Approach Learning (Secondary)

School pre-registration inspection report

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Approach Learning (Secondary) Units 1 & 2 Paragon House, Barnfield Road Industrial Estate, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5QG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), and 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written curriculum policy in place. The policy sets out an ambitious vision for the quality of education. This vision includes aims for pupils to achieve a range of GCSE qualifications. The proposed school intends for pupils to study various subjects. These subjects include linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.  Where plans and schemes of work exist, they do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  The proposed school has adopted a scheme of work for teaching Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education. The proprietor has reviewed this curriculum

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Main inspection findings

to ensure it meets the needs of pupils who are likely to attend. As part of this work, the proposed school has prepared a variety of resources to support pupils' learning in the subject.  The proposed school's Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) policy outlines several themes that will be included in the curriculum, covering all statutory requirements. As part of pupils' induction into the proposed school, there are plans to consult with parents and carers regarding the teaching of RSE.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(h), 3 to 3(e) and 3(g)  The proposed school has developed several schemes of work to support the curriculum. These schemes of work set out various topics and themes for pupils to learn about. However, the proposed school has not considered fully how the curriculum will be structured progressively. Currently, the schemes of work lack

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Main inspection findings

specificity regarding the essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn and remember. For example, in mathematics, the curriculum is not clear about the methods and strategies that pupils will be taught to deepen their knowledge and ability.  The proprietor has evaluated the staffing numbers that will be in place when the proposed school first opens. However, there is less clarity regarding the specific expertise that will be recruited. Additionally, the proposed school has not addressed how staff will be supported and developed to teach subjects outside their areas of expertise. The proposed school does not yet have a well-considered plan for deepening staff’s subject knowledge to ensure effective implementation of the curriculum.  The proposed school intends to conduct a variety of initial baseline assessments when pupils first join. These assessments will offer a broad overview of pupils' abilities and

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Main inspection findings

needs. However, they do not evaluate pupils' knowledge in individual subject areas specifically. This is likely to make it difficult for staff to pinpoint specific starting points in the curriculum.  The proposed school has not considered sufficiently how pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read will be taught to build their knowledge and reading fluency. It is not clear how a well-planned and sequenced phonics curriculum will be implemented to meet the needs of some pupils who are likely to attend the proposed school.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraphs 2(2)(2e) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  The proposed school has prepared a set of resources for teaching careers education. However, this aspect of the curriculum has not been developed fully. For instance, the proposed school intends for pupils to benefit from visits by public organisations and employers. It also plans for pupils to work with an independent careers advisor.

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Main inspection findings

However, these ideas and plans are still in the early stages. The details regarding how the proposed school's careers curriculum will be implemented are not clear.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor understands the likely needs of pupils who will attend. The proposed school has a clear vision to enhance pupils' self-esteem and promote their social development. The vision aims to prioritise helping pupils develop positive, safe, and effective relationships with others. This theme is woven through the policies and procedures that the proposed school intends to implement.  The proposed school has taken steps to ensure that the curriculum enhances pupils' understanding of life in modern Britain. The PSHE curriculum emphasises respect and tolerance for different beliefs and opinions. Fundamental British values are integrated into various units of study. Additionally, the proprietor has concrete plans to provide opportunities for pupils to see these values in practice. For example, a school council

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Main inspection findings

is planned to help pupils observe and experience the democratic process in action.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 9 to 16(b)  The proposed school has established policies that outline clear expectations for pupils' behaviour and attitudes. These policies consider the vulnerabilities of the pupils who will attend the school. The proprietor believes that staff training is essential for addressing the needs of these pupils. There are clear plans to train staff in strategies that promote positive behaviour among pupils. These strategies focus on recognising and rewarding positive behaviour, as well as de-escalating situations when pupils exhibit unwanted behaviour. This training is set to begin as part of a staff induction programme, once staff are recruited.  The proposed school has implemented measures to comply with relevant health and safety requirements. A comprehensive policy is in place that outlines various strategies to promote health and safety. This includes conducting necessary checks to ensure

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Main inspection findings

the safety of the premises, such as evaluating the quality of water supplies and the safety of electrical equipment.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This has involved the school commissioning a qualified fire officer to complete a fire risk assessment.  The proprietor has established a comprehensive risk assessment policy. Various risk assessments have been conducted concerning the school's premises, including an evaluation of risks associated with a shared access drive. Additionally, the proposed school plans to perform individual risk assessments for each pupil to ensure that the provisions offered align with their specific needs.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has established a policy to promote and safeguard the welfare of its pupils. This policy outlines a wide range of potential risks and describes plans to

