Adagio School of Performing Arts

School pre-registration inspection report

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Adagio School of Performing Arts The Studios, 661 Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1SS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 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)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has considerable experience of, and expertise in, providing vocational dance education. The proprietor’s ambitious vision is that the proposed school will combine dance and musical theatre vocational education with high-quality academic learning for pupils in key stage 3. Starting in Year 7, pupils will follow courses in: art, English, drama, French, geography, history, information technology (IT), mathematics, music, personal, social and health education (PSHE), physical education (PE) and science. The proposed school refers to these subjects as the ‘academic curriculum.’  Along with the academic curriculum, pupils will also follow a vocational course of classical ballet, jazz, tap and musical theatre techniques.

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Main inspection findings

 There is clarity about the curriculum for the vocational education pupils will experience. The proprietor has not set out well enough what pupils will learn in the academic curriculum. The curriculum in art, drama, mathematics, and science are incomplete.  As pupils join the proposed school, they will undergo an initial assessment to establish their knowledge and capabilities in dance and other vocational aspects. The proprietor has not chosen the proposed school’s processes to determine what pupils know and can do in each academic subject.  The proprietor has an appropriate PSHE curriculum. There is emphasis on teaching pupils relationships and sex education. There is also an overview of how pupils will be provided with appropriate careers guidance.  This independent school standard is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) Paragraph 4  The proprietor has enlisted the support of two experienced educationalists to help to set up the school. Neither are currently employees. The intention is to initially recruit a head of academics, (the proposed school’s name for headteacher), along with part- time teaching staff with the experience and knowledge to teach specific subjects. The proprietor expects that more staff will be recruited as the proposed school grows.  In several academic subjects, curriculum documentation does not give teachers sufficient direction as to how best to construct and deliver sequences of lessons.  The proposed school is well-resourced to deliver vocational dance education. It is less well-resourced for teaching other subjects. The proprietor is currently choosing the learning resources pupils will have access to in the academic subjects. There are

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Main inspection findings

tables, chairs, and computers for pupils’ use. There were few other learning resources in place at the time of this pre-registration visit.  The proprietor has not established how teachers will check pupils’ knowledge and understanding in several academic subjects. It is not clear how teachers will be well placed to adapt teaching over time, in these subjects.  These two independent school standards are unlikely 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), 5(b)(viii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has ideas as to how the proposed school will provide for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development. The proprietor also has considerable experience in providing for aspects of SMSC development within vocational dance teaching.  The proprietor’s vision is evident in parts of the emerging curriculum design, in

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Main inspection findings

vocational subjects and within PSHE. For example, the proposed PSHE programme is designed to develop pupils’ knowledge of democracy and democratic institutions.  This vision, experience and these ideas have not been drawn together in a clear overall strategy for the promotion of pupils’ SMSC development.  This independent school standard is unlikely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has an appropriate safeguarding policy in place. Plans for staff induction include relevant safeguarding training. In the staff handbook, there is considerable and appropriate attention paid to safeguarding. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) 10  The proprietor has outlined their expectations of pupils’ behaviour in the proposed school’s behavioural policy. This includes strategies to promote, recognise and reward good behaviour. It also includes the proposed school’s zero tolerance approach to

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Main inspection findings

bullying. This policy reflects the proprietor’s commitment to common courtesies. The proprietor has purchased an online ‘app’ to keep appropriate records of pupils’ behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14  There are appropriate first aid, and health and safety policies which are reflective of the procedures and resources in place at the proposed school’s site.  The staff handbook sets out the proprietor’s expectations of staff, including their deployment so that pupils are appropriately supervised throughout the school day. Paragraphs 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has attendance and admission registers in place to record all the necessary information as pupils join or leave the school.  There is a suitable risk assessment policy. The risk assessments in place are appropriate.  The independent school standards for the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to be met by the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)-(f ), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c)  The proprietor is trained in, understands, and has set up an appropriate process for the safer recruitment of staff. This process is outlined in the proposed school’s relevant policy.  The proprietor is aware of the required checks on staff who will be recruited to work at the proposed school. The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff.  The proprietor will be the designated safeguarding lead and has undergone training for this role. The intention is that there will be two other appropriately trained and experienced designated staff employed at the proposed school. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5), 21(5)(a)–(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a)–(b)  The proposed school’s single central record includes provision for recording the

