Alpha Learning Staffordshire

School pre-registration inspection report

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Alpha Learning Staffordshire Hobson Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2AW

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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)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii)  The proprietor already provides part-time alternative provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. It is planned that some of those pupils who attend will join the school when it is registered.  Leaders have written suitable curriculum and assessment policies that are likely to meet the needs of pupils aged 11 to 16 with SEMH needs. Leaders intend to adopt a flexible approach to delivering the curriculum.  Leaders have ensured that a curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place. The school intends to teach a suitably broad range of subjects, including mathematics, English language and English literature, science, sport, information communication and technology, digital skills, history, geography, religious studies and

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Main inspection findings

health and social care.  Curriculum documents show that pupils will learn about fundamental British values and protected characteristics. Paragraph 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) 2(2)(i)  Leaders aim to provide pupils with impartial careers advice and guidance. This will enable pupils to learn about employability skills and about how to apply for future employment, education or training. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2) 2A(3)  The school intends to follow a commercially produced personal, social and health education programme. The programme covers a suitable range of subjects, including statutory relationships and sex education. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) 4  Leaders have appointed appropriately qualified teachers and support staff with experience of working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities

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Main inspection findings

(SEND). Staff have a good understanding of pupils’ aptitudes and needs when preparing lessons.  Leaders recognise that pupils who will attend the proposed school will have experienced significant disruption to their education. Pupils’ starting points will be assessed and gaps in their knowledge identified.  Leaders have 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) 5(d)(iii)  Leaders are aware that many pupils who attend the current provision have experienced a disrupted education in the past. They are committed to ensuring that pupils build their self-esteem and confidence over time, developing positive relationships with each other.  Leaders intend that pupils will be taught about a range of religions, faiths and

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Main inspection findings

cultures. Pupils will be encouraged to develop tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation of the diversity of modern society.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance and is available on the website.  Leaders are aware of their duties and the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture. Leaders have a clear understanding of the needs and challenges their pupils are likely to present. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) 10  Leaders have clearly set out the approach to promoting pupils’ positive behaviour in the behaviour and anti-bullying policies. These policies are published on the proposed school’s website. Leaders will ensure that staff receive appropriate and regular

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Main inspection findings

training so that these policies are implemented as leaders intend. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) 16(b)  Appropriate health and safety and first-aid policies are in place.  Leaders maintain a set of written risk assessments to ensure that pupils’ safety will be prioritised. They include, for example, potential risks to pupils on off-site trips and when using equipment.  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate attention has been given to fire safety. A detailed external fire safety audit has been completed. Fire extinguishers have been checked and serviced properly. Paragraph 14 and 15  Leaders have appropriate plans in place for supervision of pupils. The school is located in a large building on two floors. All entrances to the school are secure. Internal areas are also secured appropriately.  Leaders have ensured that the admission and attendance registers meet requirements. This information is stored electronically.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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), 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(7), 21(7)(a) 21(7)(b)  Leaders are knowledgeable about requirements for completion of suitability checks on staff. Leaders demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of part 4.  The format of the single central record contains the full range of pre-employment checks. It is stored centrally in an electronic format.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 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 school operates from a site that was formerly a training centre. The site consists of five classrooms and a large recreational space that is used for social times on the ground floor and an additional classroom and a large gym space on the first floor.  There are male and female toilets on the ground floor with hot and cold running water and handwashing facilities. On the first floor, there are additional male and female toilets with hot and cold running water and handwashing facilities which also both include a shower and a changing room area.  Pupils have access to drinking water on both floors of the building.  The medical room is suitable for purpose. It is next door to a disabled toilet.

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Main inspection findings

 There is an outdoor area that can be used for pupils to socialise. The area is suitably secure and well lit.  Leaders have 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(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 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)  The school has a website that includes all the required information. Parents can also request paper copies of school policies.  All policies, documents and information required for the pre-registration inspection were provided in a timely manner. Policies reflect the fact that the proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND where relevant.  Leaders are clear about the range of information they are required to make available to pupils and parents or carers to ensure compliance with the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards.  Brief half-termly and more comprehensive termly written reports will provide parents and carers with information about their child’s achievement. The reports will include information about the pupil’s progress and achievements, behaviour and attitudes to learning.  Leaders have 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) 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy complies with statutory requirements and is available on the website and also on request.  The complaints policy gives clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint. The policy aims to resolve complaints informally in the first instance.  Leaders will retain a record of any complaints.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to

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Main inspection findings

be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders have a clear rationale for why they want to register as an independent school. The proprietor is committed to providing vulnerable pupils with an inclusive and nurturing education.  Leaders are keen to build on the successes of the alternative provision.  They have effective arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the well-being of pupils. It is evident from leader’s actions that they place the care and welfare of pupils at the centre of all their work.  All leaders demonstrate a good understanding of the independent school standards. 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. The proposed school considers and plans for the needs of pupils with SEND.

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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 Alpha Learning Staffordshire Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £130 to £180 per day

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Proposed school details

Website www.alphalearningstaffordshire.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address nadine@alphalearningstaffordshire.co.uk

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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 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 35 35

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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 35

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 35

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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 10

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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 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor body is Alpha Learning Staffordshire Ltd.  The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls from Year 7 to Year 11. The proposed school will provide education for pupils who have social emotional and mental health needs. Pupils will often have been out of full-time education for long periods prior to admission.  It is expected that some pupils will have an education, health and care plan.  Pupils will be placed in the school by local authorities and schools.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s second 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 proprietor, the centre manager, the business manager and the curriculum lead.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor areas.

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Inspection team

Emma Gater, 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

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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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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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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