The Lighthouse

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Lighthouse Easton House, 107 Dereham Road, Easton, Norfolk NR9 5ES

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a)–(b), 2(2), 2(2)(a)–(b), 2(2)(d)–(e), 2(2)(g)–(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b)– (g), 2A(2)  The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils will usually have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  There are appropriate plans and schemes of work in place across a broad range of subjects. The plans and schemes of work reflect the ambition and breadth of the national curriculum. The proposed school will provide education that supports pupils’ linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, aesthetic and creative education. The proprietor has made arrangements with other local providers for pupils to access physical education, including swimming.  Pupils will follow individualised programmes that are tailored to their academic, social and emotional needs. These programmes will focus on providing pupils with core skills

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Main inspection findings

in English and mathematics and with the qualifications that will help them prepare well for their next steps in education and training.  The programme for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education sets out the important themes that pupils will study, such as drugs education, relationships, managing finances, and maintaining physical and mental health. The PSHE education curriculum is designed to enable pupils to revisit these themes in an age-appropriate way as they progress through the programme.  The PSHE education curriculum includes the curriculum for relationships and sex education (RSE). The RSE curriculum reflects statutory guidance. The policy for RSE includes provision to consult with parents and carers, pupils and staff on any future changes to the RSE policy and provision.  An appropriate careers curriculum is in place for pupils from Year 7 to Year 11. This includes access for pupils to independent advice and guidance.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 3, 3(a)–(j), 4  Curriculum plans and schemes of work are detailed and clear. They provide the information that staff need to teach the subjects well. Staff have access to training, guidance and support to develop their professional practice and implement the curriculum effectively.  Approaches to assessment are clearly set out in the proposed school’s assessment and curriculum policies. Staff will work with pupils who are new to the school to explore pupils’ interests and their aspirations for future study. Staff will also work with pupils to help them tackle any gaps in their knowledge and understanding to help pupils become more confident in their learning.  Staff will regularly assess and review pupils’ achievement and progress. The proprietor and governing body will use this information to evaluate the impact of the curriculum and the quality of education that pupils receive.  The requirements of the independent school standards (the standards) relating to the

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Main inspection findings

quality of education are likely to be met when 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)–(d)  The proposed school’s curriculum and wider experiences for pupils have been planned to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The proposed school’s nurturing and therapeutic approach is focused on developing pupils’ self- confidence, self-knowledge and self-esteem.  Policies and curriculum plans make explicit links to promoting pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values. The proprietor has identified ways to deepen pupils’ understanding and experiences of democracy, and likewise to develop pupils’ tolerance of and respect for different cultures and beliefs. Pupils will have opportunities to discuss and debate. Pupils will learn about the role of national institutions.  The proprietor will ensure that pupils are presented with views that are balanced and non-partisan. This applies to school trips and visitor events that are planned to

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Main inspection findings

complement the curriculum and extend pupils’ experience.  The requirements of the standards relating to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 6, 7, 7(a)–(b), 9, 9(a)–(c), 10  The headteacher of the proposed school is the proprietor and principal of an alternative provision (AP) that is currently operating on the site of the proposed school. The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) of the AP. The headteacher-proprietor will not continue as the DSL when the proposed school opens. This is to comply with statutory guidance.  The proposed school’s safeguarding and child protection policy identifies the current deputy DSL as the DSL for the proposed school. A new deputy DSL has also been identified. The new deputy DSL will have completed the relevant DSL training before the proposed school opens.  The proprietor body has put systems in place for recording and reporting safeguarding concerns. There is a detailed schedule of staff training and staff supervision to support a positive culture of safeguarding.

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Main inspection findings

 The behaviour and anti-bullying policies are well considered in relation to the proposed school’s context and pupils’ needs. These policies identify the school’s approaches to promoting pupils’ positive attitudes and a respectful school culture. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a)–(b)  The policies relating to health and safety are comprehensive and set out robust procedures for ensuring the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors to the proposed school site. There is a detailed schedule of maintenance checks. These are carried out by suitably qualified persons.  Admissions and attendance registers are in place ready for the school to admit pupils. The proprietor body has carefully considered the supervision of pupils and deployment of school staff to maintain appropriate safety levels.  The proprietor body has put in place appropriate procedures and systems for assessing risks. Risk assessments are put together by suitably qualified staff. Premises

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Main inspection findings

risk assessments take account of pupils’ specific welfare needs, as well as the requirements of the standards.  The requirements of the standards relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(2), 18(2)(a)–(e), 18(3), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a)–(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a)–(b)  The proprietor has put rigorous procedures in place to ensure that all the required checks are carried out before a member of staff is employed to work at the school. There are equally thorough checks for members of the governing body, agency staff and volunteers. The single central record is comprehensive and provides a detailed and accurate record of pre-employment checks.  The proprietor and school leaders have completed safer recruitment training. Induction training is in place for all staff. This includes specialist training and guidance that are appropriate to enable staff to support the needs of pupils who will be attending the proposed school.

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Main inspection findings

 The requirements of the standards relating to the suitability of staff and the proprietor are likely to be met when the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a–d), 28(2), 28(2)(a–b), 29(1), 29(1)(a–b)  The proposed school’s premises are arranged on two floors. Office space, a kitchen, a staff room and a student common room are located on the ground floor. Three classrooms, a medical room, a shower room and a bathroom (both the latter with toilets) are located on the first floor. These are accessed via a staircase. There is no lift. There are sufficient and separate toilet facilities for pupils and staff.  The proprietor has ensured appropriate provision for drinking water. The medical room is suitably equipped and includes a bed, a lockable cupboard and a refrigerator. This

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Main inspection findings

room will be used for the secure storage of first-aid equipment and medicines. There are systems in place for maintaining records of accidents and the administration of first aid and medicines.  The proposed school premises are well maintained to a high standard. The proprietor has ensured that the building complies fully with electrical standards and fire regulations. The proprietor has acted promptly to follow up the recommendations from the recent fire-risk assessment. This includes installing smoke alarms and additional fire insulation beneath the stairway.  An external cleaning company is contracted to carry out regular cleaning of the school premises. The company provides its own cleaning materials, which reduces the need to store chemicals on the school site. The premises are heated by an oil-powered boiler. The proprietor has ensured that the appropriate safety checks and boiler servicing have been carried out. The boiler is kept in a locked boiler cupboard.

