Castleview School

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Lewis Charlton Learning Centre 9a & 10a Waterloo House, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1HS

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a)  At the previous progress monitoring inspection, inspectors found that leaders had developed the curriculum in some subject areas, but not all. Information relating to the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was too generic and broad. As a result of these weaknesses, pupils were unable to build their knowledge of the curriculum in a progressive manner.  Since the previous inspection, the school has developed suitably ambitious and well- sequenced curriculums in a range of subjects, including English, science and geography. These curriculums identify the key knowledge pupils learn and when. The implementation of some of these curriculums is in its very early stages. However, these curriculums are not implemented effectively.  These previously unmet requirements of these independent school standards (the

p.1

Main inspection findings

standards) remain unmet. Paragraph 2(1)(b), 2(1)b)(i), 2(2)(h)  At the previous inspection, the inspectors reported that the school’s curriculum did not fully consider the needs, abilities and aptitudes of pupils. Pupils with SEND did not experience a curriculum that was precisely linked to their needs.  Since the previous inspection, the school has improved its provision for pupils with SEND. It has refined its approach to identifying pupils’ needs. Precise targets are set for pupils in line with their education, health and care (EHC) plan objectives. This information is readily available to staff. Some pupils find these targets motivational and useful. The school’s curriculum is now taking into account pupils’ aptitudes and needs.  The school provides pupils with opportunities to learn and make progress. For example, the school prioritises reading, spelling and extending pupils’ vocabulary. Pupils develop

p.1

Main inspection findings

their reading skills well. They recall recent learning, for example when reflecting on learning about acids and alkalis in science.  These previously unmet requirements are now met. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 3(g)  At the previous inspection, inspectors reported on the variability of the quality of teaching. Activities that teachers set for pupils were not well matched to their stage of development. Inspectors found that systems for assessment were not precise and did not align to the curriculum the pupils were learning. Assessment information was not being used effectively to inform next steps in pupils’ learning.  Leaders are developing the school’s approach to implementing the planned curriculum. At times effective teaching methods are employed, but this is not consistent. Staff use questioning to check pupils’ learning. However, the school does not assess pupils’ learning effectively to determine what has been learned securely and what needs

p.1

Main inspection findings

revisiting. The school is developing a framework for effective assessment, however, this is in its early stages.  Pupils recall recent learning. However, they do not gain secure knowledge, deepen understanding and develop skills well enough, in the long-term.  These previously unmet requirements remain unmet.  The school continues to not meet all of the previously unmet requirements of the standards in this part.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Leaders ensure that the school’s safeguarding arrangements are appropriate. The school has maintained a strong culture of safeguarding.  Safer recruitment practices are in place. All pre-employment checks are undertaken before adults start working with pupils. These checks are recorded on the single central record.  The school’s safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website. The policy reflects the latest statutory guidance.  The school ensures that staff receive regular and up-to-date safeguarding training. Staff know and understand their responsibilities well. Leaders know and understand pupils’ backgrounds and context well.  Leaders take swift and appropriate actions when there are concerns about pupils’ welfare. They work with a range of external agencies when needed.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The requirements of these standards continue to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(b)  At the previous inspection, inspectors found that the proprietor had not ensured that the school had met all the required standards relating to the quality of education securely and consistently.  Since the previous inspection, the school has reviewed the leadership structure. New senior leaders have been appointed, including a new headteacher. The capacity of leadership is much improved. Leaders have focused on the right priorities to improve the school’s provision.  However, the proprietor has still not ensured that all of the previously unmet standards are consistently met. Some of the previously unmet standards related to the quality of education remain unmet.  The school continues to not meet the previously unmet requirements of the standards in this part.

p.2

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.4

School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

p.5

School details

School status Independent special school

p.5

School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

p.5

School details

Headteacher Malcolm Kerridge (Executive headteacher) Vickie Perkins (Headteacher) Annual fees (day pupils) £74,850 to £107,850

p.5

School details

Email address enquiries@lewischarltonschool.org

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 14 to 16 November 2023

p.5

Information about this school

 Lewis Charlton Learning Centre is an independent school. All pupils have an EHC plan. Most pupils have social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils have a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism.  The school operates across two sites. They are Abney Hastings and Lewis Charlton Village, both are located on South Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1BR. The school has written to the Department for Education (DfE) requesting to deregister a premises. The school no longer uses The Haven, North Street, Ashby de-la-Zouch LE65 1HU.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school’s most recent standard inspection took place in November 2023. The school received an overall judgement of inadequate at this inspection.  A progress monitoring inspection took place on 18 September 2024.  The headteacher took up the substantive post during January 2025. There have been

p.5

Information about this school

other changes to the senior leadership team since the previous inspection.

p.6

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The school’s most recent standard inspection was in November 2023 at which the school was judged to not meet standards. As a result, the DfE required the school to prepare an action plan. The action plan was evaluated by Ofsted and rejected by the DfE in May 2024.  The school received a progress monitoring inspection on 18 September 2024 at which the school was judged to not meet all of the standards. The DfE required the school to prepare an action plan. Ofsted evaluated the action plan on 19 November 2024. The DfE rejected the plan on 3 December 2024.  This inspection was the school’s second progress monitoring inspection. This inspection

p.7

Information about this inspection

was carried out without notice.  The inspectors met with the chair of the proprietors, the headteacher and other leaders.  Inspectors visited lessons and reviewed samples of pupils’ work. They spoke to pupils and staff.  Inspectors reviewed the school’s website and a range of documents including those related to the school’s education provision.  The inspectors also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the standards are met.

p.7

Inspection team

Chris Davies, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.7

The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

p.8

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.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 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(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

p.8

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.

p.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress. 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.8

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

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

p.10