Foundations for LIFE School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Foundations for LIFE School Essex House, Bridle Road, Bootle, Liverpool, Merseyside L30 4UE

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b)-2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)-2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(i)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has an appropriate curriculum policy in place, which clearly explains leaders’ aims for the curriculum. The policy outlines a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study in key stage 2, key stage 3 and key stage 4. The curriculum policy outlines how the curriculum will contribute to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education and take into account the needs and previous experiences of pupils.  The curriculum policy is supported by appropriate schemes of work for each subject. The proposed school has thought carefully about what pupils should learn and by when, and what prior knowledge they will need to be successful in new learning. The curriculum is carefully designed to meet the individual needs of pupils, all of whom will have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The proposed school places sufficient importance on the teaching of reading, writing,

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Main inspection findings

speaking and listening, and mathematics. For example, it has carefully considered how pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read will be supported to gain the phonics knowledge that they need to read with confidence and fluency. Subjects such as science and physical education (PE) are also given prominence on the school’s timetable. Pupils will study a range of other subjects that will provide them with experiences in technological, human and social and aesthetic and creative education.  Pupils in key stage 4 will have access to academic and vocational qualifications. For example, pupils will be able to sit examinations in mathematics, science and English.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught through timetabled lessons. There is an appropriate scheme of work for PSHE education. This sets out the important knowledge that pupils will acquire from key stage 2 to key

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Main inspection findings

stage 4. There is a suitable emphasis on health and well-being and relationships. The proposed school plans to develop close links with the local community, such as local support services. The curriculum encourages pupils’ respect for other people, including those with the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  There are suitable arrangements in place for pupils in key stages 3 and 4 to receive careers education. The proposed school intends to provide impartial careers information, advice and guidance through the PSHE curriculum and with the support of external agencies. The proposed school also intends to arrange work experience as well as visits to employers and local businesses. These activities will be tailored to the individual needs and interests of pupils. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a)-(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(3)  The PSHE curriculum will provide pupils with age-appropriate relationships and sex

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Main inspection findings

education. The proposed school’s policy complies with the relevant statutory guidance. The proposed school has considered how it will consult with parents and carers about the policy. It has ensured that the policy is shared with prospective parents on the website. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(g)  The proprietor is committed to ensuring that teachers and other staff have the appropriate subject knowledge and expertise to teach the curriculum well. For example, it has recruited experienced staff from mainstream primary and secondary schools with a broad spectrum of curriculum and behaviour experience to provide a good-quality education for pupils. The proprietor is further supporting staff development by providing professional training, guidance and opportunities to work with other schools to help teachers to deliver the curriculum effectively.  The proposed school has provided teachers with curriculum plans that detail the

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Main inspection findings

important knowledge that they need to teach and when to teach it. These plans also give teachers information about what prior knowledge pupils should have to help them to learn new subject content. The proposed school expects teachers to adapt these plans in response to the needs and aptitudes of pupils. The proprietor has ensured that classrooms are designated for specific subjects, such as computer science and food technology. The classrooms and teaching spaces are resourced to a high standard with a range of appropriate equipment.  The proprietor has ensured that school leaders have a wide range of experience and expertise in education. The proprietor has a robust system for quality assurance visits and activities to ensure that pupils increase and develop their understanding, knowledge and skills across the curriculum.  The proposed school has a clear framework in place to check pupils’ prior knowledge

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Main inspection findings

when they join the school. Teachers will use this information and their own checks on learning to decide what they will teach. The assessment policy sets out clearly how teachers should provide verbal and written feedback to pupils. Paragraph 3, 3(h)–3(j)  There is an appropriate policy in place setting out the proposed school’s expectations for pupils’ behaviour. The policy is appropriate to the planned cohort of pupils and recognises the specific challenges that pupils may face with regard to their social, emotional and mental health needs. The policy outlines how pupils are expected to behave and sets out examples of unacceptable behaviour and how this will be addressed. It also outlines the proposed school’s commitment to ensuring that all staff adopt a positive approach to improving pupils’ behaviour.  The proposed school has ensured that the curriculum does not undermine the fundamental British values and does not discriminate against pupils, contrary to part 6

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Main inspection findings

of the Equality Act 2010. For example, pupils will learn about the protected characteristics and how to be respectful and tolerant of people who may be different to themselves. Paragraph 4  The proprietor has written a suitable assessment policy. This policy outlines how pupil performance will be monitored and shared with parents. The proposed school intends to report to parents every term and to provide them with information about their child’s progress, attainment and attendance and attitude to learning.  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)  The proposed school has given consideration to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the PSHE education, the wider curriculum and through enrichment activities. Pupils will learn about different faiths and cultures. They will

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Main inspection findings

also learn about fundamental British values, such as the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy. The proposed school intends to provide enrichment opportunities for pupils, including plentiful trips and educational visits.  The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to discuss local and national events, and to give them a balance of opposing views. Pupils will learn how to keep themselves safe, including online. The proposed school intends that this will help pupils to make responsible and safe choices in their future lives.  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 put in place the necessary arrangements to safeguard pupils and to promote their welfare at the proposed school. There is a suitable and up-to-date policy in place, which gives consideration to current statutory guidance.

