Life Skills Enterprise

School pre-registration inspection report

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Life Skills Enterprise Northdown House, Northdown Park, Margate CT9 3TP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(2)  The overarching aim of the school’s curriculum is to prepare pupils for the next steps in learning and for adult life. It aims to provide pupils with curriculum content which is meaningful and enjoyable. The curriculum is designed to combine the teaching of a formal curriculum with a programme to support the development of life skills.  The proprietor aims to base the school’s curriculum on the curriculum already used successfully in another school established by the same proprietor. Subjects in the planned curriculum are likely to provide the breadth of learning required by the independent school standards (the standards). Subjects will include English, mathematics, science, design technology, art, music, history, geography and religious education. The proposed curriculum is suitably ambitious. Older pupils will have the

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Main inspection findings

opportunity to study nationally accredited qualification courses, such as functional skills, BTEC National Diplomas and GCSEs.  Curriculum documents and schemes of work set out what will be taught in each subject. The content will be consistent with the national curriculum, sequenced appropriately and designed to build on pupils’ prior learning. A newly appointed teaching and learning team will support teachers in delivering the curriculum and in making sure that it is adapted appropriately to support pupils’ needs.  The school intends to give the teaching of reading an appropriately strong focus. The school’s library is located at the heart of the school building with an attractive reading area. The library is already well resourced with good-quality books which have been carefully selected to appeal to pupils’ potential interests. Further texts will be added as the school grows.  A suitable phonics programme has been identified to support pupils at an early stage

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Main inspection findings

of reading. The proprietor will train all staff to deliver the programme. Pupils will have regular opportunities to read to an adult.  Physical education will be delivered on site and at local leisure facilities. The school’s ‘secret garden’ will be used to supplement the curriculum by providing pupils with an attractive space to play, engage with nature and enjoy being in the fresh air.  The school has identified an appropriate personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme. The programme covers a suitable range of topics to support pupils’ personal development. The PSHE curriculum will include age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education. The RSE and health education policy complies with statutory guidance.  The school intends to provide independent and objective careers advice which is likely to meet requirements. Pupils will have opportunities to explore a range of jobs and

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Main inspection findings

careers. Regular careers workshops will focus on developing key employability skills, independence and resilience. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j), 4  The proprietor intends to recruit suitably qualified staff. Those already appointed have relevant teaching experience and expertise in special needs education. The school has suitable arrangements to train staff in special education. In the first instance, staff from Life Skills Manor, another school for pupils with special educational needs already established by the proprietor, will be deployed at Life Skills Enterprise. Subsequently, staff will be recruited directly to Life Skills Enterprise.  The school knows pupils are likely to have significant gaps in their learning due to extended periods of time outside formal education. Leaders have devised a suitable framework for assessing pupils’ learning. The school will assess pupils’ starting points carefully when they join the school in consultation with parents and carers. Pupils’

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Main inspection findings

education, health and care plans (EHC plan) will form the basis of targets for individual pupils. The school will use ongoing checks on pupils’ learning and development and will adapt the curriculum accordingly.  It is likely that the standards in this part will 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 school plans to promote pupils’ self-esteem, self-discipline and resilience. Pupils will have opportunities to perform leadership roles such as those of school councillors and prefects. The school intends to give the development of life skills a strong focus. Pupils will have opportunities to follow programmes designed to support personal development, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.  The school’s PSHE programme includes a wide range of themes designed to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The promotion of fundamental British values will be embedded in the programme. The PSHE curriculum will be supplemented with activities which will be a routine part of school life. For instance, the school’s ‘secret garden’ will be used regularly for outdoor learning, such

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Main inspection findings

as nature and gardening activities.  The school intends to promote the importance of respect for diversity. Pupils will learn about different cultures and beliefs. They will have regular opportunities to discuss topical issues and current affairs, including assemblies and tutor group times. Pupils will have regular opportunities to participate in activities in the local community, such as visits to the library or the local shops. Plans to support a local charity are at an advanced stage of development.  The school’s approach to promoting good behaviour will focus on helping pupils to recognise and understand their feelings and on teaching them strategies to help them to manage their own behaviour in a range of situations. Pupils will be supported to understand the impact of their actions on others. Staff will be trained to ensure a fair and consistent approach to behaviour management.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proposed safeguarding policy is informed by the latest statutory guidance. It sets out a wide range of information to support pupils’ safety. However, the policy is not published on the school’s website.  The proprietor has given insufficient attention to pupils’ and staff health and well- being. For example, at the time of this inspection insufficient thought had been given to the provision of drinking-water; key fob access had not been fully installed throughout the building as intended; and many of the windows were in a poor state of repair.  It is unlikely that the standards in these paragraphs will be met.  The proprietor and leaders have a great deal of experience in running provision for pupils with similar needs to those likely to attend Life Skills Enterprise. They speak knowledgeably about safeguarding matters.

