Schools & FE · Independent school inspection
Teach Lincs Education
Summary
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- Inspection date verified
28 Aug 2024
- Inspectors verified
Emily Stevens
- Postcode verified
DN16 1SA
- Name on report verified
Teach Lincs Education
- URN verified
151245
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- 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. p.7
- Type of school Other independent special school p.8
- School status Independent special school p.8
- Email address vicky@teachlincseducation.co.uk p.8
- Number of pupils of compulsory school age 10 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 17 p.8
- Total hours of teaching provided per week 17 p.8
- Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 32 20 Reason for inspector’s recommendations p.8
- The school currently operates as an alternative provision and has 10 pupils on roll who do not attend full time. p.8
What the report dwells on
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Health & safety15
“Fire exits are clearly marked and evacuation routes are clear.” p.3
Anatomy of the report
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- Pages
- 15
- Words of findings
- 3,687
- longer than usual (typical 1813)
- Reading level
- Fairly hard
- Flesch 52, typical 49
- Average sentence
- 19 words
- Next steps
- 8
- typical 8
- Hedged sentences
- 5%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
School pre-registration inspection report
p.1
Teach Lincs Education Grange Farm Hobbies Centre, Wesley Road, Scunthorpe DN16 1SA
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Main inspection findings
Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i) Leaders have developed a curriculum policy and curriculum plans that enable pupils to study English, mathematics and science at key stages 3 and 4. A carefully constructed afternoon curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils will study a wider range of subjects, including history, geography and computing. The school has planned what pupils will know and remember, as well as the skills they will have, for these curriculum areas. Pupils will also be able to study subjects tailored to their own interests such as boxing or hairdressing. Pupils will be able to study a range of accreditations. However, opportunities to study subjects, where appropriate, to GCSE standard are not fully developed. The proposed school plans to admit pupils with special educational needs and/or
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Main inspection findings
disabilities (SEND). As such they plan to offer therapeutic interventions to meet social, emotional and mental health needs. The school does not have a plan to support pupils who may need support to gain skills in early reading. This limits the school’s ability to meet the needs and aptitudes of all pupils it plans to admit to the proposed school, including pupils with education, health and care plans (EHC plan). Leaders have used Gatsby benchmarks to develop a careers offer. Pupils will visit local colleges and learn about different jobs through the curriculum. The opportunity for impartial careers guidance has not been established. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2) The school has a well-planned personal, social and health (PSHE) and relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum for all pupils. The curriculum also enables pupils to understand some aspects of British values.
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Main inspection findings
Alongside the formal teaching of PSHE and RSE, the school intends to address any issues that arise within the school’s community as they arise. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j), 4 Leaders and the proprietor are committed to staff development. Where necessary, staff are well supported to access additional training to develop their skills and understanding. Leaders understand how assessment will make checks on what pupils know and remember over time. The use of one-to-one intervention sessions is designed to make checks in a safe and secure way with pupils and to build pupils’ confidence. The school proposes to use baseline assessments and observations of adults who work with pupils to ensure that gaps in learning are quickly identified when pupils are admitted. Internal evaluation processes will track pupils' progress both academically and pastorally. Staff have not had any training to meet the needs of early readers.
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Main inspection findings
Several of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are not 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 Paragraphs 5, 5(a) to 5(d) The school has thought carefully about how the curriculums for PSHE and RSE support aspects of pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. In particular, the careful planning of life skills, including economic understanding and healthy diets, are well considered and show progression for pupils as they move through school. The school plans to make use of local elections and the building as a polling station to bring aspects of democracy to life for pupils who attend. The school has developed a programme of targets and therapeutic intervention so that pupils develop self-esteem and confidence. This also helps them recognise and celebrate their own achievements individually and as a group. Opportunities to develop an understanding of other cultures and faiths in order to develop tolerance and respect are not clearly planned out. The school’s plans for this
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Main inspection findings
are opportunistic and do not give pupils the chance to understand a wide range of cultures. The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens.
