The Light Christian School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

The Light Christian School Suite 1, Queensgate Centre, Orsett Road, Grays RM17 5DF

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3(i)  The proposed school intends to educate pupils in a Christian ethos and context. The proprietor’s vision is clear and aims for pupils to achieve academic excellence while promoting their personal development. This approach is underpinned by the classical Christian education that embodies core values of ‘faith, excellence and love’. The proprietor has identified curriculum resources to support this approach that start in the early years and continues through to Year 6. The design of the curriculum ensures it takes into account the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The proprietor has outlined a range of effective teaching and learning approaches which will be adapted to pupils’ academic needs.  The school’s curriculum provides information about the most important knowledge

p.1

Main inspection findings

pupils need to learn in every subject. For the early years, the key skills and knowledge link to the areas of development. Published schemes of work will be provided to teachers to help them plan and deliver the proposed curriculum. The intention of the curriculum is to build knowledge on what has been learned previously. This will be achieved through regular revisiting of key knowledge and use of thematic links to help pupils remember what they have learned before. The curriculum’s content indicate that pupils are likely to access a broad range of experiences in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.  The proprietor intends to make reading a high priority. The school has identified a validated phonics programme to support those who are at an early stage of reading. A love of reading will be promoted through the provision of a wide range of reading

p.1

Main inspection findings

texts. Regular reading opportunities and story times have been mapped out through the school day.  The school has given careful thought to pupils’ personal development and well-being. A curriculum programme supports personal, social and health education. For instance, the proposed approach builds pupils’ understanding of key themes such as managing self and citizenship. Through classroom teaching and use of assemblies, pupils will learn about other cultures and faiths as preparation for life in modern Britain. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has a written policy for relationships and sex education. There has been account taken of statutory guidance schools are required to follow. Once the proposed school opens, parents and carers will have opportunity to learn about the intended content of the curriculum and share their views. The policy is available on the website for parents which also provides information about how parents can choose to

p.1

Main inspection findings

withdraw their child from the non-statutory aspects of this curriculum . Paragraphs 3 to 3(j), 4  There are joint proprietors for the proposed school. One proprietor will act as the principal of the school. The current level of employed staff is two. The proprietor understands appropriate ratios of adults to pupils. It is intended to start with a single class grouping of a small size. Pupils will only be admitted to the school once suitable and well-qualified staff have been appointed and trained.  The principal has extensive knowledge of the curriculum and experience of school leadership. The school will put in place a well-planned programme of professional development to build new staff’s expertise in delivering the curriculum. The principal talks knowledgeably about techniques and approaches to check and develop skills of teaching staff. The school intends to use information from a range of monitoring

p.2

Main inspection findings

activities which will inform a weekly cycle of staff training.  The curriculum programmes are detailed and help teachers understand the intentions of what pupils need to learn at every stage. The school intends that staff will follow assessment approaches set out in its ‘learning cycle’. The proprietor intends staff to make careful checks of pupils’ knowledge and address misconceptions to support pupils’ progress through the curriculum. The school has put in place a tracking system to record pupils’ understanding of different subjects. The proprietor intends to use this information to adapt the curriculum so that it is appropriate for pupils’ needs.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school’s proposed curriculum does not suggest that fundamental British values will be undermined. The school intends pupils will have opportunities through the curriculum to understand and reflect on similarities and differences between themselves and others. Pupils will learn about different cultures and faiths. This will be enhanced through trips to the local area and visitors to the school.  The chosen curriculum approach aims to inspire pupils’ love of learning. Pupils will play an active role in presenting and discussing their work and understanding. This intends to support oracy and develop a ‘voice’, where pupils share and debate ideas and opinions. Pupils will develop their knowledge of democracy and the rule of law.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1)(c)  An employed member of the staff will be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). The principal will act as a deputy DSL until a time when the school is established. The proprietor intends to appoint additional staff who will undertake safeguarding responsibilities. Appropriate training has been completed for this role. The other proprietor, who is the chair of governors, has also undertaken governor safeguarding training. The safeguarding team are knowledgeable about how to keep pupils safe, especially any local contextual risks to pupils’ safety.  The school has developed systems to record and report any concerns about pupils’ welfare. Contacts have been made with safeguarding leaders from the local authority about the proposed new school. Safeguarding leaders understand how to seek early help to support any vulnerable pupils and their families. Induction of new staff

p.3

Main inspection findings

includes safeguarding training. Weekly safeguarding briefings are planned to maintain staff’s alertness to any signs of concern.  There is a detailed policy for safeguarding and child protection. The policy makes clear the steps staff should take if they have any concerns about colleagues or senior staff, including the proprietor. The safeguarding policy is on the school’s website and is available to parents. Paragraphs 9 to 9(c), 10  There is a suitable behaviour and anti-bullying policy in place. The policy outlines clear expectations of pupils’ behaviour. The policy guides staff in managing behaviour through positive comments and responses. There is a graduated response to any behavioural concerns and consequences of any poor behaviour.  The proposed school has processes in place to monitor and record behavioural concerns. The principal intends to use these systems to identify any trends and patterns of behaviour. This information will inform any additional training for staff to

p.3

Main inspection findings

support consistent approaches and expectations. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  There are detailed policies for the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The proprietor has commissioned checks by qualified specialists relating to fire safety and asbestos, as well as water tests to check for legionella. Signage and lighting ensure that escape routes are marked around the school. Fire safety signs, lighting, alarms and smoke detectors are in place. Systems for recording checks are in place, for instance weekly alarm checks and evacuation drills.  The proprietor has suitable first-aid and administration of medicines policies. These identify the processes that staff should follow, including maintaining appropriate records. Staff currently employed by the school have received first-aid training. The proprietor intends all new staff will receive similar training as they join the school.  The proprietor is mindful of supervision levels and the deployment of staff. Further

