Anson House School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Lammascote Road, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 3TA

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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(2), 2(2)(b)  The proprietors intend for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They intend for pupils’ primary SEND to be related to social, emotional and mental health. Pupils will usually have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The proprietors intend for the curriculum to be broad and balanced, with a strong focus on pupils’ personal development. The curriculum will be enhanced with a range of interventions and therapies designed to meet the needs of individual pupils. These include art therapy, anger management and music therapy. Some of these therapies will be provided by external experts.  At the time of inspection, there were curriculum overviews in several subjects and some appropriate schemes of work to support the intended curriculum. However,

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Main inspection findings

several schemes of work were either not complete or missing. Not all subjects that are proposed to be taught have appropriate schemes of work in place to meet the age, aptitudes and needs of the intended pupils.  The proprietors have not ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(1)(b)(ii)  There is a curriculum policy that outlines the whole curriculum. It actively promotes fundamental British values.  The proprietors have ensured that this independent school standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(a), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Pupils in key stage 2 and key stage 3 will follow a core academic curriculum comprising English, mathematics, science, physical education, art and design, humanities, and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  The programme for PSHE education includes suitable coverage of equality, fundamental British values and relationships.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  The proprietors have appropriate plans in place to provide impartial careers guidance. This includes working with a range of external providers to ensure that pupils are fully informed and supported to make appropriate choices for the next stage of their education.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(2)  The proprietors have ensured that suitable plans are in place for the delivery of relationships education for pupils receiving primary education. There are also suitable plans for the delivery of relationships and sex education (RSE) for pupils receiving secondary education.  The proprietors have ensured that there are suitable arrangements in place should a

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Main inspection findings

parent or carer ask to withdraw their child from aspects of sex education.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f) and 2A(1)(g)  The proprietors have not created a separate written statement of the policy in relation to RSE.  The proprietors have not ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3(b), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proprietors have extensive experience of working with pupils to develop their self- motivation. They have proven success in re-engaging pupils in education so that pupils can learn effectively.  The proprietors have thought carefully about how and why they will assess pupils so that the information gathered is used effectively to support pupils to make progress. This information will be evaluated and shared with parents, as appropriate.  The proprietors demonstrate an excellent understanding of appropriate strategies for

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Main inspection findings

managing pupils’ behaviour. The values of tolerance and respect are central to the ethos of the school.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f)  Both proprietors have considerable knowledge and experience of the aptitudes and needs that the pupils are likely to have. However, the curriculum documentation that leaders have developed for a number of subjects does not provide sufficient information to plan and teach sequences of lessons that would meet the needs of the pupils for whom the school intends to cater.  The resources required to deliver the full curriculum are not yet in place.  The proprietors have not ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  The PSHE education plans reflect the proposed school’s aims and ethos. The proprietors intend to use a commercial PSHE education curriculum, as well as adapting the curriculum and supplementing it to meet pupils’ emerging needs.  Through the proposed curriculum, pupils will be taught about a range of religions and cultures. The PSHE education curriculum includes coverage of fundamental British values and the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  An annual calendar of assemblies and events will enhance pupils’ cultural capital to ensure that pupils both understand and respect the role of public services.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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 request.  One of the proprietors has completed appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment training. Both proprietors, one of whom will be the headteacher, are aware of their duties and the importance of establishing and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture. They demonstrate an excellent understanding of the needs and risks that pupils are likely to experience.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietors have developed suitable policies for behaviour and for anti-bullying. Both policies are designed to help pupils take responsibility for their own behaviour and to understand the impact it has on others.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11  There is a written health and safety policy in place. However, it does not accurately reflect the actual site or the responsibilities of the proprietors. The policy identifies the relevant checks that need to be made and their frequency. Some of these checks have been carried out, such as the electrical wiring installation checks, although other checks have not been carried out. For example, there have not been any portable electrical appliance checks or a legionella risk assessment, despite the health and safety policy referring to both.  The proprietors have not ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The premises have had a fire risk assessment carried out by an external company. The proprietors have ensured that the recommendations from this assessment have