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Main inspection findings

required information on checks carried out on staff working at the proposed school.  The independent school standards for the suitability of staff and proprietors are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The proposed school will be in a large building, currently used for dance tuition.  The internal accommodation comprises: ꟷ four large studios for the teaching of dance and for use as general classrooms ꟷ a reception area, including office facilities and space for a school shop ꟷ an IT suite equipped with computers ꟷ separate changing rooms for boys and girls with space for showers ꟷ toilet facilities, including separate facilities for adults and visitors ꟷ a staff kitchen area ꟷ a staff room ꟷ several other offices and storage spaces ꟷ space allocated as medical care accommodation.  The external premises of the proposed school comprise: ꟷ fenced areas around the proposed school’s grounds

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Main inspection findings

ꟷ a high, lockable gate into the proposed school’s grounds.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(b), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b)  There are sufficient suitable toilet facilities for boys and girls. There are separate facilities for adults.  There is provision for medical care accommodation with access to water. This is near a toilet. There is appropriate first-aid equipment on site.  The proprietor has firm plans that shower facilities will be installed over the summer holidays (August 2022).  The acoustics, heating, lighting, and ventilation in the building are appropriate and will make for suitable learning conditions. Fire alarms, lighting, extinguishers, and smoke alarms are in place. Checks of these and other services have been carried out and recorded.  These independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  At the time of this pre-registration visit the hot water temperature in two sinks, which

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Main inspection findings

would be accessible to pupils, was too hot to be used for handwashing.  There are several clearly marked cold water supplies suitable for drinking.  This independent school standard is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is on a site with a large outdoor area which the proprietor intends pupils to use for outdoor play and some PE provision. The surface of this area is uneven and has degraded in some parts. Parts of the boundary are not in a state of good repair.  The proprietor knows improvements need to be made to the outdoor area. However, plans as to how this area will be made a suitable space for PE, and a place for pupils’ outdoor play, have not been finalised.  This independent school standard is unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1)(a)-(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)-(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)-(g), 32(4)(a)-(c)  The proprietor has designed a website for the proposed school which includes the

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Main inspection findings

required information. The proprietor has paper copies of information, should these be required.  The proprietor has set out plans for parents to be provided with annual written reports on each pupil’s attainment and progress.  This independent school standard is 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)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j(ii), 33(k)  The proprietor has adopted a suitable complaints policy. This is available on the proposed school’s website.  The proprietor has set up a log to record complaints, and the proposed school’s response to any complaints. This log was readily available at the time of this pre- registration visit.  This independent school standard is 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 has not finalised the proposed school’s leadership structures.

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Main inspection findings

 There will be a local governing body (LGB). The proposed membership for the LGB includes governors with significant experience of education and business. The systems to ensure that the LGB presents leaders with suitable support, challenge and scrutiny have not been finalised.  The proprietor has not given sufficiently robust attention to ensuring that the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards.  This independent school standard is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan.  The proposed school’s documentation makes appropriate reference to Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  All requirements are likely to be met.

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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 (Known as head of academics) To be appointed

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Proposed school details

Website www.adagioschoolofperformingarts.com

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Proposed school details

Email address principal@adagioschoolofdance.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils N/A 11 to 14 11 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 45 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils N/A Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 0

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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 N/A 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor is seeking registration with the Department of Education (DfE) as an independent school to admit 45 pupils between the ages of 11 and 14. The intention is for the proposed school to admit pupils from September 2022.  The proprietor body intends to admit no more than 10 pupils in the first term of the proposed school’s operation.  The proposed school is based in Hutton, Brentwood in Essex.  The proposed school will be based on a site currently operating as a centre for the teaching of a range of vocational dance courses.  There are no staff currently employed by the proposed school.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The proposed school is not in operation.  The inspection was commissioned by the DfE. This one-day inspection took place at the proposed school’s premises.  The inspector met with the proprietor and with the proposed chair of governors, head of academics and school bursar.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school’s premises, including outdoor areas.  The inspector scrutinised the proposed school’s documentation including, policies, procedures, and the single central record.

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Inspection team

John Lucas, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(b)(v) ensures further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and – 5(b)(vii) encourages respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England; – 5(c) precludes the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and – 5(d) takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils- – 5(d)(i) while they are in attendance at the school

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school.

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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- – 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable– – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 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

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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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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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