Shinsei Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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Shinsei Academy Bell House, 63 Bell Street, Oldham OL1 3PY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1)–2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a suitable curriculum policy. The proprietor intends that pupils will gain experience in linguistic, technological, human, social, aesthetic and creative subjects.  The plans and schemes of work for each subject outline the knowledge and skills that the school intends to teach across the different year groups. The school plans to match approaches and topics to the individual interests, aptitudes and abilities of each pupil. The school places suitable emphasis on the teaching of English and mathematics.  The school intends that pupils will study for recognised qualifications, including GCSEs in English, mathematics and science.  The school intends that the fundamental British values will be taught through timetabled personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education lessons. The PSHE

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Main inspection findings

education scheme of work sets out a wide range of topics that will be covered. Respect for others, including those with different faiths and from other cultures, will be taught throughout the curriculum. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)-2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3)  The proprietor has a suitable policy in place for relationships and sex education (RSE). The school plans to consult with parents and carers about the policy and the RSE curriculum should the proposed school open. It has set out for parents their right to withdraw their child from sex education. Paragraph 3, 3(a)-3(j)  There are currently two suitably qualified teachers and two support staff employed by the school. The school has appropriate plans in place to recruit more staff when needed. Leaders intend to appoint staff with the necessary teaching skills and experience.  Staff have the skills and knowledge to implement the school’s behaviour policy

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Main inspection findings

effectively to ensure that pupils can get on with their learning without disruption.  The classrooms are well equipped with appropriate resources to support pupils’ learning. Paragraph 4  The proprietor has written a suitable assessment policy. The proposed assessment arrangements will enable pupils and staff to identify pupils’ strengths and areas for development.  The school will provide parents with written reports on their children’s attainment and progress twice a year.  All of the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)-5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has developed an appropriate policy for promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The proposed school’s policies and schemes of work aim to enable pupils to understand the importance of mutual respect and

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Main inspection findings

tolerance. The school’s policies also include references to the teaching of all the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  The school’s policies reflect the proprietor’s commitment to a non-biased approach to the teaching of political views.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a)-7(b)  The proprietor has completed safer recruitment training. The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably trained in safeguarding.  The proprietor has a suitable safeguarding policy in place. Some small amendments to the safeguarding policy were completed by leaders during the inspection to ensure that it was up to date. This policy now meets all current statutory requirements. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s behaviour policy is supported by a well-

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Main inspection findings

developed anti-bullying policy. These policies set out the school’s approach to the rewards and sanctions that will be used to support pupils’ positive behaviour. It is intended that incidents of poor behaviour, including any related sanctions, will be recorded appropriately. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured that suitable policies have been prepared for all the required aspects of health and safety, including fire safety. Gas and electrical safety checks on equipment in the building have been carried out. Fire extinguishers are new and will be regularly serviced. There is signage for emergency exits around the school should visitors, staff and pupils need to leave the building in the event of a fire. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has put a suitable first-aid policy in place and has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably qualified to administer first aid. Suitable first-aid

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Main inspection findings

resources are easily accessible. Paragraph 14  The proprietor has set out an intended staffing structure that will enable a suitable level of supervision for pupils. The proprietor intends that there will be no more than five pupils in each class. Pupils are likely to be supervised effectively throughout the school day. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate registers for recording admissions and attendance are in place. It intends that these will be maintained in accordance with the relevant statutory regulations. Leaders intend that any pupil absences will be followed up swiftly. Paragraph 16, 16(a)-16(b)  The proprietor has developed risk assessments for the school premises, pupil activities and individual pupils. These set out appropriate control measures to reduce the likelihood and severity of any potential incidents.  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(3), 21(1)- 21(7)(b)  The proprietor has a single central record in place. This is electronic, but can be printed if required. This record meets the requirements for the information that it must contain.  Leaders understand that the required checks on the suitability of staff must be completed before staff take up their appointment. These checks include obtaining acceptable professional references prior to employment. However, leaders have neglected to carry out checks to establish the medical fitness of employees.  The proprietor’s plans for the recruitment of additional staff, in anticipation of the likely increased number of pupils on roll, are under way.  There is a clear plan for staff to complete safeguarding training following their appointment. Paragraph 19(2)-19(3)  Leaders are aware of the procedures that they should follow in the event of employing

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Main inspection findings

supply staff to ensure that these staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a)-23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a)-28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a)-28(2)(b)  The proposed school is housed over three floors. The building has been refurbished to a high standard. The accommodation includes a teaching room, several smaller break- out rooms, toilet and washing facilities, a kitchen, a reception area and offices. The accommodation is likely to be suitable for the education of the proposed age range and number of pupils.  There are no separate toilet and washing facilities for pupils. These facilities are shared with staff and visitors.  The school does not have changing accommodation and showers for use by pupils.  Pupils will have access to drinking water at all times from clearly marked taps and

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Main inspection findings

fountains. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a)-24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is no medical room available should a pupil be sick or injured. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a)-27(b)  The premises are safe, secure and well maintained. The acoustic features and sound insulation, together with internal and external lighting, are suitable throughout the building. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a)-29(1)(b)  The school has no outside space for pupils to play and to take part in physical education lessons.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a)-32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a)-32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)-32(3)(g)  The school has a website. Leaders have published all of the required information on this website. For instance, it includes the school’s name and address, the headteacher’s name and contact details, and policies and procedures, including those

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Main inspection findings

relating to safeguarding.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents.  The school has systems to track and report on the income and expenditure for funds received from local authorities.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)-33(k)  The school’s complaints policy sets out all the necessary steps as well as timescales for the effective handling of complaints. The school has ensured that copies of any findings and recommendations from complaints will be shared as required.  Some small amendments to the complaints policy were completed by leaders during the inspection to ensure that it was up to date.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a)–34(1)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor and school leaders have not demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that their statutory responsibilities are fulfilled and the standards are met. For instance, leaders were not aware that they must carry out medical fitness checks for all staff prior to their appointment.  The proprietor and school leaders have not promoted pupils’ well-being. For example, there is no outside space available to the pupils to play. In addition, there is not a suitable medical room set up should a pupil be sick or injured.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school does not have an accessibility plan in place.

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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

Proprietor CCL Alternative Education Ltd

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Proposed school details

Email address CCLAlternativeeducation@gmail.com

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 2 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 7

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 7

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 14 to 16 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 2 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 10

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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 0 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 2

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent school is located at Bell House, 63 Bell Street, Oldham OL1 3PY. It is housed in a repurposed and refurbished three-storey building. An electrical contracting business previously occupied the building.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 10 mixed-gender pupils, aged between 14 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who struggle to cope with mainstream education, by providing them with a small, nurturing learning environment.  The proprietor is CCL Alternative Education Ltd . This company is registered at Companies House. There is one director. This director is the chair of the proprietor body and the headteacher of the school.  The proprietor intends that there will be a governing body. The chair of the governing body has not yet been appointed.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative providers.

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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 headteacher, who is also the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. She also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour, health and safety and safeguarding. The inspector also visited lessons taking place during the inspection.  The proposed school is currently operating as an unregistered alternative provision. This alternative provision opened in November 2023. There are two pupils on roll. These pupils attend for seven hours each week. There were pupils in school during

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Information about this inspection

the inspection. Neither pupil has an education, health and care plan or is looked after by the local authority.

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Inspection team

Rebecca Sharples, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness.

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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)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time. – 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)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  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 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. – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The school does not have an accessibility plan. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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