Falcons Learning

School pre-registration inspection report

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Falcons Learning Newport Street, Goole DN14 6TL

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided 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)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  At present, leaders are operating an alternative provision (AP) on the site of the proposed independent school. Leaders expect that some pupils attending the AP will move into the independent school when this is registered. However, they intend to continue to offer some AP. Pupils who attend the AP will be dual registered with their host school.  The school’s proposed curriculum is mapped from Year 7 through to Year 11. The curriculum aims to provide accessible learning for all pupils, many of whom will arrive with a wide range of academic and pastoral needs. This document is currently used to

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Main inspection findings

plan the learning offer for pupils attending the AP.  There are schemes of work in place for the subjects that will be offered in key stage 3 and 4. These have been broken down into weekly lesson plans for the core subjects of English, mathematics and science along with most subjects being offered through the wider curriculum. Leaders are working with the local authority to further develop aspects of their intended humanities curriculum.  Leaders intend to provide a flexible curriculum offer to meet pupils’ needs. Leaders understand how to adapt curriculum planning so that this is carefully matched to the starting points of the pupils who will access the provision.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught through discrete lessons. Additional PSHE learning opportunities are delivered through the curriculum more widely. PSHE plans show that pupils will receive age-appropriate

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Main inspection findings

relationships and sex education (RSE). The RSE curriculum is comprehensively threaded through the prospective wider PSHE document. This is currently delivered to pupils attending the AP on site.  At the start of the pre-registration visit, leaders had not written a policy for RSE. The proprietor remedied this and shared the document on the prospective school website during the onsite visit. This statement is now accessible by parents of pupils who attend the AP. The proprietor also amended the induction pack for new pupils so that parents are informed of their right to request that their child may be excused from all, or part, of any sex education provided as part of the relationships and sex education curriculum offer.  Careers education is planned for pupils from Year 7 to Year 11. This will be through ‘employability studies’. This includes realistic employment scenarios and offers encounters with the different local businesses. Leaders gave examples of the visits

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Main inspection findings

they have undertaken with pupils who attend the AP. From Year 9, leaders intend to offer further careers guidance. Leaders’ intention is that this meet the needs of individual pupils and support them to understand the various options and destinations available to them.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  Leaders have carefully developed suitable plans for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding. Leaders understand the importance of enabling pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self- confidence.  Schemes of work include specific reference to values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. Pupils also learn tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. The proposed curriculum encourages respect for other

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Main inspection findings

people, paying regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  SMSC is threaded throughout the curriculum more widely. Leaders intend that pupils will accept responsibility for their behaviour and show initiative. All opportunities will be taken to address any behaviours that contradict the ‘positive relationships’ behavioural approach at Falcon Learning.  Pupils will be taught to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of others. Visits and experiences will be planned to enable pupils to learn about public institutions and services in England.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy complies with legislative requirements. This is available on the school’s website. There are careful procedures in place to report and

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Main inspection findings

record any concerns regarding pupils’ welfare. The proprietors, who are also leaders in the school, have undertaken appropriate training so that they are able to undertake the roles of designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead. They have put additional measures in place to ensure that there is no familial conflict of interest when undertaking these roles.  Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ learning and behaviour. Behaviour and conduct within the AP was calm and orderly during the pre-registration inspection. Staff have undertaken comprehensive behaviour management training and procedures are well established with pupils who attend the AP.  Appropriate health and safety policies and procedures are in place. Leaders understand the importance of these procedures so that pupils, staff and any visitors are kept safe.  Regular fire drills are undertaken within the AP and appropriately recorded. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

intend to continue with this system. The proprietor has contacted the fire brigade to check the school’s regulatory compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Leaders have developed a comprehensive risk assessment process. This includes a risk register and individual risk assessments. These documents demonstrate and identify risks and hazards in various parts of the setting. Risk assessments also detail the actions that will be taken to mitigate risk. This includes taking into account the needs of individual pupils within the setting.  Leaders understand how to maintain the school’s admission and attendance registers. They have a comprehensive system in place to record pupil absences and attendance. Leaders can articulate the importance of this for pupils who may attend on a part-time basis as well as for those pupils who may find attendance at an education setting difficult.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  All three proprietors have undertaken safer recruitment training. Leaders can demonstrate how they will operate and maintain the single central register (SCR) for this setting. This will contain all the required recruitment information and demonstrate

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Main inspection findings

that checks on current staff have been undertaken and recorded appropriately. Leaders have a comprehensive SCR in place for all staff who work in the AP.  Leaders understand the importance of ensuring that supply staff, visitors, volunteers and contractor checks are carried out and appropriately recorded.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools 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)  Outstanding issues from the previous pre-registration visit have been remedied. The proprietors have installed a shower for pupils and a handwashing area in the medical room.  Acoustic boards are now in place in the wood workshop and a small cabin has been placed on site for small group or quiet activities. This room is currently being used by

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Main inspection findings

pupils attending the AP for their summer examinations. An electrician has been contracted to add power to this room before the school opens.  There are adequate cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking. These are clearly marked. There is also hot water for handwashing. The temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  The proprietor has ensured that there is suitable outdoor space for pupils. Pupils attending the AP are currently using this space for physical education (PE), a history project and to grow plants.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  Leaders know what information must be published or otherwise made available to parents and prospective parents.  All necessary information was made available on the school’s website by the end of the on-site inspection.

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Main inspection findings

 The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The complaints policy meets all requirements.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  The proprietors will also lead the proposed school. They will have a board of carefully chosen volunteers to support them in this. This board, while not a statutory governing body, will provide governance for the proposed school.  The proprietors have a clear vision for the future of the school. They aim to work closely with the governance board to achieve this. The school principal and proprietor has a strong understanding of the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The successful alternative provision which is currently operating

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Main inspection findings

on the school site continues to be evidence of this.  It is likely that these standards will be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  An accessibility plan for the setting is in place.  It is likely that this standard will be met.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address stevewash@falconslearning.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection 27 September 2022

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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 24 24

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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 24 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 24

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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 Not applicable 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is situated in the town of Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire.  The proprietor currently runs an alternative education provision for pupils aged between 11 and 16 on the school site. This provision will be incorporated into the independent school when it opens.  The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with SEMH needs. It is expected that most pupils will have an education, health and care plan.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. It was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The proposed school is currently operating as an alternative provision. There are 14 key stage 3 and key stage 4 pupils attending.  The inspector met with the proprietors who also will be undertaking the roles of principal, special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator and school business manager. The inspector also met with the chair of the governance board.  The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the proprietors.  The inspector looked at documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding

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Inspection team

Zoe Lightfoot, 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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