TLG Wirral

School pre-registration inspection report

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Hope Church, Station Road, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside CH47 4AA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate written curriculum policy in place. It has been designed to meet the anticipated needs of pupils who will attend the school for short periods of time throughout the academic year.  The associated schemes of work set out what pupils will learn across a broad range of subjects. Subject knowledge has been carefully sequenced to enable pupils to apply what they know and can do when learning something new. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body has ensured that schemes of work, including those for personal, social and health education (PSHE), promote an understanding of fundamental British values. Leaders intend to further enhance the curriculum through a wide range of planned experiences and opportunities. These may include voluntary activities with

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Main inspection findings

the church and residential trips. It is intended that these will develop pupils’ confidence, perseverance and resilience.  Leaders are mindful that the intention is for the proposed pupils to successfully return to the commissioning school. With this in mind, leaders will follow the careers programme from pupils’ individual schools. Leaders also intend to provide further impartial advice and guidance to enable pupils to learn about the opportunities available to them once they leave school. This includes further education and employment. Paragraph 2A–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable policy and schemes of work in place for relationships and sex education. As part of the PSHE curriculum, leaders have ensured that the planned curriculum is suitable for the ages and emotional development of the anticipated pupils. Consultation with parents and carers on this aspect of the curriculum will form part of the referral and placement discussion prior

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Main inspection findings

to pupils joining the school. Paragraph 3–3(g)  Assessment information will be gathered prior to pupils joining the school. This information will be used to identify what pupil know and can do and to identify any gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding.  The planned curriculum highlights the core subject and disciplinary knowledge that pupils will gain over time. Teachers will frequently use a range of assessment techniques to assess how well the proposed pupils will remember what they have been taught. Teachers will use this information to plan what pupils need to learn next.  The proprietor body intends that staff at the proposed school will benefit from the experience and expertise across the Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) group of schools. This will ensure that staff have the knowledge that they need to deliver the curriculum effectively. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proposed behaviour policy provides guidance for staff on how to manage pupils’

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Main inspection findings

behaviour effectively. Leaders intend to help pupils to realise how their actions impact on others, while also promoting mutual respect and tolerance. This will help to prepare pupils to reintegrate successfully back into their commissioning school.  Leaders plan to provide additional support to staff during the induction process. This will be to ensure that new staff can implement the proposed behaviour management policy consistently well. Paragraph 4  There is a suitable format in place for reporting to parents and carers. Leaders intend to report weekly to parents and carers on pupils’ social and academic achievements. At the end of a pupil’s placement, there will be a more detailed report. This detailed report will also form part of the final assessment report for the commissioning school. Leaders intend that this final report will also include the views of pupils.  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 proprietor body has ensured that there are appropriate plans in place to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This will be a core element of the curriculum that leaders intend to provide. It has been carefully designed for the anticipated needs of the pupils who will attend the proposed school.  Leaders intend to place a strong emphasis on promoting tolerance and respect for others. This aspect of the school’s work will pay due regard to those whose characteristics are protected under the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(ii)  The proprietor body has ensured that there are suitable procedures in place to check that staff do not promote any partisan or biased political views during the teaching of any subject.  The well-designed curriculum encourages pupils to understand how their actions

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Main inspection findings

affect those around them. The plans also provide guidance for staff on how to support pupils’ understanding of other faiths, cultures and beliefs, and to distinguish right from wrong.  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 6, 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding and child protection policy takes account of the current guidance from the Secretary of State. The policy references the appropriate training that all staff will receive. This will include guidance on how to recognise the signs of possible abuse and the procedures to follow if they have concerns about a pupil’s welfare. Paragraph 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  There is a detailed behaviour policy in place that takes account of the anticipated needs of pupils who may attend the proposed school. The policy provides guidance for staff on how to promote positive behaviour and how to help pupils to regulate their own behaviour.  The anti-bullying policy references the different forms that bullying may take. The policy provides guidance for staff on the procedures to follow should bullying occur.  Any incidents of inappropriate behaviour will be recorded on an online system used by

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Main inspection findings

all of the schools in the TLG group. These records will be kept securely. They will form part of each pupil’s individual profile. Any incidents will also be communicated to each pupil’s parents and the commissioning school. Paragraph 11, 12  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable health and safety policy in place for the proposed school. Health and safety training will form part of the induction procedures for new staff.  The proprietor body has ensured that the building is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. All fire exits are clearly identified. Exit routes are clearly signposted and free from clutter. Emergency lighting and the fire alarm system have been installed by a competent person. These systems will be frequently checked and maintained by a registered company. Paragraph 13, 14, 15  The first-aid policy is appropriate. Leaders are up to date with their training. First-aid

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Main inspection findings

training will form part of the induction procedures for new staff.  The staff-to-pupil ratio proposed by the proprietor body is appropriate for the age and anticipated needs of the pupils who will attend the school. This will ensure that pupils will be supervised appropriately throughout their time at the school.  The admission policy for the proposed school complies with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. Pupils who will attend the school will be placed there through the commissioning school and/or local authority. Pupils will attend the proposed school for up to four days a week for approximately two terms, depending on need. Pupils will remain on the register of the commissioning school during their time at the proposed school. It is intended that pupils will return to the commissioning school following a successful reintegration back into full-time education. Paragraph 16

