AJ and friends

School pre-registration inspection report

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AJ and friends The Centenary Building, 6 Carlton Lane, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside CH47 3DB

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1)-2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a)-2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has produced a curriculum policy. This policy shows that consideration has been given to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education. However, the proprietor has neglected to reference some statutory parts of the curriculum in its curriculum policy, such as pupils’ learning about relationships and sex education (RSE).  The curriculum policy is not underpinned by suitable plans and schemes of work for each subject. The plans and schemes of work are in the early stages of development. These lack the necessary detail about the important knowledge that pupils need to know and remember in each subject.  The school’s curriculum does not take sufficient account of the needs, interests and aptitudes of the pupils who will join the school. The proprietor is clear about the

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Main inspection findings

needs of pupils who will be admitted to the school. However, the likely needs of the pupils are not reflected in the school’s curriculum design or its intention for how the curriculum will be implemented.  The school’s thinking about how personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught is at the early stages. It intends for pupils to learn PSHE education through timetabled lessons as well as individual sessions. Pupils’ emotional well-being is central to the proprietor’s plans for the school. The school has set out how older pupils will learn about careers. The proprietor’s plans, so far, show regard for the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)-2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3)  The proprietor has not fully considered what pupils will learn through the RSE curriculum. There are plans in place for how leaders will communicate the content of

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Main inspection findings

the RSE curriculum to parents and carers through the induction process for new pupils. Information about the content of the RSE curriculum has not been published on the website for parents to access. The proprietor is aware of the requirement to give parents information about the RSE curriculum so that parents can choose whether to withdraw their child from the non-statutory aspects. Paragraph 3, 3(a)-3(j)  The headteacher is currently the only member of staff. The school is in the process of recruiting other staff.  The curriculum plans lack the detail needed for teachers to understand the proprietor’s intentions for what must be taught. This will make it difficult for teachers to design suitable lessons. There is a lack of clarity about how the curriculum will be adapted to meet the wide range of needs of pupils who attend the school.  The proprietor has not ensured that there are the necessary resources available for

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Main inspection findings

teachers and pupils to support the delivery of the curriculum. For instance, those resources necessary for the teaching of phonics and early reading.  The proprietor lacks the knowledge, skills and experience to evaluate teaching, check that the curriculum is meeting pupils’ needs and reassure itself that pupils are making progress. Consequently, at this time, the school is unlikely to be able to provide a suitable quality of education so that pupils can reach their potential. Paragraph 4  The proprietor has devised appropriate systems for assessing pupils’ attainment and emotional needs on entry to the school. This will help teachers to understand pupils’ starting points, as pupils may join the school at non-standard points in the year. However, the proprietor has not considered how it will track pupils progress through the school.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are unlikely to be met

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Main inspection findings

if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)-5(d)  The school’s proposed curriculum places significant focus on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It intends that pupils will learn about different faiths, cultures and religions.  The school’s policies and schemes of work show the proprietor’s consideration for the promotion of fundamental British values. Notably, the proprietor sets out in its behaviour and anti-bullying policies, its intention for pupils to learn about mutual respect and tolerance. This includes respect for those with a protected characteristic as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The proprietor is mindful of ensuring that where political issues are discussed with pupils, this information is presented in an impartial way.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has the safeguarding knowledge that it needs to keep pupils safe from harm. The proprietor has set out robust procedures for checking that there is a strong culture of safeguarding if the school opens.  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest government guidance and will be published on the website. The proprietor has set up systems and procedures to keep pupils safe. It has planned a programme of safeguarding training for staff that includes specific consideration for the needs of pupils who will attend the school.  The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead. It is intended that other key staff will be trained to the same level as the designated safeguarding lead. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)-9(c), 10  There is a suitable behaviour policy in place, as well as an anti-bullying policy. These policies set out with clarity how any incidents of poor behaviour or bullying will be

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Main inspection findings

dealt with. There is consideration for the complex needs of pupils who may join the school. The behaviour policy is inclusive. The proprietor has an appropriate system in place to record any incidents of poor behaviour or bullying. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a)-16(b)  The proprietor has put a suitable health and safety policy in place. It has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, it has used an external specialist to check fire-fighting equipment and advise about the location and signage for emergency exits.  The proprietor has put a suitable first-aid policy in place. The proprietor holds a relevant first-aid qualification.  The proprietor ensures that risks are identified and monitored as set out in the risk assessment policy. Samples of risk assessments show that the proprietor accurately identifies risks and draws up appropriate plans to mitigate them. Risk assessments

