Supreme Start

School pre-registration inspection report

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Supreme Start Elland House, Roman Road, Royton, Oldham OL2 5DD

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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)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a clear curriculum policy. The proprietor intends that pupils will gain experience in linguistic, technological, human, social, aesthetic and creative subjects. The curriculum includes the full range of national curriculum subjects, including English, mathematics and science. A range of resources are in place to support the teaching of phonics through a Department for Education (DfE) validated programme.  The schemes of work show the knowledge and skills that the school intends to teach for the proposed age range of pupils. The school intends to personalise the curriculum. It plans to match approaches and topics to the individual interests, aptitudes and abilities of each pupil, who will all have an education, health and care

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Main inspection findings

(EHC) plan.  The school intends that fundamental British values will be taught through timetabled personal, social, health and economic education lessons. The schemes of work set out a wide range of topics that will be covered. The curriculum does not undermine fundamental British values. Respect for others, including those with different faiths and from other cultures, will be taught through the curriculum.  Leaders plan to organise a range of activities, including trips and visits, to improve pupils’ confidence and independence. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3)  The proprietor has a suitable policy in place for relationships and sex education (RSE). Leaders plan to consult with parents and carers about the policy and the RSE curriculum should the proposed school open. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)

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Main inspection findings

 There are currently no teachers employed at the school but suitable recruitment procedures are in place. Leaders intend to appoint staff with the necessary teaching skills and experience. The planning already in place reflects sound pedagogical practice. It is likely to meet the needs of the pupils that the proposed school intends to admit.  The classrooms are well equipped. Leaders have purchased a number of resources to support pupils’ learning. Paragraph 4  The proprietor has written a suitable assessment policy. The proposed assessment arrangements will enable pupils and staff to identify pupils’ strengths and areas for development.  All of the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely 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)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii),

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Main inspection findings

5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has developed an appropriate policy for promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The proposed school’s policies and schemes of work aim to enable pupils to understand the importance of mutual respect and tolerance. The school’s policies also include references to the teaching of all the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. It is intended that pupils will take part in discussions covering a range of topics, such as health and welfare.  The school’s policies demonstrate the proprietor’s commitment to a non-partisan approach to the teaching of political views.  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)  The chair of the proprietor body, headteacher and chair of governors have completed safer recruitment training. However, the designated safeguarding leader and deputy

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding leader do not have up-to-date safeguarding training for their roles. The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably trained in safeguarding.  The proprietor has a suitable safeguarding policy in place. It meets all current statutory requirements.  Some small amendments to the safeguarding policy were completed by leaders during the inspection to ensure that it was up to date. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s behaviour policy is supported by a well- developed anti-bullying policy. These policies set out the school’s approach to the rewards and sanctions that will be used to support pupils’ positive behaviour. It is intended that any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded appropriately. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured that suitable policies have been prepared for all the required aspects of health and safety, and for fire safety. Gas- and electrical-safety

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Main inspection findings

checks on equipment in the building have been carried out. Fire extinguishers are regularly serviced to ensure that they are in good condition. However, classrooms do not have signage for emergency exits should staff and pupils need to leave safely in the event of a fire.  Leaders are in the process of making arrangements to ensure that the school’s computer network has appropriate monitoring and filtering arrangements in place. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has put a suitable first-aid policy in place and has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably qualified to administer first aid. Suitable first-aid resources are easily accessible. Paragraph 14  The proprietor has set out an intended staffing structure that will enable a suitable level of supervision for pupils. The proprietor intends that there will be no more than five pupils in each class. Pupils are likely to be supervised effectively throughout the

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Main inspection findings

school day. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate registers for recording admissions and attendance are in place. It intends that these will be maintained in accordance with the relevant statutory regulations. Leaders intend that any pupil absences will be followed up. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has risk assessments for potential incidents in the school building. However, the proprietor has not ensured that it has suitable risk assessments in place for the hazards posed by the location of the school’s premises. Leaders are still in the process of completing risk assessments for the outdoor space to the front, side and rear of the building, which is also used by a car repair garage and hair salon company. Leaders intend for pupils to enter the building from the rear of the building which faces onto the courtyard of the car repair garage. This side of the school building can

