Refresh Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Refresh Education 6 Fishergate Court, Christian Road, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8QF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)-2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)-2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has prepared a curriculum policy that sets out its aims for the curriculum. The policy lays out roles and responsibilities for ensuring that the curriculum is implemented as the school intends. However, the proposed school has not provided a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to learn. This is especially the case for pupils in key stage 4. Pupils at both key stages will not receive full-time education.  The proprietor has put in place plans and schemes of work for the subjects that pupils will study. However, these plans and schemes of work are underdeveloped. They do not set out all of the key knowledge that pupils will be expected to learn and by when. Moreover, the proprietor has not allowed sufficient time for pupils to develop a solid body of knowledge in each of the intended subjects.

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Main inspection findings

 The plans and schemes of work do not take account of the ages, aptitudes and needs of pupils likely to attend the school, including those pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. For instance, the schemes of work do not take account of the needs of pupils at the early stage of reading. This is likely to make it difficult for these pupils to learn the curriculum successfully.  Pupils in key stage 4 will have access to some academic and vocational qualifications. For example, pupils will be able to sit GCSE examinations in mathematics and English. However, overall, the range of qualifications offered is narrow and the curriculum for these pupils lacks ambition. This is likely to make it difficult for some pupils to achieve their full potential.  The school has made suitable arrangements for pupils to receive impartial, accurate and up-to-date careers guidance. Pupils will learn about a range of career options and

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Main inspection findings

opportunities available to them beyond school.  It is intended that pupils will be provided with personal, social and health education (PSHE). However, the plans and schemes of work for PSHE are underdeveloped. The school has not considered all of the key knowledge that pupils will learn in this subject. The plans and the scheme of work do not make clear how pupils will deepen their understanding of important concepts over time, for example in relation to the protected characteristics. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)-2A(3)  There is a policy statement setting out the school’s aims for relationships and sex education. This policy has been developed in line with the current statutory guidance. Leaders are aware of their duty to consult parents and carers of pupils before making any changes or revisions to the policy statement. It is intended that the policy will be placed on the proposed school’s website should the school’s application be approved.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 3, 3(a)-3(j)  In almost all subjects, the curriculum is underdeveloped. It contains only limited information about the knowledge that pupils should be taught. Insufficient consideration has been given to the prior knowledge that pupils would need to have learned in order to understand the content of the curriculum. These weaknesses are likely to prevent pupils from making the good progress that they should in these subjects.  The curriculum is poorly organised. There are too few opportunities for pupils to revisit, practise and consolidate their knowledge so that it is secure. Too little time has been made available in the proposed timetable to deliver the intended curriculum in some subjects. It is unlikely that in the time allowed, pupils will be able to build sufficient subject knowledge to be ready for the next stage in their education.  The proprietor has not ensured that staff will have the necessary subject expertise

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Main inspection findings

and experience of the proposed key stages and needs of the pupils. This is likely to impact on how well the curriculum is delivered.  The proprietor has ensured that sufficient stationery and writing materials are in place for the proposed school. However, at the time of the inspection, no resources were available to support some aspects of teaching in science or phonics for pupils who may be at the early stages of reading. The lack of these key resources is likely to hamper pupils’ ability to learn the curriculum effectively when the school opens.  It is intended that in some subjects, teachers will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when pupils join the proposed school. However, there are no arrangements in place to check pupils’ knowledge in other subjects. This means that teachers may not identify and address any gaps and misconceptions in pupils’ learning in these subjects.

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Main inspection findings

 There is a behaviour policy in place. This policy sets out clearly how staff will manage pupils’ behaviour effectively, both in lessons and around school. Paragraph 4  The proposed school has set out an assessment policy which explains how pupils’ progress will be assessed once they are admitted. Pupils’ progress will be shared regularly with parents.  It is unlikely that the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)-5(d)(iii)  Due consideration has been given to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils will learn about a range of faiths and cultures. Pupils will gain an understanding of the protected characteristics. They will be encouraged to share their views and to know right from wrong.  Leaders’ policies and plans show that consideration has been given to how pupils will

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Main inspection findings

learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy and the rule of law. Pupils will be encouraged to contribute to decision-making in school, for example by voting for enrichment activities. It is intended that pupils will learn to respect the views and needs of others, for example through the school’s restorative approach to managing behaviour. These activities are likely to support pupils’ readiness for life in British society.  It is likely that the standard in this part will 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 put in place a safeguarding policy that provides general guidance for staff to follow. For example, the policy explains the procedure for reporting any concerns that staff may have about the welfare of a pupil. The policy has been developed in line with the current statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that those responsible for safeguarding will be appropriately trained to carry out the role. Newly appointed staff will receive a suitable programme of safeguarding training as part of their induction. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)-9(c), 10  Behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place for the proposed school. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded, with details of the consequences applied. Leaders intend to cross-reference these records with any other concerns that they may have

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Main inspection findings

about a pupil. This will enable them to identify and respond quickly to any emerging needs. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has put in place a suitable health and safety policy. Leaders intend that new staff will receive health and safety training as part of their induction. However, some of the arrangements for the successful implementation of the policy had not been finalised at the time of the inspection. For example, arrangements for regular checks on water safety had not been secured. The proprietor was unable to provide evidence of a safety check on the proposed school’s electrical installations.  Leaders have put a range of measures in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The building has smoke alarms and appropriate fire signage. Leaders have made arrangements to hold regular fire drills for staff and pupils. However, leaders do not keep up-to-date accurate records of such checks. At the time

