Core Training and Development

School pre-registration inspection report

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Core Training and Development Unit 15, Redbrook Business Park, Wilthorpe Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 1JN

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 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)(c), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has put in place a curriculum plan and schemes of work which should meet the needs of pupils in key stages 2, 3 and 4. The schemes of work are similar to those in place for pupils in the proposed school’s sister school in Leeds which opened recently.  The curriculum policy is available on the school’s website. It shows how the proposed curriculum is designed to meet the needs of individual pupils, in particular by identifying gaps in pupils’ learning.  The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced in most areas. The curriculum plans cover each of the required areas of learning laid out in the independent school standards, including separate subject plans for history and geography.  Curriculum plans are detailed and show that the proprietor and staff have a clear understanding of the requirements of each subject area. Currently, there are 14 pupils attending an alternative provision run on the same site with the same prospective

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Main inspection findings

staff. Work in these pupils’ English books is well presented and shows that staff know how to address gaps in pupils’ learning. Paragraph 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)

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Main inspection findings

 It is planned that pupils will have access to careers advice from an independent source. The proprietor intends to use the Gatsby benchmarks to ensure that the careers advice delivered will be of a high quality.  Work experience placements are to be sought in order to enable pupils to experience the world of work. Through the planned personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum, pupils will learn how to prepare for an interview and write a curriculum vitae. The teaching of these skills will help pupils to apply for work or a college place. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2(A)(2)  The proprietor has ensured that a relationship and sex education policy is in place which sets out how primary-aged pupils will access relationship education. The policy also describes how secondary-aged pupils will receive relationship and sex education.

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Main inspection findings

 The policy is available for parents on the school’s website and in paper format from the proposed school’s office. It is planned that should the school be given permission to open, parents will be made aware of their right to withdraw their children from certain parts of the relationship curriculum should they wish to do so.

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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), 4

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor expects, that if the school is granted permission to open, the 14 pupils currently attending the alternative provision will join the school. Staff who are working with the pupils at the moment will remain in post and become school tutors. This will enable a smooth transition for these pupils. It is also planned that the prospective tutors’ work will be overseen by the headteachers of the company’s school in Leeds and Barnsley. This approach will be undertaken to ensure a standardised approach across all schools.  The proprietor has a clear understanding of the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Current staff have the skills and understanding to support the needs of pupils with SEMH, as evidenced by the calm atmosphere in the building at the time of the inspection.  The school plans to put in place an assessment policy to check that pupils know and

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Main inspection findings

remember what they are learning. Methods of assessment include the use of previous statutory assessment papers. Staff plan to highlight and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.  It is planned that parents will receive regular reports on the academic and emotional progress that their children are making.  The standards in this part are likely 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)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders and the proprietor have thought carefully about the contents of the PSHE curriculum. The proposed curriculum will ensure pupils develop an understanding of world issues as well as how to become a good citizen.  It is planned that pupils’ social and emotional needs will be assessed. Leaders want to prioritise pupils’ ability to develop resilience and self-esteem so that they are better prepared for life after school. Activities are planned to support pupils who may need help.  It is proposed that pupils will learn about how to live independently and learn about healthy consenting relationships through the planned sex and relationship curriculum.  Pupils will learn about tolerance and harmony with others through learning about the groups protected by the Equality Act 2010. It is planned that pupils will learn about other faiths and religions to widen their view of the diverse population within the UK

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders believe that pupils should receive a balanced presentation of views in lessons. Discussions with staff are planned to ensure they do not promote any partisan political views. Visiting speakers will be monitored closely to ensure that they present unbiased accounts to pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7a, 7b  The school’s safeguarding policy meets the latest legislative requirements and is displayed on the school’s website. It will be possible for parents to obtain further copies from the school office.  The proprietor and two other staff members have received relevant and up-to-date training in order to become the designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead for the school.  Regular safeguarding training and updates are planned to ensure staff are kept updated on current legislation and local safeguarding issues.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 10  The proprietor has put in place a behaviour policy which is bespoke to the needs of individual pupils and promotes a positive approach to helping pupils to make the right choices in their behaviour.  The proprietor is clear that excluding pupils will be a last resort and that incidents of difficult behaviour will be recorded and analysed.  It is also intended that individual pupils will have behaviour plans which enable staff to understand the best way to support each pupil.  The school’s anti-bullying policy is in place on the school’s website. Leaders intend to promote a climate of trust within school which encourages pupils to report incidents of bullying to staff so that appropriate action is taken to address any incidents. Paragraph 11, 12, 13  The school’s health and safety policy is on the school’s website. It is related to the premises of the proposed school. The proprietor has systems in place to monitor the

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Main inspection findings

safety of the building and its contents.  Regular fire drills are planned and records show one has already taken place. Evacuation time was recorded. Leaders have engaged an outside company to carry out the required audits to ensure the school’s compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Some staff have already undertaken fire marshal training.  The proprietor has ensured that most of the proposed staff have received first aid training. First aid boxes are displayed around the premises. Checks showed that some items were out of date in one box. An updated check list has now been put in place which should solve this problem. Paragraph 14, 15, 16, 16a, 16b  The proprietor intends to increase the current numbers of staff before the school opens. Current staffing ratios for pupils who attend the alternative provision are high and are to be replicated in the school setting.  A system to register pupils’ attendance is in place at the company’s Leeds school.

