Craig Ormerod Associates School Provision

School pre-registration inspection report

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Craig Ormerod Associates, School Provision Outwood Road, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 1AG

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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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(e)(iii), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  A suitable curriculum is in place ready for the school to open. The proposed pupils will be taught by teachers who already work at the proprietor body’s existing alternative provision. Teachers demonstrate suitable knowledge of their subjects. Pupils in key stages 1, 2 and 3 will be able to access a broad curriculum. Pupils in key stage 4 will work towards GCSEs and other qualifications. These include functional skills and vocational courses, for example, in horticulture.  Leaders have prepared schemes of work to cover all the required areas of learning identified by the independent school standards. The proposed curriculum is likely to

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Main inspection findings

meet the needs of the intended pupils who will attend the school.  Leaders have thought about the knowledge that pupils will need to know, and how best to enable them to progress through the curriculum. Leaders have a detailed knowledge of how they will adapt academic programmes to meet the needs of individual pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have ensured that the proposed school is likely to be well resourced and staffed to enable the curriculum to be implemented effectively.  Leaders plan for pupils to be taught in small groups. They anticipate that teachers will be able to check how effectively pupils are learning the planned curriculum.  The planned curriculum includes a well-designed personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme. Initial plans incorporate an appropriate range of topics relevant to pupils’ age and needs. Careers information, education, advice and guidance is

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Main inspection findings

incorporated suitably into this part of the formal curriculum.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils 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(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  Curriculum plans reflect leaders’ aims clearly. Planned pastoral support, and structured PSHE and citizenship curriculums, indicate how leaders intend to develop pupils’ life skills within each key stage. For example, by pupils developing positive relationships, building their self-esteem, budgeting their finances and understanding right from wrong.  Plans also show that the promotion of fundamental British values, such as the rule of law, democracy and respect, is woven through the curriculum.  Further activities out of school are planned to enhance pupils’ personal development

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Main inspection findings

further, such as trips and opportunities for them to participate in community events. Leaders are aware of their duties to risk assess all activities and to ensure that partisan political views are not promoted. They understand the need to make sure that pupils are presented with balanced views when they consider and discuss topics.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy and procedures are fit for purpose. They pay due regard to the current guidance from the Secretary of State. The school does not have a website, but the policy is available to parents and carers upon request.  The proprietor body has suitable procedures in place to ensure all required pre- employment and safeguarding checks are completed on staff before they commence their work at the school. Leaders intend to provide staff with frequent training to keep

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Main inspection findings

their knowledge of safeguarding up to date. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  The written behaviour policy proposed by the school is suitable. The policy contains detailed information about the sanctions that can be implemented by staff when pupils’ behaviour falls below that which is expected.  Leaders have in place a suitable system to record any incidents of pupils’ poor behaviour. This detailed information will enable leaders to spot any emerging trends and take action to support pupils and adapt the curriculum if required. Paragraph 10  The schools anti-bullying policy includes appropriate guidance for staff and strategies that they can implement to help prevent bullying. The policy is fit for purpose. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15  The proprietor body has appropriate health and safety policies and procedures in place. These comply with relevant legislation. Leaders have created systems to record

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Main inspection findings

health and safety checks, including those on specialist equipment such as the gymnasium equipment. Electrical safety and health and safety checks will be regularly evaluated by leaders.  Leaders have taken action to ensure that the school complies with all of the relevant fire-safety regulations.  Planned staff numbers are suitable and will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised at all times.  Leaders have in place appropriate systems to record admissions and attendance at the school. These procedures comply with current legislation. Paragraph 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor body’s written risk assessment policy is fit for purpose. Risk assessments demonstrate that leaders have a secure knowledge and understanding of how to identify risk. Risk assessments include clear identification of risks associated with a wide range of activities and the measures that leaders intend to implement to reduce possible harm to pupils and staff. Each individual pupil will have a risk