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Main inspection findings

collaborate with external agencies to protect pupils. The proprietor is committed to ensuring that all new staff understand their responsibilities in keeping pupils safe. However, the policy does not fully align with the guidance provided by the Secretary of State. This is because the lines of accountability to maintain effective oversight of safeguarding procedures are not clear. Currently, the designated safeguarding leader (DSL) is both the headteacher and the proprietor. This compromises the independence required to fulfil safeguarding responsibilities adequately. Additionally, the policy refers to the role of an 'advisory committee' in safeguarding pupils. However, the structure of this committee and procedures for it to fulfil its role are not defined clearly.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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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), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), and 21(5)(c)  No staff members have been recruited to work at the school yet. However, the proprietor understands the importance of safer recruitment practices and plans to follow these guidelines when assessing the suitability of adults who will be employed at the school.  The proposed school has established a single central record to document the checks conducted on staff. The proprietor recognises the importance of completing these checks before any adults begin working with pupils. However, the record has not been populated because the proprietor has not initiated the recruitment process. Nevertheless, the document suggests that, once this process is initiated, the proposed school is likely to complete the necessary checks in accordance with the guidance

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Main inspection findings

from the Secretary of State.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  The building has been refurbished recently, creating a bright and vibrant environment for pupils to learn. Inside, there are four main classrooms and a communal hall space.  Each classroom is designed to accommodate the proposed number of pupils and benefits from ample light. The rooms have been decorated appropriately and are equipped with the required resources. They are adequately heated and provide good acoustics for learning.  There are separate toilets for boys and girls. Additionally, there is a toilet located close to a medical room. The medical room is fit for purpose and includes a washing facility, medicine store and a bed for pupils to rest on.  The proprietor has designated an outdoor space for pupils to socialise and play. In addition, arrangements have been made for pupils to visit a local leisure centre for

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Main inspection findings

physical education lessons. The proprietor has checked and gained assurance that these facilities are suitable and include shower amenities.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school does not have a website. The proprietor has prepared an information booklet for parents and carers. This booklet presents a broad range of useful information, including the proprietor's contact details and information about the proposed school's ethos and curriculum.  The proposed school intends to provide essential policies, such as those for safeguarding, behaviour, and complaints, to parents and other relevant stakeholders upon request.  The proprietor understands their obligation to provide information to local authorities for the annual review processes related to pupils with education, health, and care plans.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 (a) to 33(e), 33(h) and 33(i)(i) to 33(k)  The complaints procedure details the steps that parents and carers should take if they have concerns about the proposed school. The primary goal is to resolve complaints informally whenever possible. The procedure also includes more formal steps if needed. The policy outlines specific timeframes for addressing complaints to ensure timely responses.  The proposed school has ensured these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 33, 33(f), 33(g) and 33(i)  The complaints policy refers to the role of an advisory committee when complaints reach the panel hearing stage. However, this aspect of the policy is unlikely to be implemented effectively, as the school has not yet determined the composition of the advisory committee or how it will operate. Consequently, it remains unclear how the final stage of the complaints policy will be implemented.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has experience from both mainstream and independent education settings, having held senior leadership roles in various schools. The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school and is determined to see it realised. However, the design of the curriculum, arrangements for staffing, and structures of leadership oversight are still in the early stages of development.  The lines of accountability and oversight concerning statutory duties are often unclear. Many of the proposed school’s policies reference the role of an advisory committee. However, these policies cannot be implemented effectively due to a lack of clarity regarding the structure of the proposed committee and how it plans to carry out its duties.  The proprietor has not made appropriate arrangements in relation to the status of the

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Main inspection findings

DSL. The proprietor intends to fulfil the role of headteacher and DSL. This means that the DSL is not able to discharge their role with appropriate independence.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is an accessibility plan in place in accordance with Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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 status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Approach Learning (Secondary) Ltd

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Proposed school details

Email address lanaapproachlearning@gmail.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 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 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable

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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

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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

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with social emotional and mental health needs.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.  The proposed school does not have a religious character.  The school is operated by a sole proprietor who also fulfils the role of headteacher.

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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 carry out a pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The inspector carried out a range of activities to ascertain if the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards. These activities included: meeting with the proprietor, reviewing a broad range of policies, reviewing curriculum aims and examples of schemes of work, as well as reviewing intended systems and procedures for managing the school.  The inspector conducted a tour of the premises.  The inspector discussed safeguarding arrangements with the proprietor.

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Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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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; and – 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; and – 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 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(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 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(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils' work regularly and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is-

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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; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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