St Alban's Classical Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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St Alban’s Classical Academy All Saint’s Hall, Desborough Road, Eastleigh SO50 5NH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 to 4  The proposed curriculum policy sets out that the school intends to follow a ‘classical curriculum’ which promotes learning about the classics with a Christian focus. This is intended to be broadly Anglican. There are appropriate plans and schemes for each subject taught.  The range of subjects that leaders intend for pupils to learn is likely to meet the requirements of the independent school standards and to support pupils in acquiring speaking, listening, numeracy and literacy skills. Pupils will learn English and mathematics each morning. This includes phonics for the youngest pupils. In the afternoons, lessons will include Latin, classical studies, Christian studies, computing, art, horticulture, history, geography, science, physical education and personal, social

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Main inspection findings

and health education (PSHE). Leaders intend to offer after-school choir and orchestra clubs.  Leaders intend for there to be two classes in the school: one for pupils in key stage 1, and the other for pupils in key stage 2. Pupils will hold collective worship together, and some afternoon projects and lessons may also be held together.  Leaders intend to use purchased schemes which have largely been produced with an American background. Leaders intend that these will be adapted to meet the needs of pupils in Britain; for example, they intend to teach British spelling and the geography of the United Kingdom. Leaders intend to purchase additional resources to support the curriculum, such as ‘manipulatives’ equipment in mathematics.  There is an intention to build pupils’ knowledge over time. The youngest pupils will learn through recitation initially. They will then be taught topics to support their

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Main inspection findings

understanding of what they can recite. Pupils will also learn to present ideas and reflections, and to debate these as they get older. A framework is in place for teachers to constantly assess pupils’ learning as they teach and the intention is that teachers adapt future learning as a result of these checks.  Leaders intend to employ staff with a background in education. The headteacher, who is also part of the proprietor body, intends that staff spend two weeks training in the procedures and practice of the school before the school is opened. The headteacher intends to monitor staff performance through observing them teaching. Staff will also have access to training in how to teach the classical education part of the curriculum.  Leaders have considered the potential support required for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They say they are working with a publisher to adapt the purchased classical curriculum for pupils with SEND. They also

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Main inspection findings

intend to employ a member of staff with a background in specialist SEND education.  Leaders intend that relationships education will be taught in line with government policy. There is a statement and policy in place. Leaders have plans to consult parents on their policy and approach.  Leaders plan for adults to set clear expectations and boundaries for pupils’ behaviour. Clear plans and policies exist. These plans and policies are likely to encourage pupils to behave well.  Leaders intend that all pupils will attend the school on a full-time basis, from 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.  The requirements of this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Pupils’ spiritual and moral development is likely to be prioritised appropriately by the school. Leaders intend for there to be daily worship. Lessons in classical education will also have a religious and moral focus.  Pupils’ social development is likely to be promoted through group activities such as collective worship and group projects. Leaders also intend for there to be competitive sports, choir and orchestra.  Pupils’ cultural development is likely to come through the taught curriculum, which prioritises understanding the development of the world through a classical education, and will include a history of Britain. Leaders also intend that pupils visit local museums and cathedrals.  PSHE is also likely to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders intend to pay regard to the protected characteristics and life in modern

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Main inspection findings

Britain. For example, pupils will learn about the celebrations of different religions, and will sing songs from different cultures.  There is no indication that leaders intend to undermine fundamental British values. Learning about democracy and a balance of views will be a key part of the classical education that pupils learn. Leaders intend that representatives from local public institutions, such as the fire service and health service, visit the school.  Leaders intend to build pupils’ self-esteem and self-confidence through presenting what they have learned and debating ideas. This is a key part of the classical education leaders intend.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7b  There is a written safeguarding policy in place, which has been developed by research into policies that other schools use. This sets out the appropriate statutory

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Main inspection findings

requirements and is published on the school’s website. However, leaders do not demonstrate a secure enough knowledge and understanding of how these requirements should be enacted. For example, responses about how concerns about pupils’ safeguarding would be dealt with were not well enough aligned with the requirements of ‘Keeping children safe in education’.  Members of the proprietor body, one of whom is the headteacher, are well intended. However, they do not have sufficient knowledge of the statutory requirements for safeguarding. They intend to obtain this knowledge through ensuring that they will be trained in safer recruitment and in safeguarding. They intend for another member of staff to be trained as a designated safeguarding lead, and that staff will have online safeguarding training. However, this has not currently happened.  This standard is not likely to be met. Paragraphs 9 to 10  There is a behaviour policy that promotes good behaviour. This sits alongside an

