Felix House School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Felix House School Felix House, 20 Nidderdale, Kingston-upon-Hull HU7 4BS

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The school has planned a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils in the 8 - 18 age range. Leaders have high aspirations for what pupils can achieve. The curriculum includes the core subjects of English, mathematics and science. In addition, pupils will study foundation subjects such as history, geography, computer science, art and design and physical education. School leaders have ensured provision is in place for those pupils at an early stage of reading. They have a Department for Education (DfE) approved phonics programme in place. Moreover, the school has ensured that there is a central focus on literacy and numeracy in the curriculum.  The planned curriculum includes personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and careers education. The school plans to implement a commercially

p.1

Main inspection findings

produced programme of study for PSHE. This programme includes content on the protected characteristics and fundamental British values. It is designed to prepare pupils to play an active role in modern British society. The school intends to use commercially produced employment and life skills programmes to support pupils’ preparation for employment. It intends to work with a range of external partners to ensure that pupils receive the guidance and support they need to make informed choices about their future education, training and employment.  The school has given careful thought to how it will adapt its planned curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders propose to assess pupils’ needs to determine their starting points when they start school. Pupils’ views will be central to this process. The school intends to develop personalised curriculum routes for its pupils, informed by pupils’ education, health and

p.1

Main inspection findings

care (EHC) plans. Paragraphs 2(A)(1) to 2(A)(1)(b), 2(A)(1)(d) to 2(A)(2)  The proposed school has suitable plans in place to provide relationships education for pupils of primary age and relationships and sex education for pupils of secondary age. The content of the curriculum meets statutory guidance. The school plans to consult with parents about the content of the relationships and sex education curriculum. The school’s relationships and sex education policy includes information about parents’ right to withdraw secondary age pupils from sex education. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The school has developed teaching and learning and behaviour policies that will support the effective implementation of the curriculum. These policies consider the needs of pupils with SEND, particularly the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. They also reflect appropriate knowledge and understanding of what makes for effective teaching and learning.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The school’s approach to assessment will focus on identifying small steps in pupils’ progress. Pupils will study towards either full GCSE programmes of study or entry level programmes of study, informed by continuous assessment of their progress.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Leaders are passionate and have a clear vision to put pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) at the heart of school life. The school’s policy reflects this vision. The school proposes to provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and the cultures, faiths and beliefs of others. It plans to ensure a strong focus on this aspect of pupils’ development, both through the school’s values and ethos and through the PSHE and wider curriculum.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school is aware of its responsibility to ensure that pupils are free from the promotion of partisan political views, either through the teaching of the curriculum or through any other organised school activity.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  Leaders and the proprietor body have ensured that arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the proposed school. Such arrangements are informed by relevant statutory guidance. The school’s proposed safeguarding systems and processes should provide the foundations of a strong, open and honest culture of safeguarding. School leaders possess the requisite safeguarding training. Plans are in place for staff to receive safeguarding training prior to pupils attending the school and at regular intervals thereafter. This should ensure that staff

p.2

Main inspection findings

remain alert to the risks for pupils.  The school has established links with external safeguarding partners including local authorities and the police. It intends to work with parents and carers to raise their awareness of safeguarding risks. Pupils will be taught how to keep themselves safe. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The school has relevant behaviour and anti-bullying policies in place, informed by DfE guidance. The behaviour policy takes into account pupils’ SEND needs. The school intends to adapt its approach to individual pupils, informed by pupils’ EHC plans. Paragraphs 11 to 14  The school has a health and safety policy in place that complies with relevant health and safety laws. It has established a first aid policy that outlines how first aid will be administered. These policies should ensure a rigorous approach to health and safety.  At the time of the inspection, a fire risk assessment to confirm compliance with the