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Main inspection findings
Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date with the relevant government guidance. It is available in school for parents and will be published on the school’s website which is under construction. The policy sets out clearly what actions staff should take to safeguard pupils. It is clear how to raise concerns about adults who work with pupils. Key staff are trained designated safeguarding leads. They access regular local safeguarding networks. They understand local community issues. They have already established key relationships with local safeguarding professionals and services. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10 The proposed school’s behaviour policy sets out clearly the expectations for pupils and staff. It is designed to ensure that pupils will work in calm and orderly classrooms. The ethos of the school aligns with the policy so that pupils have raised levels of self-
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Main inspection findings
esteem and confidence and are well supported to manage their emotions. A clear system for recording behaviour is in place. This will record both positive behaviour and behaviour not meeting the school’s expectations. There is an anti-bullying policy. It outlines how the school will prevent bullying through education but also support those involved in any reported bullying incidents. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 The school has a health and safety policy that is related to the proposed school. It outlines how the school will comply with relevant health and safety laws. The proprietor and leaders will ensure that the proposed school will comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Staff have already received fire marshal training. By the end of this inspection, all rooms had appropriate evacuation plans displayed. Fire exits are clearly marked and evacuation routes are clear. Key staff have suitable first-aid training. First-aid kits are well stocked and in date. The
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Main inspection findings
procedures for administering first aid are robust. Record-keeping is established. The first-aid policy reflects the school’s proposed first-aid protocols. Pupils will be supervised by staff across the school day. The proposed school will be adequately staffed with teaching and pastoral staff to meet the needs of pupils who attend. The proprietor and leaders have a clear understanding of attendance codes and proposed registers reflect this. The admissions register was developed during the course of this inspection. It holds the necessary information needed for admissions. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b) The school has a suitable risk assessment policy. It advises and supports staff to identify and manage risk. A number of risk assessments are in place relating to the school building, activities undertaken and subjects taught. Some risk assessments were further developed during this inspection. All risk assessments identify and reduce
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Main inspection findings
risks associated with each activity. 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 Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a) to 21(3)(b), 21(6) Leaders have completed safer recruitment training. Their processes for recruitment and induction contain the necessary recruitment checks. The school already operates as an alternative provision, and therefore some staff are already in post. The single central record is not fully up to date. During the on-site inspection work, a number of checks, some of which had been completed prior to inspection, were added to the record. Leaders do not routinely date when checks are made. Not all checks on supply staff are recorded. Checks relating to section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 had not been completed on relevant staff. Some of these were still incomplete by the end of the
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Main inspection findings
inspection. The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens.
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Main inspection findings
Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a) to 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b) The proposed school has separate toilet facilities for boys and girls. One floor has a toilet in part of the community centre that is shared with the public. There is a suitable risk assessment and supervision in place for pupils to access this. There is adequate space for pupils to change for physical education (PE) lessons. There is an on-site shower room and a risk assessment in place to use this as it is housed in another building. Leaders have created a medical room that is suitably equipped with medical resources, including a bed. There is also a washing facility. It is not located close to a toilet. At present, the toilet is within the community centre shared by the public or requires movement to an upper floor. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)
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Main inspection findings
The proposed school is within a large community centre. The school has designated space with its own access points. During the inspection, an additional security door was being fitted to ensure that no members of the public have access to the office and entry corridor to the lower floor of the school. Classrooms are well lit and some have recently been repainted. They have appropriate lighting and acoustics for teaching. As well as classrooms, pupils have access to break-out spaces in each planned key stage area and a kitchen area. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b) There are two outdoor spaces that can be used for social times and some small group teaching of the PE curriculum. There is also an indoor sports hall space that will ensure that PE can be taught on site all year round. Several of the standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens.
