Bolton School Infant & Nursery School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Bolton School Infant and Nursery School Bolton School, Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a)–2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders have prepared an appropriate curriculum policy for children in early years and pupils in key stage 1. The policy outlines a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study. The details in the policy emphasise the contribution that each subject makes to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education. This planned approach demonstrates leaders’ intention to provide a comprehensive education for each child and pupil. The details in the policy also confirm leaders’ commitment that the active promotion of fundamental British values will be at the heart of pupils’ education. This policy includes the promotion of values such as tolerance and respect, together with the development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of being British citizens.  The curriculum policy is supported by suitable schemes of work for each subject at

p.1

Main inspection findings

key stage 1 and each aspect of the learning and development requirements set out in the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. The planned schemes of work are appropriate. Leaders have thought carefully about what they want children in the early years and pupils in key stage 1 to learn during their time at the school. Leaders’ curriculum design considers the specific and individual needs of children in the early years and pupils, some of whom may have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  Suitable importance is placed on the development of speaking and listening, reading, writing and mathematics within the curriculum offer. Additionally, there is an appropriate emphasis on key stage 1 pupils studying the full range of national curriculum subjects, such as science, art and design, history and geography. The subjects on offer also include information and communication technology and physical

p.1

Main inspection findings

education (PE).  Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught through timetabled lessons. Aspects of PSHE will also be taught across the different curriculum subjects. The planned topics in the PSHE curriculum are suitably wide-ranging. This curriculum encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(1)(g), 2A(3)  The PSHE curriculum will include relationships education and health education. Leaders have taken into consideration the relevant statutory guidance when devising this curriculum. Leaders consulted with parents and carers about this policy. They made a policy statement which they have published on the school’s website. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(j)  The proprietor body has recruited suitably qualified staff to work at the school. Leaders have a clear idea of the calibre and expertise that they look for in any new

p.1

Main inspection findings

teachers and support staff.  Leaders have made sure that appropriate templates are in place for short-term curriculum design. All teachers are expected to plan appropriate lesson activities to meet the needs of the pupils.  The school is appropriately resourced with an extensive range of suitable educational books and equipment. These resources are suitable for pupils in key stage 1 and children in early years.  The proprietor body is committed to providing a good-quality education for pupils. It provides suitable training, guidance and support to teachers. This ensures that teachers have sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to provide a suitable quality of education to pupils. Paragraph 4  Leaders have a suitable assessment policy in place.  Leaders intend that pupils’ attainment and personal needs will be assessed when they start at the school. Pupils’ progress and attainment will be assessed regularly by

p.2

Main inspection findings

teachers. Pupils’ progress will shared regularly with parents and those responsible for governance. Teachers will use the findings from these assessments to inform their teaching.  Pupils at the school do not complete national end-of-key-stage assessments.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for registration is approved.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)–5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  A review of documentary evidence shows that pupils’ SMSC development is a thread that runs throughout the curriculum. SMSC development is central to the school’s aims, policies and enrichment activities.  SMSC aspects of learning are woven through schemes of work. Leaders intend that pupils will learn about democracy and different faiths. Enrichment activities will be offered to all pupils to ensure that they experience a diverse range of social and cultural activities, and traditions.  The schemes of work include the promotion of pupils’ wider personal development. Pupils will have the opportunity to discuss local and national events. Pupils will experience a balance of opposing and contrasting views. Pupils will be encouraged to put into practice the values fundamental to living in modern Britain.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school’s policies include references to all the protected characteristics set out in legislation.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for registration is approved.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor body has paid attention to the current statutory guidance for safeguarding children. A suitable and up-to-date policy is in place. Leaders have made all the necessary arrangements to keep children in the early years and pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the school.  The head of primary, head of infants and head of nursery are all designated safeguarding leads (DSLs). There are a number of other staff at the school who are also DSLs. All staff will receive appropriate induction, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as signs of abuse, radicalisation and extremism, exploitation and e-safety. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  The proprietor body has appropriately detailed behaviour and exclusion policies in place. There is also a suitable anti-bullying policy. Any incidents of poor behaviour are

p.3

Main inspection findings

recorded. Leaders cross-reference these incidents with other concerns so that they can gain a full picture of an individual pupil and respond quickly to any needs that arise. The behaviour policy includes appropriate and proportionate sanctions. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor body has a written health and safety policy which is tailored to the premises of the proposed school. This policy complies with all the relevant legislation. Regular fire-safety checks of the premises will be completed. The proprietor body has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The proprietor body has an appropriate first-aid policy in place. A large number of staff have successfully completed first-aid training, including senior leaders.  A written risk assessment policy is in place. Examples of completed risk assessments show that leaders take appropriate actions to minimise any risks to pupils. For

p.3

Main inspection findings

example, leaders have put in place risk assessments for the school buildings, activities and trips.  Leaders have made appropriate arrangements to ensure that the school’s computer network has appropriate monitoring and filtering systems in place to ensure pupils’ safety when they are working online. Paragraph 14  Pupils will be appropriately supervised, including at breaktimes, when arriving at school and when leaving the school premises. Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate systems in place to register pupils’ attendance and to monitor any pupil absences. Leaders will report on attendance to senior leaders and the governors of the school.  The proprietor body has published a suitable admissions policy for the school. There are systems in place to ensure that records of admission will adhere to the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c)–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)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b)– 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i)–20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i)–21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7)–21(7)(b)  Leaders have a single central record in place. This record includes all the required information. Leaders understand the need to complete all the required checks on the suitability of staff before these staff are appointed.  All the required checks, including those relating to the leadership and management of a school, have also been carried out for the members of the proprietor body.  Senior leaders have completed appropriate training to support the appointment of

