Out To Help

School pre-registration inspection report

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Out To Help Higher Farm, Byley Lane, Byley, Cheshire CW10 9LN

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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 has prepared a curriculum policy which embodies a set of aims for the curriculum. The policy sets out leaders’ responsibilities for ensuring that this curriculum is implemented. However, leaders have not provided a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to learn.  Leaders have developed schemes of work for a few subjects. They have set out the knowledge that leaders intend pupils to learn and the order in which pupils will learn this. However, these schemes lack the ambition needed to ensure that pupils will achieve their potential. The schemes do not take account of the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Pupils in key stage 4 may have access to academic and vocational qualifications, depending upon their ability. Pupils will be able to sit examinations in mathematics,

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Main inspection findings

English language, English literature, biology and citizenship. However, leaders have not made clear how the curriculum will prepare pupils effectively for these examinations.  Leaders have not provided a programme of activities appropriate to the needs of pupils above compulsory school age.  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. A range of topics will be covered in PSHE education. These include topics which encourage respect for other people. However, leaders have not ensured that pupils will learn about all of the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The proprietor has placed emphasis upon the development of pupils’ skills and knowledge relating to equine studies. Pupils will be able to study for vocational qualifications related to the riding of and care of horses.  Leaders do not have well-developed plans for providing pupils from Year 8 upwards

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Main inspection findings

with impartial, accurate, up-to-date careers guidance about a broad range of career options. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(3)  The PSHE education curriculum will provide pupils with aspects of relationships and sex education. However, leaders have not considered the knowledge appropriate for the range of ages, abilities and needs of pupils. They have not developed a policy statement in line with guidance from the Secretary of State or specified how they will consult parents and carers of pupils before making or revising their statement. Leaders are aware of their duty to ensure that any such policy statement is placed on the proposed school’s website. Paragraph 3(a)–3(g)  In designing their curriculum, leaders have not considered all of the knowledge that pupils will need to acquire in order to make good progress. They have not paid sufficient account to ensuring that the teaching methods and activities selected to

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Main inspection findings

deliver their intended curriculum will be effective.  Leaders have not provided appropriate resources of a good quality, quantity and range. For example, at the time of the inspection, there were no text books available, and the accommodation for learning is very limited.  Leaders have not ensured that staff have the necessary relevant subject expertise and experience of the proposed key stages to ensure that lessons will be well planned.  Leaders intend that in some subjects, teachers will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when pupils join the proposed school. However, leaders have not considered how teachers will check pupils’ progress and attainment regularly in all of the subjects that pupils will learn. Paragraph 3(h)–3(j)  There is an appropriate policy in place setting out leaders’ expectations for pupils’ behaviour. The policy provides information about how leaders and staff will promote

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Main inspection findings

responsible behaviour in the proposed school. The policy sets out leaders’ strategies for dealing with inappropriate behaviour. Leaders have put in place a separate anti- bullying policy. This policy states that bullying is unacceptable and sets out how leaders and staff will address any bullying in the proposed school. Paragraph 4  Leaders have provided an assessment policy. However, this policy does not explain how pupils’ learning will be assessed in all of the subjects that they learn.  Pupils’ progress in some subjects will be shared regularly with parents.  It is unlikely that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)  Leaders’ policies show that some consideration has been given to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, pupils will learn about the

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Main inspection findings

difference between right and wrong. However, leaders have not made clear in their policies and plans how pupils will learn about a range of faiths and cultures, or about the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders have not considered how pupils will learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy, or how laws are made. They have not planned opportunities for pupils to learn about the public institutions and services that exist in the United Kingdom.  Through their policies and proposed practices, leaders have ensured that pupils will be encouraged to consider the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for them. Pupils will learn to consider the needs of other people and animals.  It is unlikely that the standard in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. 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

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding pupils. A suitable and up-to-date policy is in place. Leaders have introduced all the required safeguarding arrangements at the proposed school.  The proprietor will be the designated safeguarding lead in the school. This designated safeguarding lead will be supported by other leaders who work in the school.  All new staff will be provided with an appropriate induction programme, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism and knife crime. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  The proprietor body has a detailed behaviour policy in place. There is also an appropriate anti-bullying policy. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded. Leaders intend to cross-reference these recorded incidents with other concerns so that they can gain a full picture of an individual pupil and respond quickly to any emerging needs. The behaviour policy includes appropriate and proportionate

