Educ8 Leicestershire

School pre-registration inspection report

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Educ8 Leicestershire Allexton Youth and Community Centre, Frolesworth Road, New Parks, Leicester, Leicestershire LE3 6LP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i), 3 to 3(g), 3(i) to 4  The school has a written policy which underpins an ambitious and broad curriculum for all pupils. This policy considers the age and aptitudes of pupils who are likely to attend the school.  Pupils will study a broad range of subjects. Each subject is broken down into units and topics. Each topic has a comprehensive scheme of work which details the knowledge pupils must acquire and how this will be assessed.  The curriculum planning offers opportunities to develop pupils’ creativity and independence. This is mapped through suggested tasks and activities linked to the vocational qualifications that the pupils should achieve while at the school.  The school intends to work with the commissioning school to ensure that each pupil of secondary age has appropriate, accurate and up-to-date careers guidance. This will be

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Main inspection findings

organised through an impartial and qualified professional.  Each pupil will be assessed on admission to gain an accurate understanding of their starting point. These assessments will inform the school as to where pupils will start on their curriculum journey. The assessment will also identify any gaps that pupils have in English and mathematics so that these can be addressed. This is likely to support a seamless integration back into the pupils’ commissioning school, should pupils at any point be in a position to return to their original school.  The school has created several online resources that staff will use to deliver the curriculum consistently. This, alongside planned and ongoing professional development, will ensure that staff have the subject and pedagogical knowledge they need to support learners to achieve.  The school has a clear plan of how each lesson should be structured. This is outlined

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Main inspection findings

in all planning materials and staff are trained to use these methods to help pupils connect new learning to what they already know.  The school will use individual support plans (ISP) for all pupils, including those with education, health and care (EHC) plans. The ISP will outline any adaptations that need to be made to the curriculum, teaching and the small steps targets that pupils need to achieve. The ISP will be reviewed once every half term through tutor assessments.  The school also has a formal termly assessment calendar to ensure that pupils are on track to achieve the qualifications they need to progress to the next stage. This assessment framework links directly to the school’s progress tracker that will be used to inform parents and carers of how their children are progressing. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii)  The school has a carefully constructed personal, social, health and economic

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Main inspection findings

education (PSHE) curriculum. This will introduce topics that will support pupils’ personal development and help them to stay safe. The school’s proposed timetable has two sessions of PSHE a week and this is further supported by tutor time which each pupil will attend daily. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  Pupils will learn about relationships and sex education (RSE). This is firmly embedded in the PSHE curriculum. Pupils will learn how to stay fit and healthy, and to eat well. The school’s RSE policy is available on the school’s website. Parents are consulted when a pupil is admitted and can view the resources used to teach the curriculum. All parents are also consulted before changes are made to the RSE policy.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school will actively promote British values through many aspects of the curriculum. Pupils will learn about the rule of law and will be encouraged to respect people who are different to them. The curriculum pays due regard to the protected characteristics.  Pupils will learn about different faiths and cultures through planned ‘collapsed timetable’ days. This will foster pupils’ appreciation for their own and other faiths and cultures.  The school has planned local charity and community days so that pupils can contribute positively to those people who live in the local community.  Pupils who show that they can demonstrate the school’s high expectations will gain ambassador status and their success will be celebrated.  The school has planned sessions from visiting speakers who work in public institutions

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Main inspection findings

such as the police force. This will ensure that pupils develop a respect for public institutions and services in England.  The school understands that it must ensure that teachers and visitors present balanced views so that pupils can form their own opinions.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  The designated safeguarding leader is well supported by deputies. All staff are well trained to manage safeguarding concerns. There is an appropriate system in place for staff to record concerns, allowing leaders to act swiftly to keep pupils safe.  There is effective communication between the school and the proprietor to analyse safeguarding trends and patterns. The proprietor is made aware of all safeguarding concerns. It checks that the designated safeguarding leader has acted appropriately.  The school fully understands its duty to share safeguarding information with the commissioning school and has protocols to do so. The school is also aware of when and how to engage external agencies such as the police, local authority or social care.  The safeguarding policy considers the latest government guidance and is available on

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Main inspection findings

the school website. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9 to 9(c), 10  The school has a well understood behaviour policy which considers pupils’ additional needs. Staff will award ‘REACH’ points to pupils when they are engaged, are active, show creativity or are ‘heroic’.  ISPs will identify pupils’ individual, specific needs including any behavioural needs. This will help the school to foster better relationships between pupils and with staff, and help manage behaviour.  Expectations of how pupils should behave and raise concerns is outlined in the pupil induction pack. The school plans to induct each pupil using this resource.  The school has a robust incident logging procedure to track all poor behaviour. This will allow the school to act on any trends and patterns in behaviour, and support pupils to become better behaved.  The PSHE curriculum will teach pupils about relationships and consent. It will also enable pupils to explore the impact of harmful sexual behaviour and bullying, so that

