Educ8 Redcar

School pre-registration inspection report

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Educ8 Redcar South Bank Business Centre, Normanby Road, South Bank, Redcar, Teesside TS6 6RS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b)  An appropriate curriculum policy is in place. The proposed curriculum is sufficiently broad in its content. The policy is backed up by suitable schemes of work which set out what is to be taught and when. Leaders have thought carefully about how to best meet the needs of pupils with different abilities and needs. Curriculum plans do not undermine fundamental British values. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders are clear that the development of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education is a central element of their curriculum. They have threaded the teaching of fundamental British values throughout their schemes of work.  The proprietor has ensured that the curriculum includes support for pupils’ career aspirations and planning, including intended adherence to the Gatsby benchmarks.

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Main inspection findings

 The curriculum is designed so that pupils will be able to make progress and succeed. For example, it includes a range of vocational qualifications and nationally recognised qualifications in English and mathematics. Paragraph 2A–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The planned curriculum for relationships and sex education is based on the Department for Education’s statutory guidance. Leaders understand their responsibilities around consultation with parents, for ‘opt out’ rights, when making changes to the policy and with publishing the policy. Paragraph 3–3(g)  The proposed schemes of work contain detailed information about the knowledge that leaders intend to teach to pupils. They have identified specific means by which they plan to assess how pupils are doing. Leaders have clarity about how they will work with the commissioning school or local authority to best meet the needs and aptitudes of the pupils who attend the school.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3(h)–3(j), 9(a)  The proposed behaviour policy is an appropriate document which sets out clear expectations of pupils’ conduct. It also describes the process for staff to follow, so that pupils can be supported in managing their behaviour.  The proposed schemes of work and policies provide evidence that the proprietor has a strong understanding of fundamental British values and respect for others. Leaders have ensured that matters relating to equalities are sewn into the curriculum plans. Paragraph 4  The proprietor and leaders have a clear process for the assessment of pupils’ starting points, needs and progress.  It is likely that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part will 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)  Leaders have ensured that they have considered, and included, suitable plans for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding.  Schemes of work include specific reference to tolerance, respect for others’ faiths and cultural traditions and the protected characteristics. The curriculum is written so that pupils will learn about the public institutions of Britain.  The proprietor has invested in a commercially available programme of study to ensure that matters such as pupils’ confidence and self-esteem are addressed through the curriculum plans. Paragraph 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  Leaders have a strong understanding of their responsibility to preclude the teaching of partisan political views. Arrangements are in place to ensure that visitors are not able to promote such views.

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Main inspection findings

 It is likely that the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 9, 9(b), 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has not ensured that arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare are sufficiently robust.  Although the behaviour policy is suitable, it is not implemented effectively. Pupils do not routinely self-regulate their conduct when asked to do so by staff, because leaders have not ensured that expected standards of conduct are embedded.  While there is a detailed health and safety policy, it is not implemented effectively. There are substantial weaknesses in leaders’ arrangements for fire safety, the supervision of pupils and risk assessment.  Leaders have not acted to update the premises fire risk assessment, which should have been done in March 2022. Leaders have not remedied numerous ‘high risk’ priorities that were identified by an external fire risk assessor in March 2021.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have not ensured that pupils are adequately supervised. During the inspection, it was observed that pupils were not supervised on their arrival at the premises, the entrance of which is an open-access car park shared with several businesses and with direct access to public roads. The shared toilet facilities for school staff and the staff of the neighbouring businesses were accessible to pupils, as there was no staff supervision of the outside area.  Although leaders are aware that the site is accessible to the public and traffic, they have not risk assessed the situation to mitigate the predictable risks.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 7(b), 9(c), 10, 13, 15  The proprietor’s safeguarding policy has due regard to the Secretary of State’s guidance.  Leaders have implemented a management information system which maintains a record of sanctions for poor behaviour.

