R.Y.A.N Education Academy Vocational Centre

School pre-registration inspection report

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R.Y.A.N Education Academy Vocational Centre 334 Bordesley Green Road, Birmingham B8 1BY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders, including the proprietor body, intend for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It is likely that most pupils will have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  Leaders intend to provide a broad and relevant curriculum that has a strong focus on pupils’ personal development as well as vocational and academic qualifications. Leaders are proposing that pupils will study a core curriculum of English, mathematics, science, physical education, personal, social and health education (PSHE), history and computing. The vocational studies will initially focus on electrical installation. Pupils will gain recognised qualifications. These include GCSEs and

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Main inspection findings

functional skills awards in English and mathematics as well as a recognised vocational qualification in electrical installation. A curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place to facilitate this range of study.  Leaders will gather information about pupils’ needs through baseline assessments, discussions with pupils, discussions with parents and through liaising with other agencies. Leaders plan to use the information gathered to adapt the curriculum and provide a programme of activities that meets the needs and aspirations of each pupil.  Leaders intend for all pupils to have weekly tutorial sessions with a mentor. These will support pupils to create goals and to evaluate their success towards achieving them.  Leaders recognise that pupils who will attend the proposed school may have experienced disruption to their education. Leaders intend that the school will be a bridge between their past experiences and a successful future life in British society.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)  Leaders have suitable plans in place to provide impartial careers guidance. This is proposed to enable pupils to learn employability skills and to learn about how to apply for future employment, education or training. Leaders intend to arrange work placements and college visits as part of the careers programme. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  Leaders have an appropriate policy and scheme of work in place to deliver the statutory relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum. This includes a focus on healthy relationships, gender identity and community cohesion.  The RSE policy outlines the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child fully, or partly, from sex education lessons. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have appropriately qualified teachers, and support staff, ready to work at the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school. These staff have the relevant experience and understanding of working with pupils with SEND to prepare effective lessons.  Leaders have set out how teachers will assess and review pupils’ progress over time. This includes weekly tutorial sessions with pupils so that lessons and other aspects of the curriculum can be suitably adapted to meet their needs.  The headteacher has significant leadership experience in independent special schools and shows a good understanding of how teaching needs to be adapted to meet pupils’ needs.  Leaders have ensured that the independent schools 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(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 set out explicitly how the curriculum will support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This includes a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ knowledge about themselves and on the building up of their self-esteem.  The PSHE curriculum explores diversity in British society and encourages tolerance and respect for other people, paying regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The PSHE curriculum also explores other fundamental British values, such as democracy and the rule of law.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  Leaders understand how to create a strong safeguarding culture. There are appropriate procedures and policies in place to help keep pupils safe. These include appropriate systems for staff to record any concerns they have regarding pupils’ welfare.  The safeguarding policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance and is available on request.  Staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, have undertaken appropriate training. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  Leaders have developed detailed behaviour and anti-bullying policies. These policies are proposed to help pupils to understand the impact of bullying and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  An appropriate health and safety policy, which includes first aid, is in place.  The premises underwent a fire risk assessment in January 2023. Leaders have

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Main inspection findings

ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Procedures are set up to ensure the appropriate checks are made to help keep pupils safe.  Pupils will receive any required first aid from suitably trained staff on site. Paragraphs 14, 15  Leaders will ensure that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of staff. The level of supervision will be in line with the pupils’ needs, which will be determined before a pupil is admitted. Leaders intend to gradually increase staff numbers in line with a gradual increase in pupils admitted.  There are currently no pupils attending the school. Leaders have ensured that the information to be included on the admission and attendance registers will meet requirements. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is an appropriate risk management policy in place. It outlines how risks will be assessed and managed.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 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(1), 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), 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)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  Leaders are aware of all the necessary checks that need to be undertaken before a member of staff can begin working at the school. These checks include those undertaken for supply staff.  The single central record contains the information required.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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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), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor body has secured the use of a suitable premises for the proposed school. The building is single storey and consists of an office, teaching spaces, a communal area, a kitchen, a medical room and appropriate toilet facilities.  There are separate toilet and washing facilities for boys and girls as well as a disabled toilet that is available for use by staff, visitors and pupils. The temperature of the water does not pose a risk of scalding.  Though the premises do not include changing and shower facilities, the proprietor body has permission to use the facilities of their other school, which has a sports hall and suitable changing and shower facilities.

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Main inspection findings

 The medical room includes washing facilities and a bed. This room is located next to the disabled toilet.  There are three main teaching areas that have suitable natural daylight and ventilation. Other, smaller rooms, suitable for teaching small groups or one to one, have adequate artificial lighting and would be suitable for use for short periods of time throughout the day. The acoustics in all rooms are suitable.  Suitable drinking water facilities are provided, and cold water suitable for drinking is clearly marked. These facilities are in a separate area to the toilet facilities.  There is a suitably sized outdoor space available for pupils to play in. This space would also be suitable for physical education to be provided, though leaders intend to deliver physical education offsite.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 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)(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)  Leaders have created a parent information pack which includes all of the information they are required to make available to parents and carers to ensure compliance with the independent school standards.  Leaders intend to provide parents and carers with a written report every half term. The report will include information about their child’s progress and attainment as well as their emotional resilience, personal development and employability.  The proprietor body has established processes for sharing income and expenditure of funding that the proposed school will receive from local authorities.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to

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Main inspection findings

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), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  There is a written complaints policy that complies with the statutory requirements. It is available on request and will be published on the school’s website if the school opens.  The complaints policy outlines clear timescales for the consideration and management of any complaint. This includes the opportunity to consider any complaints informally in the first instance.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school 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)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has a clear rationale for why it wants to register this school.  The proprietor body and school leaders have a secure understanding of the independent school standards.  Leaders have relevant experience in teaching, leadership and governance. This includes experience of leadership in independent special schools.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Catherine Harris and Abdul Monaim

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £40,000 to £45,000

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Proposed school details

Email address elizabeth77@virginmedia.com

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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 19 14 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

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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 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

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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 20

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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 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 6 To meet pupils’ needs

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 To meet pupils’ needs

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietors are Elizabeth Harris and Abdul Monaim.  The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls aged 14 to 19. The school will cater for pupils with a range of SEND, including autism and other associated learning difficulties.  It is expected that most pupils will have an EHC plan. Pupils will be placed in the school by local authorities.  The proposed school will have joint proprietors. The intention is for the school to also have a governing body if the school is granted permission to open.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the 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 inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, as well as safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector met with the two named proprietors, who will also be the headteacher and the deputy headteacher of the proposed new school. Present in these meetings were two additional directors.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor areas.

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Inspection team

Helen Forrest, 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 .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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