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Main inspection findings

appropriate anti-bullying policy. Both policies link to the school’s intended ethos and values which promote respect, hard work, courtesy, politeness, cooperation, consideration, forgiveness, unselfishness, justice and self-discipline.  The behaviour policy sets out clear expectations for moving around the school, eating, playing and uniform. It sets out the rewards and consequences leaders intend the school to use. These are appropriate and in line with requirements. Criteria for suspensions and permanent exclusions are appropriate.  Leaders intend that staff are trained in this policy so that they can apply it consistently. They also recognise that how pupils behave may be an indication of a safeguarding need or a special educational need. Leaders intend to keep records of any behaviour issues.  Leaders intend for pupils to be taught about the policy. Pupils will create their own classroom rules, under teachers’ guidance. Leaders intend to involve parents in

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Main inspection findings

supporting pupils’ good behaviour and if there are any bullying issues.  The requirements of these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11  The proprietors have drawn up a health and safety policy based on research of policies used by other schools. However, although well intentioned, they do not have a thorough enough knowledge of health and safety requirements for the proposed school to meet this standard. They were unaware of the requirements for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and checking that water on site is safe. The proprietors have early plans to gain knowledge of the relevant health and safety laws so that the policy is implemented effectively.  At the time of the inspection, the proprietors were unsure of some of the required health and safety checks. They were unsure whether relevant checks on health and safety would be carried out by themselves as proprietors or whether they would be

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Main inspection findings

carried out by the owners of the building that the school is intended to be in. The fire assessment had not been fully completed because certificates for gas and electric safety had not been provided.  The requirements of this standards are not likely to be met. Paragraph 12  There is appropriate fire safety equipment that has been recently serviced. There is a hand-activated fire bell, which the proprietors have been assured by the fire safety checker is appropriate for the very small size of the building. There are fire doors with new handles to allow for safe exit in the event of a fire. There are clearly marked evacuation routes.  The proprietors have initiated a fire safety check. However, at the time of the inspection this had not been completed because the proprietors had not provided evidence of some required checks, for example gas checks and electric checks.  The requirements of this standard are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 13  The first-aid policy sets out appropriate requirements for the giving of first aid. There are first-aid kits which are stored appropriately. Leaders intend that first-aid kits are taken on any outside activities. There is a medical book. Leaders intend that all staff have first-aid training.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 14  Leaders have appropriate plans for pupils to be supervised during lessons and breaktimes.  This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 15  Leaders intend to keep records of pupils’ attendance. However, the attendance policy and intended register are not based securely enough on government guidance. For example, the use of appropriate attendance codes was not fully understood.  There is an admissions procedure, but leaders are not familiar enough with the contents.  This standard is not likely to be met. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  There is a risk assessment policy in place which sets out some appropriate procedures

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Main inspection findings

to reduce risk, for example on trips and visits. However, it is not secure enough on how to reduce some health and safety risks associated with required school building checks.  This standard is not likely to be met.  Leaders have not ensured that all of the standards of this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  Leaders are knowledgeable about safer recruitment procedures, although they have not had safer recruitment training. They intend to acquire this before formally recruiting staff. They are knowledgeable about the required checks necessary on all adults who work in a school or visit the school site. This includes for staff, supply teachers, leaders, proprietors and volunteers.  There is a single central record in place that sets out the appropriate required checks.