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate risk assessment policy in place. Leaders intend to complete individual risk assessments for each pupil prior to their starting at the school. Leaders have also completed suitable risk assessments for when pupils will be off site, such as when going to the nearby recreation park or when volunteering in church activities.  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 Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e)  Appropriate procedures are in place to check the suitability of staff to work with pupils. These include identity checks, the right to work in the United Kingdom and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  The proprietor body intends that all teaching staff will be qualified teachers. Staff will also have the appropriate knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to be able to work with the anticipated needs of pupils who will attend the school. Paragraph 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii)  The proprietor body does not intend to use supply staff. However, should it need to, it will use staff from a reputable agency. Leaders will ensure that any supply staff have the appropriate knowledge, skills and understanding to be able to work with the anticipated needs of pupils who will attend the school. Paragraph 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The required prohibition checks for the proprietor body and leaders, including leaders from the TLG group, have been completed. These include all safeguarding checks and checks under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23–23(1)(c), 24–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The proprietor body intends to use a newly refurbished building for the proposed school. The proprietor body has ensured that the accommodation for the proposed school is in good order and that the premises will be maintained to a high standard.  There is appropriate external lighting at the main entrance. There is a small, grassed courtyard area that is suitable for pupils to use to socialise with their friends. Leaders intend to work with pupils to develop this area further, for example by introducing planting and seating. The outdoor area is not suitable for the physical education (PE) curriculum. It is intended that pupils will use the multi-use games area and other facilities that are situated in the park close to the school. In addition, leaders intend to access the facilities at the local sports centre. This will enable pupils to use the

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Main inspection findings

showers at the centre following sporting activities. Leaders have ensured that there is an appropriate risk assessment in place for this activity.  Within the building, all corridors are well lit and free from clutter. The main teaching room is well lit. The acoustics, heating and ventilation are appropriate. The main teaching room is separated into different areas, with effective use of well-positioned dividers and furniture. The furniture is suitable for the intended age of the pupils who will attend the school.  The proprietor body has ensured that there are appropriate resources available, including good-quality texts for the pupils to read and suitable mathematical equipment. This will help to enable leaders and staff to deliver the planned curriculum effectively.  The medical room is suitably furnished and has a roll-out bed, a blanket and a pillow. There is also a well-stocked first-aid kit. The room has a small basin with hot and cold

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Main inspection findings

running water. There is a toilet facility close by.  Close to the main entrance, there are separate toilet facilities for girls and boys. Each facility has individual cubicle toilets with handwashing facilities. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk to users. Drinking water is clearly labelled and will be available for the pupils throughout the day.  Close to the main entrance, there is a toilet suitable for use by people with disabilities. This toilet is also for the use of visitors to the school. There is a separate toilet for the use of staff.  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 proprietor body has ensured that contact details are available on the website for the proposed school. This includes contact details for the headteacher. Contact details for the proprietor body and the leadership of TLG group of schools can also be accessed from this website.  The proprietor body has ensured that a range of information about the school is accessible on the school’s website. This includes the safeguarding policy, complaints policy and admissions arrangements for the proposed school.  Leaders have designed an appropriate format for reporting weekly to parents about their child’s achievements. There is a comprehensive report at the end of a pupil’s placement at the school. This report includes pupils’ academic, personal and social development during the placement.  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 body has set out clearly how any complaints will be handled. The policy explains the three-stage process that will be followed within an appropriate timescale. The policy also refers to an independent member of the stage 3 complaints panel. The policy is available on the website for the proposed school.  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 body has demonstrated clearly that it has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards.  The proprietor body has ensured that the planned curriculum will meet the anticipated needs and ages of the intended pupils at the school. This includes how teachers will check what pupils know and can do.  The proprietor body has ensured that all standards relating to the safety and welfare of staff and pupils are likely to be met.  All standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The accessibility plan in place is suitable for the proposed school. The plan 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

Proprietor Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) Daily rate of £115 per pupil

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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 3 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 24

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 24

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 3 14 14

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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 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 3 As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 As required

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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 0 As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will cater for up to 14 pupils from 11 to 16 years of age. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils with a range of SEND, including cognitive and learning needs, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, autism spectrum disorder and behavioural difficulties.  The route for a place at the school will be via a referral from the local authority and/or schools in the local area.  It is anticipated that most of the pupils who will attend the proposed school will be at risk of either permanent or fixed-term exclusion. Pupils will attend the school for short periods of time throughout the academic year. During this time, pupils will remain registered with the commissioning school.  The majority of pupils will attend the proposed school for four days a week between the hours of 8.30am and 2.30pm. The school does not propose to be open to pupils on

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

including schemes of work and assessment arrangements.  The inspector held a telephone conversation with a representative from the commissioning local authority’s virtual school leader.

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Inspection team

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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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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