Aspire & Achieve

School pre-registration inspection report

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Aspire & Achieve Fieldhead Carr Community Centre, Naburn Approach, Whinmoor, Leeds LS14 2EG

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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)(b), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school currently operates as an alternative provision and has done so for over a decade. The proprietor intends that the proposed school will continue to cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The alternative provision in place successfully works with secondary schools in Leeds. They have developed positive links with their pupils’ home schools. These secondary school settings provide their respective pupils with bespoke learning programmes. The teachers at Aspire & Achieve follow these programmes with pupils.  Leaders’ vision is to become an independent school. Leaders anticipate that they will be able to admit up to 15 full-time pupils. They expect that most, if not all pupils, will

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Main inspection findings

have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan).  The proprietor intends to continue to work with local secondary schools to deliver a curriculum closely matched to that of pupils’ peers. The proprietor is increasingly aware that in operating an independent school it must produce a written policy on the school’s own curriculum which is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. At the time of the pre-registration inspection, leaders had not fully developed these plans or schemes of work.  The plans in place do not adequately take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including the needs of anticipated pupils with an EHC plan. The proprietor’s plans do not ensure that pupils may acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Leaders have not yet identified how they will support pupils’ early reading or numeracy skills. As yet, the school is singularly reliant on pupils’ planned

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Main inspection findings

academic work being provided by its commissioning partners.  In the absence of a broad curriculum which caters for the varying ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, other than that provided by partner schools, it is unlikely that all pupils will be able to acquire new knowledge and make good progress. Equally, the lack of a broad curriculum means that there is not yet a sufficient assessment framework.  The school is unlikely to meet these independent school standards (the standards). Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii)  The personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum includes coverage of suitable topics and themes such as resilience and opportunity. Leaders intend the teaching of PSHE themes to be highly individualised to pupils’ needs and taught sensitively.  The partly completed curriculum does not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of

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Main inspection findings

those with different faiths.  The school is likely to meet these standards. Paragraphs 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  At the time of the inspection, leaders did not have suitable plans to provide pupils with regular, impartial and up-to-date careers information and guidance.  The school is unlikely to meet these standards. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2(A)(1)(b), 2(A)(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2(A)(1)(g), 2(A)(2)  Leaders have plans for pupils to be taught relationships and sex education (RSE) through their personal development offer. However, leaders have not developed a RSE policy. As a result, leaders have not considered their parental consultation processes nor held appropriate consultation in order to further develop and review the school’s RSE policy. Moreover, leaders have not informed parents of their right to withdraw their child from some, or all, of the RSE lessons.  The school is unlikely to meet these standards.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  It is evident that through the school’s existent work, leaders and staff can foster pupils’ self-motivation, concerted effort, interest and the ability to think and learn for themselves. Staff utilise resources well. Leaders have developed strong relationships and procedures which ensure a good understanding among staff of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of pupils. There are well-executed lessons which demonstrate effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time.  The school is likely to meet these standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have made suitable arrangements to promote pupils’ personal development. They are alert to the likelihood that pupils may have experienced significant trauma in their lives prior to joining the school. Leaders intend to provide a flexible curriculum which is responsive to pupils’ ongoing needs.  Fundamental British values are promoted throughout school life. The curriculum is supplemented with learning about a range of special events, such as Pride Week and Remembrance Sunday.  Leaders are alert to the benefits of giving pupils access to activities and experiences beyond the school site in order to support their personal and social development. Visitors from a range of national institutions such as the police and the British army are used to capture pupils’ interest and to facilitate further learning about pupils’

