Hove Micro-School

School pre-registration inspection report

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221 Manor Hall Road, Southwick, Brighton BN42 4NR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(a)–2(1)(b), 2(2)(a)–(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(h)(i)  The proposed school will primarily cater for children who are electively home educated. The school’s curriculum has been carefully developed in accordance with the school’s child-centred vision to foster pupils’ love of, and engagement with, learning.  The headteacher and teachers will work with families to build an education package for each child and to tailor the curriculum so that it reflects pupils’ views and interests.  The curriculum is suitably broad, and teachers are guided by the primary national curriculum and appropriate schemes of work. There is a clear focus on early reading and mathematics to ensure that pupils develop their literacy and numeracy skills.  The proposed school is catering for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, adapting the curriculum appropriately to meet their needs. The

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Main inspection findings

headteacher plans to cater for pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans. Paragraph 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(e)–2A(1)(g)  Pupils are receiving relationships education as part of their personal, social and health education (PSHE). The headteacher has developed a written policy for relationships education.  There is ongoing consultation with parents and carers about what their children will learn in PSHE. The headteacher recognises that parents will not have the right to withdraw their children from relationships education when they are formally on the roll of the school. Paragraph 3–4  The headteacher ensures that pupils are taught by qualified teachers. The school’s approach to teaching has been developed to foster pupils’ intrinsic motivation and engagement.  The curriculum is taught in way that takes account of each pupil’s needs and starting points. The school intends to cater for pupils who attend full time and part time. The

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Main inspection findings

school’s approach to teaching takes this into account. For example, each day, any work started is completed so that part-time pupils do not have to catch up or join in midway through a topic.  The headteacher ensures that parents have a very clear understanding of what their children have been doing and learning about. This enables parents to align their home education with the school’s curriculum, if they choose to do so.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the independent school standards (the standards).

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  The headteacher has a clear vision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. She has developed the curriculum to ensure that pupils develop the confidence to play an informed and positive role in society.  The school’s curriculum encourages respect, tolerance and harmony. Pupils learn about the protected characteristics. The headteacher has carefully selected texts that promote diversity and equality.  The headteacher ensures that pupils learn about a range of religions and cultures. Pupils have opportunities to engage with representatives of these religions and cultures to further their appreciation of, and respect for, different religions and cultures.  Fundamental British values are promoted through the curriculum. The school teaches philosophy for children to promote healthy discussion and debate.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s approach to values emphasises the value of kindness, which is recognised and celebrated on a regular basis through the school’s ‘book of kindness’.  The headteacher ensures that pupils have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities. For example, pupils regularly visit a local allotment to learn about and experience planting and growing.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b)  The headteacher has redeveloped the school’s safeguarding and child protection policy to take account of statutory guidance. The policy has not yet been fully updated following the school’s relocation, from Brighton and Hove to West Sussex, to reflect West Sussex’s local guidance.  The headteacher has undertaken training in safeguarding and child protection. She has appointed a member of teaching staff as the designated safeguarding lead. She has established an induction programme and training schedule for staff that incorporates safeguarding. However, her understanding of safeguarding legislation and guidance remains too weak. She does not have a clear enough understanding of the roles of external safeguarding partners or of local safeguarding procedures. She has not ensured that the designated safeguarding lead is appropriately trained to

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Main inspection findings

carry out her role. Neither the headteacher nor the designated safeguarding lead have undertaken ‘Prevent’ duty training.  The school now has a single central record, and the headteacher is aware of the checks that need to be made and recorded on the single central record. The headteacher has undertaken training in safer recruitment. However, she has not ensured that safer recruitment processes, as set out in Part 3 of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022’, are consistently followed in practice. For example, the headteacher has not taken up references for all staff and nor has she retained all information considered in the decision-making process. Paragraph 9–10  The headteacher has drawn up a suitable combined behaviour and anti-bullying policy. The aim is to prevent poor behaviour by understanding why pupils might struggle and addressing the underlying cause. Positive behaviours are celebrated in a range of

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Main inspection findings

ways, including through the school’s ‘take home praise’ system. When pupils do not behave well, staff work closely with parents to address the behaviour in a collaborative and restorative way. A clear record is kept of any behavioural incidents and the action taken in response. Paragraph 11–16(b)  The headteacher has drawn up a suitable health and safety policy. There is a written first-aid and risk assessment policy. Suitable risk assessments have been carried out for off-site activities. All staff are trained in first aid.  The headteacher has completed a fire risk assessment of the premises. However, she is not able to demonstrate compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This is because she has not complied with recommendations from the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service following its visit to the premises in April 2023. The report clearly states that unless specific improvements are made, some people are at