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Main inspection findings

be busy at times as it is also the entrance to the car repair garage and the hair salon.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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(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)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 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(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The single central record is in place and meets the requirements for the information it

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Main inspection findings

must contain. Leaders understand that the required checks on the suitability of staff must be completed before staff take up their appointment. These checks include establishing the medical fitness of employees and obtaining satisfactory professional references prior to employment.  All of the required checks for the chair of the proprietor body, the chair of governors, the headteacher and staff at the proposed school have been completed. The proprietor’s plans for the recruitment of additional staff are under way. There is a clear plan for staff to complete safeguarding training following their appointment.  Leaders are aware of the procedures that they should follow in the event of employing supply staff to ensure that these staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c),

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Main inspection findings

28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is housed over two floors. The building has been refurbished to a high standard. The accommodation includes four teaching rooms, one sensory room, adequate toilets and washing facilities, a kitchen, a medical room, a reception area and offices. The accommodation is likely to be suitable for the education of the proposed age range and number of pupils.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. These are individual toilet cubicles for both male and female pupils that are lockable from the inside. There is an adequate supply of cold and hot water for handwashing. The temperature of the hot water is unlikely to pose a scald risk to pupils.  Pupils will have ready access to drinking water at all times from clearly marked taps and fountains. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  A medical room has been set aside with suitable washing facilities in the room. There

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Main inspection findings

is easy access to a toilet. A bed and first-aid kit were in the medical room at the time of the inspection. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The premises are safe, secure and well maintained. The acoustic features and sound insulation, together with internal and external lighting, are suitable throughout the building. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school has a small outside space for pupils to play and to take part in physical education (PE). The outdoor space backs onto a yard used by car repair garage. The proprietor has ensured that suitable fencing is in place to keep pupils safe.  The school intends to use the dining hall and the outdoor space for some PE activities. However, pupils will receive the majority of their PE lessons at local leisure centres. Leaders will have risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety when travelling to and from these facilities, and when using these sites.

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Main inspection findings

 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)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 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)  At the time of the inspection, the school did not have a website. However, leaders intend to make all parents aware of the school’s contact details and to give them access to its policies, including those relating to the safeguarding of pupils. The school intends to publish all the required information on its website when it is live. This includes the school’s name and address; the headteacher’s name and contact details; policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and

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Main inspection findings

attainment to parents.  The school has systems in place to track the income and expenditure for funds received from local authorities.  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(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 complaints policy is comprehensive. The policy sets out all the necessary steps as well as timelines for the effective handling of complaints. The school has ensured that copies of any findings and recommendations will be shared as required.  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)  This standard is not likely to be met. Leaders have not demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that the standards are met. They have not ensured that

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Main inspection findings

the standards related to the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to be met. For example, the school’s designated safeguarding leaders are not appropriately qualified. In addition, suitable risk assessments for the hazards around the school’s site have not been completed.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan fully reflects the statutory requirements.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £60,000 to £87,000

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Proposed school details

Email address mmaynard@supreme-start.com

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 11 5 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

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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 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

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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 20

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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 20

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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 staff in the welfare provision 0 2

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent special school is located at Elland House, Roman Road, Royton, Oldham OL2 5DD. It is housed in a repurposed and refurbished two-storey building. A secondary school previously occupied the building.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 20 mixed-gender pupils, aged between five and 11 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 proposed school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and autism. It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor is Supreme Start Ltd. This company is registered at Companies House. There is one director. This director is the chair of the proprietor body.  The proprietor intends that there will be a governing body. The chair of the governing

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Information about this proposed school

body has been appointed.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and chair of governors. He also held a telephone call with the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. He also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour, health and safety and safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Ahmed Marikar, 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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 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 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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