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Main inspection findings
Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c) to 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a) to 32(3)(f) The school has a school website under development. It contains the necessary pages to hold the information as required by the standards. Some policies are already on the website such as health and safety and safeguarding. All other policies are up to date and available for parents and carers to access in school. The school has developed a template to report to parents. This outlines the progress pupils are making and relevant targets linked to academic and pastoral achievement. The proprietor has sound understanding of how they will account for the funding they will receive from different authorities. Leaders know that inspection reports and future examination results need to be published on the website once they are available.
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Main inspection findings
The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.
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Main inspection findings
Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(a) to 33(k) The school has a written complaints policy. This policy was further developed during the course of the inspection. It clearly sets out how complaints will be handled. This includes appropriate timescales for investigation. There is an option for complaints to be heard by a panel, with independent representation on the panel. The policy states how complaints will be recorded and stored and how information will be shared with complainants. The standards in this part are 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 Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a) to 34(1)(c) The proprietor and leaders share the same aspirations for pupils who will attend the proposed school. Leaders have experience working with pupils with SEND. At the time of the inspection, some aspects of the standards were known by leaders and the proprietor, but they were not securely known in sufficient detail. The proprietor and leaders have established a clear vision. They want pupils to be confident and successful following their time at the school. The proprietor is beginning to develop a governing body. A chair of governing body has been appointed. How the proprietor and the governing body will work together to hold leaders to account is not clear. The school has made the welfare of pupils a high priority. This is seen in aspects of the curriculum, approaches to managing behaviour and safeguarding procedures.
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Main inspection findings
They want pupils to succeed. The proprietor and leaders know the importance of meeting the standards consistently and securely. They are committed to making sure all standards are met, including those not met during this inspection. Some of the standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 The proprietor body has ensured that the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.
p.5
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
Email address vicky@teachlincseducation.co.uk
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Provider already operating
Number of pupils of compulsory school age 10 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 17
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Provider already operating
Total hours of teaching provided per week 17
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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 32 20 Reason for inspector’s recommendations The school currently operates as an alternative provision and has 10 pupils on roll who do not attend full time. All pupils have social, emotional and mental health needs. No pupils have an EHC plan currently. The proposed school will be able to admit pupils with an EHC plan if the proposed school were to open. While rooms have sufficient places for a roll of 32 pupils proposed, given the increase from 10 to 32 and the complexities of need for pupils who may attend, 20 pupils will support a successful transition for the proposed school.
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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 32
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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 32
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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 Not known
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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 Not known
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School’s current position School’s proposal
Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 4
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School’s current position School’s proposal
Number of staff in the welfare provision 5 7
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Information about this proposed school
The proposed school is situated within a local authority-owned community centre in Scunthorpe. The proprietor currently runs an 11 to 16 years alternative education provision with the same name on the same site. Pupils for this provision currently attend part time and no pupils have EHC plans This provision will be incorporated into the proposed independent school. The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and pupils with autism. Some pupils may have an EHC plan. The proposed school does not have any religious character. The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.
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Information about this inspection
This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards prior to opening as a registered school. This is the first pre-registration inspection for the school. Leaders were notified of this inspection in advance of it being conducted. The proposed school is currently operating as an alternative provision. No pupils were present at the time of the inspection. No pupils on roll have an EHC plan. The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor board, the chair of the proposed school’s governing body, the head of centre and staff. The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the standards. The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the head of centre. Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.
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Inspection team
Emily Stevens, 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)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; 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
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Part 1. Quality of education provided
their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 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;
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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils
5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
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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(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment. 19(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 19(2)(a) a person offered for supply by an employment business to the school only begins to work at the school if the proprietor has received- – 19(2)(a)(i)(aa) that the checks referred to in paragraph 21(3)(a)(i) to (iv), (vii) and (b) have been made to the extent relevant to that person; – 19(2)(a)(i)(dd) that, where that person is one for whom, by reason of that person
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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors
living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person's suitability to work in a school, it or another employment business has obtained such further checks as appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; 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)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 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)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 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
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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors
disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to 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
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
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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 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
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
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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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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