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Main inspection findings

 The anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose. The first-aid policy is similarly fit for purpose.  Leaders have established an admissions and attendance register which meets the requirements of the Secretary of State’s guidance and the relevant legislation.  It is likely that these standards will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1)– 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b)–21(4), 21(6)–21(7)(b)  The single central record includes the necessary checks. It is maintained and supervised by one of the Educ8 group’s directors. Other checks, such as for medical fitness, are carried out and appropriate records are kept. Paragraphs 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 21(5)–21(5)(c)  Leaders make use of supply agency staff. They understand the requirement to secure written confirmation of all necessary checks from the employment agency.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)(a), 23(1)(c), 25, 28(1)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has not ensured that there are suitable washing facilities. This is because there is no hot water. Leaders have decommissioned wall-mounted hot water dispensers to prevent pupils from being scalded. However, they have not provided a suitable alternative.  There are no changing accommodation or showers. While the bulk of the physical education curriculum is intended to be delivered at a local authority sports centre, the premises are fitted out with a gym area for pupils to use. As such, there should be shower and changing facilities on site.  In addition to the health and safety matters described in part 3, leaders have not maintained the premises to an acceptable standard to ensure the welfare of pupils. One of the three classrooms, for instance, had a substantial amount of derogatory

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Main inspection findings

graffiti on the walls.  The outside space is not suitable and is unsafe for children to play or socialise. It is a car park that serves the several businesses which share the industrial unit with the proposed school. The space is easily accessible from public roads, as well as the neighbouring businesses.  It is unlikely that these standards will be met. Paragraphs 23(1)(b), 24(1)–24(1)(b), 26, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2)– 28(2)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there are suitable toilet facilities. The medical room meets requirements. Drinking water is labelled.  Classrooms have adequate lighting and acoustic conditions. External lighting is in working order.  It is likely that these standards will be met. Paragraph 28(1)(d)  Leaders have disconnected all hot water supply. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to evaluate this standard.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(c), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(f)  Leaders know what information must be published, provided and made available. All necessary information will be published on the school’s website, or otherwise provided and made available to parents. The safeguarding policy will be published on the school’s website.  It is likely that these standards will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The complaints policy meets all requirements.  It is likely that these standards will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders have a strong vision for, and belief in, the potential of the pupils who would attend the school when it opens.  There are widespread weaknesses in matters relating to health and safety and the premises. This being the case, it is evident that leaders do not have sufficient understanding of the standards and do not demonstrate the consistent ability to fulfil them. As such, they are not taking the necessary steps to ensure that the well-being of pupils is actively promoted.  It is unlikely that these standards will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  An accessibility plan for the setting is in place.  It is likely that this standard will 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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £75 to £90 per day

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Proposed school details

Email address jevon.payne@educ8group.com

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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 6 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 28.75

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 25

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 13 to 16 13 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 6 15 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Boys Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 6 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 4 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 4 Not known

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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 4 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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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

 The proposed school is situated in an industrial unit shared with several other businesses.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time and part-time education, with places commissioned by local authorities and schools. All pupils will be dual registered.  It is proposed that the school will support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The particular needs will be social, emotional and mental health and moderate learning difficulties. It is expected that some, or all, of the pupils will have an education, health and care plan.  The proposed school already operates as an unregistered alternative provision. It was inspected under section 97 of the Education and Skills Act on 2 March 2022, where it was found not to be operating illegally.  The proprietor has appointed a head of school, who is named as the headteacher, above. There is also an executive headteacher and a deputy executive headteacher.

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Information about this proposed school

 The school will have a single proprietor, who has a limited company called the Educ8 Group. Another school, Educ8 Liverpool, is already open as an independent special school.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the Department for Education.  At the point of inspection, the school was already operating as an unregistered alternative provision. Four pupils were attending the setting. The inspector visited a lesson, spoke with pupils and met with teachers.  The inspector met with the proprietor, executive headteacher, deputy executive headteacher and head of school. He met a director of the Educ8 group remotely.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including policies, health and safety information, safeguarding information and schemes of work.  As a result of the weaknesses found in leaders’ actions in relation to fire safety, Ofsted contacted the commissioning local authorities and the Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service to inform them of the inspector’s findings and concerns.

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Inspection team

Steve Shaw, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that– – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 22 The standards about the premises of and accommodation at the school are those contained in this Part.  23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  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.

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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)(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; – 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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