Progress Schools - Harpurhey

School pre-registration inspection report

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Progress Schools - Harpurhey Manchester Youth Zone, 931 Rochdale Road, Manchester M9 8AE

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)-2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g)-2(2)(i)  The proprietor body has prepared an appropriate curriculum policy which sets out a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study. The policy shows how the curriculum contributes to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education. The policy outlines how fundamental British values, such as tolerance and respect, will be actively promoted. This policy also describes how pupils’ knowledge and understanding of life as a British citizen will be developed.  The curriculum policy is supported by schemes of work for each subject. These schemes of work reflect leaders’ ambitious intent for what pupils should learn during their time in the school. Leaders have given due consideration to the order in which pupils should learn important knowledge, so that their learning builds up securely. The

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Main inspection findings

curriculum design considers the specific and individual needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  Pupils will have access to a range of academic and vocational qualifications according to their ability and need.  Leaders have placed appropriate importance on the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening and mathematics. Pupils will also study subjects including science, art and design, history, geography and physical education (PE).  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Some aspects of PSHE will also be developed through learning in other subjects. There is an emphasis on the development of pupils’ skills for future life. The topics covered in PSHE are extensive. These include topics which encourage pupils’ respect for other people, including those with the protected characteristics as set out

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Main inspection findings

in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders have developed a policy and scheme of work for careers education in line with the Gatsby benchmarks. Leaders intend to offer impartial information, advice and guidance. This will be tailored to the individual needs and interests of pupils. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)-2A(3)  The PSHE curriculum will provide pupils with relationships, health and sex education. The proposed school’s policy complies with the relevant statutory guidance. Leaders have considered how they will consult with parents and carers about the policy, including parents of pupils new to the proposed school. Leaders are aware of their duty to ensure that the policy statement is placed on the proposed school’s website. Paragraph 3(a)-3(g)  Some of the lessons that pupils receive will be delivered remotely. Leaders have appointed subject leaders to provide this remote learning, which pupils will receive in

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Main inspection findings

school. It is leaders’ intention that these subject leaders will guide and support teachers and staff in the proposed school, so that these staff can adapt the lessons appropriately for individual pupils.  Leaders intend that teachers will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when pupils join the proposed school. Teachers will check pupils’ progress and attainment regularly. Teachers will use the findings from these assessments to inform their teaching.  Leaders have made arrangements for the provision of resources such as stationery and text books for when the proposed school opens. Leaders know that these resources must be of a good quality, quantity and range. Paragraph 3(h)-3(j)  There is an appropriate policy in place setting out leaders’ expectations for pupils’ behaviour. The policy states that bullying will not be tolerated in the proposed school. The policy provides information about how leaders and staff will promote responsible

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Main inspection findings

behaviour in the proposed school. The policy sets out leaders’ strategies for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, including bullying. Paragraph 4  Leaders have a suitable assessment policy in place.  Pupils’ progress will be shared regularly with parents and carers, and those responsible for governance.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)-5(d)  Leaders’ policies show that appropriate consideration has been given to pupils’ SMSC development. Pupils will learn about a range of faiths and cultures. The curriculum will provide them with opportunities to learn about the rule of law and about democracy. Pupils will have opportunities to visit places of cultural and religious significance, such as the cathedral and museums nearby.  There are plans in place for pupils to learn about and to contribute to the community. For example, they will have opportunities for charitable and fundraising activities. Pupils will be encouraged to join in with community events and activities outside the school day at the youth centre in which the school is located. They will have opportunities to meet and to compete in sports activities with pupils from other local schools.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s policies include positive references to all of the protected characteristics set out in legislation. Leaders understand the need to ensure that pupils benefit from a balance of opposing views when they learn about politics.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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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 pupils. A suitable and up-to-date policy is in place. Leaders have introduced all the necessary arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the proposed school.  The head of school will be the designated safeguarding lead in the school. This lead will be supported by specialist colleagues who work for the proprietor body.  All new staff will receive an appropriate induction programme, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism, sexual exploitation, sexting and e-safety. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)-9(c), 10  The proprietor body has detailed behaviour and exclusion policies in place. There is also an appropriate anti-bullying policy. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded. Leaders intend to cross-reference these with other concerns so that they

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Main inspection findings

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  The proprietor body has a written health and safety policy which is tailored to the premises of the proposed school. It complies with all relevant laws. Regular fire-safety checks of the premises are planned. The proprietor body will ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Staff new to the proposed school will receive health and safety training as part of their induction. Leaders have made arrangements for regular checks of the premises to identify and rectify faults. For example, a suitably qualified individual will regularly test electrical equipment.  Leaders have ensured that in the building where the proposed school will operate, there are a range of measures in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire