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Main inspection findings

These include identity, management and medical checks.  The requirements of this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school consists of two classrooms housed in a church hall. The classrooms will be divided by a plastic screen, which will be removed for whole-school activities such as physical education and collective worship. Leaders intend to have 12 pupils per class, and up to a maximum of 28 pupils in total. There is enough space in the classrooms for this.  There is some space outside that pupils can use. There is a small concrete area at the front of the hall which can be used for pupils to play and for physical education. This area is suitable for one class to access at a time. There are some raised flowerbeds behind the hall which leaders intend to use for horticulture.  There is office space and space for staff in the offices of the church, which is next to the church hall. The space for staff will be used as a medical room when required. It

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Main inspection findings

is close to a toilet and a sink.  There are suitable acoustics and lighting throughout, including external lighting.  There are two separate toilets for pupils and another for staff. These all have their own sinks with hot and cold water and flush with cold water. These are old but are clean and working.  The hall has a separate small kitchen with drinking water. Leaders intend that all pupils have water bottles and will fill these up as needed. Drinking water is labelled.  The premises are well maintained. Leaders intend to update the toilets and remove a climbing frame from the outdoor space if the site becomes a school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(a), 32(1)(c) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(e) to 34(4)(c)  There is a website that the school intends to populate with the appropriate level of detail and with the required policies and procedures, including the safeguarding and child protection policy, behaviour policy and complaints policy. They intend to publish any required reports following inspection and any decisions made to remove the school from the register or to impose a relevant restriction on the proprietor. The names and details of the school, proprietor body and headteacher are on the website.  Leaders intend to produce termly reports for parents which will include the progress and achievements of pupils.  Leaders intend to account for any income and expenditure incurred in respect of pupils funded by a local authority, and to participate fully with annual reviews for any

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Main inspection findings

pupils who have an education, health and care plan.  The requirements of these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(3) to 32(3)(b), 32(3)(d)  Currently, these standards are unlikely to be met because appropriate health and safety and admissions arrangements are not in place. Neither are the particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils who speak English as an additional language in place.  The requirements of these standards are not likely to be met.  Leaders have not ensured that all of the requirements of this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The written complaints policy is on the school’s website. It is in line with legislation. It allows for complaints to be considered on an informal basis initially and then there is provision to move to a formal procedure followed by a panel hearing if needed.  The policy sets out that panel hearings should contain people not involved with the complaint and a person who is independent of the leadership and management of the school. It sets out that recommendations be provided in writing to the complainant and the person complained about. There are appropriate and clear timescales throughout.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The members of the proprietor body, one of whom is the headteacher, have a strong moral code. They demonstrated that they are likely to actively promote pupils’ well- being, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, well, through a well-organised curriculum and clear expectations of behaviour. This part of the standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(b)  The proprietor body has experience of running educational activities on a day-a-week basis for a group of pupils who are electively home educated. One member, who is also the headteacher, has some previous experience in aspects of leadership and management in both state and private schools in America. This knowledge and experience have enabled them to set out a curriculum that is likely to meet the requirements of part 1.  The proprietor body intends that one member will be the headteacher. That person

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Main inspection findings

will be responsible for the leadership and management of the school on a day-to-day basis. There is not intended to be a governing body. Leaders have early plans to set up an advisory group to informally hold leaders to account for their decisions.  However, the proprietors do not have sufficient knowledge of some of the requirements for running a school. These relate to the legal requirements for health and safety, and the statutory guidance on attendance guidance and safeguarding.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have not set out an accessibility policy.  Therefore the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are not likely to be met.

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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 A school with a Christian religious ethos

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Proposed school details

Proprietor St Alban’s Classical Academy CIC

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £2,397 to £6,977

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Proposed school details

Email address contact@stalbansclassical.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Inspector’s

recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 11 5 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 28 28

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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 28

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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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 Not known

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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 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is intended to be housed in a church hall in the grounds of an Anglican church. The school will have access to the offices in the church. The church may use the school premises during times when the school is not operating.  The proposed school is intended to provide a ‘classical education’ with an Anglican Christian ethos. The intended curriculum has a strong focus on religious education and the classics.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.  The proprietor body intends for the school to open in September 2024 for up to 28 pupils. Pupils will be between the ages of 5 and 11. They will be split into two classes dependent on age.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also the chair of the proprietor body, another proprietor, and a proposed teacher for the school. The inspector considered and discussed a range of documentation and records provided by the proprietor as evidence towards the standards. These included behaviour, curriculum, safeguarding and health and safety information, and information about the proposed handling of complaints. The inspector also viewed the school’s website.

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Inspection team

Catherine Old, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 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.  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.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is– – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13.

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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; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The school is unlikely to comply with the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 because it has not produced an accessibility plan. 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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