TILT Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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TILT Education The Bungalow, Cardway Business Park, Linley Road, Alsager ST7 2UX

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(c)  The proprietor has prepared an appropriate curriculum policy which sets out a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study. The policy explains leaders’ aims for the curriculum. For example, the policy shows how the curriculum will support pupils to learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy, and about diversity.  The curriculum policy is supported by schemes of work for each subject. Leaders intend that pupils will study subjects including English, mathematics, science, history, catering, physical education (PE) and information technology.  In most subjects, leaders’ plans and schemes of work reflect their ambitious intent for what pupils should learn during their time in the school. Mostly, the curriculum design considers the ages, abilities and aptitudes of pupils who are likely to attend the

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Main inspection findings

school. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, leaders have not considered how they will make sure that pupils at the early stage of reading, or who have fallen behind in reading, gain the knowledge and skills that they need.  Leaders have not prepared a plan or scheme of work for science at key stage 4.  Pupils will have access to a range of academic and vocational qualifications according to their abilities, interests and needs.  Leaders’ planned curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to develop speaking, listening and numeracy skills. That said, leaders have not devised a programme to support those pupils who are at the early stage of reading, and those who have fallen behind, to catch up quickly.  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The topics covered in PSHE are wide-ranging. These include topics that

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Main inspection findings

encourage pupils’ respect for other people, including those with the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The scheme of work is supported by a programme of assemblies that provide additional opportunities for pupils to discuss different topics.  Leaders intend to offer pupils impartial careers information, advice and guidance. This will be tailored to the individual needs and interests of pupils. All pupils will study a programme to develop employability skills. Through this programme, pupils will practise relevant tasks such as completing job application forms and writing a curriculum vitae. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–IA(3)  Leaders have designed a PSHE curriculum that will provide pupils with relationships, sex and health education. The proposed school’s policy complies with the relevant statutory guidance. Leaders know that they must consult with parents and carers

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Main inspection findings

about the policy, including parents of pupils new to the proposed school. Leaders understand their duty to ensure that the policy statement is placed on the proposed school’s website. Paragraphs 3(a)–3(g), 4  Leaders intend to provide staff with advice and guidance to help them to deliver the curriculum effectively. Leaders propose to conduct a range of quality assurance activities to ensure that pupils increase their understanding of and learn the intended knowledge in each curriculum subject.  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 will also use this information to evaluate pupils’ performance.  Leaders have not provided an appropriate quantity and range of resources to support

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ learning, such as stationery and textbooks.  Leaders propose that pupils will complete online workbooks in some subjects.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)  Leaders have given due consideration to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Pupils will have opportunities to learn about a range of faiths and cultures through the PSHE curriculum and the programme of assemblies. Pupils will learn about fundamental British values, such as the rule of law. The proposed school will offer regular trips and visits. For example, pupils will experience weekly visits to sports facilities in the community and a trip to a local Chinese restaurant as part of their learning about Chinese New Year.  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 standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders have developed a suitable and up-to-date safeguarding policy. They have followed the current statutory guidance in developing their arrangements to safeguard pupils and to promote pupils’ welfare at the proposed school.  One of the two joint headteachers will be the designated safeguarding lead. The other joint headteacher will deputise for the designated lead. Both leaders have completed suitable training.  Leaders have put in place an appropriate induction programme for all new staff at the proposed school. This programme includes a range of safeguarding training, including in relation to online safety. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  There are appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies for the proposed school. Leaders have put in place procedures for recording incidents of poor behaviour and bullying, including where these are related to homophobic or racist behaviours. The

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Main inspection findings

behaviour policy includes appropriate sanctions. The anti-bullying policy sets out the actions that leaders will take to address any incidents of bullying. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietors have drawn up a written health and safety policy that is tailored to the premises of the proposed school. This policy complies with relevant legislation.  The induction arrangements for staff new to the school include health and safety training. Leaders have put in place arrangements for regular checks of the premises to identify and rectify any faults. For example, a suitably qualified professional will carry out regular tests of the electrical equipment.  Leaders have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, there are fire extinguishers located around the proposed school building. 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

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Main inspection findings

facilitate escape in the event of a fire. Paragraph 13  The proprietors have put in place an appropriate first-aid policy. There are adequate arrangements for the provision of suitably trained and qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. Paragraph 14  Leaders intend that pupils will be supervised throughout the school day, including at breaktimes and when undertaking visits to the local sports centre. Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate systems in place to register pupils’ attendance and to allow leaders to monitor any absences effectively. 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. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have carried out a wide range of risk assessments showing how they plan to

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Main inspection findings

take appropriate actions to minimise risks. These include assessments for trips and visits beyond school, for example to local sports centres.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 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 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.  Leaders understand most of the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the proposed 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. However, leaders have not realised that they must carry out further checks on individuals who have lived or worked abroad. Consequently, these further checks have not been carried out for the school’s proprietors, who are also the school’s leaders.