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Main inspection findings

Safety) Order 2005. For example, there are fire extinguishers which are checked regularly. The building has smoke alarms. Leaders have made arrangements for regular fire drills for staff and pupils. There is signage around the building identifying fire doors and muster points to facilitate escape in the event of fire. Paragraphs 13  The proprietor body has drawn up a first-aid policy. However, they have not made adequate arrangements for the provision of enough suitably qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. This means that pupils may not get the timely and appropriate attention required if they are injured or taken ill. Paragraph 14  The proposed number of staff will ensure that pupils will be supervised effectively throughout the school day. Leaders intend that pupils will always be supervised, including at breaktimes and when using the sports and recreation facilities.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate systems in place to register pupils’ attendance and to allow them to monitor any pupils’ absences effectively. Leaders will report on attendance on a regular basis to the proprietor body. Reports to parents and carers will include information about pupils’ attendance.  The school has a suitable admissions policy. Leaders have established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have put a risk assessment policy is in place. A number of risk assessments have already been completed showing that leaders plan to take appropriate actions to minimise some risks. However, leaders have not fully assessed the risks associated with inappropriate or insecure storage of some equipment, including art and craft materials and sports equipment. Consequently, leaders have not taken appropriate

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Main inspection findings

actions to minimise these risks.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(2), 18(2)(a)-18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)-19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)-20(6)(c), 21(1)-21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders understand the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check, checks on staff’s identification and their right to work in the United Kingdom.  Leaders understand the checks that they need to carry out in order to ensure any agency staff that they employ are suitable to work with pupils.  All the required checks for the proprietor and leaders for the proposed school have been completed.  Leaders have established a single central record. This record meets the requirements for the information that it must contain, including that which relates to the leadership and management of the school.  Leaders have completed safer recruitment training.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The proposed school is located in a community youth centre. The centre comprises classrooms, a dance studio, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a recreation space with pool tables and table football. There is a kitchen serving hot food. The centre is accessed at times by users other than pupils of the school. Leaders have worked with youth centre personnel to ensure that appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place to reflect these arrangements. Paragraphs 23, 28  There are separate toilet facilities for male and female pupils. These toilet cubicles can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. There is hot and cold running water. This does not pose a scalding risk. There are toilets for the use of disabled pupils and adults. These are lockable from the inside. Pupils have access to separate shower and

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Main inspection findings

changing facilities for boys and girls. There are also separate shower and changing facilities for disabled pupils.  Leaders have ensured that pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are in a separate area from the toilet facilities and are clearly labelled. Paragraph 24  There is a room set aside for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. There is access to washing and toilet facilities. The room contains a removable bed and a first- aid box. Paragraphs 26, 27 - 27(b), 29(1) - 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor space, with a separate area for games such as football and basketball. This will provide an appropriate place for pupils to play when not in lessons. PE sessions will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the school’s curriculum. Through a licensing agreement, the proprietor body has established a procedure with the youth centre to book the sports facilities for these

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Main inspection findings

timetabled PE sessions. These arrangements mean that pupils will have the sole use of the facilities during these sessions.  The acoustic conditions and lighting in each room are of a suitable standard, having regard to the nature of the activities that will take place.  There is suitable external lighting. This ensures that pupils, staff and visitors can enter or exit the building safely in the dark. Paragraph 25  The accommodation is generally of an appropriate standard. However, leaders have not taken steps to ensure that the premises are fully ready for pupils. For example, they have not ensured that materials, including those for art and craft activities and leisure activities, are stored safely and securely. Leaders have not made appropriate arrangements with the youth centre to ensure that where other users have accessed facilities, that these facilities are tidied and made ready for pupils afterwards. Care has

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Main inspection findings

not been taken to ensure that electric cables are routinely stored safely around information technology equipment. During the inspection, it was noted that a pane of glass in an access door was cracked, presenting pupils and staff with a potential hazard.  It is unlikely that all of the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)-32(1)(c), 32(1)(f)-32(1)(i), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)- 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 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 information that it is required to publish on the proposed school’s website.  There is a suitable range of information available for parents and pupils when they join the school. All the required policies are in place, such as admissions, behaviour and safeguarding policies. All documents will be made available for parents on request from the school, as well as being available on the school’s website.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. Reports will be detailed and provide a range of information about pupils’ progress. Parents will also receive information on pupils’ attendance and

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Main inspection findings

behaviour. Leaders are aware that following any inspection, copies of the report must be provided to parents and published on the school’s website.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33-33(k)  The proprietor body has an appropriate complaints policy. This policy sets out the timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for making a complaint is transparent.  This policy is published on the school’s website.  The standards in this part are likely to 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 members of the proprietor body have experience of setting up and running a number of independent schools. They have ensured that a suitable curriculum is in place. However, the proprietor body has not ensured that all the standards relating to the safety and welfare of pupils and staff at the school are likely to be met.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £14,500 - £32,500

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Proposed school details

Email address harpurheyps@progress-schools.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Up to 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Up to 30

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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 Up to 30

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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 Up to 30

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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 part-time teaching staff None None

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in Harpurhey, Manchester. It is housed in a large community youth centre. The school will share this accommodation with other users of the youth centre.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who have been excluded from or are at risk of exclusion. It is the intention that the school will support pupils to reintegrate into mainstream school.  The proprietor body intends that pupils will be placed at the school by local authorities and mainstream schools.  Some pupils who will attend this school may have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. A few pupils may have an education, health and care plan.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body and the regional headteacher.  The inspector completed a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. She also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour, and health and safety. The inspector checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Mavis Smith, 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-  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  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

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-  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.

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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

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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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