Whitehall Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Whitehall Academy 21 Whitehall Street, Rochdale OL12 0LN

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a suitable curriculum policy in place. This is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work for a broad range of subjects. Leaders have set out what pupils will learn and when across key stages 1 and 2. The school has considered how it will promote pupils’ speaking and listening skills. There is a phonics scheme in place.  Curriculum plans show consideration for the needs of pupils who may attend the school. There is a well-planned package of training for staff based on leaders’ intentions for the delivery of the curriculum.  Leaders have purchased suitable resources to support the delivery of the curriculum, including those for the synthetic phonics programme. They have made sure that these resources will support pupils’ understanding of the fundamental British values.  The plans in place for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education

p.1

Main inspection findings

show how carefully leaders have thought about the types of needs that pupils who join the school may have. This includes consideration for many pupils having significant gaps in their knowledge in PSHE education and across the curriculum.  The proprietor has appointed leaders with the background and expertise to identify pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and to adapt learning to meet these needs.  The proposed plans and policies show due regard for the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 2A(1), 2(A)(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The relationships and sex education and health education curriculum reflects the current statutory guidance. The policy shows leaders’ intentions to consult with parents and carers about the content of the curriculum. This will include parents’ right to withdraw their child from the non-statutory aspects. The policy is published on the

p.1

Main inspection findings

school’s website. Training for staff is planned to make sure that the curriculum is delivered in line with leaders’ expectations. Paragraph 3 to 3(j)  Staffing has been planned to develop a team that has a wide range of experience of the primary phase and SEND. Staff training that has been planned will support new staff to understand leaders’ intentions for the implementation of the curriculum and to manage behaviour effectively. Alongside this, leaders will carry out a programme of monitoring to check that the curriculum is being delivered well.  The director of education and the headteacher have the range of knowledge and expertise that they need to make sure that the curriculum meets pupils’ needs.  There are age-appropriate resources in place to support the effective delivery of the curriculum.  Leaders have carefully considered how pupils’ learning will be assessed and how this will influence further teaching.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 4  There is a suitable assessment policy in place.  The assessment policy details how pupils’ academic and emotional needs will be reviewed on entry to the school, including how this information will be used to plan their learning pathway. Leaders have suitable plans in place for sharing information about pupils’ progress with parents.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is important to leaders. They have set out what pupils will learn, and when. It is intended that pupils will learn about respecting others and understanding diversity. The curriculum will be enhanced by a range of trips and visits to further develop pupils’ confidence and independence.  Curriculum plans and policies reflect leaders’ promotion of the fundamental British values. Pupils will learn about the importance of each of these values as well as experiencing them through school routines and activities, such as voting.  Plans and schemes of work demonstrate how pupils will be presented with information in an impartial way, encouraging them to think about the views of others.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor has appointed the headteacher to be the designated safeguarding lead. The education director has the same level of training to be able to check the systems and procedures in place to keep pupils safe. The whistle-blowing policy has clear procedures for reporting concerns about leaders, including concerns about the proprietor.  The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. It follows the most recent government guidance with specific consideration for the potential vulnerabilities of pupils who may attend the school. The staff code of conduct sets out clearly leaders’ expectations for safeguarding.  The education director and the headteacher have a wealth of expertise of safeguarding. Planned safeguarding training takes contextual risks into account as well as covering how pupils will learn to keep themselves safe through the curriculum.

p.2

Main inspection findings

There is a comprehensive induction package that will give staff the knowledge that they need to keep pupils safe in line with leaders’ expectations. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The behaviour policy clearly sets out the school’s approach to promoting positive behaviour. There are assessments in place to identify any emotional needs when pupils join the school. There are well-thought-out systems in place for recording any incidents of poor behaviour, including bullying. Leaders plan to regularly review incidents of poor behaviour. The anti-bullying policy sets out clearly how allegations of bullying will be handled.  Staff will receive training to understand leaders’ expectations for promoting positive behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12 and 13  The emergency exits are clearly signposted from within all parts of the building. There are maps of escape routes in all rooms. These include the locations of alternative exits

p.3

Main inspection findings

and fire-fighting equipment.  There is a suitable health and safety policy in place. This contains the relevant information for the school to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor commissions a specialist fire company to audit the building for fire safety and to service equipment. Leaders plan to carry out regular fire drills and have suitable systems in place for recording these.  There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. Leaders intend for all staff to hold first-aid qualifications, including some staff being trained in paediatric first aid. The first-aid policy shows how first aid, and the administration of medicine, will be recorded. This includes how information, such as about accidents, will be communicated with parents. Paragraph 14  Staff appointed so far have a wide range of expertise in supporting pupils with SEND. Leaders intend to recruit more suitably experienced and expert staff to ensure that

