Life Skills Hub Central

School pre-registration inspection report

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Life Skills Hub Central 322-328 Endike Lane, Hull HU6 8AE

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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(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 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)(h), 2(2)(i)  The school has a written policy that sets out the curriculum that will be offered to pupils who attend the proposed school. The curriculum is accompanied by a long-term overview and more detailed planning for each subject. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of pupils from their various starting points.  The proposed school intends to offer four different curriculum pathways. The school will place pupils on the most appropriate pathway following an assessment of their need on entry to the school. For example, pathway 2 will involve outreach work and will incorporate a phased reintegration to school for pupils who are anxious or previous school refusers.  The curriculum will support pupils to effectively acquire speaking, listening, literacy

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Main inspection findings

and numeracy skills, alongside developing knowledge in a wider range of subjects, including physical education (PE), human and social studies, science, design and technology, art and knowledge of different religions.  The school has purchased a scheme of work for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and has adapted this in readiness for opening. The scheme allows for the school to focus on key issues should they arise.  The PSHE scheme will teach pupils about British values, respect and tolerance, protected characteristics, relationships and sex education and health education and careers.  The school has a careers adviser in training and will buy in additional careers advice and support from the local authority. It also intends that pupils will hear from external speakers and visit colleges. The school has already built strong community links. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 24(2)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that there is a relationships and sex education and health education policy in place which will provide age-appropriate education for all pupils in the proposed school.  The policy will be available on the school’s website.  Leaders intend that parents will be consulted on this policy. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have employed qualified teaching staff to teach at the school. There are a number of teaching assistants also in place.  Schemes of work are in place to support teachers’ planning.  Resources of good quality for science, English, mathematics, design technology and PE have already been purchased.  Leaders' knowledge of education and teaching from their previous experience in a variety of settings has supported them in developing a quality assurance programme for the school to check the quality of teaching and learning and pupils’ progress.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a calendar of professional development opportunities in place for the next academic year. This builds on the opportunities staff have had this year while working within the alternative provision offer.  Leaders are clear about how the progress pupils make will be checked and they have a model format for reporting to parents.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The PSHE curriculum and therapeutic offer are designed to enhance the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils. There are opportunities throughout both for pupils to be prepared for adulthood and life in modern Britain.  Topics such as relationships and money are woven through PSHE. Leaders intend that the curriculum is complimented by visits from the fire service and the police, for example when pupils learn about public institutions and services in England.  Pupils will learn about democracy. They will vote for a student council to put their knowledge into action.  Leaders plan that any external visitors to the school will be carefully checked and will always be accompanied. This is to ensure that pupils receive balanced viewpoints.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school has an appropriate safeguarding policy that will be made available to parents via the school’s website.  The safeguarding policy clearly sets out the culture of safeguarding expectations for staff. Staff will receive regular training about safeguarding. For example, those currently employed for the alternative provision receive weekly updates and frequent safeguarding bulletins. There are regular meetings for staff and safeguarding is always an item on the agenda.  The school intends to have a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and two deputy DSLs. Staff have already completed the training for this. The experience among the team is extensive, including social work, special school and therapeutic experience.  Pupils who were attending the site for alternative provision and staff have a good knowledge of safeguarding. Staff are clear about their responsibilities and the

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Main inspection findings

processes they would follow if they had a concern. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The school’s approach to managing behaviour will involve the student code of conduct and the enrichment and rewards policy. The pupils will be rewarded for ‘GLIMMER’ which stands for greater understanding of self; listening attentively; I am responsible for owning my actions; making a strong effort; mastering a challenge; empathy and readiness for learning. There are boards in place around the school to promote this.  The code of conduct documents set out the sanctions that pupils can receive if their behaviour is poor. However, the school intends to emphasise the rewards aspect of the policy.  The school has a system in place ready to log pupils’ behaviour and any rewards that they receive.  Leaders are clear that bullying will not be tolerated at the school. The anti-bullying policy explains how the school will deal with bullying should it occur.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The building, a former church, has been completely renovated in preparation for opening as a school. It is bright and clean, and the spaces have been very well thought out. It is maintained to a very high standard.  There is a comprehensive system in place for checking health and safety in the building. The firefighting equipment has been recently serviced and there is clear fire signage throughout. A comprehensive fire risk assessment is in place.  Leaders intend that pupils will be supervised throughout the day and that in lessons the ratio of adults to pupils will be one to one or one to two.  The first-aid policy sets out responsibilities relating to first aid. Staff who currently work in the alternative provision have first-aid training.  The proprietor has a system for recording pupils’ attendance in place and plans for an admissions register.

