Brinksway School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Brinksway School Yew Street, Stockport SK4 2HG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)  The proposed school has prepared an appropriate curriculum policy which explains the school’s aims for the curriculum. For example, the policy shows how the curriculum will contribute to pupils’ readiness for independent adult life. The policy sets out the sufficiently broad range of subjects that pupils will study. Pupils will learn about the fundamental British values, such as democracy, tolerance and the rule of law. Pupils will be supported to develop an understanding of life as a British citizen.  The curriculum policy is supported by suitable plans and schemes of work for each subject. Due consideration has been given to the order in which pupils should learn key concepts, so that they build a secure body of knowledge. The curriculum takes account of the wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) of

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Main inspection findings

pupils that the school proposes to admit. The plans and schemes of work reflect the school’s ambitious intent for all pupils, whatever their individual needs.  Older pupils, including those in the sixth form, will have access to a range of academic and vocational qualifications according to their abilities, interests and needs. The proposed school has given a high priority to the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening, and mathematics. Pupils will also study subjects including science, art and design, humanities and physical education (PE).  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. There is an emphasis on the development of pupils’ readiness for future life, for example managing personal finance and cooking healthy meals. The topics covered in PSHE education are extensive. These include topics which encourage pupils’ respect for other people, including those with the protected characteristics as

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Main inspection findings

set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The proposed school will provide pupils with a programme of impartial careers information, advice and guidance tailored to their needs and interests. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a)–2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The PSHE education curriculum will provide pupils with relationships, sex and health education. This has been developed in line with the relevant statutory guidance. The proprietor intends to consult with parents and carers about the policy when the proposed school opens, and before making any changes to this policy. The proprietor intends to publish the policy on the proposed school’s website, ready for when the school opens. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(j)  The proprietor intends that staff appointed to the proposed school will receive advice, guidance and training to help them to deliver the curriculum effectively. The school will carry out a range of quality assurance activities to check the impact of the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum in each subject on pupils’ knowledge and understanding. This is likely to help the school to make any further adjustments to the curriculum that might be necessary.  Teachers will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when they join the proposed school. Teachers will make regular checks on pupils’ progress and attainment. They will use the findings from these assessments to inform their teaching.  The proposed school has provided an appropriate quantity, quality and range of resources for pupils. For example, there is an ample supply of stationery, textbooks, sensory equipment and technological resources. Children in the early years will have access to a wide range of resources appropriate to their stage of development.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable policy that sets out clearly the school’s high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. There is a focus on supporting pupils

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Main inspection findings

to manage their own behaviour in readiness for future life. The policy sets out the strategies to be used by staff for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, including bullying. Paragraph 4  The school has put in place an appropriate assessment policy.  Pupils’ progress will be shared regularly with parents, and with those responsible for governance.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)(iii)  The curriculum for the proposed school has been designed to contribute to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Through the curriculum for PSHE education, pupils will learn about a range of world faiths and cultures. Pupils will be provided with opportunities to learn about fundamental British values such as individual liberty and respect for others. It is intended that pupils will have opportunities to contribute to the life of their community. These experiences will help pupils to consider the needs and opinions of other people, and to prepare for life beyond school.  The proprietor understands the need to ensure that pupils benefit from a balance of opposing views when they learn about politics.  The standard in this part is 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)  A suitable safeguarding policy has been put in place. This policy follows current statutory guidance and sets out the proposed school’s arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare.  The headteacher will be the designated safeguarding lead when the school opens. It is proposed that this lead and those staff deputising for the designated lead will be trained to an appropriate level.  All new staff will receive a suitable induction programme when they are appointed. Staff will continue to receive regular safeguarding training and frequent updates on aspects such as radicalisation and extremism. Appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure that pupils are safe when they work online. For example, the school has a system for filtering unsuitable internet content. The proprietor has ensured that reports from this filtering system will be reviewed regularly as part of the school’s

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Main inspection findings

measures to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  Suitable behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place, ready for when the proposed school opens. The anti-bullying policy explains the actions that the school will take to address any bullying incidents. The behaviour policy includes appropriate and proportionate consequences. Any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded. These records will be considered alongside any other concerns so that staff can gain a full picture of an individual pupil. This will help staff to respond quickly to any needs that arise. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written health and safety policy that complies with all relevant laws. Induction for newly appointed staff will include health and safety training.  The health and safety policy is supported by a programme of regular checks to identify and rectify any faults at the premises. For example, electrical equipment, gas

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Main inspection findings

boilers and water temperature will be tested regularly.  A range of measures has been put in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, the fire alarm and emergency lighting are tested regularly. The building has been fitted with smoke alarms. Arrangements have been made for regular fire drills to be carried out with staff and pupils. Signage around the school site identifies fire exits to facilitate escape. Paragraph 13  A suitable first-aid policy has been drawn up. Adequate arrangements have been made for the provision of suitably qualified staff to ensure that the policy can be implemented as intended. Paragraph 14  The school proposes to recruit sufficient staff to ensure that pupils are supervised effectively throughout the school day. It is intended that pupils will always be supervised indoors and outdoors, including at breaktimes and when undertaking off-

