Endeavour SR

School pre-registration inspection report

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Endeavour SR 54 John Street, Sunniside, Sunderland SR1 1QH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school has set out clear curriculum aims and ambitions for pupils. The curriculum is broad and meets the requirements of the national curriculum. It has been developed so that pupils can progress from key stage 4 to key stage 5 successfully. The plans take into account the age and stage of pupils. Some pupils may have experienced disrupted education before attending here. The school’s plans reflect that pupils may have different starting points.  There is ambition for pupils to achieve recognised qualifications. The curriculum has been developed to complement this. It will support pupils to enter further education, employment or training.  Emerging links with local providers mean the school will offer the physical education (PE) curriculum off-site.  The proprietor and prospective leaders have extensive experience of working with

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Main inspection findings

pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This includes supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. They have a sound understanding of education, health and care (EHC) plans and the requirements placed on schools within the EHC plans.  The school has a progressive personal, social and health education curriculum (PSHE). The curriculum and its resources are adaptable. This helps meet the needs of pupils who attend this school.  The school has ensured that there is a detailed and comprehensive approach to careers advice. As well as links across the curriculum, pupils will be supported to take up work experience and work placements as they move through the school. The school links with local businesses to help pupils understand the world of work. The school plans for impartial careers advice to be regular.  The school has considered how it will support pupils where English is an additional

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Main inspection findings

language. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  There is a relationships and sex education policy (RSE) that meets statutory requirements.  It reflects the age range and needs of pupils who attend the school. The school has clear ways to consult with parents and carers on this policy when pupils join the school. Paragraph 3, 3(a) to 3(j), 4  The school has carefully considered how any gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding will be understood. The school intends to use a suite of assessment tools to assess academic, pastoral and SEND needs. The on-going assessment resources that staff will use are clear. These resources will ensure that the school makes regular checks on what pupils know and remember over time.  The school intends for lessons to be planned and taught by qualified teachers. The proprietor and leaders have experience of teaching and supporting pupils with SEND. Additionally, the proprietor and leaders have experience of monitoring and supporting

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Main inspection findings

in schools.  A comprehensive calendar of training enables staff to access training suited to the school and its pupils. The proprietor and the school plan to offer training bespoke to the needs and ambitions of individual staff where needed. 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) to 5(d)  The PSHE programme incorporates a broad range of themes to help pupils prepare for life beyond school and in modern Britain. It is carefully planned to build pupils’ understanding over time. The school understands that pupils may have different starting points. There is flexibility in the offer to help pupils gain the important knowledge and skills that they need, whatever their starting point.  A religious education curriculum ensures that pupils have the opportunity to

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Main inspection findings

understand different faiths and religions. The school has worked with local faith leaders to ensure local context is reflected in this programme of study. The school intends to supplement this further with visitors to school and visits to places of worship for pupils.  Pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values is woven across school life. The school plans to support pupils’ understanding though discrete lessons and through day-to-day expectations and routines.  The proprietor has established links with local universities, public health and the police to help pupils understand and engage with public institutions. This will support pupils to hear impartial views from a range of visits and visitors.  The school plans to ensure that pupils develop independent living skills. Work around financial planning and debt management are built into the wider offer of the school. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school has a safeguarding policy which reflects statutory guidance. This was updated during the inspection. The new policy identifies, with more clarity, how concerns about pupils will be reported to the designated safeguarding leads (DSL) in a timely way.  The DSL and the proprietor have undertaken relevant training. They have also completed additional training linked to Prevent, for example. All staff will undertake important safeguarding training when they take up post. There is the expectation that this is completed immediately. Other modules related to safeguarding for staff are planned for. The school uses an online training provider. The school also has links with the local authority and the police to provide contextual training for staff.  Systems to record and track incidents relating to safeguarding are under development. The school has purchased an online reporting system. Online recording

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Main inspection findings

will enable the DSL to take prompt action and monitor the welfare of pupils.  The school has strong links with the local police and other charitable foundations to support pupils’ well-being and welfare. The school plans to employ a full-time mental health practitioner to support pupils and staff. Paragraph 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  The behaviour policy sets out how the school will support pupils with any incidents of misbehaviour. Individual support plans will provide clear understanding of how different pupils can be supported effectively to regulate their behaviour if needed. This policy was adapted during the inspection to ensure it reflected the needs of pupils who may attend this school.  The anti-bullying policy is not clear. It does not inform staff, pupils and other stakeholders how bullying will be dealt with. There is a lack of detail to how bullying can be reported or what bullying is. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15

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Main inspection findings

 There is a health and safety policy in place. This was adapted during the inspection to ensure that is well matched to the building. The building is well maintained.  The school is not operational but the first aid policy, alongside the health and safety policy, make clear how injuries will be dealt with. Incidents will be recorded using an online system.  The school does not comply with requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There is no clear fire policy available. How pupils and staff will evacuate from upper floors is not clear. Firefighting equipment is maintained through annual checks. However, timely and regular checks on fire safety systems are not logged. The school has taken action to ensure that fire doors meet required standards.  The attendance policy was updated during the inspection. It now reflects current guidance and the necessary changes in attendance codes for pupils.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16 (b)  The school has an appropriate risk assessment policy in place.  The school does not have risk assessments linked to the proposed building, its location or learning. Moreover, the risk assessments available, linked to off-site activities, do not contain sufficient detail to reduce and minimise risks that may be posed. The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to (e), 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to (c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The proprietor has completed safer recruitment training. It understands the necessary steps needed to ensure that staff are suitable to work with pupils. Recruitment procedures are robust and contain the appropriate references to safeguarding throughout the recruitment process.  There are no staff employed at the proposed school at present. The single central