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Main inspection findings

 The risk assessment policy provides details for staff on how to carry out a risk assessment. There is a comprehensive suite of risk assessments already written, for example for working in the forest school environment or when on site at the University of Hull for PE.  The standards in part 3 are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1), 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(2)(f), 18(3)  The proprietor has ensured that all required checks are carried out on staff that are currently employed in the alternative provision. These checks are in line with the standards and the requirements of ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (2023). Paragraphs 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(6)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that there is a single central record of all checks in place.  This is stored electronically and regularly checked by the DSL and the headteacher.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are suitable washing and toilet facilities for pupils. There are four single-unit self-contained toilets and an additional accessible washing and toilet facility.  There is space in the school for pupils to change. There is a shower should it be required.  The water temperature was checked and found not to pose a scalding risk. Each sink has its own thermostatic valve. These are checked regularly to ensure the temperature is accurate.  There is a large medical room with a bed, washing facility and lockable storage for medication. There is access to a variety of first-aid equipment should it be required.  The acoustics and lighting in the rooms are appropriate. Rooms are well decorated

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Main inspection findings

and ready for teaching.  External lighting is in place to support pupils’ safe entry to and exit of the building.  Drinking-water is available to pupils via water coolers that are placed throughout the building. They are clearly labelled.  Health and safety systems are established and regular checks are taking place on the site. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a large hall that can be used for some aspects of the PE curriculum. The school has a contract in place with the University of Hull for use of its sports facilities when a larger space is required.  There are some small outdoor spaces for pupils to use for socialising.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 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)

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Main inspection findings

 The school has developed a high-quality website. All policies that are in place are available to parents and/or carers and commissioning authorities. There is a clear statement of the school’s ethos and aims.  The school is aware that any published Ofsted reports should be made available to parents.  The school has a template for reporting a child’s progress to parents and a template for financial accountability to the local authority.  The headteacher is a trained special educational needs coordinator. There are plans for regular review of pupils’ special education needs plans and education, health and care plans.  The website has contact information for the headteacher, proprietor and chair of governors.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 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)  There is a complaints policy in place which meets the requirements of the standards. It explains to parents how to complain informally and formally and then what to do if the parent is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint.  The proprietor has produced a flow chart for parents which is a quick guide to the timescales and processes to follow in making a complaint.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders and staff at this proposed school have a wealth of experience in mainstream school and specialist provision. This has provided them with the knowledge and skills that they need to provide a high-quality education to pupils who attend should the school open.  A lot of what is intended for the independent school has been tried and tested in the alternative provision offer that Life Skills Hub Central offer. This includes the curriculum.  The proprietor, headteacher and chair of governors have good knowledge of the standards. They have plans to ensure that the standards are a regular feature of board meetings to check that they are consistently met.  Leaders have clear plans to actively promote the well-being of pupils. There is a comprehensive PSHE and therapeutic offer and clear information relating to

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan in place which contains appropriate actions to increase access to the physical environment, curriculum and information for disabled people.

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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

Email address enquiries@lifeskillshub.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 10 to 16 10 to 16 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 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 9

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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 school operates from a newly refurbished site on Endike Road in Hull. It intends to teach pupils for certain aspects of the curriculum at two additional sites. These are the University of Hull Sports Ground in Inglemire Lane, Hull and Forest Skills at the PATT Foundation in Preston, Hull.  The school aims to provide bespoke meaningful educational and therapeutic support to pupils who need it.  The school propose to cater for pupils who will all have some form of special educational needs and/or disability. The main focus will be on pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. The school will take pupils with visual or hearing impairment, moderate learning difficulties and autism.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to check whether the school is likely to meet the standards should it open.  This was the first pre-registration inspection.  There is currently an alternative provision operating from this site. During this inspection, pupils were available to speak to.  Inspectors met with the proprietor, the chair of the governing body, the headteacher, staff and pupils who were on site for alternative provision. They also met with a group of teachers and the DSL.  Inspectors reviewed all policies and documents associated with the standards. They toured the premises and visited the other proposed sites that the school will use for teaching.  Inspectors checked the single central record and staff records.

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Inspection team

Debbie Redshaw, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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Inspection team

Gordon Watts Ofsted 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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