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Main inspection findings

assessment document that will detail any adaptations that may need to be made during such activities.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21  Leaders understand the safer recruitment processes and requirements. The proposed number of staff to pupil ratio is appropriate. Leaders intend to provide training for new staff as part of their induction programme. Leaders also understand that they need to keep referring to the most recent version of guidance from the Secretary of State to ensure that processes and procedures are consistently correct.  The single central record is kept securely. It includes the required information, including identity checks and qualifications. Leaders do not plan to use supply staff. However, leaders understand the processes they need to follow if they employ supply

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Main inspection findings

staff. They know how they will work with any supply agency to ensure that the correct checks are undertaken before any person works with pupils.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b) b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school will be based in, and next to, facilities shared with the local football club. The school will have sole use of the facilities during the week. There is a dedicated parking area for staff and visitors. There is a security system at the front of the school. Entry is via a single gate. This will allow staff to see who is asking for entry. The secure perimeter fence is at an appropriate height and all gates have a coded

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Main inspection findings

lock.  Drinking water is clearly labelled and will be available for pupils throughout the day from drinking taps and fountains. Washing facilities are also available. The temperature of the hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  The proprietor body has ensured that the proposed classrooms are suitably furnished for the anticipated age and number of pupils.  There is a medical room which is kept locked when not in use. It provides suitable facilities to care for sick or injured pupils.  The premises includes several well-equipped specialist rooms, such as a workshop, kitchen, gym and music room. These rooms are clearly labelled and well resourced. Acoustics in learning spaces also appear to be appropriate for the intended use of the rooms.  Leaders have ensured that the outside space is suitable. It has different areas for pupils to use, including planters for gardening activities, and sports facilities. External

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Main inspection findings

lighting is installed around the building.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f),32(3)(g)  All of the required information and policies are available on request for prospective parents and carers. Leaders have a website in place if the school is successfully registered. The website will contain all of the required information required by the standards.  Leaders have prepared a suitable format for the commissioning authorities with annual statements of income and expenditure for pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  Leaders have prepared a suitable template to report regularly to parents and carers

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Main inspection findings

on pupils’ progress, attainment and well-being.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii),33(k)  The complaints policy meets requirements. The policy details a tiered approach to managing any complaints. If needed, there is provision for a panel hearing, with the panel comprising one member independent of the management and running of the school.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has clear aims and ambitions to provide high-quality education for the proposed pupils who will attend the school. They have acted to ensure that all

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Main inspection findings

of the standards are likely to be met.  Leaders have appropriate experience of working in similar educational establishments. The school’s policies and curriculum are likely to meet the anticipated needs of pupils.  The proprietor body demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting the health, safety and well-being of pupils. They plan appropriate training for staff to promote their knowledge of safeguarding and pupil welfare. The proprietor body has ensured that all the health and safety standards are met.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has in place an appropriate accessibility plan. Consequently, the requirements under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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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

Type of school Other Independent Special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Craig Ormerod Associates Limited

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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 5 to 25 5 to 25 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 25 25

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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 0 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 18

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 15

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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 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 Leaders plan to cater for up to 25 pupils aged five to 25 years. Leaders intend to provide education for pupils with a range of special educational needs, including autistic spectrum disorders and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The majority of pupils are likely to have an EHC plan.  Leaders plan to provide ongoing education, where appropriate, for students to the age of 25. This will only include proposed students who will have previously attended the sixth form. Ofsted will not have the power to inspect the effectiveness of the provision for any students aged 19 to 25 if they were not admitted to the school prior to the age of 18.  The school does not plan to use alternative provision.

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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 was the first pre-registration inspection of Craig Ormerod Associates School.  During the inspection, meetings were held with the chair of the proprietor body, senior leaders and teaching staff.  The inspector checked documentary evidence relating to the curriculum, including schemes of work and the curriculum policy.  The inspector reviewed the proprietor body’s policies in relation to welfare, health and safety. A scrutiny of the safeguarding procedures, including recruitment processes and checks, was also undertaken.  The inspector toured the school with the chair of the proprietor body, who is also the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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