Kimichi Worcester Proposed To Open

School pre-registration inspection report

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Kimichi Worcester St. Placides, Battenhall Avenue, Worcester WR5 2HP

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 4  The proprietor and leaders can clearly articulate their vision for the proposed school. The proposed school will aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils with a particular interest, skill or aptitude in music. Pupils will be provided with opportunities to learn a variety of different instruments from school-based staff and, when needed, external peripatetic teachers. An equal focus will also be placed on developing an understanding of the world around them and on developing positive relationships in modern day Britain. The school intends also to meet the needs of pupils with autistic spectrum conditions, moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.  The proposed school has identified an appropriately ambitious curriculum. Leaders have spent considerable time identifying the most appropriate curriculum for the

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Main inspection findings

pupils in terms of ambition and breadth of opportunity. There is a clear rationale that the intended curriculum will not only meet the independent school standards (the standards) but will also precisely match the academic abilities of the pupils.  The proposed school intends to provide a broad range of curriculum units linked to the expectations of the standards. These curriculum overviews provide insight into what should be taught, and there is a general understanding of which term and year they will be covered.  There is no evidence in curriculum plans or broader documentation to suggest that fundamental British values will be undermined.  Through a well-defined assessment policy, the proprietor has articulated a clear vision for how pupils’ progress and attainment will be assessed.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The proposed school’s relationships and sex education (RSE) policy sits alongside the

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Main inspection findings

personal, social and health and economic education policy. It outlines provisions for secondary-age pupils. The proposed school intends to consult with parents and carers on an individual basis about the content of the policy. The RSE policy references the right of parents and carers to withdraw their child entirely or partly from sex education lessons.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)a to 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(g), 2(2)(i), 3 to 3(j)  As the proposed school building was not yet complete and unlikely to meet the standards for Part 5, Ofsted agreed that the inspection could not continue. Consequently, Ofsted was unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether these standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5(a), 5(b)(ii) to 5(b)(vii)  Careful consideration has been given to developing the curriculum in a way that supports the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, the use of music and the creative arts will develop an understanding of spirituality and provide pupils with opportunities to develop a sense of awe and wonder. Equally, in the life curriculum for pupils in Years 10 and 11, there is a strong emphasis on understanding cultural diversity in society, as well as developing a notion of fundamental British values.  The behaviour policy is well written and focuses on relationships, promoting high- quality interactions between pupils and their peers and between pupils and staff. The proprietor articulates, through policies and schemes of work, a clear intent to develop the voice of pupils attending the school. They intend to develop the school council’s

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Main inspection findings

role as a key strategic partner in the proposed school’s development.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 5, 5(b)(i), 5(c) to 5(d)(iii)  As the proposed school building was not yet complete and unlikely to meet the standards for Part 5, Ofsted agreed that the inspection could not continue. Consequently, Ofsted was unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether these standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(b), 9(a), 14  The proprietor has created an appropriate safeguarding policy, which reflects the latest statutory guidance from the Secretary of State. Appointed leaders for safeguarding already possess a strong understanding of guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and have established systems, processes and policies to meet these expectations.  The proposed school’s behaviour policy clearly articulates the intended approach to managing pupils’ behaviour. This approach aims to provide pupils with the opportunities to develop positive mental health, self-esteem and caring and nurturing relationships with their peers. Leaders have given careful consideration to the policy, including supporting those pupils who have had inconsistent or negative prior experiences of school.  The staff-to-pupil ratio suggests that pupils will likely be suitably supervised

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Main inspection findings

throughout the school day. It is intended that pupils will work with different teachers.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 9, 9(b), 9(c), 10 to 13, 15 to 16(b)  As the proposed school building was not yet complete and unlikely to meet the standards for Part 5, Ofsted agreed that the inspection could not continue. Consequently, Ofsted was unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether these standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18 to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3) to 21(8)  As the proposed school building was not yet complete and unlikely to meet the standards for Part 5, Ofsted agreed that the inspection could not continue. Consequently, Ofsted was unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether these standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is still considerable building work to be undertaken at the school. While the proprietor maintains that the work will be completed on 12 May 2025, it is not ready at the time of this inspection and is currently unlikely to meet part 5 of the standards.  Of the 10 prospective classrooms, only some are ready for occupancy. Communal areas and specialist technical rooms, such as the science room, are not yet ready. In several areas of the school and on all three floors, electrical work remains to be completed.  There are a significant number of toilets and washing facilities. However, some are not plumbed in and, therefore, unusable. While provisions in the plans include showers, they have not been installed at this time. The rooms for these showers are yet to be decorated or completed. There is evidence of separate toilets for visitors located

