The Goldhill Learning Foundation

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Goldhill Learning Foundation Goldhill Adventure Playground, Windley Road, Leicester LE2 6TL

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h)  The school has prepared a broad curriculum that aims to provide pupils with experiences in a range of subjects. The school intends to provide linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education. The school has a written curriculum policy that sets out how subjects within these areas will be organised and taught. The school intends for pupils to have opportunities to learn and make progress in all areas of learning.  The school’s curriculum is supported by detailed schemes of work across all subjects. These schemes of work take into account pupils’ starting points, aptitudes and ages, including those pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Pupils’ attainment will be checked as they start the school. Assessments will be used to

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Main inspection findings

inform pupils’ starting point and pathway through the curriculum.  Pupils will be taught speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Pupils will study a range of texts. Those that are at an early stage of learning to read will be taught phonics. The school aims to appoint a teacher to specifically lead this area. Paragraph 2(2), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(i)  The school has prepared a curriculum for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. It is well planned and sequenced. It reflects the school’s ethos and aims. It aims to promote pupils’ understanding of protected characteristics and to encourage mutual respect. The school intends for pupils to be prepared well for life in modern Britain. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has a separate policy statement related to its provision for pupils’ relationships education. This policy reflects the latest requirements, as set out by the

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Main inspection findings

Department for Education (DfE). The school’s scheme of work for relationships education is detailed and includes the required curriculum content as set out by the DfE.  The school intends to consult parents and carers, before making, or when revising the relationships education policy. It will ensure that the necessary information about relationships education is made available to parents via the school’s new website. Paragraphs 3 to 3(g), 3(i), to 4  The school sets out its approach to teaching in its curriculum policy. Individual subject schemes of work also set out the types of appropriate learning activities that will be used to help pupils gain knowledge, understanding new content and develop skills. Curriculum plans include reference to resources that will be used effectively to enable pupils to learn.  The school has planned a programme of quality assurance activities to monitor the quality of, and improve teaching. It will ensure that teachers plan appropriate

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Main inspection findings

sequences of lessons and adopt effective teaching methods. A planned programme of training will ensure that teachers have suitable subject knowledge and understanding of appropriate pedagogy. The school intends for teaching to actively promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.  Pupils will be assessed when they join the school to identify their prior learning and any gaps that they may have in their knowledge. The school has an appropriate framework to assess pupils’ learning and progress.  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’s curriculum for PSHE and citizenship are comprehensively planned. They promote understanding of fundamental British values, including democracy, and the protected characteristics as set out in the 2010 Equality Act.  Through weekly lessons, the school intends for pupils to learn about a wide range of cultures and beliefs. They will learn about right and wrong, and about civil and criminal law in England. They will learn about public institutions and services in England.  The school’s behaviour policy is designed to help pupils to distinguish right from wrong. Pupils will be given the opportunity to reflect on and learn from both positive and poor behaviour.  Pupils will be given opportunities to work with and support the local community, for example, through helping to maintain the school’s adventure playground and by

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Main inspection findings

helping out in the school’s community shop and foodbank.  The school’s visitors policy sets out how the school will check the information that any visitors intend to share with pupils. Leaders will monitor the school’s provision to ensure that pupils are not exposed to partisan political views.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  The school has a written safeguarding policy. It reflects the latest national guidance. The policy will be made publicly available on the school’s new website.  The proprietorial body has a secure knowledge and understanding of their safeguarding roles and responsibilities. Leaders have set these out in their safeguarding policy. The policy makes clear everyone’s responsibilities.  The school’s safeguarding leaders plan to undertake additional safeguarding training

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Main inspection findings

to ensure that they know and understand their responsibilities fully. Leaders recognise the specific vulnerabilities of the pupils with which they will work. They know the potential safeguarding risks in the local area.  The school intends to adopt an electronic system to record any safeguarding concerns and the subsequent actions that are taken. Suitable arrangements will be in place to ensure that safeguarding information is shared with relevant professionals.  The PSHE curriculum sets out how pupils will learn to stay safe. This will include learning about potential risks in the community and when online.  The school’s safeguarding policy sets out clearly leaders’ approaches to ensure that pupils are safe when online. The school will ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to filter pupils’ access to the internet. Leaders will be alerted to and monitor any attempts to access inappropriate online content.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9 to 9(c), 10  The school has an appropriate behaviour management policy. The policy makes clear what rewards and sanctions will be used. It sets out how pupils will be supported to put right when behaviour is inappropriate. Individual behaviour plans will be used to identify pupils’ potential difficulties and the strategies that will be used to pre-empt and address these. The school plans to record instances of poor behaviour on an electronic recording system.  The school has plans in place for staff to be trained to use de-escalation techniques and physical intervention when needed. Physical intervention will only be used as a last resort. When used, incidents will be reviewed to inform the support that is needed for pupils.  The school has an anti-bullying policy. The policy defines the different types of bullying. It sets out the actions that staff must follow in the event of bullying. Pupils