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Main inspection findings

of the inspection, a fire-safety risk assessment had been arranged but had not taken place. The proprietor was unable to provide evidence that the fire alarm or emergency lighting systems have been properly maintained. These weaknesses may put pupils’ health, safety and welfare at risk should the school open. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has drawn up a first-aid policy. There are sufficient suitably qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. Paragraph 14  It is intended that pupils will always be supervised by staff. However, the proprietor has not fully considered the number of staff that would be required to supervise pupils in a range of different situations, for example outdoors and on school trips, or in the event of a member of staff being taken ill. The number of staff recruited at the time of this inspection was not sufficient for the number of pupils that the school proposes to

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Main inspection findings

admit. Paragraph 15  Appropriate systems are in place to register pupils’ attendance and to allow the school to monitor any absences effectively. Pupils’ attendance will be analysed on a regular basis and will be reported as necessary to professionals working with pupils and their families. Reports to parents will include information about pupils’ attendance.  The school has a suitable admissions policy. Leaders have established systems to collect and record the information required by the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006 when each pupil is admitted. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proposed school has not put in place a suitable risk assessment policy. Some risk assessments have been completed, for example in relation to trips, slips and falls on the premises. However, risks associated with off-site visits, such as trips to sports centres or to places of interest, have not been assessed.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(2), 18(2)(a)-18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)-19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1)-21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)  The proprietor understands the checks that need to take place prior to staff working at the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check, as well as checks on staff’s identification and their right to work in the United Kingdom.  The proprietor is aware of the checks that they need to carry out in order to ensure any agency staff that they employ are suitable to work with pupils.  A suitable single central record has been put in place that includes all of the required information.  Those with responsibility for safeguarding have completed safer recruitment training.  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, 28  The proposed arrangements for the toilet and washing facilities are suitable. There are

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Main inspection findings

separate toilets for boys and girls. Toilet cubicles can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. There is an accessible toilet facility for use by pupils and adults. This can also be locked from the inside.  There is hot and cold running water in each sink. Hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  Pupils will have access to drinking water at all times.  Leaders have not made available suitable shower and changing facilities for pupils. Paragraph 24  A room has been set aside for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. A first- aid box is available and there is a sink providing hot and cold water. The room contains a bed. A toilet is within easy reach. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27-27(b), 29(1)-29(1)(b)  The accommodation in the proposed school building is clean, tidy and in good decorative order. Furniture provided is in good condition and is of a size appropriate to the age of the pupils that the school proposes to admit. However, the proprietor has

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Main inspection findings

not taken sufficient steps to ensure that the premises are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured. For example, the proprietor was unable to confirm whether the premises have been checked for asbestos. Also, evidence of checks on the safety of electrical installations in the building was not available.  The acoustic conditions and lighting in each room are of a suitable standard, having regard to the nature of the activities that will take place.  There is suitable external lighting. This ensures that pupils, staff and visitors can enter or exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.  The proprietor has not ensured that there is suitable outdoor space available to enable the provision of physical education or for pupils to play.  It is unlikely that all of the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)-32(1)(c), 32(1)(f)-32(1)(i), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)- 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3)-32(3)(g)  The proprietor has set up a school website. Information, such as the curriculum policy, will be made available for parents on request from the school and published on the school’s website once the proposed school opens. However, the school has not prepared a suitable complaints policy. Such a policy is therefore currently unavailable for parents.  Parents will receive twice-yearly reports on their child’s progress and attainment, behaviour and attendance.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33-33(k)  The complaints policy that the school has prepared is not suitable. This is because there is no information about the circumstances in which a complaint can be referred to a panel, or how such a panel would be formed.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)-34(1)(c)  Those with responsibilities for leadership and management lack the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that all of the standards are likely to be consistently met. For example, the school has not developed a suitably ambitious curriculum across a broad range of subjects.  Leaders have not provided suitable premises and accommodation for the proposed school. For example, they have given insufficient consideration to the provision for outdoor play.  Leaders have not made the arrangements needed to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 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 Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £16,500 to £18,500

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 5

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The proprietor has not ensured that the school will have sufficient staff to adequately supervise pupils, should the school be registered for the number of pupils that the school proposes.

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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 None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 25

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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 Up to 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 Up to 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable None

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in former office premises at 6 Fishergate Court, Christian Road, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8QF.  It is proposed that the school will provide part-time education for up to 25 pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will admit pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs and autism. Some are likely to have an EHC plan.  The proprietor body is Refresh Education Ltd. There are only two members of the proprietor body, both of whom are joint chairs. One of the chairs is the headteacher. No other staff had been appointed to the school at the time of the inspection.  The proprietor intends that places will be commissioned mainly by local authorities and mainstream schools.  Leaders do not intend to make use of 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 is likely to meet the standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the chairs of the proprietor body, one of whom is also the headteacher.  The inspector completed a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour, and health and safety.

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Inspection team

Mavis Smith, 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(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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 protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9]; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 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 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.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.  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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is-

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and- – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld); and – 33(k) provides that correspondence, statements and records relating to individual complaints are to be kept confidential except where the Secretary of State or a body conducting an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act requests access to them.

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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

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

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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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