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Main inspection findings

This, it is planned, will be replicated in the proposed school. A register to record new admissions to the school is also in place and meets current requirements.  The proprietor was able to provide examples of risk assessments for both the buildings and for individual pupils. These demonstrated that leaders are clear about how to measure risk and the actions needed to reduce it.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(1), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(3)(b), 20(3)(b)(i), 20(3)(b)(ii), 20(3)(b)(iii), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b) 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4),

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Main inspection findings

21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has put in place a single central record. This records all of the required relevant checks for the safe recruitment of staff.  Leaders have ensured that medical checks are carried out on staff. These are kept confidentially in staff files.  Interviews for new posts are carried out by the proprietor and senior leaders. Staff who carry out the interviews have all received safer recruitment training. This ensures the relevant recruitment checks, such as requesting two references, are carried out before new staff take up post.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1)(a),28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that there are sufficient toilets to meet pupils’ needs. Toilets are single stall and have a lock to prevent others entering when in use. They are unisex, which means that they can be used by pupils of any gender.  There are separate toilets provided for staff and visitors, which also provide for people with disabilities.  It is planned that pupils will undertake physical education (PE) off site as there is no space for this at the current premises. It is planned that pupils will shower at the off- site venues if they wish to at the end of a PE session.  The proprietor has ensured that a medical room is in place which has a sink within the room and which is close to the toilets.  The lighting and acoustics in each room are of sufficient quality for the activities planned to be carried out in the room.  External lighting is in place which ensures sufficient illumination for safe movement of

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Main inspection findings

staff and pupils after dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(b),29, 29(1)(1a), 29(1)(1b ), 29(1)(1c)  At the time of the inspection, hot water was not available for hand washing in one toilet.  The proposed school building is well appointed internally with sufficient space for the proposed number of pupils. However, currently there is no external space suitable for pupils to play within. The proprietor has identified a space opposite the building across a service road which, if appropriately fenced, may be suitable.  At the time of the inspection, the land identified for play was open to the road and had no evidence of play equipment and was therefore not suitable for pupils to play within. Plans to change this to a play area were at an early stage of development.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h),

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Main inspection findings

32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 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)

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Main inspection findings

 The company has a website which is accessible to parents. Relevant information, including the name and address and telephone number of the proprietor, is easily located. Other documentation such as the safeguarding policy is also accessible for parents.  Currently, the website covers both the company’s current school and the proposed new school.  Leaders have templates in place to report pupils’ academic and social progress to parents and local authorities. Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports to parents.  The proprietor has put in place a template to report on the income and expenditure of funds relating to pupils placed by other schools or local authorities.  The proprietor intends to publish inspection reports on the school website.  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),

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Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)

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Main inspection findings

 The complaints policy is in writing and has been made available to parents on the website. It sets out clear timescales for processing a complaint. There is clear guidance on how the complaint can be considered on an informal basis.  If a parent is not satisfied with the response to a complaint, a hearing before an independent panel is to be arranged. Written records of the complaint will be kept confidentially, and copies given to the complainant and, where needed, the person complained about.  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), 34(1)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has a clear vision for the future of the school. Through her previous work, she has gained an impressive understanding of the needs of pupils with SEMH. The successful alternative provision which is currently operating on the school site is evidence of this.  The proposed school is to have a strong focus on pupils returning to a mainstream school. It is planned that this will happen after pupils have received support in managing their behaviour, help in catching up on missed learning and assistance in developing confidence and self-belief.  At the time of the inspection not all of the independent school standards were met. An apparent fault on one of the boilers appeared to have cut off the hot water in one toilet. The proprietor recognises this needs to be addressed to ensure pupils have access to hot and cold water when washing their hands.  The proprietor recognises that an outside area for pupils to play in is not yet in place.

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Main inspection findings

Permission from the landlord is said to have been granted on a piece of land opposite the school building. However, a clear plan for what the play area will look like was not available. As a result, the standard is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility policy in place which is reviewed on a three yearly basis.  The plan outlines how school leaders intend to continue to consider how to make the school more accessible to those with special educational needs and/or a disabilities.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Website www.coretraininganddevelopment.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address g.carter@coretraininganddevelopment.org

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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 N//A Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority N/A

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week N/A

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week N/A

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 8–16 8–16 8–16 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 25 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 25 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 25 25

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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 25 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision N/A N/A

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is situated on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Barnsley.  The proprietor currently runs an alternative education provision for pupils aged between eight and 16, with the same name, on the school site. This provision will be incorporated into the independent school when it opens.  The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with SEMH needs, pupils with autism spectrum disorder and pupils with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some pupils may have an education, health and care plan.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. It was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The proposed school is currently operating as an alternative provider. There are 14 key stage 3 and key stage 4 pupils attending.  The inspector met with the proprietor.  The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the proprietor.  The inspector looked at documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

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Inspection team

Marian Thomas, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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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)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water  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

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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