Beacon Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Beacon Independent School 15 Market Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6JX

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 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)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written curriculum policy in place. Leaders intend for pupils to study a range of subjects. These subjects include linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.  Where plans and schemes of work exist, they do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  Leaders are qualified teachers with experience of teaching pupils within the school’s proposed age range. They demonstrate secure subject knowledge of the areas they

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Main inspection findings

intend to teach and show a good understanding of a range of pedagogical approaches. They are aware of strategies for adaptive teaching and have experience of teaching pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The proposed school intends to teach pupils personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education by following an adopted commercial scheme. The content of the PSHE programme is appropriate to the needs of pupils and teaches topics including respectful relationships, puberty and internet safety. Leaders intend to consult with parents and carers on the specific content of relationships and sex education.  Leaders have designed a comprehensive careers policy that, if implemented, should serve pupils and students well. They plan for visiting speakers to promote all pupils' understanding of the world of work. The proposed school intends for older pupils to take part in work experience and receive impartial advice from an external careers

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Main inspection findings

adviser.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 3, 3(f), 3(g)  The proposed school's work in ensuring that curriculum is well-planned and sequenced, in all subjects it intends to teach, is not yet sufficiently advanced. In some subjects, leaders have adopted schemes of work that clearly set out the knowledge and vocabulary that pupils are expected to know and remember. But in other subjects, such as geography, the precise information that pupils are expected to learn has not been identified.  Leaders are experienced in teaching pupils with SEND. However, they have not placed enough emphasis on adapting proposed curriculum to meet the broad range of pupils’ needs that the school intends to support.  Leaders have not yet considered the resources that they intend to use to facilitate learning in some subjects. For example, in physical education (PE), leaders plan for

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Main inspection findings

lessons to take place in a local park or leisure centre. The specific arrangements for this proposal have not yet been fully considered. Leaders are not yet clear about the aspects of PE that will be taught in these locations, or the resources required to ensure that pupils learn well.  The proposed school intends to adopt a scheme of work to teach phonics to pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read. These plans are in the early stages of being arranged. It is not yet clear how a well-planned and sequenced phonics curriculum will be implemented to meet the needs of pupils who are likely to attend the school.  Leaders have a vision for the education they intend to provide post-16 students. They express high aspirations and set out a broad overview of pathways that the school plans to offer. However, proposals are not suitably specific about the intended programme of activities or how the curriculum will be implemented to meet pupils’

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Main inspection findings

needs.  These standards are unlikely to be met. 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 proposed school has thought carefully about and planned learning experiences to promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Leaders have set out a range of events to help pupils develop their understanding of life in modern Britain. In addition, teaching about fundamental British values is woven through the curriculum. For instance, leaders intend to promote pupils’ respect and tolerance for other people's beliefs as part of studies about the world’s major religions.  Leaders propose to create an environment that celebrates pupils' achievements. A reward system is planned to encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their

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Main inspection findings

behaviour. Leaders describe a clear strategy to help pupils build their self-esteem at the same time as recognising the achievement of others.  The PSHE scheme of work and planned SMSC opportunities are focused on dealing with any issues of discrimination, bullying and inequality. The curriculum actively encourages pupils to respect others.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are suitably specific. They set out sufficient information to suggest that pupils’ behaviour is likely to be managed effectively if the strategies are implemented well. Leaders intend to use a graduated approach for the use of sanctions. This approach places emphasis on pupils self- regulating their behaviour. Leaders intend to use a digital recording system that will

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Main inspection findings

enable them to analyse patterns in pupils’ behaviour over time.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This has included the proprietor completing a fire risk assessment and seeking guidance from a local fire officer.  The proprietor places sufficient emphasis on maintaining oversight of health and safety duties. A suitable policy is in place that sets out a range of measures to promote health and safety. Arrangements are also in place to ensure safe administration of first aid. This includes the use of a lockable medicine cupboard and an appropriate system for recording incidents that involve the use of first aid.  Leaders have identified a digital platform they intend to use to enable maintenance of accurate admission and attendance registers.  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable risk assessment policy is in place. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

have completed a range of risk assessments in relation to the premises. For example, they have conducted surveys to check the safety of water supplies. In addition, leaders intend to complete risk assessments for each pupil who attends the school, to ensure that intended provision matches individuals’ needs.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proposed school has set out a policy to promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils. The policy identifies a broad range of potential risks and sets out how leaders intend to work with external agencies to protect pupils. Leaders have already completed safeguarding training and intend to ensure that all new staff understand their roles in keeping pupils safe. However, the policy does not reflect all the guidance of the Secretary of State. It does not ensure that sufficient lines of accountability are in place to maintain robust oversight of safeguarding procedures. This is because the