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Main inspection findings

risk in case of fire. Not all the necessary improvements have been made.  The school is unlikely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1)–21(3)(b)  The school has a single central record in place. The headteacher is aware of the checks that need to be made. She is not able to complete all checks on staff before the school is registered. She has used her childcare registration to ensure that all staff have had a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  The headteacher uses a range of external providers to provide before- and after- school clubs. The headteacher has ensured that these individuals have been subject to the appropriate level of DBS check.  The headteacher does not intend to employ supply staff at the school.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2), 25–29(1)(b)  The school is located in the proprietor’s house. The living room and two rooms upstairs have been converted into classroom spaces for each class. The headteacher’s aim in setting up in a school in a residential home is to provide an educational setting for children who might be overwhelmed or uncomfortable in a more formal school setting, and to give parents more choice in how and where their children are schooled.  The property is well maintained. The classroom spaces are attractive, bright and comfortable for pupils. There is sufficient space for six pupils in each classroom.  Interior spaces are well ventilated and lit. There is external lighting at the front of the property to ensure that people can safety enter and leave the premises.  There is a suitable toilet and washing facility for the sole use of pupils upstairs.

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Main inspection findings

However, the headteacher has not ensured suitable washing facilities. This is because the temperature of the hot water poses a scalding risk to users.  The headteacher has ensured that there is accommodation for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils that is near to a toilet facility. However, the adjoining washing facility is not appropriate because it does not have a supply of hot water.  Suitable drinking water is provided and clearly marked as such.  The property has a small garden for pupils to use during the school day. Physical education is taught at a local park. Pupils come to school in clothes that are appropriate for physical education and are not asked to change on site.  The school is unlikely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d)–32(3)(a), 32(2)(d)–32(4)(c)  The headteacher has developed a school website that clearly sets out the school’s ethos and aims. The school’s safeguarding information and other key documentation, including the complaints policy, are published on the website.  In addition to providing a formal, half-termly progress report, the headteacher ensures that parents are continually updated about their children’s learning, progress and attainment.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The headteacher has drawn up a complaints policy and procedure, which are available on the school’s website. The policy outlines the timescale for managing any complaints. The policy meets all the requirements of Part 7 of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

 The headteacher has made provision for complaints to be managed informally in the first instance, but also understands the requirement for independent representation on any complaints panel.  The policy includes procedures for keeping copies of complaints securely and available for inspection if needed.  The school is likely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c  The headteacher, who is the sole director and chair of the proprietor company, has worked to develop her knowledge of her statutory duties, including safeguarding, and of the standards. However, her understanding of these areas is still too weak to ensure that the standards are securely and consistently met.  While the headteacher has sought external advice and expertise to support her in her oversight of the school, she has not been rigorous enough in her own checking.  The headteacher does have a clear moral purpose in setting up the school and demonstrates willingness to address those standards that are not yet met. She plainly wants to provide a safe and secure learning environment for pupils. However, she does not have the requisite knowledge to carry out all aspects of her role at present.  The school is unlikely to meet all of the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan in place. In addition, each pupil has an individual education plan that sets out any necessary adjustments to enable them to participate fully in the school’s curriculum. The headteacher intends to develop the accessibility plan further as the school opens to take full account of the school’s pupils and staff.  The school is likely to meet the requirements 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £3,040 to £13,500

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Proposed school details

Email address rachaelammari@hovemicro-school.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 12 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 20

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 16

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5–11 5–11 5–11 Number of pupils on the school roll 12 30 24

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The school premises are suitable for a maximum of 12 pupils at any one time. The headteacher anticipates that some pupils will take up a place on a part-time or flexible basis, while the remainder of their education is provided at home. A maximum roll of 24 pupils would enable the school to offer full-time and part-time places on a flexible basis.

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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 Up to 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 3 Up to 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Up to 3

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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 Up to 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 3 0 Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is currently operating in the proprietor’s house, with two rooms converted to classrooms. Pupils are already attending on a part-time basis. All pupils currently attending are on the elective home education roll of the local authority. No pupil on roll has an EHC plan at present.  The school proposes to have two classes: one for key stage 1 and one for key stage 2. The proposed school will offer a mixture of full-time and part-time provision on a flexible basis. A maximum of six children will attend each class at any one time.  It is likely that all pupils who attend the proposed school will be educated by their parents at home if they do not attend the proposed school full time. The headteacher does intend to offer a small number of places for pupils with an EHC plan.  The proposed school provides a personalised curriculum for individual pupils that is selected and planned in collaboration with pupils and their parents. The curriculum is

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Information about this proposed school

aligned with, and underpinned by, the national curriculum and by appropriate schemes of work.  The proposed school will be led and managed by the headteacher, who has qualified teacher status. Two additional qualified teachers and a teaching assistant will make up the rest of the teaching staff.  The school will not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The purpose of the inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the independent school standards to be registered.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the independent school standards, safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector held a range of meetings with the headteacher to discuss the proposed school. The inspector toured the school premises. She visited classrooms during lessons. She reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the single central record, policies, and curriculum and assessment information.

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Inspection team

Alice Roberts, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility;  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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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; – 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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