The Motiv8 School

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

The Motiv8 School Gordon Centre, Brecon Avenue, Sefton L30 1RQ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a suitable curriculum policy in place. This is supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work for each subject. Leaders have set out what pupils will learn and when. There is a reading programme in place that includes consideration for how pupils’ reading ability will be checked on entry.  Curriculum plans show how leaders have thought about the possible needs of pupils who may attend the school, including the substantial gaps in knowledge that they may have. Leaders have clear intentions for the delivery of the curriculum and plan to deliver ongoing training to new staff when they join the school.  Leaders have purchased suitable resources for the delivery of the curriculum, including the specialist equipment within the welding and fabrication workshop. They have made sure that resources used across the curriculum will support pupils’

p.1

Main inspection findings

understanding of the fundamental British values.  The planned curriculum for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education is designed with pupils’ needs in mind. Leaders recognise that pupils may have missed some of the important components of this curriculum that are vital to their understanding of the world around them. In addition to this, leaders have thought about how they will target pupils’ gaps in knowledge in this key aspect of their development.  There is a curriculum in place for careers development. The proprietor has thought about the real-life experiences that pupils will need to prepare them well for their next steps beyond the school.  The proprietor and headteacher have the background and expertise in identifying and supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Curriculum documentation shows consideration for how teaching will be adapted to

p.1

Main inspection findings

meet pupils’ needs where relevant.  The proposed plans and policies show due regard for the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 2A(1), 2(A)(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The relationships and sex education and health education curriculum adheres to the current statutory guidance. The policy includes leaders’ intentions to share the content of the curriculum with parents and carers, as well as making clear their right to withdraw pupils from the non-statutory aspects. Leaders intend to publish the policy on the school’s website. There is training planned for staff to ensure that the curriculum is taught in line with leaders’ intentions. Paragraph 3 to 3(j)  The proprietor has already appointed some staff. These staff have a range of backgrounds and expertise across the primary and secondary age range and supporting pupils with SEND. The recruitment process for new staff will ensure that

p.1

Main inspection findings

staff have the appropriate skills and knowledge to carry out their roles effectively.  Staff induction and ongoing training will include content about leaders’ expectations for managing behaviour, as well as how the curriculum will be delivered. Leaders have set out a programme of monitoring to check over time that the curriculum is being taught in line with their expectations.  The proprietor and the headteacher have the background and expertise that they need to make sure that learning meets pupils’ needs. They have purchased relevant resources to support the delivery of the curriculum.  Leaders’ intentions for how assessment will be used to find out what pupils know and remember are clearly defined. There will be a mixture of formative and summative assessment used, with ongoing training for staff to ensure that it gives them the most useful information about pupils’ learning. Paragraph 4  There is a suitable assessment policy in place.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The policy explains how pupils’ academic, social and emotional needs will be assessed on entry and regularly reviewed over time. This will be used to plan learning for pupils which is based on their starting points.  Leaders intend to share regular information with parents about pupils’ progress and attainment.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  Leaders have thought carefully about pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. They have set out what pupils will learn and when. There are a range of opportunities for pupils to learn about how different people live and the importance of respecting others. Leaders have planned a range of trips and visits to broaden pupils’ understanding of the world around them.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 Leaders have considered the promotion of the fundamental British values when designing curriculum plans and policies. These will be woven into pupils’ classroom learning as well as enhanced through visitors invited into school.  Schemes of work show how information will be presented to pupils in an impartial way. Pupils will be encouraged to consider opposing viewpoints.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor has appointed the headteacher to be the designated safeguarding lead. The proprietor also has the same level of safeguarding training to be able to quality assure the systems and procedures in place. The whistleblowing policy has clear procedures for reporting concerns about leaders, including concerns about the proprietor.  The safeguarding policy will be published on the website. The proprietor’s

p.2

Main inspection findings

expectations for staff around safeguarding pupils are set out in the staff code of conduct. There is also relevant information for staff and volunteers in the induction programme. The safeguarding systems and procedures show due regard for the most recent government guidance.  The proprietor and headteacher have previous experience of working with pupils in a similar setting. They know the contextual issues that may face pupils who attend the school and will plan safeguarding training taking these into account. Pupils will learn how to keep themselves safe as part of the curriculum. This includes how to keep safe online. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The behaviour policy sets out leaders’ expectations for pupils’ behaviour for staff, pupils and parents, as well as how any incidents of poor behaviour will be managed. There are systems in place for recording sanctions, as well as any instances of bullying. Leaders intend to analyse behaviour incidents over time. The anti-bullying

p.3

Main inspection findings

policy sets out the actions leaders will take should any cases of bullying be reported.  Staff will receive training to understand leaders’ expectations for promoting positive behaviour, including an agreed approach to de-escalation. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  There is a suitable health and safety policy in place. This contains the relevant information for the school to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The emergency exits are clearly signposted from within all parts of the building. Escape routes are made clear within each room. The locations of fire-fighting equipment are signposted, as well as the assembly points for evacuation.  The proprietor has acted on the points highlighted in the previous fire risk assessment in response to the specific risks present in the welding and fabrication workshop. There are suitable heat sensors, as recommended by fire protection experts.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor uses the expertise of a professional fire company to service the fire- fighting equipment and audit the building for fire safety. The proprietor has records in place of regular fire drills.  There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. The proprietor intends that all staff will receive first-aid training. There are systems set up to record any first aid or medication administered during the school day, as well as how this will be communicated with parents. Paragraph 14  The proprietor and headteacher have suitable plans in place to ensure that staff can support pupils who may have significant gaps in their knowledge in addition to SEND. The planned staffing structure allows for pupils to be closely supervised at all points of the school day. Paragraph 15  The school has an electronic system in place to record pupils’ attendance. This will be used to evaluate patterns in attendance. Leaders plan to share this information with