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Main inspection findings

within a part of the school used for external group lettings. However, these have not been completed or installed. Due to the plumbing difficulties on site, it was difficult to identify an appropriate source of hot and cold water. The architect identified that all the taps will have regulators, which will prevent scalding.  An appropriate space has been identified to function as the medical room. This includes an en-suite toilet with a washing facility. However, this room is not furnished, and there is no evidence of a bed or appropriate chair.  Some rooms are well lit, with ample natural light and additional lighting available as needed. However, in other rooms, while there is lots of natural light, the light fittings have not been installed, and wires are hanging from the ceiling. It was difficult to determine if any suitable external lighting would be in place as the external parts of the building were still under development. Given the current state of development of

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Main inspection findings

the site, there was insufficient evidence to suggest whether sound insulation was appropriate in all rooms.  The proprietor identified that they would be commissioning water fountains to provide drinking water for the pupils. Although there is an intended service level agreement for these fountains, they are not currently situated within the proposed school.  There is an extensive area to the front of the proposed school, as well as smaller areas identified around the school, for socialisation and outdoor play. The proposed school site also has an extensive school hall, where physical education can take place. However, both the internal and external areas are underdeveloped and not ready for occupation.  To improve accessibility in the proposed school, a lift has been commissioned, enabling pupils to access all three floors. It is evident in the building plans where this will be located, but the lift is not currently in place.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has not ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(j) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f)  All policies, documents and information required for the pre-registration inspection were provided promptly. Where relevant, policies reflect that the proposed school will cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or those who may require a specific form of support to prepare them for further education, employment or training. Policies are clear, well presented and written in a language that is accessible.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(b), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h) to 32(1)(i), 32(3), 32(3)(e)  As the proposed school building was not yet complete and unlikely to meet the standards for Part 5, Ofsted agreed that the inspection could not continue. Consequently, Ofsted was unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether

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Main inspection findings

these standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33(a)  The complaints policy is clear and outlines the necessary actions at various stages. The aim is to resolve complaints informally, but more formal steps are outlined in the policy, including a panel hearing. It outlines suitable timeframes for addressing complaints. The complaints policy is available to parents on request.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 33, 33(b) to 33(k)  As the proposed school building was not yet complete and unlikely to meet the standards for Part 5, Ofsted agreed that the inspection could not continue. Consequently, Ofsted were unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether these standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a) to 34(1)(b)  The proposed school building is currently being refurbished. There is considerable work ongoing to make the building fit for purpose. While this work is due for completion within the next six weeks, the inspector was unable to confirm that the standards for part 5 would likely be met if the DfE agreed with the school’s request for registration.  The proprietor has not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 34(1)(c)  As the proposed school building was not complete, the proprietor requested that the inspection not continue. Consequently, Ofsted was unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether this standard would likely be met or unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The proposed school considers and plans for the needs of pupils with SEND.  The accessibility plan currently focuses on providing equal access for those with disabilities. Leaders are fully aware that the plan will continue to be refined to identify further appropriate timescales for completing the actions. The plan’s template is positive and, already, there are some sharply focused actions to develop the site’s inclusive nature.

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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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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 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

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 33

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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 33

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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 33

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 1

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed building is a large former independent school in a suburb of Worcester. The building is currently being renovated to meet the needs and provision of the proposed school. At the point of the pre-registration inspection, the renovations had not yet been completed. The proprietor and architect anticipate the work will be completed on 12 May 2025.  The proposed school intends to cater for boys and girls from 11 to 16 years of age.  The proposed school intends to cater to pupils with a particular interest in music. It is also anticipated that the school will cater for the needs of pupils with autistic spectrum conditions, moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs. It is anticipated that up to one third of pupils attending the school will have an education, health and care plan. The proprietor also runs another school, Kimichi School, located at Eastbourne House, 111 Yardley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham,

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Information about this proposed school

West Midlands, B27 6LL.  This proposed school will not have a religious denomination.  The proposed school does not intend to use any form of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector reviewed many documents prior to the inspection.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the deputy headteacher, the leader of science and the architect of the school building.  As the inspection included a full-day, onsite visit, a tour of the premises was completed. However, this tour identified that the school building and grounds were not ready and unlikely to meet the standards for part 5. As the proposed school building was not complete, Ofsted agreed that the inspection would not continue. Consequently, Ofsted were unable to gather sufficient evidence to evaluate whether some standards would likely be met or unmet.

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Inspection team

Chris Pollitt, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  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.  26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises. – 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)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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 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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