Norman House Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Norman House Independent School Norman House, Robson Way, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 7PP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has a written curriculum policy in place which sets out clear expectations for the subjects which pupils will study. The intended curriculum is broad and ambitious. Pupils’ ages, aptitudes and needs have been considered carefully in the design of the curriculum.  The curriculum is supported by schemes of work across the range of subjects. The curriculum is structured to build pupils’ knowledge and skills coherently across the proposed age range. It takes pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) into consideration.  Schemes of work to support the intended curriculum have been well thought through. This includes English, mathematics and science as well as a broad range of other national curriculum subjects. The majority of the school’s national curriculum subjects

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Main inspection findings

will allow pupils to work towards a GCSE. The school’s intended curriculum includes vocational options for pupils to study towards a recognised qualification.  The proposed school has a carefully considered careers programme in place. This will allow pupils to access independent careers advice and guidance. The school intends to ensure that pupils have access to relevant work experience and opportunities to meet with representatives from different career professions. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2(A)(1)(b), 2(A)(1)(d) to 2(A)(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proposed school has an appropriate personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum in place. This includes appropriate education for relationships and sex education (RSE) as set out in statutory legislation.  The proposed school has arrangements in place to consult with parents and carers about the RSE curriculum. The proposed school has thought about how to support

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Main inspection findings

pupils who are withdrawn from these lessons. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j), 4  The proprietor has ensured that the schemes of work will support the teaching of well-planned lessons. For example, the proprietor has considered how teachers will revisit learning to ensure that pupils are building up their knowledge over time.  The proprietor intends to employ qualified specialist teachers to support the implementation of the curriculum. This will allow teachers to have an in-depth understanding of the subjects that they will be teaching.  The proposed school will have four classes with up to five pupils in each class, with suitable staff-to-pupil ratios. It is intended that high staff-to-pupil ratios will allow positive relationships to be fostered between staff and pupils. It is also intended to support and nurture pupils. The proprietor intends to establish routines and expectations so that pupils learn how to behave and act responsibly.

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Main inspection findings

 There are a variety of documents, arranged assessments and reviews in place that ensure that all pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) have their needs reviewed frequently.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has thought carefully about and has planned learning experiences to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Curriculum plans across a range of subjects aim to enhance aspects of pupils’ SMSC development, most prominently in distinct PSHE education lessons.  The teaching of fundamental British values is woven throughout the curriculum. The proposed school intends to use assemblies to discuss different topical issues, celebrate world faiths or important world events which are relevant for the pupils. For example, pupils will learn about the importance of equality and develop mutual respect and tolerance of the differences between people in Britain.  Educational visits in the local area are intended to support pupils’ awareness of the wider world and develop their appreciation of the locality and diversity. For example,

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Main inspection findings

pupils will visit local care homes or undertake local charity work. In addition, visits to places of worship are proposed to deepen pupils’ understanding of different faiths and cultures.  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 Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor understands its responsibility to establish an effective culture for safeguarding. There is a suitable policy in place. It is in line with statutory guidance. It is published on the school’s website.  The proprietor has ensured that the leaders responsible for safeguarding have had effective training to carry out their role. The proprietor will ensure that a named member of staff will carry out the role of designated safeguarding lead. Staff will have a comprehensive induction when they join the school with regards to safeguarding policies and procedures. A planned programme of ongoing professional development for staff around safeguarding will ensure that they receive regular updates about safeguarding issues. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school’s policies for managing pupils’ behaviour and incidents of bullying are suitable for the nature of the pupils’ needs. The proprietor has ensured

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Main inspection findings

that these policies will support staff in supporting and managing pupils’ behaviour. Staff will receive ongoing professional development to ensure that they understand pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs and can provide effective pastoral support to pupils.  The proposed school’s anti-bullying policy and strategy will ensure, as much as is practicably possible, that bullying does not occur at the school. Pupils will take part in events to support their understanding about the impact of bullying, such as Anti- Bullying Week. If bullying should occur, there are clear procedures in place for the school to respond to any incident. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The proposed school has created appropriate health and safety and risk assessment policies. Suitable systems are in place to ensure that the building is maintained to a high standard and does not cause any health and safety concerns. Where pupils use