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Main inspection findings

 A senior leader will be the designated safeguarding leader (DSL) in the proposed school. The DSL has received the training appropriate for this role. Leaders who will deputise for the DSL are trained to the same level. Leaders who are responsible for safeguarding have appropriate training and knowledge in this area.  The proposed school has ensured that all new staff will receive an appropriate induction into the school, including suitable safeguarding training. Staff will receive regular updates on local and national safeguarding issues, such as radicalisation and extremism. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  The proprietor has an appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policy in place. Both policies outline the actions that the proposed school will take to address any incidents of unacceptable behaviour or bullying, including appropriate and proportionate sanctions.  The proposed school has established a system for staff to record and report any

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Main inspection findings

incidents of poor behaviour or bullying. It intends to use the same recording system for staff to report and record any safeguarding concerns that it may have. The proprietor intends to have oversight of any incidents that have been recorded and will complete regular analysis of this information. This is so that it can cross-reference any safeguarding and behaviour concerns to build a bigger picture of each pupil. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has written a suitable health and safety policy. It is up to date and complies with all relevant laws.  Staff new to the school will complete health and safety training, such as manual- handling, fire-safety and risk assessment training, as part of the induction process. The proposed school has made appropriate arrangements to ensure that its computer network has suitable monitoring and filtering systems in place. These will enable leaders to assure themselves that pupils are safe when they are working online.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has ensured that in the building where it will operate, there are a range of measures in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, there are fire extinguishers, which will be checked regularly, all staff will be trained as fire wardens and there are planned, regular fire drills. There is appropriate signage around the building identifying emergency routes and exits. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has written a first-aid policy and has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably qualified to administer first aid. The proposed school has ensured that there are fully stocked first-aid kits. Paragraph 14  The proposed number of staff is more than adequate to ensure that pupils will be appropriately supervised throughout the school day. Pupils will always be supervised, including at breaktimes and when undertaking off-site visits, for example to a local

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Main inspection findings

sports centre. Paragraph 15  The school has a suitable admissions policy. The proprietor has established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.  There is an appropriate system in place to register pupils’ attendance each day. The proposed school will monitor absences. It plans to take swift and appropriate action to follow up on any pupil absence, when required. Parents will receive information about their child’s attendance in school reports. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The risk assessments that have already been completed show how the proposed school plans to take appropriate actions to minimise risks to pupils. These include risk assessments for areas of the school building and for proposed trips and off-site visits.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record is in place and meets the requirements for the information it must contain. The proposed school understands that the required checks on the suitability of staff must be completed before staff take up their appointment. These include the enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, identification checks, checks on staff’s right to work in the UK, and those checks relating to suitability for leadership and management of a school.  All of the required checks for the members of the proprietor body, headteacher, leaders and some staff at the proposed school have been completed. Plans for the recruitment of additional staff are underway. There is a clear and detailed plan for the

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Main inspection findings

induction of new staff. This includes staff completing safeguarding and other appropriate training on appointment.  The proposed school is aware of the procedures that it should follow, if it employs agency staff, to ensure that these staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school is housed in a former school, which has been fully renovated and refurbished. The layout of the building has been carefully considered to ensure that there are appropriately designated spaces. For example, there are several classrooms, a library space, as well as office and storage spaces. A secure exams cupboard has been installed. A large indoor activity hall has been fitted with interactive technology to provide teaching opportunities in a range of subjects. The proprietor has

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Main inspection findings

refurbished the building to a high standard. Paragraphs 23(1)-23(1)(c), 28(1)-28(2)(b)  The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day.  There are separate toilet facilities for male and female pupils. Toilet cubicles can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. There is a supply of hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scald risk. The proprietor has ensured that there is a toilet on the ground floor for the use of disabled pupils and adults. The proprietor has ensured that there is a shower cubicle available for pupils to use. Paragraph 24(1)-24(2)  There is a designated room for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. There is a sink in this room as well as a bed and first-aid cabinet. There is a toilet located nearby. Paragraphs 26, 27–27(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor space. They will also have timetabled PE

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Main inspection findings

lessons in accordance with the proposed school’s curriculum. The proposed school plans to access facilities at the local sports centre. It has risk assessments in place to ensure the safety of pupils when travelling to and from this site, and when using these facilities.  Teaching spaces have suitable lighting and acoustics. There is appropriate external lighting so that pupils, staff and visitors can enter or exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(i)-32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proprietor has established a website for the proposed school that contains all of the information that it is required to publish.  There is a suitable range of information available for parents and pupils, both on the

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Main inspection findings

school website and via a detailed school prospectus. A wide range of policies are in place and published on the school’s website. These include the curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding policies.  The proposed school intends to provide the necessary information to the responsible local authorities for those pupils with an EHC plan.  The proposed school intends to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress, attainment, attendance and behaviour to parents. The proposed school is aware that following any inspection, copies of the report must be provided to parents and published on the school’s website.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The proprietor has a suitable complaints policy. This includes appropriate timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage and sharing

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Main inspection findings

of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for making a complaint is clear.  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)(c)  The proprietor demonstrates a good understanding and knowledge of the standards. This is likely to enable it to set up and run this independent school successfully. The proprietor has ensured that those with responsibility for leadership and management have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to carry out their roles effectively. It has made arrangements to implement rigorous governance structures and processes, with a clear scheme of delegation. It intends to use this to ensure that leaders are well supported and appropriately held to account for their responsibilities. The proposed school is highly committed to providing a high quality of education for pupils and it is

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Main inspection findings

likely to fulfil its responsibilities to promote the well-being of pupils.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £96,000

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 16 8 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 32 32

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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 Not applicable 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 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 32

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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 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 3

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in premises at Essex House, Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside L30 4XS.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 32 mixed-gender pupils, aged between eight and 16 years old. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who are struggling to cope in mainstream school.  The proprietor intends to cater for pupils with SEND. The school will provide for pupils with a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs and autism spectrum disorder. These pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor does not intend to use any 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 independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection. The first pre-registration inspection took place in June 2024.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, the headteacher, other senior leaders and some governors, including the chair of the governing 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 related to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. The inspector checked documents relating to safeguarding, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Amanda Downing, 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

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Inspection team

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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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