The Motiv8 School

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Motiv8 School Gordon Centre, Brecon Avenue, Sefton L30 1RQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(2), 2(2)(a) and 2(2)(b)  The proposed school intends to provide full-time education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor anticipates that all pupils will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The proprietor has set out an ambitious and suitably broad curriculum. Pupils will work towards recognised qualifications in a range of academic subjects. In addition, pupils will follow a specialised technical curriculum in engineering skills such as welding.  The curriculum does not take sufficient account of pupils’ likely needs and aptitudes, including the anticipated gaps in their reading knowledge and any missed learning from earlier key stages. Schemes of work do not consider how the school might fill these gaps so that pupils can access the curriculum that the school intends.

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Main inspection findings

 There is no planned programme to support any pupils at the early stages of reading, even though leaders expect this to be necessary.  Some of the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in these paragraphs are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. These have been listed in full in the report annex. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(2)  The proposed school will teach personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education through timetabled lessons. The proprietor has adopted a suitable PSHE curriculum which incorporates age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education.  The proprietor has made suitable arrangements for impartial careers information, advice and guidance. The proposed school intends to tailor this provision to the individual needs and interests of pupils and reflect a wide range of post-16 options for pupils in the local area.  The proposed school intends for pupils to be well prepared for, and contribute

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Main inspection findings

successfully to, life in British society.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraph 3  The proposed school intends to use a combination of qualified and unqualified teachers. Many of these are already in post, including staff with suitable training and expertise to deliver the vocational aspects of the school’s curriculum well.  The proposed school’s curriculum does not take sufficient account of pupils’ likely needs and aptitudes, nor have staff given enough thought to how teaching may need to be adapted to meet these needs. This makes it unlikely that pupils will be able to acquire new knowledge and develop secure understanding.  Resources available in the proposed school are limited, including books for pupils to read. Added to this, there is a lack of suitable expertise in supporting pupils at the early stages of reading, including those who need support to secure their phonics

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Main inspection findings

knowledge.  The school has put suitable strategies in place to assess pupils’ work regularly.  The standard in this paragraph is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proposed school intends to provide activities to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is included in the curriculum for PSHE in addition to a broader offer of trips, visitors and opportunities that the school has planned.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has considered fundamental British values as part of the school’s curriculum.  The proposed school’s policies, including the behaviour and anti-bullying policies, demonstrate the proprietor’s intentions for pupils to learn about mutual respect and tolerance of others. These policies refer to the protected characteristics, as set out in

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Main inspection findings

the Equality Act 2010.  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  The proprietor has drawn up a suitable safeguarding policy. This is informed by current statutory guidance. This policy describes arrangements that are highly likely to be effective in keeping pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the school.  The headteacher has received appropriate training to be the designated safeguarding lead. Other senior staff have also received training to the same level. In addition, all staff will receive appropriate and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism, criminal and sexual exploitation, and e-safety. Staff are well informed about the risks and vulnerabilities that pupils are likely to face in their community.  The standard in this paragraph is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 9, 10  The proposed school’s behaviour policy sets out suitably high expectations of pupils’ conduct, alongside leaders’ and staff’s responsibilities. There is an appropriate system which the proposed school intends to use to record incidents of serious misbehaviour and the response to them.  The proposed school’s ‘anti-bullying and hate incidents’ policy is appropriate. This policy makes it clear how the proposed school intends to respond to bullying, including incidents which happen online.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 11, 13, 14, 15, 16  The proprietor has ensured that there are effective policies in place for health and safety and for the administration of first aid. First-aid equipment is sensibly situated in parts of the school where it is most likely to be needed. Existing staff are trained as first aiders. The proposed school intends that new staff will undergo similar training.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has appropriate systems in place to ensure that it maintains admission and attendance registers in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. The proposed school’s plans to supervise pupils throughout the day are appropriately robust.  Documentation provided by the proposed school includes risk assessments that demonstrate a suitable understanding of the management of risk. This includes the risks associated with the school’s specialist curriculum, such as welding.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraph 12  The proprietor has not ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proposed school has commissioned a suitable fire-risk audit by a competent person. This audit indicated some actions to reduce the risks from fire, such as providing a fire blanket in the kitchen and installing fire detectors in an area

