New Focus Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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New Focus Education Cottam Business Centre, Cottam Lane, Preston, Lancashire PR2 1AF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(g), 2A(2), 2A(3)  The proposed school intends to provide full-time education for pupils. It has designed a curriculum to meet pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  There is a clear curriculum policy. The proprietor intends that pupils will gain experience in linguistic, technological, human, social, aesthetic and creative subjects. The curriculum includes the full range of national curriculum subjects, including English, mathematics and science. Pupils at the early stages of reading will follow a recognised phonics programme.  The schemes of work show the knowledge and skills that the school intends to teach for the proposed age range of pupils. The school intends to personalise the curriculum. It plans to match approaches and topics to the individual interests,

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Main inspection findings

aptitudes and abilities of each pupil, who will all have SEND.  The proprietor places a strong emphasis on the development of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. Leaders have also ensured that there is suitable provision for the development of pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.  Pupils’ PSHE education will be timetabled weekly. The intended PSHE education curriculum covers a wide range of topics that pay regard to the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010. This curriculum also includes relationships and sex education and health education. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j)  The proprietor has already appointed some experienced staff to deliver the curriculum. The proprietor is in the process of recruiting others. Leaders have a clear idea of the calibre and expertise they are looking for in their new teachers and other staff.  Teaching in the proposed school is likely to enable pupils to make strong progress.

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Main inspection findings

Evidence from the school’s intended curriculum documents supports this. Staff will be expected to match their subject teaching strategies to pupils’ needs.  The school is well resourced, with a range of appropriate educational materials and equipment that will be appealing to the proposed age range of pupils. The school intends to install a library. At the time of the inspection, this was unfurnished. However, the proprietor was able to provide assurance that books were awaiting delivery. This work can be completed quickly if the proposed school opens. Pupils will have access to computers.  At the time of the inspection, several classrooms were unfurnished. The proprietor was able to provide assurance to the inspector that suitable furniture is currently on order and awaiting imminent installation. This work can be completed swiftly if the proposed school opens. In the classrooms where this work has already taken place,

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Main inspection findings

the furniture is of a high quality. An interactive screen was installed. Plans are in place to install interactive screens in the other classrooms once work is completed.  The proprietor and leaders are committed to providing a good-quality education for pupils. Their knowledge, skills and experience will enable them to guide and support teachers, so they can provide a suitable quality of education when the school opens. Paragraph 4  The school has a suitable assessment policy in place.  The school will assess pupils’ academic starting points thoroughly when they join the school. Leaders anticipate that this will include pupils who transfer from other schools, as well as pupils who have previously experienced disruption to their education.  The assessment policy shows that there will be ongoing assessments of pupils’ progress and attainment. Leaders have set out how the information from these assessments will be communicated to parents and carers on a regular basis. Teachers

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Main inspection findings

will also use these assessments to inform their teaching.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are 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), 5(b) to 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d) to 5(d)(iii)  The school’s curriculum emphasises the contribution that each subject will make to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. Curriculum plans also show that the active promotion of fundamental British values will be an important part of the school’s work. This includes values such as tolerance and respect, together with the development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of being a British citizen.  The proposed curriculum also shows how pupils will learn about different faiths, cultures and religions.  The proposed school intends to provide activities to support pupils’ social development such as guided exploration of the local area. Leaders’ plans set out how pupils will contribute to their local and wider community through enterprise initiatives, for

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Main inspection findings

example the development of a community garden shop and local litter-picking.  The school’s policies include appropriate references to all the protected characteristics set out in legislation.  The standard in this part is 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 proprietor and leaders have paid careful attention to the most current statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils. A suitable and up-to-date policy is in place. Leaders have introduced all the necessary arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare at the proposed school.  The proprietor has appointed a suitably qualified designated safeguarding lead (DSL). In addition, it is intended that other senior staff will also be trained to DSL level. Furthermore, all new staff will receive appropriate induction, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism, sexual exploitation and online safety. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The proprietor has ensured that the policy on behaviour and the anti-bullying strategy pay appropriate attention to the needs of pupils likely to be admitted to the school. It

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Main inspection findings

is intended that any incidents of poor behaviour and any sanctions imposed on pupils will be recorded appropriately. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that suitable policies have been prepared for all the required aspects of health and safety, including fire safety. The proprietor has arranged for gas and electrical safety checks to be carried out by a competent person. The fire exits are clearly marked. Leaders have ensured that fire extinguishers are regularly serviced to ensure that they are in good condition.  The school’s projected staffing levels are likely to be sufficient to provide adequate supervision for pupils if the school opens to its maximum proposed capacity.  The proprietor has an appropriate first-aid policy in place. Staff already appointed have undergone first-aid training.  The proprietor has also ensured that detailed written risk assessments have been