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Main inspection findings

site visits, for example to the local sports centre. Paragraph 15  The proposed school has established appropriate systems to register pupils’ attendance. Staff will receive training to ensure that the registration systems are implemented effectively. The proprietor and the governing body will receive regular reports on pupils’ attendance at the school. Reports to parents will include information about their child’s attendance.  There is a suitable admissions policy. The school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006. Paragraph 16, 16(a)–16(b)  A suitable risk assessment policy has been developed, supported by a wide range of risk assessments. These risk assessments show the actions that the school proposes to take to minimise risks, including for outdoor play and for trips and visits beyond school.  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)–18(2)(e), 18(3)  The proprietor understands the checks that need to take place prior to staff working in the school. These include an enhanced criminal record check as well as checks on staff’s identity and may include additional checks where staff have lived or worked abroad. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. Paragraph 19(2), 19(2)(a)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The proprietor understands the checks that must be carried out in order to ensure any agency staff that the school employs are suitable to work with pupils. Paragraph 20(6), 20(6)(a)–20(6)(c)  The chair has carried out the required checks on all members of the proprietor body. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3)–21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a)–21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  A single central record has been established. This record meets the requirements for

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Main inspection findings

the information that it must contain, including that which relates to the leadership and management of the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school occupies converted office premises at a business park. There are classrooms, a sensory room, an early years classroom and a large space suitable for dining or for PE lessons. These rooms are suitable for the age and needs of pupils that the school proposes to admit. In addition, there are offices, a staff room and storerooms. The proposed accommodation is of a good standard and is well maintained. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–28(1)(d)  There are sufficient toilet and washing facilities for the number and ages of the pupils that the school proposes to admit. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water

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Main inspection findings

does not pose a scald risk. There are several toilet and washing facilities for the use of disabled pupils and adults. Toilet cubicles are lockable from the inside. In addition, the school has suitable shower facilities for pupils to use if required.  The school has ensured that pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day. Sources of drinking water are in a separate area from the toilet and washing facilities. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a)–24(1)(c), 24(2)  There is a separate room set aside for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. This room contains a sink, a bed and a first-aid box. This room is located near to a toilet. There is additional medical accommodation for pupils with complex needs. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a)–27(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor space. This will provide an appropriate place for pupils to play and relax when not in lessons and for PE lessons. It is intended that

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Main inspection findings

pupils will also access a local sports centre and one of the proprietor’s other schools nearby for some aspects of PE. Formal PE sessions will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the school’s curriculum.  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.  The proprietor has ensured that the building has external lighting. This ensures that pupils, staff and visitors can enter or exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.  It is likely that all of the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(i), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proposed school has set up a website ready for when it opens. The proprietor is fully aware of the information that must be published on the proposed school’s website.  All required policies are in place and ready for when the proposed school opens. For example, there are policies relating to admissions, curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding. These documents will be made available to parents on request from the school, as well as being available on the school’s website.  For pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, information necessary for the annual review of this plan will be provided to the responsible local authority.  The proposed school intends to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. These reports will also provide information on pupils’

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Main inspection findings

attendance and behaviour.  The school is aware that following any inspection, copies of the inspection report must be provided to parents and published on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely 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(a)–33(k)  The school has established a suitable complaints policy. This policy sets out the timescales for responding to complaints and explains how a panel will be established if necessary. It includes information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for dealing with a complaint is transparent.  This policy will be published on the proposed school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely 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)(a)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor has put in place a range of strategies and checks to ensure that the proposed school should meet the standards consistently. For example, a programme of maintenance has been established to ensure that the school continues to provide pupils with an appropriate standard of accommodation. Suitable steps have been taken to identify and minimise potential risks and hazards. There are measures in place to check the quality of education that pupils receive and ensure their well-being.  The proprietor has ensured that those with responsibilities for leadership and management have the appropriate knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively.  The proprietor intends to establish a governing body for the proposed school. It is intended that this governing body will provide school leaders with an appropriate level

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Main inspection findings

of challenge for their work, for example to ensure that pupils receive a good quality of education.  The standard in this part is 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. Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the early years foundation stage are likely to be met in relation to safeguarding, welfare, learning and development.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £86,830

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Proposed school details

Email address Carla.adams-mccoy@brinkswayschool.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils None 4 to 19 4 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll None 50 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils None Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age None 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities None 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan None 50

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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 None Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff None 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision None 10

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on the ground and first floors of premises at Yew Street, Stockport SK4 2HG.  It is intended that the proposed governing body will comprise a number of headteachers and advisers from within the proprietor’s organisation.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 50 pupils aged between 4 and 19 years. It is intended that the school will cater for pupils with a range of SEND, including cognitive and learning needs, speech, language and communication needs, autism, physical disabilities, and moderate and severe learning difficulties. It is expected that most pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor body owns and runs a number of other schools for pupils with SEND.  The proprietor body 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 is likely to meet the standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher and a number of other senior leaders.  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. The inspector checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Mavis Smith, 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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