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Main inspection findings

contributions to society.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b)  The proprietor has ensured a suitable safeguarding policy which is in line with current regulations. Arrangements for staff training and induction in safeguarding matters are suitable. Leaders are supported. Leaders have created suitable recording and monitoring systems for any safeguarding concerns. In addition, the centre manager has completed safer recruitment training. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b) and 10  The school’s behaviour policy and anti-bullying strategy is clear. It sets out leaders’ expectations of pupils’ behaviour and the rewards and sanctions to be adopted. Leaders have procedures for staff to record any behaviour or bullying incidents. They then intend to analyse incidents of poor behaviour to check for patterns, including those of bullying. Paragraphs 11 and 13  Leaders have ensured that the welfare and safety standards are likely to be met. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor has a detailed and relevant health and safety policy. Proprietors are fastidious in ensuring their compliance with health and safety laws. Leaders ensure that all appropriate checks are routinely carried out on the school building. Proprietors act swiftly to remedy any issues. Similarly, the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner. The written first-aid policy is understood by staff and complied with. Paragraph 12  Leaders have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire evacuation routes and assembly points are clearly identified. Leaders have addressed all actions identified by their fire safety risk assessment. They have identified and trained two members of staff as fire safety officers and wardens. Regular alarm point checks are made in accordance with the proprietor’s policies. Paragraphs 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that there are appropriate risk assessments in place. The school’s risk assessments are premises and activity specific. Leaders have developed bespoke risk assessments for pupils’ individual circumstances. These are jointly authored by relevant parties, including parents and partner schools. Paragraph 15  Leaders ensure that the school’s admissions and attendance registers are maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. These records are detailed and well maintained.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b) and 21(6)  A single central record of recruitment checks has been set up by the proprietor. This is used appropriately for all staff who work within the alternative provision. The proprietor intends to use this system for the proposed school.  The proprietor has secure processes for ensuring that all of the required recruitment and health checks are carried out prior to appointment. Overseas checks will be completed where necessary.  Suitable checks have been completed on members of the proprietor board.  The proprietor does not intend to use agency staff.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  Leaders have ensured that the school’s premises and accommodation are maintained to a good standard. This ensures that the health, safety and welfare of pupils is prioritised.  There are separate toilet facilities for pupils. Each can be secured from the inside and they are intended for use by one pupil at a time. There is an accessible toilet for the use of staff, volunteers and visitors, whether or not they are disabled. There are suitable changing facilities and showers. Hot and cold water is available at washbasins, and the hot water will not present a scalding risk. Drinking-water is available throughout the school and is appropriately labelled.  Leaders have appropriate facilities for the short-term treatment of pupils who may be ill or injured. Leaders have completed suitable risk assessments for a range of

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Main inspection findings

circumstances and activities.  The lighting and acoustic conditions in the different spaces around school are appropriate. There is lighting by the main entrance to school so that people can safely arrive and leave in the hours of darkness. There is ample outdoor space for physical education and recreation.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(4)(c)  Leaders have made suitable arrangements to ensure that the school’s website provides all required information. They have successfully used part 6 of the standards as a checklist to ensure compliance.  Policies and related documents are ready to be uploaded if the proposed school is approved. This includes relevant policies, which comply with current guidelines, and the complaints policy.  Leaders have suitable plans to provide parents, carers and local authorities placing pupils at the school with regular updates and written reports.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The school’s complaints policy complies with the requirements of this part of the standards. It makes suitable provision for concerns to be raised at an informal stage and sets clear timescales for each stage of the process.  The school is likely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor is not yet ensuring that the standards are met consistently.  Leaders have not yet taken sufficient action to ensure the quality of education. Although under their current commissions with secondary schools, they support pupils to flourish, they have not yet put in place a suitably broad or rigorous curriculum for pupils who they might admit via other routes to study. Furthermore, they are not yet able to provide adequate support to help those pupils who require fundamental phonics, reading or mathematics support.  Leaders are not actively promoting the fullest extent of pupils’ well-being. 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. Similarly, although

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Main inspection findings

leaders ensure that pupils benefit from a programme of relationships and sex education (RSE), leaders do not have a written policy for RSE, they have not consulted parents and do not offer parents any right of withdrawal for their children.  The school is unlikely to meet the requirements in this part of the standards.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a suitable accessibility policy. The school is likely to meet paragraph 3 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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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age up to 15 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority up to 15

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Provider already operating

Total hours operating as a school per week 32

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 32

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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 15 15 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 4 up to 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities up to 15 part-time pupils up to 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan up to 15 part-time pupils up to 15

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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 up to 15 part-time pupils up to 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor wishes to register its current unregistered alternative provision as a registered independent school. The proposed school will operate on the school’s existent site in Whinmoor in Leeds.  The proprietor has much experience in supporting pupils with SEMH needs.  The proposed school will offer education and support to pupils aged 11 to 16.  Pupils at the school may have an EHC plan and will have SEMH needs and/or autism attachment and trauma difficulties.  The proprietor body does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 if the Department for Education decides to register it. This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector discussed and reviewed all relevant proposals and plans for the new school with the proprietors, the centre manager – who takes on the role of headteacher - and other members of staff. The inspector toured the school site, met staff and pupils and scrutinised a wide range of policies, documents and records presented by the proprietor as evidence of the school’s likelihood to meet the standards, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Marcus Newby, 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- – 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)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

careers guidance that- – 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)(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.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools,

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress;  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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

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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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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