Want2Achieve The Academy

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Want2Achieve The Academy Unit 1, Trent Walk, Stoke on Trent ST1 3HE

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  At the time of the previous inspection, inspectors found that the curriculum was not fit for purpose. Pupils did not study a broad curriculum. Alongside this, the curriculum was not designed well. Leaders had not considered the important knowledge that pupils needed to learn and when they needed to learn it. Strategies to support pupils’ learning needs were not applied consistently well. Teachers did not consider pupils’ needs and aptitudes. Pupils were not sufficiently prepared for their next steps and did not have access to careers advice and guidance.  The school’s curriculum continues to lack sufficient breadth and ambition. Pupils are currently studying for functional skills qualifications in English and mathematics, alongside level 1 qualifications in food, sports and occupational studies. Some of these

p.1

Main inspection findings

subjects are at the very early stages of being delivered. The curriculum does not give pupils the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in wider areas, including science or creative education.  Leaders have not ensured that plans and schemes of work are in place for all subjects. Some subjects do not set out the key knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn or how they will meet the needs and aptitudes of all pupils.  Leaders have not put in place appropriate support to help pupils who struggle to read. Pupils are not assessed accurately when they arrive at the school to identify what gaps they have in their literacy skills. There is no approach to teaching phonics to help pupils develop their fluency and comprehension.  The school does not have an appropriate careers programme in place. Pupils are not able to develop their understanding of the different pathways that are available to them

p.1

Main inspection findings

when they leave school. Leaders are not providing sufficient experiences with employers or the world of work.  These independent school standards (the standards) remain unmet. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(h)  At the time of the last inspection, the school did not ensure that pupils were acquiring new knowledge to make good progress. Pupils were experiencing a series of disconnected lessons that did not help them to build on what they already knew. Teachers did not use assessment effectively to check what pupils understood and use this information to inform future learning. Pupils’ engagement in learning was poor.  The school has experienced turbulence with staffing since the last inspection. Leaders have attempted to appoint new teachers, but these have either failed to start or have left shortly after arriving at the school.  At the time of this inspection, the only qualified teachers in the school were the

p.1

Main inspection findings

proprietor and the headteacher. This has severely hampered leaders’ capacity and their ability to improve the quality of education.  Pupils’ engagement with learning remains highly variable. During this inspection, less than 50% of pupils were on site. The attendance of other pupils since the start of this academic year is extremely low. This limits their ability to acquire new knowledge and make good progress.  These standards remain unmet. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 9(a), 11, 12  At the time of the previous inspection, strategies to manage pupils’ behaviour were not followed consistently by all staff. A small number of pupils displayed negative attitudes towards their learning, staff, peers and the environment. Staff did not challenge the use of derogatory language effectively. This led to persistent, low-level disruption. Leaders had not ensured that the building was compliant with fire regulations.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school has ensured that there is an appropriate behaviour policy in place. Leaders have also put together an appropriate sanctions and rewards document that sets out how the policy should be implemented.  The school has updated its health and safety policy. Leaders have ensured all appropriate checks have been carried out on the school building.  Leaders have ensured that an appropriate fire risk assessment has been carried out. They have also provided training to all staff on fire safety.  These standards are now met. Paragraphs 9, 9(b)  Due to pupils’ low attendance, there is little evidence to indicate how the school is promoting good behaviour and helping pupils to improve their attitudes to learning. Additionally, the instability in staffing means that the school’s behaviour policy is not fully embedded and implemented effectively.  These standards remain unmet. Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school’s safeguarding policy does not reflect current government guidance. Staff have not received training on the recent updates to this guidance. Additionally, the policy does not reflect the school’s new approach to recording safeguarding concerns through a new commercial electronic programme.  These standards that were met at the previous inspection are now unmet. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  At the time of the previous inspection, leaders had not ensured that the school premises and accommodation were maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  Leaders have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the building is safe for pupils. They have carried out all relevant health and safety checks in line with guidance and standards. This has included checks on security, gas, electric and water. Leaders have

p.2

Main inspection findings

also ensured that a fire risk assessment has been carried out.  This standard is now met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  At the time of the previous inspection, several standards were unmet. These standards had a direct impact on pupils’ welfare, health and safety and learning. The proprietor had not taken appropriate action to ensure that the standards were consistently met.  Since the last inspection, the proprietor has appointed a new headteacher. This has provided additional capacity to the leadership of the school. However, due to other staff leaving and the school not being able to secure replacements, this has limited the progress that has been made.  Leaders have not taken sufficient action to improve the quality of education. They have not put in place a suitable curriculum for pupils to study. Furthermore, they are not

p.3

Main inspection findings

providing adequate support to help those pupils who struggle to read.  Leaders are not fulfilling their roles effectively or ensuring that the standards are met consistently. For example, during the inspection, leaders had failed to update their safeguarding policy or provide staff with appropriate safeguarding training to reflect current government guidance.  Leaders are not actively promoting the well-being of pupils. The lack of careers provision means that staff are not helping pupils to fulfil their goals or aspirations. They are not providing clear guidance to pupils about how they can move successfully to their next stage of education and/or training.  These standards remain unmet.

p.3

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.4

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.5

School details

Type of school Other independent school School status Independent school Age range of pupils 11 to 18

p.5

School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

p.5

School details

Proprietor Want2achieve The Academy Limited

p.5

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £29,250 to £43,875

p.5

School details

Email address Enquiries@want2achieve.co.uk

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 7 to 9 February 2023

p.5

Information about this school

 Want2Achieve The Academy is a small independent day school situated in Stoke on Trent. The school is housed in former industrial premises and offers places to pupils aged 11 to 18 who have social and emotional difficulties. Several pupils have education, health and care plans.  Pupils are placed at the school by local authorities, including Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire.  The school was registered by the Department for Education in December 2021. The school’s first standard inspection took place in February 2023 where it was deemed to be inadequate.  The school does not use alternative provision.

p.5

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This progress monitoring inspection was carried out without notice and lasted one day.  This was the school’s first monitoring inspection since its last standard inspection in February 2023, at which it was judged to be inadequate.  The school was required to prepare an action plan as a result of non-compliance with the standards following the February 2023 standard inspection. The proposed action plan was judged to be unsatisfactory in July 2023 and was rejected by the Department for Education.  The inspector met with the proprietor and headteacher. He also spoke with some staff and pupils.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 The inspector checked the school’s curriculum policy and subject plans. He met with school leaders to discuss the curriculum. He also looked at documents relating to health and safety. He toured the school to visit classrooms and communal areas.  The inspector held a meeting about the school’s safeguarding procedures. He checked the school’s single central record, looked at a staff personnel file and examined how safeguarding concerns were recorded and followed up on. The safeguarding policy was also checked.  The inspector examined the school’s behaviour policy and how incidents of serious misbehaviour were recorded.

p.7

Inspection team

Mark Howes, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.7

The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

p.8

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) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that-

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  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(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 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(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly;

p.8

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that- – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and

p.9

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; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

p.9

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

p.9

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-

p.9

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 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.

p.9

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour;

p.9

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.

p.9

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

◼ 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

◼ 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured. 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 .

p.9

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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.

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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 .

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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.

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11