Opal Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Opal Education Unit 12, Holland Business Park, Riverdane Road, Congleton CW12 1PN

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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)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a suitable curriculum policy in place. The proprietor has ensured that there are plans and schemes of work available for each subject on offer. Pupils will have the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects, as well as work on their social and emotional development. Curriculum plans show leaders’ consideration for what pupils will learn and when.  The school plans to admit pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), all of whom are likely to have education, health and care plans (EHC plan). Curriculum plans show leaders’ understanding of the typical needs profile of pupils who may join the school. There is a programme of training for staff to continually reinforce the impact of pupils’ needs for adaptations to the curriculum.  The resources necessary to deliver the curriculum are available in the school.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have thought carefully about the curriculum for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic education. Curriculum plans show consideration for the fact that many pupils who attend the school will have had significantly disrupted previous experiences of education and gaps in their knowledge.  Pupils’ emotional development is important to leaders. Aspects of this will be threaded through all parts of the school day, with a core focus on supporting pupils to build trusting relationships with staff where they have previously found this difficult.  The proposed plans and policies show due regard for protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  There are plans in place for a careers programme with relevant opportunities for pupils to experience the world of work. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2(A)(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2)  The proprietor has taken the most up-to-date statutory guidance into account when

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Main inspection findings

planning the content for relationships and sex education (RSE). The RSE policy states that the school will consult with parents and carers about the content of the curriculum. Parents will have the option to withdraw their child from the non-statutory aspects. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j)  Staff recruitment is being carefully planned to make sure that they have the background and expertise to support pupils well. There is ongoing training planned for staff to ensure that subject leaders can review their subjects and check that the intended curriculum is being taught well.  The proprietor, who is also the headteacher, and the deputy headteacher have worked closely with an external consultant to build the knowledge they need to design a curriculum that meets pupils’ potential needs. Paragraph 4  There is now a suitable assessment policy in place.  The headteacher has set out a clear rationale for how pupils’ learning will be assessed

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Main inspection findings

and how this information will be used to impact further teaching. Assessment of pupils’ emotional needs will take place regularly.  There will be a high level of support in place for pupils when they first join the school. Typically, pupils’ previous experience of education may have been negative. Leaders plan to evaluate pupils’ emotional development to work out how best to plan their curriculum offer.  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 curriculum shows how leaders have thought about supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. A large focus for the school will be helping pupils understand how people are different. The school will provide a range of real-life experiences to develop pupils’ confidence, self-esteem, communication and teamwork skills.  Fundamental British values are woven in a range of curriculum subjects and activities. Pupils will have the opportunity to engage in real-life activities that increase their understanding of these.  The plans and schemes of work show that pupils will be presented with information in an impartial way and will be encouraged to consider different points of view.  The standard in this part is 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 headteacher has appointed another senior member of staff to be the designated safeguarding lead. The headteacher also has the same depth of knowledge to be able to quality assure the school’s safeguarding arrangements. The induction process includes familiarising new staff with the whistleblowing procedures.  The proprietor has a strong understanding of the systems and procedures in place to keep pupils safe. There will be an electronic recording system in place for staff to share concerns about pupils with leaders.  The safeguarding policy will be published on the school’s website. It reflects the government’s most recent guidance and shows regard for the needs of pupils who may attend the school. Leaders have set out their expectations for how staff should conduct themselves, including the safe use of mobile phones.  The headteacher and deputy headteacher have up-to-date safeguarding training.

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Main inspection findings

There is a proposed ongoing programme of training in place for other staff. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The behaviour policy clearly sets out the school’s approach to promoting positive behaviour. There is a strong emphasis on meeting pupils’ emotional needs. The school has well-thought-out systems in place for recording any incidents of poor behaviour, including bullying or racism. The anti-bullying policy includes reference to protected characteristics, as well as how concerns about bullying will be handled. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  The proprietor has completed the relevant follow-up actions from the fire safety risk assessment, such as ensuring that fire exit signs are clearly visible throughout the building. Firefighting equipment is located at suitable points near the fire exits.  There is a suitable health and safety policy in place. The school conforms with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor uses an external specialist

