The Pioneers Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Pioneers Academy Sycamore Road, Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands B6 5UH

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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(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i) 2(2)(d)(ii)  Leaders have written a suitably ambitious curriculum policy which is supported by appropriate schemes of work. These schemes of work cover all the required areas of learning for pupils aged 11 to 16. Pupils study most national curriculum subjects and work towards a range of GCSE qualifications. Teaching in each subject takes account of pupils’ different ages, interests and abilities, including any pupils who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education reflects the school’s ethos. There is a suitable range of topics covered in the PSHE education curriculum, including suitable coverage of equality, fundamental British values and relationships.  Leaders have ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this

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Main inspection findings

part are likely to be met. Paragraph 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Leaders ensure that pupils have access to a range of qualifications and guidance to support their next steps in education, training and employment. A comprehensive careers education programme is in place. This enables pupils to learn about employability skills and about how to apply for future employment, education or training.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The relationships and sex education programme covers all the required content from the statutory guidance. Leaders have consulted with parents and carers.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) 4  Leaders have appointed appropriately qualified teachers and support staff. In addition,

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Main inspection findings

they have put in place a schedule of staff training so that they can assure themselves of the quality of education that pupils receive.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. 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), 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have given careful thought to pupils’ personal development. This is supported through a wide range of planned activities, visits and visitors. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and the diversity of modern society. They are encouraged to respect differences, including the full range of protected characteristics.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c) [Part 6. Provision of information]

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders understand the importance of creating a strong safeguarding culture. The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy reflects the most recent statutory guidance and is available on request. It will be made available online when the school relaunches its new website.  Leaders have completed appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment training.  Staff receive regular training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date. There are regular briefings and updates which help keep safeguarding at the forefront of everybody’s mind.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policy is implemented well. Leaders are currently moving to an online system to record any incidents of misbehaviour and any sanctions imposed as a result.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The health and safety policy is comprehensive and regularly reviewed. Leaders carry out regular and detailed checks to ensure that the policy is being implemented effectively.  Leaders have the appropriate certification to demonstrate that regular fire safety checks are carried out by the relevant authority. Leaders carry out regular fire evacuation practices.  A suitable first-aid policy is in place. There are trained first aiders and there is a suitable medical room facility on site. Processes for providing first aid and recording accidents are appropriate.  Leaders have established a rigorous approach to assessing risk that supports the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. Risk assessments are carried out by suitable experienced and knowledgeable staff. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 14, 15  Staff to pupil ratios are appropriate and ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised throughout the day.  The school’s admissions register is maintained in accordance with paragraph 15 of the independent school standards. Leaders expect pupils to attend regularly and monitor attendance closely.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. 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), 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)(b),

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Main inspection findings

21(5)(c)  The single central record contains the full range of pre-employment checks. It is stored centrally in an electronic format and is checked regularly for compliance.  The school has appropriate recruitment procedures in place. This includes obtaining two references and carrying out a medical check prior to appointment.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 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)  Leaders have made suitable arrangements to separate the primary school’s premises to provide secondary-age girls with their own entrance and classrooms. The Pioneers Academy uses the first and second floor of the school building, which has a range of

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Main inspection findings

classroom spaces. Leaders have furnished all classrooms appropriately. This includes desks and educational equipment such as interactive boards. There are also rooms dedicated for staff, including kitchen spaces and offices. All rooms have suitable acoustic conditions and lighting.  The school has a large hall, which is used for a range of activities, including assemblies, lunchtime and physical education.  There is an appropriate room for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. It contains suitable washing facilities.  There are suitable toilet facilities for pupils. These are individual toilet cubicles for pupils that are lockable from the inside. There is an adequate supply of hot water for handwashing. The temperature of the hot water is unlikely to pose a scalding risk to pupils.  There are currently two showers on site and leaders plan to add two more showers into the changing area of the external toilet block.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils have their own drinking bottles and can access fresh drinking water from clearly labelled taps. This ensures that pupils can access fresh drinking water throughout the day. Taps that do not provide fresh drinking water are also clearly labelled.  Pupils have access to a large outdoor area, some of which is grassed with picnic benches.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 3 2(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  Leaders are clear about the range of information they are required to make available to pupils and parents or carers to ensure compliance with the independent school standards.  Two written reports during the school year provide parents and carers with a range of

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Main inspection findings

information about their child’s achievement.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy complies with statutory requirements and is available on request.  The complaints policy gives clear timescales for the management and consideration of any complaint. It includes the opportunity to consider any complaints informally in the first instance.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and school leaders demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards. Leaders and the proprietor have

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Main inspection findings

clear procedures for assuring themselves that the independent standards are consistently met.  Leaders have extensive relevant experience in teaching, leadership and governance. This includes experience of leadership in independent schools.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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.

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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

Email address sakhawat@thewisdomacademy.co.uk

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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 112 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 33.5

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 27

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 112 180 180

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Girls Girls Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 112 180

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 8 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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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 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 17 17

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 4 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The school was found to be in breach of its registration agreement as a mixed sex school for its cohort of secondary pupils. The school’s admissions criteria have been reviewed by the Department for Education (the regulator) and the school has taken swift action to ensure that its registration status is compliant with requirements. On this basis, we have determined to not factor the registration.  The school has an Islamic ethos.  The school’s last standard inspection was on 16 to 18 November 2022.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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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 the headteacher, the school business manager, the designated safeguarding lead and spoke to a representative of the proprietor body on the phone.  The inspector scrutinised the information and policies provided by the school.  The inspector reviewed the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils and staff. The inspector looked at the school’s single central record of the checks that leaders carry out before staff are employed to work at the school.  The inspector visited all parts of the proposed school premises, including outdoor

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Inspection team

Emma Gater, lead inspector 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 .

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Inspection team

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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 .

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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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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