Healey Learning Centre

School pre-registration inspection report

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Healey Learning Centre Unit 16, Hollow Works, Shawclough Road, Rochdale OL12 6LN

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body has written an appropriate curriculum policy. Pupils will study a broad range of subjects based on the national curriculum and the requirements of the independent school standards (‘the standards’).  For some subjects there are schemes of work in place that specify what leaders intend pupils to learn lesson by lesson and from term to term. However, these are not in place for all subjects. In the subjects where schemes of work are not in place, it is unclear what leaders intend pupils to learn. Curriculum planning in these subjects lacks the necessary detail about the most important knowledge that pupils need to know and remember, and when this should be taught.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught through timetabled lessons. Leaders have made sure that the curriculum for PSHE education

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Main inspection findings

enables pupils to learn the important information that will be useful to them when pupils leave the school. For example, leaders have included topics on finance and emotional well-being. The intended PSHE education curriculum covers a wide range of topics that pay regard to the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  There are appropriate resources available to facilitate the subjects that the school intends to teach. For example, a range of resources are in place to support the teaching of phonics through a validated scheme.  Leaders have developed plans for pupils’ careers education. These plans focus on providing guidance and information to pupils that are based on their individual needs and interests. Pupils will receive information about careers in an impartial way. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)-2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3)  Leaders have taken the relevant statutory guidance into consideration when planning

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Main inspection findings

the curriculum for pupils’ relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. There is a policy statement published on the school’s website. This includes consideration for how leaders will consult with parents and carers about the content of the curriculum, and the option for parents to withdraw pupils from parts of the sex education curriculum. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(j)  The proprietor body has already recruited the number of staff on the proposed staffing structure. Leaders have recruited staff with experience of working in similar schools.  For the subjects where there are schemes of work in place, leaders have given careful consideration to how the curriculum will be taught. This curriculum information will support teachers to match their teaching methods to the needs of the pupils, all of whom will have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Where schemes of work do not contain enough detail, there is not sufficient guidance for teachers about what

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Main inspection findings

needs to be taught and by when.  The school is well resourced to deliver the intended curriculum for the subjects that are on offer.  The proprietor body is keen to provide a good-quality education for pupils. There is a quality assurance policy in place that details how leaders will check that the intended curriculum is being taught and how pupils’ needs are being met. Paragraph 4  Leaders have a suitable assessment policy in place.  Leaders will assess pupils’ starting points when they join the school. These assessments will include their academic ability as well as their social and emotional needs. The assessment policy shows that there will be ongoing assessments of pupils’ progress and attainment. Leaders have set out for parents how all the information from these assessments will be communicated to them on a regular basis. Teachers will use these assessments to inform their teaching.  Pupils will work towards recognised end of key stage assessments.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)–5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  Leaders have given careful consideration to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Curriculum plans show how pupils will build their SMSC knowledge and understanding as they progress through the school. The proposed curriculum shows where pupils will learn about different faiths, cultures and religions. This includes consideration for how pupils will learn about fundamental British values. A range of policies, such as the behaviour and anti-bullying policies, show leaders’ intentions for pupils to learn about mutual respect and tolerance of others.  Leaders’ policies and plans refer to the teaching of, and respect for, the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders’ plans set out how pupils will learn about opposing views in a balanced way.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders demonstrated the safeguarding knowledge that they require to keep pupils safe from harm. They have set out robust procedures for checking that there is a strong culture of safeguarding, should the school open.  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest government guidance and is published on the school’s website. Leaders have set up systems and procedures to keep pupils safe, such as a comprehensive suite of training for new staff during the induction process.  The headteacher is the designated safeguarding leader. The proprietor body intends for there to be two other staff trained to the same level as the designated safeguarding leader. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10

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Main inspection findings

 There is a suitable behaviour policy in place, as well as an anti-bullying policy. These policies set out with clarity how any incidents of poor behaviour will be dealt with and how they will be recorded. Leaders have a system in place to record all aspects of pupils’ development. This will enable them to gain a full picture of each pupil and any emerging needs that they may have. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a)–16(b)  The proprietor body has put a suitable health and safety policy in place. It has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, it has appointed an external specialist to check and maintain fire-safety systems, such as emergency lighting and fire exits.  The proprietor body has put a suitable first-aid policy in place. The headteacher already holds a relevant first-aid qualification. There are plans for two further members of staff to gain a first-aid qualification.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor body intends to ensure that leaders will identify and monitor risks through the written risk-assessment policy. Samples of risk assessments show that leaders suitably identify risks and draw up appropriate plans to mitigate them. Risk assessments show consideration for the needs of the pupils who may join the school. Paragraph 14  The proprietor body has set out an intended staffing structure that will enable a suitable level of supervision for pupils. This supervision includes the start and the end of the school day, and during social times. Paragraph 15  Leaders have established appropriate systems to register pupils’ attendance and to monitor pupils’ absence. Leaders’ expectations for pupils’ attendance will be shared with parents during the admissions process.  There is a suitable admissions policy in place. This includes the information that leaders will collect when admitting a pupil, as set out in the Education (Pupil

