Educ8 Leicestershire

School pre-registration inspection report

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Allexton Youth and Community Centre, Frolesworth Road, New Parks, Leicester LE3 6LP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum policy. The schemes of work will take into account the needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Leaders are proposing that pupils will learn a broad range of subjects and gain appropriate qualifications. Pupils will work towards functional skills in English and mathematics. There will be opportunities for pupils to gain a BTEC National Diploma in applied science, sport or public services.  The curriculum policy and schemes of work do not undermine the fundamental British values of, for example, democracy, individual liberty or the rule of law.  Leaders propose that pupils will experience linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. This

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Main inspection findings

will be undertaken through various topics, such as Black History Month and the Holocaust.  Leaders propose that pupils will undertake physical education at a nearby leisure centre. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  Leaders intend that pupils will receive impartial careers advice and guidance. In conjunction with the commissioning school, pupils will have the opportunity to undertake a work-experience placement. Local business people will be invited to talk to pupils about employability skills and the world of work. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proprietor will ensure that teaching at the school will enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress. Leaders will undertake frequent audits of pupils’ learning journeys and of teachers’ lessons and lesson plans. National ‘Educ8’ subject leads will support staff to ensure that the curriculum is being delivered effectively.

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Main inspection findings

 Teachers are currently undertaking suitable teaching qualifications. These qualifications will help to ensure that staff have a good understanding of pupils’ prior attainments and that staff use a range of good-quality classroom resources.  Leaders intend to assess pupils’ abilities when they start at the school. This will include information received from each pupil’s commissioning school and through conversations with parents and carers.  Leaders will ensure that pupils are assessed every six weeks. Pupils’ progress will be monitored through a progress tracker. This will help staff to pinpoint where pupils are doing well and where they might need extra support. Parents will be provided with this information in the form of a report.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 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), 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have an appropriate personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum in place. This curriculum encourages respect for other people and pays particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders intend for all pupils to receive relationships and sex education (RSE). This curriculum has regard to the latest statutory guidance. There is a written statement of the RSE policy on the school website. Parents can request a free copy of this policy.  The PSHE education curriculum actively promotes respect for, and tolerance of, those with different faiths and beliefs. Leaders intend for pupils to visit various places of

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Main inspection findings

worship. Pupils will learn about the democratic process.  Pupils will develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. There will be opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests through the ‘life after school’ programme. Pupils will take part in national fundraising events and activities that are happening in the local community.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 16, 16(a), 16(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the designated safeguarding lead has received the necessary training. There is an appropriate system in place for staff to record any concerns that they have regarding pupils’ welfare. Leaders intend to discuss safeguarding concerns with staff and with the executive board.  The safeguarding policy considers the latest government guidance. It is available for parents to download from the school website.  Leaders have not properly considered pupils’ welfare with regard to the proposed site. A fire door opens directly onto an area close to a busy main road. Pupils may potentially abscond. The hot water poses a scalding risk.  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. However, it is not always being implemented sufficiently well. Suitable risk assessments are not in place to help

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Main inspection findings

mitigate the risk of the busy main road, the potential for pupils to abscond and the scalding risk posed by the hot water. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Leaders have developed a suitable behaviour policy and rewards system that will encourage pupils to act responsibly. Pupils will earn ‘REACH’ points for being ready, engaged, active, creative and heroic. They will also strive to become an ambassador or to receive bronze, silver and gold awards for asking questions and for completing high-quality work.  Leaders have a system in place for recording incidents of poor behaviour and their subsequent sanctions.  Leaders have an appropriate anti-bullying policy in place. Pupils will learn about the harmful impact of bullying in their PSHE education lessons. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  Appropriate health and safety and first-aid policies are in place. Staff have received the necessary first-aid training.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire-risk assessment was undertaken in June 2022. The identified action has been rectified. There have been recent services undertaken on the fire alarm system and on the fire extinguishers. Weekly checks are made on the fire doors and break-glass points. There are termly fire evacuation drills. Paragraphs 14, 15  The proprietor’s recruitment plans are insufficient. At the time of the inspection, leaders’ staffing proposals were unsuitable for the numbers of proposed pupils. Leaders agreed that staffing numbers will need to increase. The staffing numbers depend on pupils’ additional needs and their individual risk assessments.  Leaders will use a suitable electronic system to record pupils’ attendance and absence. The admissions register meets requirements.  The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