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Main inspection findings

drawn up and appropriate actions have been taken to reduce identified risks.  Leaders have made appropriate arrangements to ensure that the school’s computer network has appropriate monitoring and filtering in place. This is to assure pupils’ safety when they are working online.  All of 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), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a) to 21(3)(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record is in place and meets the requirements for the information it must contain. Leaders understand the need to complete all the required checks on the suitability of staff before they take up an appointment.  The proprietor and headteacher have completed appropriate training to support the appointment of suitable staff to work in a school. One member of teaching staff has already been appointed. Plans to recruit additional teachers and support staff are in place. The induction documentation for new staff makes it clear that they will undergo a full suite of safeguarding, and other appropriate training, on appointment.  The proprietor understands their responsibility to seek the necessary assurances

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Main inspection findings

relating to overseas background checks.  Leaders are aware of the procedures they should follow in the event of employing agency staff to ensure that they are suitable to work with pupils.  Leaders do not intend to engage volunteers. However, they are clear about their responsibility for checking the suitability of volunteers who may work with pupils if this does occur.  The standards in this part are 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), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is housed over two floors. The building has been refurbished to a high standard. The accommodation comprises at least seven teaching rooms or breakout rooms, adequate toilets, three dedicated kitchens, a large space suitable for indoor physical education and a reception area.  There are appropriate toilet facilities. These are housed in cubicles which are lockable from the inside. All toilet and washing facilities have an adequate supply of running water. The hot water in the hand basins does not pose a risk of scalding to pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that drinking-water is clearly labelled and is available for the proposed pupils throughout the day.  The medical room is appropriate for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils.

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Main inspection findings

The room is close to a toilet and is equipped with suitable washing facilities. At the time of the inspection, the set-up of the medical room was incomplete. The proprietor was able to provide assurance to the inspector that a bed and lockable storage for medication was ordered and awaiting installation. This work can be completed promptly if the proposed school opens. A first-aid kit was in the medical room at the time of the inspection.  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. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that pupils will have access to suitable indoor and outdoor spaces for physical education (PE) and play. There is an electric security gate, a wall and suitable railings around the grounds to make the site secure. The proprietor is

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Main inspection findings

undertaking work to erect an additional fence to ensure clear delineation between a small number of parking bays and the area designated for outdoor play.  PE activities will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the school’s curriculum requirements. Some of these sessions may be conducted at a local sports centre. Leaders will have risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety when travelling to and from the sports centre and when using this site.  All of the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(j), 32(2) to 32(2)(d), 32(3) to 32(3)(g)  At the time of the inspection, the school did not have a website. However, leaders intend to make all parents aware of the school’s contact details and give them access to its policies. The school intends to publish all the required information on its website when it is live. This includes the school’s name and address; the headteacher’s name and contact details; policies; and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents.  The standard in this part is 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 complaints policy is comprehensive. The policy sets out all the necessary steps as well as timelines for the effective handling of complaints. The school has ensured that copies of any findings and recommendations will be shared as required.  The standard in this part is 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 has an appropriate understanding of the standards. The proprietor has plans in place to monitor compliance with the standards regularly.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge required to set up and run this independent school successfully. They have experience of, and a commitment to, providing an effective quality of education for pupils. They are likely to fulfil their responsibilities to promote the well-being of pupils.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan fully reflects statutory requirements.

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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.

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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 category Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address katie.stephens@newfocuseducation.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 6 to 11 6 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 30

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 30

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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 As required

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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 As required

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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 part-time teaching staff None None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable As required

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school will operate from two-storey premises located at Cottam Business Centre, Cottam Lane, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 1AF. The building has been repurposed and refurbished. It will be used solely by the proposed school.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 30 mixed-gender pupils, aged between six and 11 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 school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and sensory needs. It is expected that some pupils may have an education, health and care plan.  The proprietor is an individual. The proposed school is registered at Companies House. There is one other named director on Companies House who acts in a financial capacity.  A headteacher has been appointed. Pre-employment checks for the headteacher have

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Information about this proposed school

been completed. It is intended that he will take up post from 8 January 2025.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provision.

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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 registers the school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher, a lead teacher and the proprietor.  The inspector made a tour of the school site, both internally and externally, 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

Kate Bowker, lead inspector 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 .

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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.

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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 .

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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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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