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Main inspection findings

planned to be used for welding. The proprietor could not provide suitable assurances about how and when it would carry out these actions.  The standard in this paragraph is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 20, 21  The proprietor has already recruited several staff to work at the proposed school. An electronic single central register (SCR) is in place. This is well organised to record the essential checks made as part of the recruitment process.  At the start of the inspection, the proposed school had not carried out some of the checks required by law on the school’s existing staff. For instance, the proprietor had not checked whether any member of staff is subject to a prohibition order. This was rectified during the inspection. The proprietor is now aware of this requirement, and how to carry it out when it appoints new staff.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has no plans to employ agency staff. Nevertheless, it understands its responsibility to check the suitability of such people if this does occur.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29  The proprietor has recently taken over the lease of the building. The premises are generally clean and free of clutter. Classrooms, corridors and other social and teaching spaces are well lit. Rooms are appropriately furnished and suitable for their intended purpose.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities provided, including a shower. Hot water is set at a safe temperature. Drinking-water supplies are clearly labelled and available throughout the building.  The medical room is appropriate for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. The room is close to a toilet and the proposed school has equipped it with suitable

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Main inspection findings

washing facilities.  External lighting is fitted to aid safe entry to and exit from the building.  The proposed school intends to use a local park to enable pupils to play outside and, where necessary, for physical education. This is in easy walking distance and has a high railing around the site with a single point of access. It is a suitable area. The proposed school premises also includes a sports hall and an additional outdoor area for pupils to use.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraph 25  The proprietor could not provide assurances about the safety of the electrical installation at the premises, nor of any portable electrical appliances in the school. This is because the proposed school has not carried out testing in a timely way. Furthermore, the proprietor has not established robust systems for checking the state of the premises and arranging any associated maintenance. This means that the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor could not be clear about when it would carry out some necessary maintenance work. For example, repairs to a ceiling damaged by water ingress.  The standard in this paragraph is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32  The proposed school’s website is currently under development. The proposed school has ensured that this website is designed in a way that will provide parents and carers with all the required policies and information. This includes a current safeguarding policy which adheres to current statutory guidance.  The proposed school has established suitable templates for reporting to parents about their child’s progress, attainment and attitude to learning.  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  The proposed school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. It

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Main inspection findings

sets out the process for making a complaint, both at an informal and a formal stage. The policy sets out appropriate timescales and what complainants can expect at each stage. It also makes provision for an independent person to chair any formal hearing.  The complaints policy will be available on the proposed school’s website once it is operational.  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  The headteacher and members of the proprietor body are experienced teachers and educational leaders. They have a clear vision for the education that they want to provide. They are knowledgeable about how this will meet a need in the local area. However, the proposed school lacks expertise in assessing the needs of pupils with SEND, and in supporting weaker readers. Because of this, leaders have given insufficient thought to these important aspects of the proposed school’s provision.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has made considerable progress since the previous pre-registration inspection. For instance, in the development of the school’s PSHE, RSE and careers programmes. This has ensured that more of the standards are likely to be met at this inspection. However, it has not considered all of the standards equally well. For example, the proprietor was not aware of some of the requirements related to pre- employment checks. Consequently, it had not carried these out at the time of this inspection.  The proprietor has not ensured that the standards related to health and safety are likely to be met consistently. It has been slow to act on maintenance issues about which they were already aware. This reflects a lack of urgency in ensuring that the proposed school is ready to open. While the proposed school was able to resolve some issues during the inspection, leaders could not provide assurances about others.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard in this part is not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has drawn up a suitable accessibility plan. This includes actions to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum. In addition, all areas of the premises are accessible to people with disabilities.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are 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

Chair Lee Dickinson and Elizabeth McLoughlin (co-chairs) Headteacher Jack Abraham

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Proposed school details

Email address office@themotiv8school.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 Not applicable

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Reason for inspector's recommendation  Some of the standards that would be unlikely to be met if the school opened, including those relating to the curriculum, indicate that pupils would not be likely to receive a suitable education.

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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 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

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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 20

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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 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 7

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 3 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will operate from a former youth centre known as the Gordon Centre, located at Brecon Avenue, Sefton L30 1RQ.  Until recently, the proprietor operated an unregistered alternative provision from the same location. At the time of the inspection, this provision had ceased to operate.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision for pupils.  The school will cater for pupils aged from 14 to 16 years with a range of special educational needs. It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan. Places at the school will be commissioned by local authorities.  The proprietor body is The Jean Project Limited. There are two directors, who are joint chairs. In addition, it is intended that the school will have an independent chair of governors.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection. At the time of the previous inspection in June 2023, the school was known as The Jean Foundation.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and both co-chairs of the proprietor body to discuss all aspects of the school’s application.  The inspector made a tour of the school site to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.

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Inspection team

Ben Hill, 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.  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.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 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(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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 pupils are ensured.

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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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