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Main inspection findings

record holds the necessary fields to check staff’s suitability to work at the school.  The information held for members of the proprietary body are incomplete. Some members are missing from the record. Checks relating to section 128 of the 2008 act have not been completed. The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a) to (c), 24(1), 24(1)(a) to (b), 24(2), 28(1)(a) to (d), 28(2), 28(2)(a) to (b)  The school has a dedicated toilet for the sole use of pupils. This is lockable from inside in the absence of separate toilets for male and female pupils.  The PE curriculum will be offered off-site. However, the school has additional space should pupils need to get changed. There is an on-site shower.  The school’s medical room contains the necessary washing facilities and is solely used for the care of sick and/or injured pupils. At present it is not located near a toilet. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor has plans to relocate this room to ensure pupils have access to a nearby toilet facility.  Pupils will have access to drinking water. The school will provide water coolers which will be labelled as drinking water. Paragraph 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The ground and first floors have been refurbished to a high standard. The learning spaces are warm and welcoming. They provide spaces to relax, learn and regulate behaviour. They have resources linked to academic learning but also reflect the needs that some pupils SEND may have. The second floor is in the process of being fully redeveloped. Plans are to match the standard seen on lower floors.  The proprietor has carefully considered lighting in different rooms. Lights are dimmable, should this be needed, to support the sensory needs of pupils.  External lighting to the rear of the building is effective. The front of the building is currently lit by streetlights. The proprietor’s plans to put in place lighting dedicated to

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Main inspection findings

the school are under way. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a)-(b)  The school affords pupils a small rear courtyard space for social times. This has been repurposed to meet this need. The school does not have sufficient space to offer the PE curriculum. This will be taught off-site. 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)(a) to (d), 32(1)(f) to (i), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c) to (d), 32(3), 32(3)(a) to (f)  The school’s website is under construction. The proprietor and the school know what needs to be on the website. There are dedicated pages on the website for the school to meet the requirements linked to part 6 of the standards. This includes the necessary contact details for the proprietor.  The proprietor has a strong understanding of how reporting will be structured. The proprietor will attend EHC plan meetings. Funding will be accounted for and reported

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Main inspection findings

accordingly to commissioners. The school intends for all places to be commissioned by a local authority.  The school uses an online system to report to parents.  Policies, such has admissions, behaviour and health and safety are shared with parents when pupils join the school. They are on the website too.  The anti-bullying policy will be available on the website. However, it needs further development. The proprietor is aware of the detail needed to meet this standard. The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a) to (k)  The school has an appropriate complaints policy. It stipulates the time frames and how complaints will be handled. This includes the involvement of an independent panel member when needed.  The school is clear on how complaints will be reported and how records of complaints are kept.

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Main inspection findings

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a)-(c)  The proprietor and leaders have a wide range of educational experience. They bring a detailed understanding of pupils with SEND to the school. At the time of the inspection, they had some understanding of the standards. The standards were not known in sufficient detail to ensure that they are met securely and consistently.  The proprietor has established a clear vision for the school. This is evident in the curriculum aims and ambitions for the pupils who attend. The school wants to re- engage pupils in learning. It has carefully planned a broad academic and pastoral offer to ensure that pupils are well prepared for their next steps in life.  The proprietor has strong links with local safeguarding and SEND services to support pupils’ development and keep them safe. They want pupils to feel safe and succeed.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor knows the importance of meeting the standards consistently and securely. It is focused on making sure all standards are met, including those not met during this inspection. The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £52,500 to £65,000

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Proposed school details

Email address jvance@newbeginningsnorth.org

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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 14-19 14-19 Number of pupils on the school roll not applicable 20 10

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recommendation

Reason for inspector's recommendations  The school proposes to admit 20 pupils with SEND. All pupils will have social, emotional and mental health needs. The proposed building, learning spaces, toilet facilities and outside social space would not suitably accommodate that number of pupils with staff effectively.

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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 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities not applicable 20

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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 20

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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 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff not applicable 5

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision not applicable 6

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is situated in a Grade 2 listed building in Sunderland city centre.  The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs who may have other special educational needs such as autism, cognition and learning needs and/or specific learning difficulties.  Pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. This is the first pre-registration inspection for the school.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspectors met with members of the proprietary board, the headteacher and an external consultant working with the proposed school.  The inspectors reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. An inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the chair of the proprietary body. Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.

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Inspection team

Emily Stevens, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

such direction; – 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB- – 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB's identity and MB's right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB's living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB's suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; – 20(6)(c) subject to sub-paragraph (8), where the Secretary of State makes a request for an enhanced criminal record check relating to MB countersigned by the Secretary of State to be made, such a check is made.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13;

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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 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

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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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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