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Main inspection findings

 There is an outdoor space that is suitable for pupils to socialise together, exercise and play games. There is a wooded area that the proprietor plans to develop as a forest school. Pupils will attend off-site provision for physical education and sport. The school site is separated by a secure fence from the neighbouring residential area and from adjacent office buildings.  Classrooms are suitably furnished in readiness for the proposed school to open. Classrooms are well ventilated and well lit. Each classroom can accommodate up to four pupils, together with teaching and support staff.  The classroom acoustics are suitable for teaching and learning. The school site has low background noise. This contributes to a quiet and calm school environment.  The requirements of the standards relating to premises and accommodation are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 31(1), 32(1)(a)–(d), 32(1)(f)–(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)–(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)–(g), 32(4)  All the required documentation and policies are in place. These were readily available at the time of the inspection. Policies reflect statutory requirements and guidance and relate to the proposed school’s specific context and location.  The proprietor is developing the proposed school’s website. The proprietor is familiar with the requirements to publish specific information on the school’s website. The proprietor has systems in place to provide the required financial information to the local authorities that will fund pupils’ places at the proposed school.  The requirements of the standards relating to the provision of information are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–(k)  There is a suitable complaints policy in place. The proprietor has set out clearly the arrangements for making and handling complaints. The complaints policy also makes provision for independent representation and support for complainants. There are systems in place to maintain appropriate records of complaints and how the proprietor has responded.  The requirements of the standards relating to the manner in which complaints are handled are likely to be met when 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)(a)–(c)  The proprietor demonstrates a detailed and secure understanding of the standards. The proprietor has established efficient systems to monitor and review the implementation of the standards in the proposed school. This will ensure that the standards are met consistently.  The proprietor has the relevant knowledge and experience to lead the school successfully. The proprietor intends to seek external audit and evaluation. This will check that the systems and processes are robust and that the school consistently complies with the standards.  A chair of governors and a governor have been appointed. Governors understand their purpose to hold senior leaders to account and to ensure that the standards are consistently met. Governors have identified that their next step is to clarify their terms of reference so that governors are clear about their roles and responsibilities.

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Main inspection findings

 The requirements of the standards relating to the quality of leadership in and management of schools are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor’s ethos and vision for the school clearly support the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. The proprietor’s commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity is stated consistently through the proposed school’s policies and documentation.  The proposed school’s curriculum is organised to help pupils deepen their understanding of values such as tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.  All requirements are likely to be met when the proposed school opens.

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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 Trinity Solutions (East Anglia) Ltd

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Proposed school details

Website www.thelighthouseeducation.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address mia@trinitysolutionsltd.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 0 11 to 17 11 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 24 12

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  In its application for registration submitted to the Department for Education (DfE), the proprietor had proposed that the number of pupils on the school’s roll be 24. The premises that the proprietor has identified for the proposed school include three classrooms that are suitable to accommodate up to four pupils each, together with staff.  The inspector discussed the number of pupils and the suitability of the classroom accommodation with the proprietor during the on-site inspection. The proprietor agreed with the inspector’s recommendation of limiting the number of pupils to 12.

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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 0 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 12

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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 0 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 3 3

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor will be Trinity Solutions (East Anglia) Limited. There is one director, who is also the headteacher of the proposed school.  The proprietor currently operates an unregulated AP on the site of the proposed school. This provision has been quality assured by Norfolk local authority. The staff who currently work at the AP will become the staff members of the proposed school.  The proposed school is based in Easton, Norfolk. The landlord of the proposed school’s premises is the Diocese of Norwich.  The proprietor is seeking registration with the DfE as an independent special day school to admit 12 pupils between the ages of 11 and 17 years. The proposed school will provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, and/or complex trauma and attachment difficulties.  Pupils will usually have an EHC plan. Pupils’ placement at the school will usually be funded by the local authority.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school has a plan in place to admit pupils to the school gradually. The proprietor plans to open the school in September 2023 for six to eight pupils. The proprietor plans to increase the number of pupils on roll to 12 pupils from September 2024.  The proposed school will have a governing body. The chair of the governing body has been appointed. The chair of the governing body is independent of the proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The inspection took place at the proposed school’s premises.  The inspection was commissioned by the DfE.  The inspector met with the proprietor, who is also the headteacher. The inspector met with the special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator, who is also the DSL of the proposed school.  The inspector met with the chair of governors and with one other member of the governing body.  The inspector spoke on the telephone with a representative from the local authority. The purpose of this discussion was to gain the local authority’s perspective on the proprietor’s work and the proposed new school.  The inspector toured the school site with the headteacher, including the outdoor areas, to carry out detailed health and safety checks.  The inspector scrutinised documents, including policies and procedures, compliance

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Information about this inspection

certificates, risk assessments and curriculum plans. The inspector also reviewed the information that the proprietor has published on the proposed school’s website.  The inspector examined the policies and procedures that relate to the recruitment of staff and reviewed the proposed school’s single central record. The inspector also reviewed records of staff training, particularly those that relate to safeguarding.  The inspector looked at the systems that are in place to record, report, monitor and review safeguarding concerns and behaviour incidents, including bullying.

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Inspection team

Katherine Douglas, 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

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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