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Main inspection findings

 The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy DSL have completed suitable training. Both have safeguarding experience in special needs education and in working with agencies such as the police.  The school has suitable plans for training staff, including a safeguarding element in induction arrangements for newly appointed staff and ongoing safeguarding briefings and updates. The school intends to use a centralised online system to record and monitor safeguarding concerns. Staff will be trained in its use.  The school is alert to the importance of online safety. Pupils will hand in mobile phones for safe keeping at the start of the school day. Online safety is included in the school’s PSHE programme.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The behaviour policy sets out the positive ethos and culture which the school wishes to establish. It includes information about rewards and sanctions which are

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Main inspection findings

reasonable and fair. A set of clear and straight forward rules will be used to guide pupils’ behaviour.  The anti-bullying policy states the school’s recognition that ‘bullying, especially if left unaddressed, can have a devastating effect on individuals’. It states the school’s commitment to helping to create a ‘safe, disciplined environment, where pupils are able to learn and fulfil their potential’.  The school intends to use positive handling as little as possible and only where a pupil’s behaviour represents a risk for pupils or staff or serious damage to property. Staff will be trained in its use, with an emphasis on intervening at an early stage to avoid its use wherever possible. All incidents will be documented, and parents will be notified.  It is likely that the standards in these paragraphs will be met. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13 and 16  The proprietor has not ensured that relevant health and safety laws will be complied

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Main inspection findings

with by the effective implementation of a written health and safety policy. For instance, while a range of premises and safety checks are being completed, such as water checks and gas installation surveys, too little thought has been given to mitigating actions to manage the presence of asbestos in parts of the building.  The proprietor has responded to most action points identified by an independent fire safety survey. For instance, fire doors have been refurbished or replaced where required and new fire extinguishers have been installed. However, the creation of a zonal fire evacuation plan, which was identified as a high priority for action in the independent fire survey, has not been completed.  The proprietor has established a procedure for completing risk assessments relating to different aspects of the school’s work. However, actions identified to mitigate the risks associated with the presence of asbestos in parts of the building are not sufficient to

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Main inspection findings

promote safe maintenance and management.  It is unlikely that the standards in these paragraphs will be met Paragraph 14 and 15  The proprietor has considered supervision arrangements for pupils carefully. Staffing arrangements are likely to ensure that pupils are properly supervised in lessons and when moving around the school. Suitable plans are in place to manage transition arrangements at the start and end of each day.  Arrangements for attendance and admission registers are likely to meet requirements.  It is likely that the standards in this paragraph will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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) to 21(6)  The DSL and deputy DSL are experienced in ensuring that all necessary safeguarding and suitability checks are completed.  The single central record is in place and is likely to meet requirements. All checks completed so far are recorded appropriately. Systems are in place to ensure effective oversight of recruitment and suitability checks.  The school does not intend to use agency staff.  It is likely that the standards in this part will 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), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school will occupy a large Victorian building which was originally used as a private residence but, more recently, as an independent school. The building includes a large number of rooms arranged over three floors. Accommodation will facilitate dedicated space for groups of different sizes and for different activities.  The proprietor is in the process of refurbishing the building. Some of the work has been completed to a high standard. However, some work is ongoing and much of the school building is not in a suitable condition for school use.  The building does not have sufficient provision for drinking-water for staff or for the number of pupils proposed. There are several kitchens in the building, as well as a classroom sink and cloakroom taps. However, there is no drinking-water in the staff

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Main inspection findings

kitchens and just one water fountain for pupils on the ground floor, which is labelled as drinking-water.  The building includes an appropriate number of toilets for the number of pupils proposed. However, some bathrooms are in a poor condition and so are unsuitable for use, including a cracked window in one of the girls’ cloakrooms; heavily stained urinals in several of the boys’ toilets; and loose taps.  The building has a commercial kitchen on the ground floor which is not of a suitable standard for use. The proprietor states that this kitchen will not be used in the first instance.  It is unlikely that the standards in this part will be met.  The school accommodation includes an attractive and spacious hall which will be used as a dining hall and for other activities such as assemblies. Toughened glass has been installed in the hall’s large floor-to-ceiling windows which look out over nearby parkland.