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Main inspection findings

they understand how to conduct themselves appropriately, and how to keep themselves safe from such behaviour. Paragraphs 11 to 13  The school has a system in place to check periodically all health and safety requirements and the condition of the premises. This will ensure that the premises are in good and safe working order.  The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety checks and procedures are appropriate. The school will conduct termly fire evacuation drills.  Most of the school’s staff are first aid trained. There is a suitable first aid policy in place. There are also effective systems to report and respond to any instance when first aid is required and administered. Paragraph 14  The school will make sure that pupils are supervised appropriately on site. If pupils need one-to-one staffing, the school will request staff from the commissioning school

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Main inspection findings

to help supervise. This request will be made of the commissioning school before the pupil is admitted. This will be stated in the commissioning agreement. Paragraph 15  The admission register will contain all the information required about pupils who are on the school’s roll.  There is already a robust system in place to record and track pupils’ attendance. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  There is an appropriate risk assessment policy in place. The policy sets out how risks can be assessed. Risk assessments are available for each classroom, for the use of construction equipment and for the use of the sports hall, to name a few. The risk assessments all contain appropriate control measures to mitigate risk.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in these parts.

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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), 21(6)  The proprietor has ensured that leaders have received appropriate safer recruitment training and that all the necessary checks on current staff have been undertaken before staff work with pupils. The proprietor will also ensure that these checks are undertaken in a timely manner on any new staff.  The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff.  The single central record is compliant and has all the necessary statutory information.  The school is likely to meet all the relevant standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are separate toilet facilities for boys and girls. These are for the sole use of pupils. Each cubicle inside the toilets can be secured from the inside. There are appropriate washing facilities with hot and cold running water.  There is an accessible toilet that can also be used by staff and visitors. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a medical room for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils which includes a washing facility, with a toilet nearby.  There is readily available, separate accommodation for medical examination and treatment of pupils. This facility also acts as an office. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The building has three suitable classrooms that can educate five to six pupils each. There is also a common room with games and books, a sports hall and a dining area.

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Main inspection findings

These facilities are maintained in an appropriate states of repair.  The acoustic conditions in each classroom are appropriate.  The building benefits from natural light in most areas. All areas are also equipped with suitable electrical lighting. There are external lights provided so that people can safely enter and leave the premises. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  Suitable drinking facilities are available for pupils in the kitchen, and are marked as such. Staff will ensure that this area will be accessible. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a suitable and secure outside play area where pupils can play, exercise, socialise, eat and drink. This is accessible during lunch and break times.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(e), 32(3)(g)  The proposed school has a website. This contains all the required necessary information including a behaviour policy, complaints policy and the ethos and values of the school. It also contains contact details for the proprietor and head of school.  There is a system in place which will provide parents with an annual written record of each registered pupil’s progress.  The school understands and will keep annual accounts showing the income and expenditure incurred by the school where a pupil is wholly or partly funded by a local authority.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3), 32(3)(f), 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy states the procedures parents should follow if they have a concern about aspects of the school’s work. The policy outlines the process for both informal and formal complaints. The precise timing and steps that the school will take at each stage of the complaint are detailed.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards in these parts.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor leads with a moral purpose. They want to give those pupils who have disengaged with mainstream education through persistent absence and/or lack of self- regulation the support and education to re-integrate successfully into mainstream schooling.  The proprietor has taken appropriate and effective action to ensure that the standards that were judged as not likely to bet met at the last pre-registration inspection are now judged as likely to be met.  The people who make up the proprietor collectively demonstrate the knowledge and understanding needed to ensure that all the standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  The proprietor has made strong connections with other external agencies including schools, so that staff can learn from other professionals.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s accessibility plan identifies how the school’s curriculum, premises and published documentation will be adapted for any pupils with SEND.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £17,550 (£90 per day)

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Proposed school details

Email address mason.yates@educ8group.com

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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 29 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 30

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 27.5

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n

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 13 to 16 13 to16 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 20 16

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n

Reason for inspector's recommendations  The three classrooms available are only suitable for 16 pupils at any one time.

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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 To be confirmed

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils 25 To be confirmed

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 9 To be confirmed

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 5 To be confirmed

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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 To be confirmed

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 4

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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

 Educ8 Leicestershire is part of the Educ8 group. The proposed school is located in Allexton Youth and Community Centre, Leicester.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with moderate learning and behavioural difficulties. Some pupils will have social, emotional and mental health difficulties and EHC plans. Some pupils might be looked after by a local authority.  The proposed school will cater for boys and girls from key stage 3. The proprietor intends for pupils to be dual registered with the pupils’ commissioning schools.  The proposed school is unlikely to use the services of any alternative provisions.  The proposed school is currently operating, without registration, as an alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. It was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietorial board, who is also the executive principal. He also met with the deputy executive principal and the finance and operations director. He spoke with the head of school, who is also the school’s safeguarding leader.  The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the premises against Part 5 of the standards. He met with leaders to discuss the school’s health and safety arrangements.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and the school’s website.  The inspector checked the arrangements for staff recruitment. He discussed with leaders the school’s proposed approach to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of

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Inspection team

Rakesh Patel, 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

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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 children looked after, 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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