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Main inspection findings

been actioned. The firefighting equipment has been renewed, and recent checks on the fire detection system have taken place. Logs have been set up for the regular checking of all equipment. The proprietors have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. One member of staff has a suitable level of training in first aid, and additional training is booked so that there are suitably trained people to administer first aid.  There is a risk assessment policy in place with a suitable template for carrying out risk assessments. The proprietors demonstrate a good understanding of the risks linked to the various activities the pupils will undertake.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 14, 15  There are currently no pupils attending the school. The information that is intended to

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Main inspection findings

be included on the admissions register is in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance.  The proprietors understand that the needs of individual pupils will determine the level of supervision required. The proprietors plan to admit initially a smaller number of pupils. The number of staff will increase gradually as the numbers of pupils gradually increase.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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(1),1 9(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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietors demonstrate an understanding of all the appropriate checks that need to be undertaken to meet the requirements of Part 4.  The single central record contains all of the information required to record these

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Main inspection findings

checks.  The proprietors have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 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 proprietors have secured the lease of suitable premises for the proposed school. The building is two storey, and the proposed school is located on the first storey, which is used solely by the proprietors. It comprises of several classrooms, a meeting room, an office, a kitchen area and some additional rooms for the delivery of therapeutic interventions, such as music therapy. There is suitable space for the proposed number of pupils.  The building is well maintained and suitable for use as a school. All rooms in the building have adequate natural and artificial lighting. The acoustics in all rooms are suitable.  There is a unisex toilet available for pupils to use one at a time. It has hot and cold

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Main inspection findings

running water and handwashing facilities. The temperature of the water does not pose a risk of scalding.  There is a shower facility and a separate area for changing. This is also for the use of one pupil at a time.  There is a room suitable for use as a medical room that has appropriate first-aid supplies and a washing facility. It is located close to the toilet. This room is used for other purposes during the day but is always available.  There is cold water suitable for drinking available throughout the day. The cold water supply is in a separate area from the toilets.  There is a suitably sized outdoor space for pupils to play outside. This consists of a large paved area that is secure. The proprietors have written permission to use a local authority’s secure playing field located a short walk from the school. There is an appropriate risk assessment in place for the journey to this playing field and for the

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Main inspection findings

use of it.  The proprietor has ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(3)(g)  The proprietors have created a school prospectus. It contains a range of information that is required to be made available to parents and carers to ensure compliance with the independent school standards.  Where relevant, policies reflect the fact that the proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND.  The proprietors have set out clearly for local authorities how the fees for pupils will be spent.  The proprietors understand the range of information they would be required to provide to support a pupil’s annual EHC plan review.  A regular, written report will provide parents and carers with a range of information about their child’s development.  The proprietor has ensured that these independent school standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  There is a written complaints policy available on request.  The complaints policy outlines four different stages for making a complaint. It gives clear timescales for the consideration and management of the complaint. This includes an informal stage in the first instance and a panel with an independent member in the final stage.  The proprietors have ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  The proprietors have a clear rationale for why they want to register the school.  The proprietors, who will also be the initial teaching staff, have extensive, relevant experience in teaching and leadership in settings that cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. One of the proprietors has experience of working in an independent school. However, the proprietors do not demonstrate a secure understanding of some aspects of the independent school standards.  There are some independent school standards relating to the curriculum in Part 1 and to health and safety in Part 3 that are not likely to be met.  The proprietors have not ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 34(1)(c)  The proprietors have thought carefully about how they will actively promote the well-

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Main inspection findings

being of pupils.  The proprietors have ensured that this independent school standard is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietors have created an accessibility plan outline that includes the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. It does not currently have any actions planned and so is not yet complete.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Tyrell Simpson and Adam Price

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £39,690 to £70,570

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Proposed school details

Email address ansonhouseschool@gmail.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 Not applicable Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Not applicable

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week Not applicable

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week Not applicable

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 9 to 14 9 to 14 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 16 16

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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 0 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 16

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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 16

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 To meet pupils’ needs

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 To meet pupils’ needs

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Information about this proposed school

 Anson House School intends to cater for up to 16 mixed-gender pupils between the ages of nine and 14.  The school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.  It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan and will be placed in the school by local authorities.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the DfE 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 both proprietors, one of whom is also the headteacher.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor areas used for physical education and for playing.

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Inspection team

Helen Forrest, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph 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-paragraph (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 – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills;  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor– – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e); and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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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;

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

Leaders have not ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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