Kinetic Academy

School material change inspection report

p.1

Kinetic Academy Meir Youth Cafe, Sandon Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 7DJ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 1, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)  The proprietor proposes that the school will provide full time education for up to 35 pupils aged 9 to 11 years with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), in addition to the existing provision for key stage 3 and key stage 4 pupils. It is expected that all further pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan, as is currently the case.  The curriculum plans that have been developed for key stage 2 pupils, have been carefully constructed to be adaptable to meet pupils’ needs. They mirror the successful approach at key stage 3 and key stage 4, enabling staff to identify gaps in knowledge and support individual needs quickly. The proprietor has already brought in a suitable phonics programme, having recognised that new key stage 2 pupils may have gaps in their reading fluency and/or decoding skills.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 Pupils experience a broad curriculum which includes the seven aspects of learning as required by the independent school standards. There is a strong focus on developing pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills due to their gaps in learning. Teachers check on pupils’ work ‘in the moment’ and give them helpful feedback to help them move forward in their learning. Pupils know how well they are achieving. They understand what they need to do to be ready for the next step in their education, employment or training.  Classroom resources are fit for purpose and support learning. This should be the case for key stage 2 pupils.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraph 1, 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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(h)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that an appropriate programme of personal, social, health

p.1

Main inspection findings

and economic (PSHE) education is in place which reflects the ethos of the school. Pupils have a wide range of opportunities to learn about other cultures and beliefs and to better understand their own world and its workings. They learn about respect and tolerance and current pupils display these in their interactions with each other and with the adults who support them. Additional, age-appropriate provision has been made for key stage 2 pupils to support the proprietor’s aim that the PSHE programme will prepare pupils for the next steps in their lives.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that an age-appropriate policy for relationships and sex education (RSE) is in place. Parents were consulted in its development and the policy makes provision for annual consultation. Parents are informed of their right to

p.1

Main inspection findings

withdraw pupils from sex education.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Pupils are very well supported to build their self-esteem and resilience. Well-qualified and experienced teachers explain things well, so pupils understand and approach their learning positively. They offer prompt support to pupils so that they do not become frustrated. Pupils remain on task and get on with their learning without disturbing others. They show familiarity with set routines that help them to take responsibility for aspects of their learning. The current approach to learning should support key stage 2 pupils as well as it does key stage 3 and 4 pupils.  Assessment is well-planned and ensures that teachers can track pupils’ progress across all parts of the curriculum, as well as against their EHC plan targets.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv),5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii) and 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have carefully planned and mapped opportunities to develop pupils’ spiritual, moral social and cultural experience and understanding across the curriculum, in addition to a diverse enrichment programme. Pupils have many opportunities to learn about different religions and beliefs and to understand fundamental British values. They learn about, and become actively involved in, charity work such as supporting the homeless.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12,14,16, 16(a), 16(b)  Suitable arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils attending the school. The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy adheres to all statutory guidance. The school does not have a website but copies of the policy are available to parents on request.  An effective health and safety policy has been drawn up and implemented for the new premises which takes account of the prospective new pupils; their ages, needs and the impact of increased numbers.  Leaders have ensured that there are appropriate levels of supervision for pupils. They plan to increase the number of staff proportionally, in line with the number of pupils. Leaders have stated that the increase in numbers will take place over time to ensure that the required adaptations are well-managed by staff and that pupils are able to

p.2

Main inspection findings

cope with the changes made.  Pupils are supervised well at all times. Leaders complete appropriate risk assessments for a wide range of activities. They also undertake risk assessments for individual pupils. Risk assessments identify the possible risks and put in place appropriate measures to minimise the risks.  The school meets the requirements of the Fire Regulatory Reform Act 2005. Suitable measures are in place to manage the risk from fire.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.3

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),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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that a single central register is in place which meets all statutory requirements. The school does not currently employ supply staff. However, leaders are fully aware of the checks and processes to be completed if they do so in the future.  All staff are suitably trained in safeguarding. Leaders, including the proprietor, have undertaking designated safeguarding lead training and safe recruitment training.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27)a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(2), 28(2)(A), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b),  The building for the school is fit for purpose, well-maintained and should be able to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers. It is attractively decorated and complete with furnishings to make the environment conducive to learning.  Throughout the building, ample natural light, good acoustic conditions and effective heating/ventilation are evident. A medical room is available for sole use when necessary.  There is a small suitable outdoor area for breaktime/social space. However, physical education takes place off site at a local leisure facility where showers are available. A risk assessment is in place and provides for sole use of the facilities while children are

p.3

Main inspection findings

present.  A programme of maintenance is in planned to address some minor issues including repair of a boiler providing hot water to an upper floor toilet block, and re-installation of drinking water fountains.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has made sure that school leaders have the skills and knowledge to ensure that all independent school standards are met consistently.  The proprietor and leaders have been proactive in identifying the need for the additional provision that they will be able to offer if this material change application is approved. They are keen to be in a position to offer earlier support and intervention to what has proved to be an effective combination of nurture, personal and social development and academic progress for children and young people who have often struggled in mainstream schooling. They have taken a thoughtful approach to managing the changes they request, including taking time to build numbers, allowing them to match recruitment to the needs of the new intake of pupils.  There are effective plans in place to ensure that the well-being of pupils is at the

p.4

Main inspection findings

forefront of the schools work.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility policy in place that meets all the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.4

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 that are relevant to the material change.

p.5

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

p.6

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.6

School details

School status Independent special school

p.6

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £45,000 to £52,0000

p.6

School details

Email address director@kineticmail.co.uk

p.6

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 15–17 March 2022

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 9 to 16 9 to 16

p.6

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 18 60 60

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 18 60 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 18 60

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 18 60

p.7

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 18 60

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5.6 12

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 7 0

p.7

Information about this school

 The school currently offers full time education for key stage 3 and key stage 4 pupils. All have EHC plans.  Leaders propose to admit up to 37 key stage 2 pupils if the material change is agreed.  Leaders have requested approval of additional premises. They intend that these premises will be used by the new key stage 2 pupils. This building is already for the education of key stage 3 pupils. Inspectors were informed that the Department for Education (DfE) is aware of its use prior to the material change inspection.  Pupils are admitted to the school through local authorities including Stoke City and Staffordshire.  The school does not have a religious denomination.  The school does not currently use alternative provision.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change is approved.  Inspectors met with the proprietor, the director of corporate services, heads of school and teaching and support staff.  Inspectors reviewed a range of documents and considered the school’s compliance with safeguarding procedures and Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  Inspectors visited and checked all internal and external areas of the proposed new school building against the relevant independent school standards.

p.8

Inspection team

Mel Ford, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.8

Inspection team

Tim Hill 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 .

p.8

Inspection team

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.9

Inspection team

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.9

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.

p.9

Inspection team

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.9

Inspection team

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

p.9

Inspection team

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

p.9