate pupils.  The proposed school already operates as an unregistered alternative provision. On 1 December 2021, the provision was inspected under section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. Inspectors served school leaders with a warning notice at the time of that inspection.  The proprietor has a limited company called Educ8 Liverpool Limited. The proprietor is the only director. The governance of the school will be overseen by an executive board. The school has already appointed a head of school, an executive headteacher and a deputy executive headteacher.

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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 a registered school.  This is the school’s second pre-registration inspection. The previous pre-registration inspection took place on 26 January 2022.  The proposed school already operates as an unregistered alternative provision. At the time of this inspection, there were 20 pupils on the school register, six of whom had an education, health and care plan. Teaching was not observed as part of this inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, the head of school, the executive headteacher and the deputy executive headteacher.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant independent school standards. She also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum,

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Information about this inspection

behaviour and health and safety. She also checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Elizabeth Stevens, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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