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Main inspection findings

to service the firefighting equipment. Regular fire drills will take place.  There is a suitable first-aid policy in place. All staff will receive first-aid training. There are systems in place to record the administration of first aid as well as the administration of medication. Paragraph 14  The proprietor and deputy headteacher have a range of previous experiences and expertise in supporting pupils with SEND. There will be a suitable number of staff to supervise pupils safely, including at the start and end of the school day as the school will provide transport to and from home. Typically, two adults will work with each pupil. Paragraph 15  The school has an electronic system in place to record pupils’ attendance. This will be used to evaluate patterns in attendance.  The school intends to implement an admissions register that includes all of the required detail as set out in statutory guidance.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The proprietor has a risk assessment policy in place that sets out how risks will be identified and evaluated. There are suitable risk assessments in place for all aspects of the school, including for when pupils learn off site. Risk assessments show that leaders have a secure understanding of the possible needs of pupils who may attend 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 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)  The proprietor has undertaken training to improve their knowledge of safer recruitment processes. There is now a single central record (SCR) in place that meets the statutory requirements. The proprietor understands the requirement to complete recruitment checks before staff commence employment.  The SCR contains space to record any required overseas background checks. There are systems in place to make and record any required checks with accuracy on the SCR.  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(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is on the first floor of an office space that has been refurbished to a high standard. The accommodation comprises a large main teaching space, a separate classroom, office, kitchen area, toilet and washing facilities. There is a small outdoor space at the front of the building that will be used for recreation. Physical education (PE) will be held off site. Relevant risk assessments are in place for this. The school intends to admit vulnerable pupils with complex needs. These pupils will require a high level of specialist support. For this reason, it will be the recommendation that the maximum number of pupils on roll is 10.  There are separate toilet and washing facilities for pupils and for staff. Toilet cubicles can be locked from the inside for privacy. There is hot and cold running water, with

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Main inspection findings

warning signs about the temperature of the water and to indicate drinking-water. Bottled water will be made available to pupils throughout the day.  There is a shower available for pupils to use, along with a private area that could be used for changing. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b)  A medical room is available for pupils to use. The room contains a bed, as well as appropriate first-aid supplies. There is a sink in the room and it is near to toilet facilities. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27 to 27(b)  The premises have been refurbished with the needs of pupils who may attend the school in mind. For example, some smaller quiet spaces have been created. The premises are well maintained and tidy. The acoustics and lighting are appropriate for the learning environment. The exterior of the building is lit in the hours of darkness. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school does not have space on the site where PE could take place. That

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Main inspection findings

said, the proprietor has a wide range of risk assessments in place for PE to take place using sporting provisions in the local community. Although the space for recreation is small, the structure of the school day would mean that most pupils would take breaks off site at various times.  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(3)(g)  The proprietor has designed a website that will be made available when the school opens. The proposed website contains all of the required information and policies, including the contact details for the proprietor.  All statutory policies are in place and up to date. Policies will be published on the website, as well as being made available in paper form from the office.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports to parents on pupils’ progress and attainment. These reports will include information about pupils’ social and emotional development, as well as their academic achievements.  Leaders are aware that any inspection reports and examination results need to be made available.  The standard in this part is 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 to 33(k)  There is an appropriate complaints policy in place. The policy sets out what will happen at each stage and timescales. There is the opportunity for complaints to be heard informally initially. The proprietor is aware of the requirement for the complaints panel to consist of members who are independent of the running of the school.  The standard in this part is 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)  Since the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietor has worked extensively with an external consultant to build a secure knowledge of the standards. The proprietor has put systems and procedures in place to check for the school’s compliance with the standards over time. This includes consideration for what the quality assurance process will look like. Leaders have the capacity to ensure that the school complies with the standards consistently.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a suitable accessibility plan in place.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £104,000 to £117,000

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 17 11 to 17 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 10

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recommendation

Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Given the vulnerable and complex nature of the proposed pupils to be admitted to this school, the proposed school should operate with a maximum of 10 pupils on roll.

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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 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 None

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent school is located at Unit 12, Holland Business Park, Riverdane Road, Congleton, CW12 1PN.  The proposed school is located on the first floor of a refurbished office building.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 10 mixed-gender pupils aged between 11 and 17 years. It is intended that the school will cater for pupils who are struggling to cope in mainstream schools and pupil referral units. Leaders anticipate that all pupils will have an EHC plan for social, emotional and mental health needs.  Leaders intend to teach pupils separately and individually, often with a ratio of two adults to one pupil. They aim to offer pupils a secure and nurturing environment that eventually leads to engaging pupils in personalised educational and vocational courses.  The proprietor is ISO Teaching Limited. There is one member of the proprietor body.

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Information about this proposed school

The member will be the interim headteacher for the school when it opens. As soon as the school is established, the proprietor intends to appoint a substantive headteacher. It also plans to establish a governing body to have oversight and governance responsibilities for the school.  Until recently, the proprietor operated an unregistered alternative provision in the same name as the proposed school. This unregistered alternative provision had been operating since August 2015. It is now closed.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the standards prior to opening as a registered school.  This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, who is also the headteacher, and the deputy headteacher.  The inspector toured the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. She also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those related to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. She also checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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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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Inspection team

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