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Main inspection findings

proposed designated safeguarding leader is both the headteacher and the chair of the proprietor board. This means that safeguarding roles are not able to be discharged with sufficient independence. In addition, the policy refers to the role of a governing body in safeguarding pupils, yet no such body is proposed to exist.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)(a), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(2), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has established a single central record and begun to record many of the necessary checks required about the suitability of staff. For example, checks have been made through the disclosure and barring service and entered on the record.  The proprietor is aware of the checks required on the suitability of supply staff and volunteers. Leaders intend to check the suitability of such adults before allowing them to work with children at the proposed school.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(ii), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(ii), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(b)  Some of the necessary checks required on the suitability of staff have not been completed or recorded on the single central record. These include prohibition checks for teachers, medical fitness checks for staff and section 128 checks for leaders.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are unlikely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1)(b), 24(1)(a), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(2)(a)  The proposed school is located at two separate sites, approximately 10 miles apart. Both sites are generally well maintained to promote the health and safety of pupils. Classrooms that are well lit and acoustic conditions are conducive to a positive learning environment.  The proposed school has an adequate supply of running water. Clear signage marks the availability of suitable drinking water.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(b), 28(1), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school provides suitable toilet facilities for pupils. However, one of the proposed sites does not include separate washing facilities solely for pupils’ use.

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Main inspection findings

 Both proposed sites provide adequately equipped medical rooms. However, at one of the sites, the medical room is located on a separate floor to toilet facilities.  There is no designated outdoor space for pupils to play outside. There are no showering facilities. Leaders intend to use a local leisure centre to facilitate PE lessons, but they do not have any agreed arrangements currently in place.  Some of the hot water supplies do not have sufficient temperature controls and present a risk of scalding.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 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)  During the inspection, all the information required in part 6 of the independent school standards was made available on request.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor is currently developing a website that is intended to provide information about the school. This website includes a range of necessary information including the contact details of those responsible for leadership. In addition, the proprietor has ensured that required policy documents are available.  Leaders understand the requirement to provide information to local authorities to support annual review processes for pupils with education, health and care plans.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i), 33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  The proposed school has a complaints policy which is available on the school’s website. The policy sets out clear timescales for the management of complaints. There is provision for complaints to be considered on an informal basis at the first

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Main inspection findings

stage of the process.  Leaders have ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 33, 33(e), 33(f), 33(g)  The complaints policy details a formal process for managing complaints including the roles and responsibilities of a governing body and a designated complaints governor. However, as the school proposes to operate without a governing body, it is not possible for the complaints procedure to be implemented as proposed.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1)(c), 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school and the education that it proposes to provide. Leaders are experienced teachers and are ambitious for what pupils can achieve. However, they do not yet have a secure understanding of the independent school standards, or all of the statutory duties involved in managing a

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Main inspection findings

school.  Lines of accountability and oversight of statutory duties are not always clear. Several of the proposed school’s policies refer to the role of a governing body. These policies are not able to be implemented effectively because the proprietor does not intend for the school to operate with a governing body in place.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is an accessibility plan in place in accordance with Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  This standard is likely to be met.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £50,000 to £60,000

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Proposed school details

Email address jlepageeducation@hotmail.com

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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 18 10 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 38 38

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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 38

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 38

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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 38

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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 38

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 3

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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 proposed school is located at two separate sites, approximately 10 miles apart. The additional premises is located at 176 Watling Street, Cannock, WS11 0BD.  The three members of teaching staff are also the proposed school’s leaders and members of the proprietor board. The proposed school does not intend to operate with the oversight of a governing body.  The proposed school does not intend to use alternative provision.  The proposed school does not have a religious character.  The proposed school intends to educate pupils with education health and care plans. It intends to cater for pupils with cognitive and learning needs, speech language and communication needs, autistic spectrum disorder, social emotional and mental health needs, moderate learning difficulty, and specific learning difficulty.

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Information about this inspection

 Inspectors carried out a range of activities to ascertain if the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards. These activities included: meeting with members of the proprietorial body, reviewing a broad range of policies, reviewing curriculum aims and examples of schemes of work, as well as reviewing leaders’ intended systems and procedures for managing the school.  An inspector conducted a tour of the premises on both school sites.  The lead inspector discussed safeguarding arrangements with the designated safeguarding lead.

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Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard, 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)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person's medical fitness;  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction;  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether- – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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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)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; – 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.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including–  24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  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

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

pupils are ensured.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  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 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(e) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (d), establishes a formal procedure for the complaint to be made in writing; – 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;

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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

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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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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