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), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 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), 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that leaders have received appropriate safer recruitment training. The proprietor will use the services of human resources staff from the Educ8 group to ensure that all the necessary checks will be undertaken before a member of staff can begin working at the school.  The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff.

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Main inspection findings

 The single central record contains all the necessary statutory information.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are separate, suitable toilets provided for the sole use of pupils. The toilets have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities.  Leaders plan for pupils to use the showers at a nearby leisure centre after pupils have undertaken physical education sessions.  The temperature of the hot water poses a scalding risk. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable room available for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. The room has a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility. The room will not be used for teaching purposes. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The school premises, accommodation and facilities are maintained to a good standard.  The acoustics, sound and lighting are appropriate for the nature of the planned

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Main inspection findings

activities. There is external lighting to ensure that people can enter and exit the building when it is dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils can drink cold water from the clearly marked tap in the kitchen. The tap is always readily accessible and is away from the toilet facilities. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a suitable outside area for pupils to exercise and socialise during break- and lunchtimes.  The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(g)  The proposed school has a website that contains all the necessary and required information. Parents can request paper copies of school policies. The school address, telephone number and the contact details for the proprietor and head of school are listed on the website.  Leaders know to provide parents with an annual written record of each registered pupil’s progress. Leaders will keep annual accounts showing the income and expenditure incurred by the school where a pupil is wholly or partly funded by a local authority.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3), 32(3)(f), 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 is available for parents on request. It contains all the relevant information. For example, it allows for initial concerns to be raised informally. Parents can be accompanied to any meeting held in the event of a complaint reaching the formal stage. An appointed panel will consist of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint.  Leaders will retain a record of all complaints. This will be made available during inspection.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

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 ensured that leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently. The well-being of pupils is not always actively promoted.  Leaders had not given sufficient thought to the appropriate deployment of school staff to ensure that pupils are properly supervised. Leaders have not followed their own risk assessment policy and thought carefully about the risk that pupils may abscond and the school’s proximity to a busy main road. The hot water poses a risk of scalding. Pupils’ welfare is therefore not always actively promoted.  The school is unlikely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have developed a suitable accessibility plan. It is available on request.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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) £17,550 (£90 per day)

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Proposed school details

Email address anthony.allen@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 12 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 Not applicable

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 10.5

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 14 11 to 14 11 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll 12 40 8 Reason for inspector’s recommendations  During the inspection, the proprietor requested that the proposed number of pupils on roll be reduced from 40 to 15.  Even though the school is unlikely to meet the independent school standards, were the proprietor to act in a way to rectify the failings, the site, with two classrooms, is only suitable for eight pupils at any one time.

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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 0 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 12 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 3 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 2 To be confirmed

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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 2 To be confirmed

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 Educ8 Leicestershire is part of the Educ8 group. The proposed school is located in Allexton Youth and Community Centre, Leicester.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with moderate learning and behavioural difficulties. Some pupils will have social, emotional and mental health difficulties and EHC plans. Some pupils might be looked after by a local authority.  The proposed school will cater for boys and girls from key stage 3. The proprietor intends for pupils to be dual-registered with the pupil’s commissioning school.  The proposed school is unlikely to use the services of any alternative providers.  The proposed school is currently operating, without registration, as an alternative provider. Twelve pupils are currently attending on a part-time basis.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards, if it is given permission to open.  The inspector met with the proprietor, executive headteacher, deputy executive headteacher and the head of school.  The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site. He scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, schemes of work and the school’s website.  The inspector checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment.

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Inspection team

Peter Stonier, 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;  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 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

 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 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

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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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