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Main inspection findings

local leisure facilities, these have been adequately risk assessed with carefully considered control measures put into place to mitigate risk as much as possible.  There is an appropriate first-aid policy in place. First-aid boxes are located in considered positions in the school. The first-aid boxes contain sufficient supplies to ensure that staff can administer first aid. The proprietor has plans to ensure that a suitable number of staff are trained in first-aid procedures.  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This has included an external audit to ensure that the proposed school is compliant.  The proprietor has systems in place to ensure the accurate recording of pupils’ attendance and admissions. It demonstrates a secure understanding of the current requirements for both documents.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) 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)(b) to 21(6)  The proprietor has established a single central record and has begun to record many of the necessary checks required about the suitability of staff. The proprietor demonstrates a sound understanding of the different checks which are required for different staff. For example, sufficient checks are made on staff’s medical fitness.  The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff. However, it is clear on what checks would need to be made on supply staff if they became employed by 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 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23 to 23(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is in a detached two-storey building in its own grounds. There is sufficient space outside for pupils to play in a secure setting. The good-size building has been furnished to a high standard by the proprietor. The accommodation comprises four classrooms, a communal space called the ‘Chill Zone’, office space, kitchen, medical room, reception and an entrance area for visitors to sign in.  There are suitable toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet. All toilet cubicles can be secured from the inside. All toilet facilities have sufficient running water. The temperature of the water does not pose a scalding risk. There are signs indicating drinking-water, although pupils are likely to access this from jugs in classrooms.  There is appropriate provision in place to ensure that pupils have suitable changing

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Main inspection findings

and shower facilities. These are currently at a local leisure centre. However, the proprietor is planning for this to be on site in the future. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  A medical room has been set up in the Chill Zone. This is suitable for staff to support pupils with short-term medical needs. There is a pillow and blanket for additional comfort. There is easy access to a toilet if needed. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The accommodation throughout is of a suitable standard and it meets all requirements for the health, safety and welfare of pupils. This includes suitable lighting and acoustics in the different classrooms and around the building. The exterior lighting is of a sufficient standard to allow pupils, staff and visitors to leave the building safely in low levels of light or in the dark. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The pupils will have access to an outdoor area that is safe. Physical education

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Main inspection findings

activities will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the school’s curriculum requirements. These sessions will be conducted at leisure centres in the local area. Appropriate risk assessments have been carried out to ensure the safety of pupils when attending these off-site sessions.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32 (1)(f) to 32(2)(d), 32(3) to 32(3)(g)  The website for the proposed school is well organised and easy to navigate. It provides parents with the necessary information regarding school policies and procedures. It gives contact details for both the school and the proprietor.  The website is set up in a manner which will allow further information to be shared with parents should the school open. For example, there is already a section where the proprietor will upload the proposed school’s inspection reports.  The proprietor has clear procedures in place to show how it would report on pupils’ progress, attainment and emotional well-being. This would be at regular intervals with the pupil’s key worker. In addition, the proprietor has sufficient procedures in place to support pupils’ annual review of their EHC plans by providing detailed information to

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Main inspection findings

local authorities.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to33(k)  The proposed school has a complaints policy which is available on the school’s website. The policy sets out clear timescales for the management of complaints. It includes an opportunity for complaints to be dealt with informally at the first stage of the process.  The policy identifies a suitable independent reviewer should they be required during the later stages of the complaints process.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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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 is an experienced teacher with recent success in establishing another independent school. She demonstrates a clear vision for the school and the education that it proposes to provide. The proprietor is ambitious for what pupils will achieve while they are at the school.  The proprietor will ensure that staff have suitable qualifications and experience to carry out their roles effectively. This includes expertise in working with pupils with SEND and looked-after children. The proprietor has effective working relationships with the local authority that is likely to place pupils at the school.  The proprietor intends for the school to establish purposeful partnerships with local schools and education networks to develop staff’s expertise further and to share effective practice.  The proprietor has ensured that there are systems in place for monitoring the

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Main inspection findings

standards and ensuring that they are consistently met.  The proprietor plans for an independent governing body that will also have the correct skills required to provide oversight and strategic guidance to the school.  The proprietor has a secure grasp of what is needed to promote pupils’ well-being. It understands its statutory duties.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has a suitable accessibility policy in place for the proposed school. The proposed school has systems in place to ensure that adaptations can be made for pupils to access the curriculum.  The proposed school is likely to meet schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if the proposed school opens.

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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.

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Proposed school details

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

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Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School category Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Norman House Independent School Ltd

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Proposed school details

Email address info@nhindependantschool.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 20

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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 none 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 1 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in a detached building located at Robson Way, Blackpool FY3 7PP.  The proposed school is located in its own grounds, with a secure fence surrounding the building.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 20 pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with SEND. It is intended that it will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. It is expected that many of the pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor body is registered at Companies House. The chair of the proprietor body is currently the headteacher.  There is currently no governing body. The proprietor intends to have a governing body in place should the school be registered and open to pupils.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE registers the school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor.  The proprietor intends to appoint a headteacher, but this position is currently being undertaken by the proprietor.  The inspector made a tour of the site, both internally and externally, 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.

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Inspection team

Stuart Perkins, 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 .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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