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Main inspection findings

Registration) Regulations 2006.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)–(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)– (c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  An electronic single central record is in place. It contains the required information. All of the required checks have been completed for the staff who have already been appointed.  The proprietor body understands its responsibility to seek the necessary assurances relating to overseas background checks. It understands that it needs to complete the pre-employment checks on staff before they begin working at the school.  Leaders have completed relevant safeguarding training, including safer recruitment training.  Leaders do not intend to use agency staff. However, the single central record has

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Main inspection findings

been set up to record checks on these staff should they be needed.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(c), 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 accommodation includes three main teaching spaces, a communal area, a medical room, office spaces, a staff kitchen and changing facilities. There is a secure main entrance at the front of the school. This is where pupils will be dropped off and collected each day.  Leaders have refurbished the building to a high standard. It is fit for purpose. The classrooms are well lit and they have suitable acoustics.  There are suitable toilet facilities. The pupil toilet is located in a room that can be locked from the inside. Drinking water is clearly labelled and hot water is set at a safe

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Main inspection findings

temperature. Pupils will have access to drinking water during the school day.  There is a suitable medical room that contains a bed and a sink. The room is located near the toilet. There are first-aid supplies, as well as lockable storage for medication.  There is an outdoor area for pupils to use during social times. During the inspection, inspectors discussed the height of the perimeter fencing with the chair of the proprietor body. The fencing was found to be of an insufficient height to keep pupils safe. During the inspection, the proprietor body scheduled work to increase the height of the perimeter fence. Inspectors saw evidence that this work will be completed before the proposed school opens.  Physical education will be largely taught off site. The proprietor body has made arrangements to use a local leisure centre. There are shower facilities that will be available solely for pupils’ use. The relevant risk assessments have been completed by

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Main inspection findings

the headteacher.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(k), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The website for the proposed school is well organised and provides parents with the required policies. It contains contact details for the headteacher and the chair of the proprietor body.  Leaders intend to provide parents with termly updates on their child’s progress, attainment and emotional well-being.  Leaders have set up the school’s website so that they can publish the required information, for example inspection reports and examination results.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–33(k)  The school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. It clearly explains the process for making a complaint, at an informal and a formal stage. The

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Main inspection findings

policy sets out appropriate timescales and what complainants can expect regarding ongoing communication.  A copy of the complaints policy is available on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor body does not have an appropriate understanding of some of the requirements of the standards for the quality of education. For example, some curriculum plans and schemes of work are not in place. In addition, where the curriculum plans and schemes of work are not complete, there is limited evidence that the ages, aptitudes, and abilities of pupils have been considered.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have written a suitable accessibility plan.  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

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 Apex Specialist Education Ltd

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Proposed school details

Website www.apex-specialisteducation.com

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Proposed school details

Email address info@apex-specialisteducation.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 10 10

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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 Not applicable 10 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 10

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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 Not applicable 10

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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 None None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision None 3

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent school is located in premises at Unit 16, Hollows Works, Shawclough Road, Rochdale OL12 6LN. It is housed in a medium-sized, single storey building, which has been refurbished to a high standard.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 10 pupils, irrespective of gender, aged between 11 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who struggle to cope with mainstream education, by providing them with a small, nurturing learning environment.  The proprietor body intends to cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have an education, health and care plan.  The proprietor body is Apex Specialist Education Ltd. This company is registered at Companies House. There is one director. The director is also the chair of the proprietor body and the headteacher.  The proprietor body does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school would be likely to meet the standards if it opened as a registered school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspectors held discussions with the headteacher and one other proposed member of staff.  The inspectors made a tour of the school site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspectors scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents that were provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.  Prior to the inspection, the chair of the proprietor body contacted the DfE to request a change to the registration application. This was to change the proposed age range from seven to 14 years to 11 to 16 years, and to increase the maximum number of pupils from seven to 10.

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Inspection team

Jane Dennis, 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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(ii) do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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.

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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-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 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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