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Main inspection findings

show consideration for the needs of pupils who may join the school. Paragraph 14  The proprietor has set out an intended staffing structure that enables a suitable level of supervision for pupils. The proprietor intends to recruit staff with the experience and knowledge to support pupils’ needs. The proprietor has made sure that there are appropriate arrangements in place so that pupils can be safely dropped off and collected. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has established appropriate systems to record pupils’ attendance and to monitor absence effectively. The school’s expectations for pupils’ attendance will be shared with parents during the admissions process.  There is a suitable admissions policy in place. This includes the information that leaders will collect when admitting a pupil, as set out in the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a)–(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  An electronic single central record is in place. It is well organised and enables leaders to record the essential checks made during the recruitment process. The proprietor has completed the required checks on the chair of the proprietor body and the headteacher and these are recorded accurately. The proprietor understands the requirement to complete the required pre-employment checks on staff before they begin working at the school.  The proprietor has completed relevant safeguarding training, including safer recruitment. The school’s planned induction programme has a significant focus on safeguarding to ensure that newly appointed staff gain the knowledge of safeguarding that they need to keep pupils safe.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has set up systems to record the relevant recruitment checks on any agency staff that the school may use.  The proprietor understands its responsibility to seek the necessary assurances relating to overseas background checks. The single central record has been set up to record these checks should they be required.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(c), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a)–(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)–(b)  The proposed school accommodation includes four main teaching spaces, therapeutic spaces, a medical area, office spaces, pupil and staff toilet facilities and changing facilities. There is a separate building, ‘The Cottage’, where pupils will learn life skills, such as cooking. There is a secure main entrance at the front of the school. In

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Main inspection findings

addition to this, there is a designated area where pupils will be dropped off and collected.  The proprietor has refurbished the building to a high standard. It has fully considered the needs of pupils who may attend the school. The building is fit for purpose. The classrooms are well lit and have suitable acoustics.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities, including accessible toilets. The toilet cubicles are lockable from the inside. The hot water is set at a safe temperature. Pupils will have access to drinking-water during the school day. Drinking-water is clearly labelled.  There is a medical room with a sink and a bed. The room is suitable for the medical needs of pupils who may attend the school. There is a toilet nearby. The room has adequate first-aid supplies as well as safe storage for medication.  There are two large outdoor areas for pupils to use during social times and for

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Main inspection findings

physical education.  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)(k), 32(2)-32(2)(d), 32(3)-32(3)(g)  The website for the proposed school provides some information for parents about the school policies and procedures. Also, the contact details for the proprietor are available on the website. However, the proprietor has not published all of the required information. For instance, the curriculum policy is not on this website.  The proprietor intends to provide parents with written updates on their child’s progress twice per year. This will be in addition to any emerging developments or concerns about a child that may be shared with parents. This process is set out for parents as part of the pupil induction process.  The proprietor is aware of the requirement to include published inspection reports and the results of public examinations on the website.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)-33(k)  The school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. It sets out the process for making a complaint, both at an informal and a formal stage. The policy sets out appropriate timescales and what complainants can expect at each stage.  A copy of the complaints policy will be made available on the school website. It is available from the school on request, at this stage.  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)  The proprietor has not ensured that the proposed school is ready to open. It has not thought out the design of the school’s curriculum and how this curriculum will be delivered. Nor has the proprietor considered how it will check on pupils’ progress. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor has not ensured that there are all of the resources in place to support teaching.  The proprietor lacks the knowledge that it needs to ensure that pupils receive an acceptable quality of education. It does not have an appropriate understanding of some of the standards found to be unmet at this inspection, mainly around the quality of education.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has written a suitable accessibility plan.  The school is likely to meet the requirements 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 Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address ajandfriends.care@outlook.com

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 18 7 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 25

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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 25

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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 25

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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 25

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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 25

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 6

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school is located in premises at The Centenary Building, 6 Carlton Lane, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside CH47 3DB. The main school is housed in a large, two- storey building. There is a second building on the same site, known as ‘The Cottage’. This will be used for some lessons, such as life skills.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 25 mixed-gender pupils aged between seven and 18 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils with a range of complex learning and medical needs.  All the pupils at the proposed school will have an education, health and care plan.  The chair of the proprietor body is the only member of this proprietor body and also the headteacher.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school would be likely to meet the standards if the DfE decides to register it.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector made a tour of the school site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and curriculum plans.

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Inspection team

Jane Dennis, 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(1)(b)(ii) do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. – 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school's aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9].  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(a) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with primary education at the school is provided with relationships education, – 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)(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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 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.

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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)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2.

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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. 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

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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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

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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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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