East Hall School

School pre-registration inspection report

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East Hall School The Calf House, East Hall Farm, St Pauls Walden, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 8DJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 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)  This is the school’s third pre-registration inspection.  At the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders’ curriculum plans were not fully developed. Plans did not specify with enough detail what leaders expect pupils to learn. Leaders have reviewed curriculum plans for all subjects in their curriculum. Plans are in place for art, bushcraft, construction, information and communication technology, English, horticulture, mathematics, physical education (PE) and science. Plans are also in place for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). However, while this is the case, leaders’ plans do not specify clearly enough the knowledge that leaders expect pupils to know and remember.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders’ provision for PSHE encourages pupils to respect themselves and others. The scheme of work for PSHE includes opportunities for pupils to learn about the diverse lifestyles in contemporary British society.  This independent school standard (the standard) is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proprietors have appointed a headteacher and the teachers needed to deliver the curriculum. Proprietors plan to appoint teaching assistants.  Leaders’ curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to study a range of qualifications, including GCSEs. As at the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders’ plans are not well enough developed to support staff to deliver these subjects effectively. Leaders’ plans to teach some GCSE subjects in one year do not take into account the aptitudes, needs and prior attainment of pupils.  Leaders intend for pupils to take part in PE with an external provider. Leaders do not

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Main inspection findings

have a planned sequence of learning or workable plans to be able to base their assessments upon the quality of pupils’ learning in PE.  This standard is unlikely to be met. Paragraph 4  Leaders’ plans for assessing what pupils remember are not sufficiently precise enough to enable teachers to have an accurate view of pupils’ achievement in all subjects.  This standard is 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)  Leaders have placed great attention on improving pupils’ social, emotional and mental health. Leaders’ curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about how to maintain positive mental and physical health.  Leaders plan to include all pupils in the governance of the school. Leaders intend for

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Main inspection findings

pupils to discuss and be involved in making decisions with staff on the identified key improvement issues at the school.  Leaders’ curriculum for religious education will give pupils opportunities to reflect on spiritual concepts.  This standard is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The headteacher and proprietors have put effective safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Leaders have been well trained and have plans in place to ensure the effective training of staff. They have used this training to ensure that policies and procedures are in line with the latest national expectations.  Leaders’ curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about how to stay safe online and in the community.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  At the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders’ behaviour policy and systems in

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Main inspection findings

place to manage inappropriate behaviour were fit for purpose. This remains the case.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 10  Leaders’ anti-bullying policy was fit for purpose at the previous pre-registration inspection. This is still the case.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 11  Leaders’ health and safety policy was fit for purpose at the previous pre-registration inspection. This is still the case.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraphs 12, 13, 14  Leaders have resolved the issues about fire risks raised at the previous pre- registration inspection. The school was compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at the time of this inspection.  Leaders have effective first-aid policies and procedures in place. Leaders now have a lockable fridge in place for storing prescribed medicines.  Leaders have plans in place to ensure that pupils will be properly supervised.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 15  Leaders have suitable policies and procedures in place to manage attendance and admissions effectively.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 16, 16(a)  Leaders’ curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn in a range of locations, including the school’s classroom, the outdoor environment around the school, science laboratories in a neighbouring school and a local community centre. Leaders have suitable risk assessments for the various activities planned to take place at school and when pupils travel and learn off site.  If leaders’ risk assessments are implemented effectively, risks are likely to be reduced.  This standard is likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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), 19(2), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa),

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Main inspection findings

19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 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)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders have undertaken background checks of all adults at the school to ensure their suitability to work with pupils. The record of these checks is up to date.  The standards in part 4 are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The building is a converted calf house, a farm building located on the East Hall Farm estate. The internal accommodation includes:  one large classroom  a multi-functional room to serve as a classroom, communal area and dining facility

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Main inspection findings

 toilet facilities  a school office  a medical room  a storage room.  The external premises of the proposed school include:  fenced areas around the proposed school with benches and tables  a security gate into the proposed school  security gates into the car park areas  access to fields for play. Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2)  There are two toilets for pupils, with doors lockable from the inside. There is a separate toilet for staff, visitors and disabled people.  Leaders plan for PE to take place at an off-site location managed by an external provider. Pupils will use the shower and changing facilities available at the off-site location.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  At the previous pre-registration inspection, the medical room was not located in the proximity of a toilet. Leaders have moved the medical room to an appropriate location

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Main inspection findings

near a toilet.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 25  There was incomplete work regarding fire safety on the premises at the previous pre- registration inspection. Leaders have completed the work to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The internal and external areas of the building are well lit.  The acoustics within the buildings are suitable.  This standard is 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)  Leaders have ensured that the buildings have drinking water, appropriately labelled as such.  Toilet facilities have hot and cold water at acceptable temperatures and are regulated to prevent scalding.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The site has sufficient and suitable outdoor space for pupils to sit and play.

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Main inspection findings

 PE will be taught at an off-site location managed by an external provider.  This standard is likely 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)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 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), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b), 32(4)(c)  Leaders have created a prospectus and have paper copies of policies and procedures to provide information about the school to stakeholders. Leaders plan to launch a website after registration.  Leaders’ plans include regular reports and discussions with parents about their child’s effort and achievement.  This 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), 33(i)(i),

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Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  Leaders have written a suitable complaints procedure.  This 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)  Since the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietor body and the headteacher have made improvements to meet more of the independent school standards. However, leaders have not ensured that the school is likely to meet all the independent school standards. Some of the independent school standards are still not likely to be met, including the need to create a curriculum that sets out the important knowledge that staff must ensure pupils know and remember.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is adequate consideration of pupils’ well- being when managing health and safety risks. The issues regarding fire risk, first-aid provision and suitable supervision have been resolved.

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Main inspection findings

 This standard is unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a suitable accessibility plan in place.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £60,000 to £75,000

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 16 Not made Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 12 Not made

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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 Not applicable Not yet determined Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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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 Not applicable Not yet determined

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor body seeks registration with the Department for Education (DfE) for an independent special school to cater for pupils between the ages of 14 and 16 years.  The proprietor body proposes to provide education for key stage 4 pupils only.  The proprietor body seeks permission to provide education for up to 12 pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs; cognitive and learning needs; moderate learning difficulties; behaviour, emotional and social development needs; behavioural emotional and social difficulty; autism spectrum disorder; sensory; and/or physical needs. All will have an education, health and care plan. Pupils are likely to be placed by the local authority.  The proprietor body, East Hall School Ltd, is made up of three directors: Joanne Richardson, chair of the proprietor body, Johanna Osborne and Sarah Ilaria Northe.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the DfE to consider a third application to open an independent school for pupils aged 14 to 16 years. The first pre-registration inspection was carried out on 20 October 2020 and the second pre- registration inspection was carried out on 2 June 2021. The school is currently not operating.  During the visit, the inspector undertook a tour of the premises with the headteacher and checked employment and safeguarding arrangements.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor body, the headteacher, a recently recruited teacher and representatives from the local authority.  The inspector scrutinised school policies relating to the independent school standards, curriculum documents and the register of checks to ensure the suitability of staff.

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Inspection team

Al Mistrano, 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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.

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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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(b) fosters pupils’ self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 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 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-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. 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

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

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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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