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Main inspection findings

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.  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 from which the proposed school will operate, there are a range of measures in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire 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 exits and muster points to facilitate escape in the event of fire.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 13  The proprietor body has drawn up a first aid policy. They have made appropriate arrangements for the provision of enough suitably qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. 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 riding school facilities, including for sport and recreation. Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate systems in place to register pupils’ attendance and to allow them to monitor any absences effectively. Leaders will report on attendance on a regular basis to the proprietor and to professionals working with pupils and their families. Reports to parents will include information about pupils’ attendance.  The school has a suitable admissions policy. Leaders have established systems to

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Main inspection findings

ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have put a risk assessment policy 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 the size and nature of the site, for example risks presented by the presence of farm machinery or vehicles including lorries, and the presence of members of the public. Consequently, leaders have not taken appropriate actions to minimise these risks.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. 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)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders understand the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check, as well as 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.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools  The proposed school is located in a riding school. The riding school comprises areas

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Main inspection findings

for the stabling of horses, for grooming and preparing horses for riding, a large indoor riding school, two outdoor riding schools and an event and show jumping arena. There are extensive yards, treatment areas for horses requiring therapies, a large barn providing accommodation for smaller ponies and the storage of a heavy goods vehicle. It is understood from the proprietor that the site extends to more than 120 acres in total. There are no permanent classrooms on site. It is proposed instead that pupils will receive their lessons in a small number of temporary buildings, including a container and a garden summerhouse. These buildings are unsuitable for more than a very small number of pupils.  There is a café on site serving hot and cold food to visitors and customers. This has toilet facilities which will be accessed by pupils if needed.  As a working riding school, the premises are accessed by members of the public for

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Main inspection findings

riding lessons or use of the riding facilities. Members of the public will also visit the on-site café. Leaders have worked with leaders and staff from local authorities requesting placements for pupils to ensure that appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place to reflect these arrangements. Paragraphs 23, 28  There is one toilet for the sole use of male and female pupils. This is insufficient for the proposed number of pupils. This toilet can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk. There are two toilets located at the café. These toilets are for the use of the café’s customers. One of these toilets contains disabled facilities. These are lockable from the inside. Pupils will be accompanied by staff from the proposed school if they need to make use of these toilets.  Pupils will have access to bottled drinking water at all times.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have not made available suitable shower and changing facilities for pupils, including for disabled pupils. Paragraph 24  There is a room set aside in a modular building for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. The room contains a sofa bed. First-aid boxes are located in the adjoining room. However, there are no washing facilities and no access within easy reach to toilet facilities. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27–27(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The accommodation is generally of an appropriate standard.  Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor space, with areas that can be used for games such as football and dodgeball. This will provide an appropriate place for pupils to play when not in lessons.  Physical education (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 a local youth centre to book their sports facilities for

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Main inspection findings

these 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.  It is unlikely that all of the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. 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 has set up a school website to contain the required information. The proprietor body is fully aware of the information that it is required to publish on the proposed school’s website once the proposed school opens.  There is a suitable range of information available for parents. All the required policies

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Main inspection findings

are in place, such as the admissions, behaviour and safeguarding policies. All the documents will be made available for parents on request from the school. Leaders intend that these will be available on the school’s website once the proposed school opens.  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 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 standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The proprietor has an appropriate complaints policy. This policy sets out the timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage

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Main inspection findings

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 standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  Those persons with responsibilities for leadership and management do not have the experience and expertise to run a school. They lack the skills and knowledge to ensure that all of the standards are likely to be consistently met. For example, leaders have not given enough consideration to practical arrangements, such as medical and shower facilities, the suitability of the site or the staff expertise required to deliver the school’s curriculum. They have not provided suitable teaching spaces for the number of pupils that the proposed school will accommodate.  The proprietor has not fully considered how leaders will be held to account for their

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Main inspection findings

work, for example in providing pupils with an appropriate quality of education.  There are likely to be a number of unmet standards, including in relation to the quality of education and pupils’ welfare.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. 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

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 8 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority None

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week None

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week None

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 12 to 19 12 to 19 12 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll 8 40 40

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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 None Up to 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities None Up to 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None Up to 40

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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 None Up to 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in premises at a riding school at Higher Farm, Byley Lane, Byley, Cheshire CW10 9LN.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 40 pupils, aged between 12 and 19 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater mainly for pupils who have been excluded from or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools.  The proprietor body intends that pupils will be placed at the school by local authorities and mainstream schools.  Leaders do not intend to make use of any other alternative provision.  Some pupils who attend this school may have special educational needs and/or disabilities, and may have an EHC 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 proprietor and the headteacher.  The inspector completed a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector 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 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which–

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9] – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that– – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor– – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b) – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor– – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which– – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and – 5(b)(vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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– – 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.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.

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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

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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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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