p.2

Main inspection findings

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 had not been completed. However, a fire safety strategy has been carried out by a building contractor and the siting of fire equipment has been determined. The school has a fire and maintenance log in place. It has established plans for regular fire evacuation drills and fire equipment checks. The fire risk assessment is scheduled to be undertaken on 3 September 2024.  Leaders have carefully considered the appropriate deployment of school staff to en- sure that pupils are properly supervised. The school intends to teach pupils in three teaching groups of no more than five pupils per group. Each teaching group will be staffed with a teacher and teaching assistant. All teaching staff have been appointed. Paragraphs 15 to 16(b)  There is an appropriate admission and attendance register that leaders intend to maintain in accordance with statutory regulations.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The school has a risk assessment policy in place with identified potential risks and completed appropriate assessments of those risks. This should ensure that pupils’ welfare is safeguarded and promoted.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The school is carrying out all necessary pre-employment checks on staff who have been appointed to work at the school. It takes a rigorous approach to these checks. No member of staff will start work at the school prior to these checks having been completed. The school does not intend to use supply staff. However, should the school decide to employ supply staff, it knows and understands its role in ensuring that the relevant supply agency has carried out all necessary pre-employment checks.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 20(6) to 20(6)(c)  All necessary checks on members of the proprietor body have been undertaken with appropriate rigour. No member of the proprietor body will take up their role prior to these checks having been completed. Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The proprietor keeps a single central record of all the pre-employment checks on staff and members of the proprietor body. The school’s single central record records all relevant checks and the dates on which those checks were made. The school is at an advanced stage in the process of recording all pre-employment checks for staff already appointed.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 28(2)(b)  At the time of the inspection, building work was complete apart from some minor plumbing work needed to connect water to toilets and wash basins, installation of fire

p.3

Main inspection findings

safety equipment and acoustic panelling. The outstanding work is planned for completion prior to the school’s proposed opening date.  The school’s new premises will provide pupils with a high-quality, safe and healthy learning environment. The school has appropriate toilet, washing, medical care and therapy facilities. The toilets are all individual cubicles, secured from the inside. These facilities are sufficient for the number of pupils proposed by the school. They will also support the school in meeting the special educational needs of those pupils. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is suitable outdoor space for pupils to play outside. This space is on the school site and contains fixed climbing equipment. It is sufficient to accommodate the number of pupils proposed by the school. There are appropriate areas within this outdoor space that can be designated for pupils of

p.4

Main inspection findings

different age groups. The school intends to use external venues, including sports facilities at a local primary school, for the teaching of physical education.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  The school intends to publish relevant information required by ‘the standards’ on a school website. This will include a statement of the school’s aims and ethos and school policies for safeguarding, SEND, behaviour and admissions. It will also include contact details of the school, headteacher, governing body and proprietor body. The school website is under construction.  The school understands its responsibilities with regard to providing information to local authorities about pupils with EHC plans.  Leaders plan to provide parents with termly reports about pupils’ progress in all

p.4

Main inspection findings

subjects. They propose to invite parents to regular meetings to discuss this.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The school has a written complaints policy in place. The policy provides relevant information with regard to the school’s complaints procedure, including timescales, complainants’ rights and the school’s responsibilities.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has undertaken a rigorous recruitment and selection process. This has ensured the appointment of school leaders who possess the knowledge and skills to fulfil their roles effectively and who prioritise pupils’ well-being. School leaders understand the importance of continuing professional development for staff. They

p.4

Main inspection findings

have a calendared programme of staff development in place.  School leaders will be supported in their roles by experienced school leaders in the proprietor’s organisation. The chair of the governing body is an experienced educationalist. There is a school advisory board in place to provide appropriate challenge.  The proprietor has appointed leaders and developed quality assurance systems that should ensure that ‘the standards’ are met consistently over time.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has developed an accessibility plan for the proposed school. It outlines how the school will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that pupils can access the curriculum as well as the physical environment.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

Proprietor Cascade (Banks House) Limited

p.7

Proposed school details

Email address victoria.smithson@cascade-care.com

p.7

Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.7

n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 - 18 8 - 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 15 15

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 15

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 15

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 15

p.8

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 15

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.9

School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 7

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in the city of Kingston-upon-Hull. It will operate from new premises at Felix House, 20 Nidderdale, Kingston-upon-Hull HU7 4BS. There will be a separate children’s home at the same premises.  The proposed school will provide education for pupils with SEMH needs.  It will offer up to six school places for pupils who reside in the children’s home at the same premises as the school. The other places will be for pupils who live in the local authorities of Kingston-Upon-Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned Ofsted to carry out this pre- registration inspection. The purpose of the inspection was to determine whether the proposed school was likely to meet the independent school standards should the DfE decide to allow the school to open.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with two members of the proprietor body, the headteacher and a member of the teaching staff.  Inspectors discussed the proposed school’s curriculum with school leaders and staff and looked at curriculum plans and schemes of work for all proposed subjects.  Inspectors met with the school’s designated safeguarding lead. They looked at safeguarding documentation and record keeping, including the single central record.  Inspectors toured the school site and scrutinised a wide range of documentary evidence to check on the statutory requirements of the independent school standards.

p.10

Inspection team

Ian Rawstorne, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

p.10

Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor 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 .

p.10

Inspection team

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.

p.11

Inspection team

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 .

p.11

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.

p.11

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11