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Main inspection findings

 Water supplied for handwashing is a suitable temperature. The school has a newly installed shower for pupils’ use.  Windows on the ground floor have been refurbished or replaced with toughened glass. However, many of the windows on the second and third floors are in a poor state of repair with no measures in place to restrict their opening.  The school has two medical and first-aid rooms which are both suitably equipped, including toilet facilities. One of the rooms is located some distance away from the main school building. The proprietor is currently reviewing its intended use as the main medical room due to its location and associated supervision considerations.  The school’s premises include an attractive and inviting ‘secret garden’. The garden includes a wide range of mature plants divided by a series of footpaths, borders and paved areas. The proprietor has strengthened the perimeter of this area with the

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Main inspection findings

addition of fencing on top of the original garden wall.  The proprietor intends to instal a perimeter fence. In the meantime, a temporary security fence has been erected.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(e) to 32(3)(f), 32(4) to 32(4)(c)  The school already has a website. The proprietor has not ensured that all required information is published on the website, including the school’s safeguarding policy.  The school intends to use termly reports to inform parents of children’s progress and attainment. Several parent evenings a year will be used to provide parents with an opportunity to discuss children’s learning and development.  It is unlikely that all the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The school has a suitable written complaints policy which is informed by guidance provided by the Department for Education (DfE). The policy includes clear explanation of the routes to be followed in the case of a complaint, including where there is a complaint about the proprietor. However, while the policy complies with the requirements of part 7, it is not published on the school’s website and so has not been made available to parents of pupils.  The school will keep a written record of all complaints. The proprietor has ensured a suitable format for recording and monitoring complaints.  It is unlikely that all the standards in this part will 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)  Leaders have not fulfilled their responsibilities effectively so that the standards are likely to be met. At the time of this inspection, the school was not able to demonstrate that it is likely to meet all the requirements of the standards. Systems of checks and balances in place at the time of this inspection have not been successful in ensuring that the school is ready to admit pupils, including the building’s suitability for use as a school, the publication of required information on the school’s website and safety and welfare arrangements.  The proprietor intends to appoint a governing body which will serve a similar function to the governing body of Life Skills Manor. The governing body will meet regularly to consider reports of the school’s work and to hold leaders to account. The proprietor has already appointed a chair for the governing body, who has extensive education

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Main inspection findings

and governance experience.  It is unlikely that all the standards in this part will be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s equality scheme policy sets out procedures which will be followed to ensure compliance with schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The school intends to follow policies and practices which promote equality of opportunity for all members of the school community. The equality policy states the school’s commitment to opposing all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination.

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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

Email address paul@lifeskillsenterprise.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 10 to 18 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 100 Not applicable

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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 100

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 100

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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 100

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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 100

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 47

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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 school intends to cater wholly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All pupils will have an EHC plan with places funded by the local authority.  Leaders intend to specialise in providing education for pupils with a primary need of autism.  The school will be housed in a three-storey period building which was formerly used as an independent school. The school is located at Northdown House, Northdown Park, Margate, CT9 3TP.  The school does not intend to use alternative provision.  The proprietor’s intention is to appoint a governing body which will provide a degree of independent oversight for the school.

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Information about this inspection

 The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, if the DfE decides to register it. This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspectors discussed and reviewed all relevant proposals and plans for the new school with the proprietor and other members of staff.  The inspectors scrutinised a wide range of policies, documents and records presented by the proprietor as evidence of the school’s likelihood to meet the standards. They also checked the single central record.

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Inspection team

Julie Sackett, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils;  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such.

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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)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided 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(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(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request; – 32(1)(j) particulars of any action specified in sub-paragraph (4) are published and maintained on the school’s website or, where no such website exists, are provided to

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Part 6. Provision of information

parents.  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher; – 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor’s full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted, or – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair; and – 32(2)(d) a statement of the school’s ethos (including any religious ethos) and aims.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2;

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Part 6. Provision of information

– 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13; – 32(3)(f) details of the complaints procedure referred to in paragraph 33, and the number of complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year.

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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(b) is made available to parents of pupils.

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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

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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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