Huntingdon House School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Huntingdon House School 87 Market Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1AH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h)  The school plans to deliver a broad curriculum that aims to provide pupils with experiences in a range of subjects. The school intends to provide linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. The school has a written curriculum policy. The school intends for pupils to have opportunities to learn and make progress in all areas of learning.  The school’s curriculum is supported by schemes of work across all subjects for pupils who will be working below age-related expectations. These schemes of work take into account the likely starting points and aptitudes of pupils, including those with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. However, the school has not thought carefully enough about the curriculum for pupils who may catch up or who may achieve more highly. The school does not have a curriculum that will cater for pupils who will be

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Main inspection findings

working at, or above, the standards typically expected for pupils by the end of primary school.  The school has identified a suitable phonics programme to support pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read. However, it has not yet finalised how this programme will be used. Staff have not been trained to deliver it. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(i)  The school has a well-planned and sequenced curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. It aims to promote pupil’s understanding of protected characteristics and to encourage mutual respect. It reflects the school’s ethos and aims. The school intends for pupils to be prepared well for life in modern Britain. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  Pupils will receive accurate and up-to-date careers advice and guidance. This information will help pupils to make an informed choice about their future employment and enable them to reach their full potential. The school intends to make

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Main inspection findings

use of a range of local employers and education providers to support this work. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has a separate policy statement related to its provision for pupils’ relationships education. This policy reflects the latest requirements, as set out by the Department for Education (DfE).  The school intends to consult parents and carers, before making, or when revising the relationships education policy. It will ensure that the necessary information about relationships education is made available to parents via the school’s website. Paragraphs 3 to 3(g), 3(i) to 3(j)  The school has a written curriculum policy. Individual subject schemes of work set out the milestones that pupils will be expected to achieve. However, in some cases, these plans do not make clear the precise content that pupils will be expected to know and remember.  A planned programme of training will ensure that teachers have suitable subject

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Main inspection findings

knowledge and understanding of appropriate pedagogy. The school intends for teaching to actively promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values. The school has planned a programme of quality assurance activities to monitor the quality of, and improve, teaching. However, due to the weaknesses in the planned curriculum, these activities will not yet ensure that teachers plan appropriate sequences of lessons and adopt effective teaching methods.  The school is not likely to meet all the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part. Paragraph 4  The school has a policy which states how they will check on pupils’ starting points using a formative assessment process during each pupil’s six-week induction which leaders will use both to identify what pupils know and can do, as well as to begin to understand pupils’ attitudes to learning.  As with the curriculum, while the school has an assessment process in place, some

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Main inspection findings

aspects of the intended assessment process still require further development.  The school is likely to meet this standard.

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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’s curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is comprehensively planned. It promotes understanding of fundamental British values, including democracy and the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Through the curriculum, the school intends for pupils to learn about right and wrong, and about civil and criminal law in England. They will learn about public institutions and services in England, and about a wide range of cultures and beliefs.  Pupils will be given opportunities to work with and support the local community, for example, through engaging with local charities, litter picking and helping to look after a local park.  The school’s policy sets out how the school will monitor the information that any visitors plan to share with pupils. The school will check its provision to ensure that

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Main inspection findings

pupils are not exposed to partisan political views. Where needed, teachers will be expected to provide a balanced, opposing view.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32, 32(1)(c)  The school has a written safeguarding policy that reflects latest national guidance. The policy will be published on the school’s website.  Safeguarding leaders are suitably qualified. They will meet regularly to oversee the schools’ safeguarding procedures. The school plans to appoint an external provider to carry out annual reviews to ensure that safeguarding is working effectively. A safeguarding induction programme will ensure that new staff understand their responsibilities. Posters are displayed to ensure that pupils, visitors and staff will know who safeguarding leaders are.  The school has a suitable system to record any safeguarding concerns and the subsequent actions that are taken. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that safeguarding information is shared with relevant personnel.  The school plans to deliver safeguarding training for all staff annually. It plans to

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Main inspection findings

supplement this with additional training, weekly reminders and updates. This will ensure that, over time, staff’s knowledge of safeguarding is revisited and kept up to date.  The school is aware of the potential safeguarding risks in the local area. It recognises the specific vulnerabilities of the pupils with whom they will work.  The PSHE curriculum will teach pupils how to stay safe. This will include learning about potential risks in the community and online.  There are suitable arrangements in place to filter pupils’ access to online materials. Leaders will be alerted to any attempts to access inappropriate online content.  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities should an allegation be made about inappropriate behaviour of an adult towards pupils. The school’s whistleblowing procedures will be communicated as part of the staff induction process. Paragraphs 3, 3(h), 9 to 10  The school has a written behaviour policy. It sets out what staff will do to promote