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Main inspection findings

will be taught to recognise the different forms of bullying. Paragraphs 11 to 13  Leaders have ensured that there are appropriate first aid and health and safety policies in place. Staff will be trained to understand their health and safety responsibilities. The school will ensure that staff record any accidents in accordance with the school’s procedures.  Leaders are ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment is in place. There are systems in place for staff to make appropriate and regular fire safety checks. Paragraph 14  The school intends to ensure that there are appropriate levels of pupil supervision across the school day. Paragraph 15  The school will ensure that the admission register meets DfE guidance. It will record pupils’ attendance using an electronic system. The school plans to use this information to identify patterns and trends in pupils’ absences. Leaders will work closely with

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Main inspection findings

parents and outside agencies should pupils’ attendance become a concern. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  The school has an appropriate risk assessment policy that promotes pupils’ welfare. The policy sets out processes to identify and assess potential hazards and mitigate risks. For example, the school has detailed risk assessments for the site including, the extensive on-site adventure playground. Leaders plan for risk assessments to be regularly reviewed.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. 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 proprietorial body know and understand their safer recruitment responsibilities. They intend to ensure that all relevant checks are undertaken before adults are permitted to work with pupils. The proprietor will ensure that school leaders are suitably trained to undertake the necessary recruitment checks and that these checks

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Main inspection findings

are recorded in the single central record.  The school does not intend to make use of any supply agency staff. However, leaders know the information related to pre-employed checks that it must receive, should they choose to employ agency staff.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  The school has suitable, separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils. The toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  There is a suitable medical room to cater for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. The room contains washing and toilet facilities. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27 to 27(b)  Classrooms have adequate lighting and appropriate acoustics. There is external lighting to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the premises when it is dark.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  Drinking water is suitably identified, readily available and is separate from toilet facilities. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The adventure playground forms an extensive outdoor area where pupils can play, socialise, take part in outdoor activities and receive physical education.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3)(g)  The school will ensure that parents have access to all the information and policies required via a new school website. All polices are currently available on request, these include the admissions, behaviour, curriculum, safeguarding and relationships education policies. Other information available, includes, named contact details for leaders and the proprietor.  The school has a suitable format for reporting to parents about pupils’ achievements

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Main inspection findings

while at school.  The school intends to provide information to local authorities, regarding pupils who are looked after and pupils with an EHC plan, when requested. Leaders will work with local authorities to facilitate this.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3), 32(3)(f), 33 to 33(k)  The school has a suitable complaints policy that is available to parents on request. The policy sets out the procedures to follow should a parent wish to make a complaint. The policy identifies informal and formal processes with appropriate timescales. It sets out what parents should do if they are not satisfied with the response to, or outcome of the complaint. The policy includes how records of any complaints received, and any subsequent actions taken by the school as a result, will be recorded and stored.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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 proprietorial body and leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles. Leaders know and understand the independent school standards.  Leaders are committed to providing a quality, bespoke curriculum, matched to the needs of pupils with SEND. There is a strong focus on providing for pupils’ welfare and well-being.  The proprietorial body will quality assure the provision and the school’s continued intention to meet the standards. Leaders demonstrate the understanding necessary to ensure that the standards will be met securely and consistently over time.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility plan. It identifies how the school will make sure that its curriculum, documentation and premises are accessible for pupils with

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Main inspection findings

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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Website www.goldhilladventureplayground.org

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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 64 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 10

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 10

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n

Age range of pupils 7 to 18 7 to 11 7 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll 64 30 30

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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 0 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 64 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 30 Up to 30

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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 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 3

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 22 20

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located at Goldhill Adventure Playground, Windley Road, Leicester LE2 6TL.  The proprietor of the proposed school is the Goldhill Play Association. The association currently runs an alternative provision on the proposed school’s site. In the event of the proposed school becoming registered, the alternative provision at the school site will cease to operate.  The proposed school will provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils with SEND, aged between seven and 11 years.  The school proposes to provide for pupils who have social, emotional or mental health needs, cognitive and learning needs and/or speech, language and communication needs. Some of the pupils are likely to have a diagnosis of autism. All pupils will have an EHC plan.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE, to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards, if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with members of the proprietorial body, including the chair. The inspector met with the headteacher and a senior leader who currently leads the alternative provision provided on site.  The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises.  The inspector visited lessons in the alternative provision and spoke to pupils and staff.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and assessment information.  The inspector checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Vic Wilkinson, 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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