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Main inspection findings

 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 children.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school is located in a former nursery building. There are several classrooms, including an information technology room, a kitchen and an office. The proprietors have ensured that the proposed school accommodation is of a good standard and is well maintained. Paragraphs 23, 24, 28  There is a toilet for the use of male and female pupils. This toilet cubicle can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. The proprietors set out in their accessibility plan their intention to refurbish the toilet currently used by staff. They intend that this refurbished toilet will be suitable for use by disabled pupils, staff and visitors. Following the inspection, leaders agreed with the inspector that this toilet cubicle could be made available for use by pupils. This toilet cubicle can be locked from the inside. This will ensure that there are sufficient toilets for the proposed number of

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Main inspection findings

pupils.  Leaders propose that the PE curriculum will be delivered at local sports centres. Pupils will have access to appropriate shower facilities at these centres. Leaders have carried out risk assessments showing how they plan to minimise the risks associated with using these facilities.  Leaders have ensured that pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are located in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  There is suitable accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. There is a foldaway bed and a sink with running water. The room is located adjacent to a toilet. Paragraphs 26, 27–27(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The acoustic conditions and lighting in each room are of a suitable standard for 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 hours of darkness.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils will have access to an outdoor space when they are not in lessons. However, this space is too small for pupils to play in safely, taking into account the number and the age range of pupils that leaders propose to admit to the school.  It is unlikely that all of the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens.

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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 proprietors intend to set up a website for the proposed school. They are fully aware of the information that they are required to publish on the website.  There is a suitable range of information for pupils and their parents when they join the school. All of the required policies are in place, including those for admissions, the curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding. All documents will be made available for parents on request from the school as well as being available on the school’s website.  For pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, leaders intend to provide the necessary information to the responsible local authority for the review of the plan.  Leaders intend to provide detailed termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and

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Main inspection findings

attainment to parents. 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 standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33(a)–33(k)  The proprietors have 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 will be published on the school’s website, and copies will be made available to parents on request.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietors have experience of teaching and leadership in schools of a similar type to that which they propose to open. They understand the range of needs that pupils who attend the school are likely to have. However, they have not provided schemes of work that reflect all of the ages, aptitudes and needs of these pupils. Specifically, they have not provided an appropriate scheme of work in science for pupils in key stage 4. They have not considered the needs of pupils at the early stage of reading by providing an appropriate curriculum for phonics. Leaders have not provided materials of a good quality, quantity and range in readiness for the school to open.  Through their policies and schemes of work, leaders demonstrate the knowledge and understanding to actively promote pupils’ well-being. However, leaders have not

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Main inspection findings

demonstrated the knowledge and understanding to carry out appropriate pre- employment checks for individuals who have lived or worked abroad.  Leaders have not ensured that pupils are provided with a suitable area in which to play outdoors, taking into account their ages and the number of pupils that they intend to admit in the proposed school.  Leaders have not ensured that all of the standards are likely to be met consistently if the proposed school opens.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraphs 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

Type of school Independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Ryan Goodwin and Debbie Goode

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Ryan Goodwin and Debbie Goode

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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 14 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 5

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Reason for inspector’s recommendations

◼ Leaders’ plans and schemes of work set out the intended curriculum. However, leaders do not have a suitable plan and scheme of work in place for science in key stage 4, or for those pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read and those who have fallen behind in reading. ◼ The proposed school’s outdoor space is likely to be too small for 20 pupils to play in safely, given the age range of pupils proposed by leaders.

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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 None

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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 Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in a former day nursery at The Bungalow, Cardway Business Park, Linley Road, Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2UX.  It is intended that the proposed school will cater mainly for key stage 3 and key stage 4 pupils who have been excluded from or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools.  Pupils who attend this proposed school will have SEND, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Some of these pupils may have an EHC plan.  The proprietors do not intend to use any alternative provision.

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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 joint proprietors, who are also the joint headteachers.  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 these paragraphs 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-paragraphs (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; and  3 The standard in these paragraphs is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in these paragraphs is met if- – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; and  18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraphs (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.  21(1) The standard in these paragraphs is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in these sub-paragraphs is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007,

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

whether- – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraphs 18(2)(e).

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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; and – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. 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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