p.3

Main inspection findings

staff will be employed before pupils will be admitted to the school. The risk assessments ensure pupils are well supported when making use of the outdoor space.  The risk assessment policy provides information about how risks will be assessed to mitigate concerns. The risk assessments in place are appropriate. Samples of risk assessments include off-site visits and show how they follow the principles of the risk assessment policy.  The proprietor has drawn up an attendance policy. This sets out how pupils will be registered once they join the school, as well as the approaches to address absence. The proprietor and leaders understand the attendance and absence coding to be used in a range of circumstances.  There is an appropriate admissions policy and register in place. The register includes all relevant headings for the information about each pupil as they join the proposed school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(7)(b)  The principal, who is also one of the proprietors, has completed safer recruitment training. The principal is experienced in recruiting education personnel. Appropriate pre-employment checks are in place before any offer to work at the school is made.  The proposed school has an electronic single central record in place. The record identifies the required checks that must be carried out on new staff, members of the governing body, volunteers and contractors. The proprietor understands the requirements to seek reassurances relating to those who are from overseas and the right to work in the UK.  The school does not propose to use supply staff at this stage. However, the proprietor understands the information required if this should be the case.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  There are suitable toilet arrangements. There are two separate blocks one each for boys and girls. These blocks also include specific toilet facilities for children in the early years classes. There are sufficient washing facilities with running hot and cold water. The temperature of the water does not pose a risk of scolding.  The proprietor has made sure that pupils have access to drinking-water. A drinking- water container is located centrally between classrooms and clearly marked for pupils. There is external lighting at the entrance to the school.  There is a medical room. The medical room has appropriate first-aid supplies and a washing facility. The room is located adjacent to the toilets. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school makes use of a suite of rooms located on the first floor of a

p.4

Main inspection findings

shopping centre. There is a separate front door leading from the street that has controlled access. There is a further controlled access point for the suite of rooms where the proposed school is located. The classrooms are arranged around a large open space providing a light and airy environment conducive for learning.  The classrooms are well lit and have suitable acoustics. Classrooms are clean and furnished with age-appropriate equipment such as interactive whiteboards, tables and books.  There is no outdoor space. Instead, the proprietor has identified a local park that is a short walk from the proposed school. A large, grassed area provides a space for physical activities and play. The proprietor has put in place a risk assessment for supervision levels, walking to the area and checks required to ensure it is safe to use at any given time.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s website has been developed. It provides parents with all the relevant policies and information they need. It contains details of the principal and the chair of governors who is also one of the proprietors. The website also provides contact information for the DSL should anyone wish to raise any concerns about pupils’ welfare.  The proprietor has put in place an appropriate system for reporting to parents about their child’s welfare and academic achievement. The proprietor plans to provide this information at two points during the school year.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has put in place a suitable written policy for handling complaints. There is a detailed explanation of the school’s approach for dealing with informal and formal complaints. This includes the different stages and timescales for any parent who wishes to escalate a complaint.  There is a format in place for recording any complaints and the proposed school’s response to them.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(2)  The proprietor has a clear sense of purpose and ambition for the proposed school. The principal has a strong knowledge of education drawn from senior roles in school settings. There is a clear intent to recruit and train staff so they understand and share the vision for the proposed school.  In preparations for the proposed school, the proprietor has established links with similar schools in the independent sector. The proprietor intends to build on these networks to help support the ongoing development of the proposed school.  The proprietor has established a governing body. Governors have been drawn from the local community and have a range of skills and expertise. Some have experience of being a school governor as well as backgrounds in education. Their knowledge and skills will play an important role in supporting and challenging school leaders. Specific

p.5

Main inspection findings

governor responsibilities have been allocated so the governing body can check different aspects of school life.  The proprietor demonstrates an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the standards.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has an accessibility plan in place. The proposed school is likely to meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The proprietor understands the ratios of adults to children and qualifications required for children in the early years. It is likely that all safeguarding and welfare requirements for the early years will be met.  The area intended for the early years has appropriate space and is organised to support the delivery of the early years curriculum. Additionally, the proprietor has identified daily opportunities for children to access outdoor space and has appropriate risk assessments in place to facilitate this. The proposed curriculum for early years indicates that children’s learning and development requirements will be met.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

Proprietor Mr Afolabi Joseph and Mr Olaniyi Olujobi

p.8

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £7188 to £11000

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 3 to 11 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 80 Not applicable

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 80

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Not known Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable Not known

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable Not known

p.9

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

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 8

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 7

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 There are joint proprietors for the school. One will take the role of the principal for the proposed school, while the other will act as the chair of governors. There is a governing body in place to provide challenge and accountability.  The proposed school’s values reflect a Christian ethos, although it is not affiliated to any particular denomination. Pupils will be welcomed from all backgrounds, including those from different faiths or those with no faith.  The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls from Nursery to Year 6.  Th school does not intend to make use of alternative provision.

p.9

Information about this inspection

 This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. It was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  The inspector met with both joint proprietors, members of the governing board and the DSL.  The inspector made a tour of the premises and also visited the outdoor space the proprietors intend to use.  The inspector scrutinised school documentation, including policies, procedures and the single central record.

p.10

Inspection team

Steve Mellors, 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 .

p.10

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.

p.11

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 .

p.11

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.

p.11

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11