p.3

Main inspection findings

the learning environments are safe and pupils’ needs are met securely. There are well- considered plans in place for the supervision of pupils at the start and end of the school day. Paragraph 15  The school has an electronic system in place to record pupils’ attendance. This will be used to evaluate patterns in attendance. Leaders plan to share this information with governors.  The school intends to implement an admissions register that includes all of the required detail as set out in the Education (Pupil Registration)(England) Regulations 2006. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  The proprietor has a risk assessment policy in place that shows their understanding of the types of needs of pupils who may join the school. The policy shows how risks will be evaluated and mitigated.  There are well-thought-out risk assessments in place for all aspects of the provision. These will be subject to regular review.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor makes appropriate safeguarding checks during recruitment, including the additional checks for those in leadership roles. The single central record shows that leaders understand how this information needs to be recorded.  The proprietor makes sure that all recruitment checks are completed before staff commence employment.  Leaders do not intend to routinely use agency staff, but they are aware of the safeguarding checks involved should this happen.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school is set in a two-storey building that was previously used as a nursery. The accommodation is well organised, clean and tidy. It has several teaching spaces, a hall, communal spaces, staff offices and a medical room. There is a large outdoor secure playground that is suitable for recreation as well as physical education (PE).  There are plans in place for regular checks of the building to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate place for pupils to learn. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  Toilet and washing facilities for pupils are mixed gender. Toilet cubicles are lockable from the inside for privacy. There are accessible toilet and washing facilities. All toilets have washing facilities as well as warning notices about hot water. Leaders make regular checks on the temperature of the hot water to ensure it remains at a safe

p.4

Main inspection findings

temperature for young children.  There are water dispensers where pupils can access drinking water throughout the school day. There are signs in place to advise staff and pupils which taps provide drinking water. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  There is a readily available medical room that has a toilet and sink within it. The medical room contains a bed, pillow and blanket. There is lockable storage for medication as well as a first-aid kit. Paragraphs 26, 27 to 27(b)  The lighting and acoustics in all parts of the building make a suitable learning environment for pupils.  There is external lighting in place that covers entrances and exits. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a large playground at the front of the building that is suitable for the projected number of pupils on roll. This is a suitable space for pupils to play and to participate in PE.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(3)(g)  The school website contains all of the relevant policies for parents to access. There are contact details for key staff, including the proprietor, available on the website. The website outlines the school’s ethos.  The school has plans in place for how it will share information about the financial accounts with the local authority in regard to pupils who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and pupils who are looked after.  The school intends to let parents access pupils’ progress information through an electronic system. In addition to this, there will be end-of-term reports shared with parents. The proprietor understands the requirement to publish inspection reports on the school’s website once they are available.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The school complaints policy is published on the website.  The policy clearly sets out for parents the stages of raising a complaint and what action the school will take. There are clear timescales set for each stage and details of how the school aims to resolve complaints at the information stage first.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor, the director of education and the headteacher have the expertise and experience that they need to meet the standards. They intend to implement a robust quality assurance package to check for ongoing compliance with the standards over time.  The proprietor intends to set up a governing body once the school is open to support the quality assurance processes.  The staff already appointed have the breadth of experience to understand the needs of pupils who may attend the school. Leaders’ plans for new appointments are based on staff expertise and knowledge of SEND.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

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

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

Type of school Independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £75,000 to £105,000

p.8

Proposed school details

Email address info@thewhitehallacademy.co.uk

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 5 to 11 5 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 30 28

p.9

recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  The space available and the needs of pupils who may attend the school would mean that 28 pupils would be the maximum number to ensure that all pupils receive a good quality of education.

p.9

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

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 30

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 30

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 30

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 8

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 14

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent special school is located at 21 Whitehall Street, Rochdale OL12 0LN. It is housed in a refurbished two-storey building previously used as a nursery.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils, aged between five and 11 years. The school will cater for pupils in key stages 1 and 2. The school will not admit children in the Reception Year.  It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan. The school will cater for pupils with communication and interaction needs, including autism. Some pupils may have social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The proprietor is Whitehall Academy Ltd.  The proprietor intends to establish a governing body if the school opens.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

p.10

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, the education director and the proprietor.  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.

p.11

Inspection team

Jane Dennis, 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.11

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.12

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.12

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.12

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.12

Inspection team

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

p.12

Inspection team

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

p.12