Ashcroft School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Ashcroft School 54 Hayes Lane, Exhall, Coventry, Warwickshire CV7 9BP

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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) and 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 (EHC) plan.  Leaders intend to provide an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum that aims for pupils to achieve a suitable range of academic qualifications. At key stage 3, the curriculum on offer is in line with the national curriculum. At key stage 4, pupils can access a range of externally accredited courses, including, entry level, functional skills, ASDAN and GCSE. 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 discussions with pupils,

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Main inspection findings

discussions with parents and carers, liaising with other relevant agencies and through baseline assessments. Leaders will then adapt the schemes of work to provide a curriculum and a programme of activities that meets the needs and aspirations of each pupil.  Leaders intend to support pupils at the early stages of reading with a phonics scheme designed for older pupils. They demonstrate a good understanding of the barriers pupils might face and how to break down these barriers using age-appropriate resources. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)  Leaders have appropriate plans in place to provide impartial careers guidance. This includes college visits and bespoke onsite advice, as well as online support. Paragraph 2A (1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g) and 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

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Main inspection findings

healthy relationships, gender identity and consent.  The RSE policy outlines the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child fully, or partially, 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) and 4  The proprietor body has ensured that a suitably qualified and experienced leader is in post as headteacher. They are in the process of recruiting further staff with suitable knowledge and experience which will complement the expertise of the headteacher.  There are clear systems in place to enable teachers to assess and review pupils’ progress over time. The systems are designed to ensure that adaptations to provision can be made when needed and as pupils needs change.  Central staff working for the proprietor body have considerable leadership experience in independent special schools. They show a good understanding of how to ensure that teaching meets the needs of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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) and 5(d)(iii)  The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) curriculum will ensure that pupils explore diversity within British society. It will also ensure that pupils are encouraged to develop both tolerance and respect for other people, paying regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Daily discussion based on national news items will supplement the curriculum so that current issues are explored. This will help to ensure that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.  An annual calendar of events will enhance pupils’ cultural capital and this will include

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Main inspection findings

community events.  A citizenship programme will also ensure that pupils understand the role of public services and develop a respect for them.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  There is a written safeguarding policy which reflects the most recent statutory guidance. It is available on request.  Leaders are suitably trained to understand how to ensure that the proposed pupils are kept safe. They demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of how to create an appropriate safeguarding culture. There are suitable policies and procedures in place to help keep pupils safe. These include appropriate systems for staff to record any concerns they have about a pupil’s welfare. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 10  Leaders have developed suitable policies for behaviour and for anti-bullying. Both

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Main inspection findings

policies are designed to help pupils take responsibility for their own behaviour and understand the impact of it on others. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  There is an appropriate health and safety policy in place. All of the required checks on the property relating to health and safety have been carried out. This includes recent checks on electrics, water supplies, emergency lighting and the gas supply.  The premises has recently had a fire risk assessment and there is appropriate equipment in place that has also been recently checked. Leaders have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  There is a suitable first aid policy in place and staff already employed have had appropriate training to administer first aid. Paragraphs 14, 15  Leaders will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised through the suitable deployment of staff. The level of supervision will be determined by the needs of pupils

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Main inspection findings

which will be assessed before the pupil starts. Leaders will increase the number of staff as the number of pupils increases.  Leaders have ensured that the admissions register, and attendance registers will contain the required information. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is an appropriate policy in place that outlines how risks will be assessed and managed.  Several risk assessments have been created to cover a range of activities pupils will take part in.  Leaders have a good understanding of the risk management process.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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),

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Main inspection findings

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) and 21(7)(b)  Leaders are aware of all the appropriate checks that need to be undertaken before a member of staff can begin working at the proposed school.  The single central record contains all of the information required to record these checks.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 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),

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Main inspection findings

28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The proprietor body has secured the lease of a suitable premises for the proposed school. The building is a single-storey bungalow that has been adapted to provide an office, a medical room, a kitchen that can be used for teaching cooking, small intervention rooms, shared communal spaces and classrooms.  There are separate toilet facilities for boys and girls. There is also a separate toilet for staff and visitors. All toilets have suitable washing facilities, and the temperature of the water does not pose a risk of scalding.  The medical room has a bed and washing facilities located in the room. There is also a toilet located within the room.  There are two main classrooms, two further large spaces suitable for teaching and two smaller rooms that will be used for one-to-one interventions or as calming spaces. All rooms have suitable natural daylight as well as adequate artificial lighting. The

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Main inspection findings

acoustics in all rooms are suitable.  Cold water, suitable for drinking, is clearly marked and available throughout the day. The cold water supplies are in a separate area to the toilet facilities.  There is a suitably sized outdoor space comprising of a grassed area and a hard surfaced space. This space would serve as a space for playing outside and would also be suitable for physical education to be provided.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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) and 32(3)(g)  Leaders have created a school prospectus which provides much of the information they are required to make available to parents and carers. The prospectus lists the

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Main inspection findings

policies that are available on request. This ensures compliance with the independent school standards.  Leaders intend to provide parents and carers with regular written reports on the progress being made by pupils.  The proprietor body has established processes for sharing the income and expenditure of funding that the proposed school will receive from local authorities.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. 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) and 33(k)  There is a written complaints policy available on request.  The complaints policy outlines different stages for making a complaint. It gives clear timescales for the consideration and management of the complaint. This includes an informal stage in the first instance and a panel with an independent member in the

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Main inspection findings

final stage.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 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 the relevant experience in teaching and leadership to both meet the individual needs of the intended pupils, and to meet the independent school standards consistently.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has 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

Email address caroline.ashdown@hexagoncare.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 0 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 0

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 0

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 - 16 11 - 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 24 24

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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 Not applicable 24

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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 24

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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 24

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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 24

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 To meet pupils’ needs

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School's current position School's proposal

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

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls aged 11 to 16.  The pupils who will attend the school are likely to have a range of social, emotional, and mental health 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 a proprietor body.

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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 director of education who is also the chair of the proprietor body. Present in the meetings were also the headteacher and the deputy director of education.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including the outside space.

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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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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