p.4

Main inspection findings

suitable staff to work in a school. Induction documentation for all new staff makes it clear that they will be expected to complete safeguarding, and other related training, when they are appointed.  Leaders are clear about the procedures that they must follow in the event of employing agency staff. This will ensure that these agency staff are suitable to work with pupils.  Leaders will occasionally engage volunteers. They are clear about their responsibility for checking the suitability of volunteers who might work with pupils.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for registration is approved.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 28(1)–28(1)(d), 28(2)–28(2)(b)  The proposed school is housed in two purpose-built, adjacent buildings within the extensive school site of Bolton School. These large buildings are furnished to a very high standard. The accommodation in each building comprises a reception and office areas, communal space, several classrooms and breakout rooms. There are kitchen facilities, staff rooms, ample outdoor space and several sets of toilets for the sole use of pupils. These incorporate changing facilities for use with children in early years.  There are appropriate toilet facilities. The toilet cubicles can be secured from the inside. There is hot and cold water. The hot water is thermostat controlled and at an appropriate temperature. There are signs indicating that the water in the toilets is not suitable for drinking. However, pupils do have access to drinking water throughout the

p.4

Main inspection findings

day. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  A medical room has been set aside. There are suitable washing facilities in the room. There is easy access to a toilet. A bed, blanket and pillow were in the medical room at the time of the inspection. The room is equipped with a first-aid kit and lockable medicine cabinets. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The proposed school accommodation is of an appropriate standard. This meets all requirements for the health, safety and welfare of pupils and the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage in relation to welfare. This includes appropriate acoustics and lighting for the purpose of the different rooms. The teaching rooms have a suitable source of natural light. There is exterior lighting installed so that pupils, staff and visitors can arrive and leave the site safely. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The children and pupils have access to safe outdoor areas to play in when not in

p.5

Main inspection findings

lessons. The outdoor space is suitable for PE lessons as part of the school’s curriculum.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for registration is approved.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(k), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proprietor body has set up a school website that contains the required information. The proprietor body is fully aware of the requirements for what a school should publish on its website.  There is a suitable range of information available for parents and pupils when they join the school. Leaders make sure that parents have access to a range of policies, including information on admissions, behaviour and safeguarding. All documents are made available to parents on request from the school, as well as being published on the school’s website.  Leaders will provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. These reports will be detailed and provide a holistic picture of each pupil’s progress. Leaders are aware that any inspection reports need to be made available to parents.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for

p.5

Main inspection findings

registration is approved. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–33(k)  The complaints policy is appropriate. It includes appropriate timescales and information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy is detailed. It ensures that parents know how leaders will deal with any complaints.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for registration is approved.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has an appropriate understanding of the independent school standards (standards) and has robust systems in place to monitor compliance with the standards regularly and rigorously.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge required to set up and run this independent school successfully. They have experience of, and a commitment to, providing an effective quality of education for pupils. They fulfil their responsibilities to promote the well-being of pupils.  All the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for registration is approved.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan fully meets statutory requirements.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The school meets safeguarding and welfare requirements.  The school meets learning and development requirements.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £10,380 to £16,250

p.8

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.8

Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 201 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 6 hours 40 minutes

p.8

Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 6 hours 40 minutes

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils 0 to 7 0 to 7 0 to 7 Number of pupils on the school roll 320 350 350

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 201 350

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils None Not known

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 26 Not known

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None Not known

p.9

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 None Not known

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 36 36

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 20 20

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent school caters for early years children and key stage 1 pupils in purpose-built accommodation as part of the large and well-established independent provision Bolton School. Bolton School is located at Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA.  Bolton School is composed of Bolton School Boys Division and Bolton School Girls Division. These schools have separate registrations as independent schools. The proposed school is currently part of Bolton School Girls Division but is seeking a separate registration. The proposed school will be located on the same site as the Bolton School Boys Division and Bolton School Girls Division. This proposed school will cater for boys and girls.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 350, mixed- gender, 0 to 7-year-old children and pupils. The nursery will also offer part-time places. It is expected that very few of the children and pupils will have SEND.

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The school will provide provision for 2-year-olds.  The proprietor body is a limited company called Bolton School Limited. There is a board of trustees who act as governance for the school.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the provider’s application is approved. At the time of this inspection, the proposed provision was already operating as a school.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with senior and middle leaders. She also met with the head of estates management and head of human resources.  The inspector spoke with the chair of the trustees, who is also the chair of the governing body.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant independent school standards. She also looked at a wide range of documentation and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. She also checked documentation relating to

p.10

Inspection team

Sue Eastwood, lead inspector His 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 .

p.10

Inspection team

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.

p.11

Inspection team

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 .

p.11

Inspection team

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.

p.11

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11