p.3

Main inspection findings

governors.  The school intends to implement an admissions register that includes all of the required detail as set out in the School Attendance (Pupil Registration)(England) Regulations 2024. Paragraph 16 to 16(b)  The proprietor has a risk assessment policy in place that demonstrates their understanding of the needs of pupils who may join the school. The policy shows how risks will be evaluated and mitigated.  There are well-thought-out risk assessments in place for all aspects of the provision that are subject to regular review. Each pupil will have an individual risk assessment that will be regularly evaluated.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor understands the requirement for the range of safeguarding checks necessary during recruitment. The single central record is set up to record all of the necessary checks, including those specifically related to those in leadership roles.  The proprietor understands the requirement to make sure that safeguarding checks made during recruitment are completed before staff commence employment.  The proprietor does not intend to use agency staff. However, they are aware of how to gain the necessary assurances about recruitment checks should they have to use them.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school is located in a single-storey building that was previously used as a youth centre. The accommodation is well-organised, clean and tidy. It has several

p.4

Main inspection findings

teaching spaces, staff offices, a dining area, a sports hall, a medical room and a purpose-built welding and fabrication studio. There is a secure outdoor space to the rear of the building that is suitable for recreation. Physical education (PE) will take place in the sports hall and at off-site venues.  The proprietor makes regular checks of the building to make sure that it is a safe and appropriate place for pupils to learn. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  Toilets for pupils are individual cubicles and lockable from the inside. There are clearly labelled toilets for pupils and separate toilets for staff, including an accessible toilet. All toilets have washing facilities and signs to indicate that hot water is present. Leaders make regular checks on the temperature of the hot water to make sure that it is safe for users.  There are signs in place to advise staff and pupils which sinks provide drinking water.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Drinking water will be available to pupils throughout the school day. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  There is a readily available medical room that has a sink within it and a toilet nearby. The medical room contains a bed, pillow and blanket. There is lockable storage for medication as well as a first aid kit. Paragraphs 26, 27 to 27(b)  The lighting and acoustics in all parts of the building make a suitable learning environment for pupils.  There is external lighting in place that allows users to enter and exit the building safely in hours of darkness. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a secure garden at the rear of the school that is of a suitable size for the likely number of pupils on roll. This space will mainly be used for recreation as there is a large sports hall inside the building. In addition, leaders have secured off-site venues for parts of the PE curriculum.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

p.5

Main inspection findings

permission to open. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(3)(g)  All of the school’s policies will be made available for parents on the website. Parents will also be able to request paper copies. Contact details for the proprietor and headteacher will also be made available on the website when it is operational. The website will outline the school’s ethos.  The proprietor understands the requirement to publish any inspection reports once they are available.  Information about pupils’ progress will be shared with parents through termly reports.  The school has plans in place for how it will share information about the financial accounts with the local authority in regard to pupils who have an education, health and care plan and looked-after children.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

p.5

Main inspection findings

Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy will be made available on the website.  The stages of the complaints policy are clearly defined, including how complaints can be resolved at an informal stage first. The timescales are outlined as well as how the school will make sure that there is someone independent on the complaints panel.  The standard in this part is likely to be me if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and headteacher have the knowledge and expertise that they need to meet the standards at this point, and over time. They have planned a quality assurance programme to check compliance with each part of the standards, supported by external professionals with the relevant background and expertise. The proprietor has positively addressed the standards that were unlikely to be met at the previous

p.6

Main inspection findings

pre-registration inspections. This is reflected in their improved knowledge of the standards and relevant actions taken to meet the standards. The actions taken no longer compromise pupils’ safety and well-being.  The proprietor has recently appointed a chair of governors. It plans to establish a governing body with a range of relevant expertise once the school is open to verify leaders’ identification of strengths and weaknesses.  The proprietor intends to appoint further staff with the breadth of expertise to identify and plans to meet the needs of the range of pupils who may attend the school. It intends to appoint a special educational needs and disabilities coordinator to oversee the provision for pupils.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan fully reflects the statutory requirements.

p.6

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

p.7

Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

p.8

Proposed school details

Type of school Independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Chair Lee Dickinson and Elizabeth McLoughlin (co-chairs) Headteacher Jack Abraham

p.8

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £55,000 to £60,000

p.8

Proposed school details

Email address office@themotiv8school.co.uk

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 16 14 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 20

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

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

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 20

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 20

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 7

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable None

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 4

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will operate from a former youth centre known as The Gordon Youth Centre, located at Brecon Avenue, Sefton L30 1RQ.  The proprietor had previously operated an unregistered alternative provision from the same location. This provision ceased to operate before the previous pre-registration inspection.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision for pupils.  The school will cater for pupils aged from 14 to 16 years with a range of special educational needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs. It is expected that all pupils will have an education, health and care plan. Places at the school will be commissioned by local authorities.  The proprietor is The Jean Project Limited. There are two directors, who are joint chairs. The proprietor has recently appointed a chair of governors.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the school’s third pre-registration inspection. At the time of the first inspection in June 2023, the school was known as The Jean Foundation. For the second inspection in October 2024 the school was renamed The Motiv8 School.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and both co-chairs of the proprietor body to discuss all aspects of the school’s application.  The inspector made a tour of the school site to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.

p.11

Inspection team

Jane Dennis, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.11

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.12

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.12

Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.12

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Inspection team

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

p.12

Inspection team

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

p.12