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Main inspection findings

and recognise positive behaviour. It sets out the steps to be followed in the event of poor behaviour. Individual support plans will be drawn up for pupils who need extra help to adhere to the school’s expectations. All pupils will have a personalised, written risk assessment.  Leaders will record incidents of poor behaviour. They will review this regularly to identify any emerging trends and patterns.  The school has plans in place for staff to be trained to use de-escalation techniques and physical intervention when needed. Physical intervention will only be used as a last resort. When used, incidents will be reviewed to inform the support that pupils receive.  The school’s anti-bullying policy sets out how instances of bullying will be managed. It sets out the actions that staff must follow in the event of bullying. Pupils will be taught to recognise the different forms of bullying. Paragraphs 11 to 13

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that there are appropriate health and safety policies in place, including for first aid. Staff will be trained in health and safety as part of their induction. The school has employed the services of a consultant to periodically check on health and safety compliance.  Leaders are ensuring that the school complies with the Regulatory reform (Fire Safety) order 2005. A fire risk assessment is in place. Necessary actions identified in the fire risk assessment have been addressed. Paragraph 14  The school intends to employ a suitable number of staff to ensure that there are enough to supervise pupils throughout the school day. Paragraph 15  The school’s proposed admission register meets national requirements.  Leaders will keep a written record of pupils’ attendance. They will use this to identify any trends or patterns of absence.  The school has a written attendance policy. This shows the codes that staff will use to

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Main inspection findings

record the reasons for pupils’ absence. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The school has a broad suite of risk assessments for the premises and pupil activities. Risk assessments calculate the nature of risks and set out how these will be mitigated for.  The school will carry a risk assessment for each pupil. These will consider risks such as poor behaviour and absconding. These risk assessments will be updated regularly.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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), 21(1) to 21(3)(b)  The school knows the checks to make on staff before they are allowed to work at the school. These checks include reference requests from previous employers and proof of identification.  Leaders will record the necessary recruitment checks on the single central record.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff. However, they are aware of the checks that they would need carry out should they choose to do so.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  There are suitable, separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils. The toilets have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  Pupils will be able to use the changing rooms and showers at a nearby leisure centre when they are in receipt of physical education (PE). The school has checked to ensure that these facilities are suitable. A written risk assessment is in place. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  A room has been set aside for the care of pupils who are sick or injured. It is suitably equipped and near a toilet. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  Internal and external lighting are appropriate.  Classrooms have suitable acoustics and are well ventilated.  The building has been adapted to ensure that the accommodation is suitable for the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school. It is maintained to a good standard. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  Drinking water is available from the school’s kitchen. It is clearly labelled. The school plans to add drinking water facilities so that it is available on each floor. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is a small area to the rear of the school where pupils can spend time outdoors.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(b), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(e), 32(3)(g)  The school has a written statement of its ethos and aims. Leaders intend to publish this on the school website on opening.  The school intends that all the information and policies required will be made publicly available through the school website or on request. This includes documents relating to admissions, the curriculum, behaviour, exclusions, and health and safety.  The school has devised a termly report that it will use to provide parents with information about how well their child is doing at school.  There are suitable arrangements in place to work with local authorities to review pupils’ EHC plans. The school understands its responsibilities with regard to providing information to local authorities about children looked after and pupils with an EHC

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Main inspection findings

plan.  Leaders will use the school’s website to share information about the academic performance of pupils and to publish copies of inspection reports.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 32(3), 32(3)(f), 33 to 33(k)  The school has a suitable complaints policy. It will be made available to parents via the website. The policy sets out the procedures to be followed in the event of a complaint. The policy identifies informal and formal processes. It contains appropriate timescales. It sets out what parents should do if they are not satisfied with the response to, or outcome of the complaint. The policy includes how records of any complaints received, and any subsequent actions taken by the school as a result, will be recorded and stored.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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 not ensured that leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role. Leaders do not have a strong enough understanding of all the standards. The proprietor has not ensured that the proposed school will meet all the standards relating to the curriculum, teaching and the assessment of pupils’ progress.  The school is not likely to meet all the requirements of the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility plan. It identifies how the school will make sure that its curriculum, documentation and premises are accessible for pupils with SEND.  The school is likely to meet the requirements.

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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) £75,000 to £85,000

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Proposed school details

Email address huntingdonhouseschool@gmail.com

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 19 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 25

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week Up to 15

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 10 to 16 10 to 16 10 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 19 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 19 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 3 Up to 10

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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 0 Up to 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 4

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is located at 87 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1AH.  The proprietor currently runs an unregistered alternative provision on the same site as the proposed school. The two provisions would be run as two separate businesses.  The proposed school will provide full-time education for up to 10 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND,) aged between 10 and 16 years.  The school will provide for pupils who have social, emotional or mental health needs, cognitive and learning needs, or speech, language and communication needs. Some of the pupils are likely to have a diagnosis of autism. All of the pupils will be pupils with SEND and are likely to have an EHC plan.  Most pupils are likely to be funded by local authorities.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE, to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards, if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the headteacher and the deputy headteachers.  The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and assessment information.  The inspector checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Vic Wilkinson, 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 purpose of paragraph (2)(1)(a) the matters are- – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well-planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.

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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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