Elite Training

School pre-registration inspection report

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Elite Training Arches 1,2,3,4,7,8,9 Grain Warehouse, Derby Street, Burton-upon-Trent DE14 2JJ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(a), 2(2)(g), 3 to 3(h) 4  The proprietor intends that the proposed school will provide full-time education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All pupils will likely have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and will be placed by neighbouring local authorities. Pupils will have a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs, autism and moderate learning difficulties.  The setting is currently operating as an alternative provision. It has a suitable curriculum in place for that purpose, which takes the ages, needs and aptitudes of pupils into account. However, this curriculum is unlikely to meet the standards required to register as an independent special school. This is because, the current curriculum is delivered through a suite of accredited units from a national provider which are designed to recognise informal learning. These do not enable the proprietor

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Main inspection findings

to demonstrate the breadth of educational experience set out in the independent school standards. For instance, although human and social education is incorporated in some units, it is not underpinned by carefully considered schemes of work that set out the sequence of what will be taught and when it will be taught.  Due to the lack of a clear sequence of learning for subjects to be taught, there is no means through which to assess what pupils have learned in these areas, and what they need to learn next to make progress. This will limit the ability of the proposed school to take the needs, aptitudes and prior attainment of pupils into account to ensure well-planned lessons are provided.  Thought has not been given to how teachers will be supported to develop the additional subject and pedagogical knowledge that will be required if the registration is approved.  These independent school standards are unlikely to be met if the school’s proposal to

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Main inspection findings

register is agreed. Paragraph 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i), 3(i) and 3(j)  The existing provision for personal, social, health and economic education is a strength in the current setting. The proprietor has ensured that this is a priority and has a clear vision for how it will be further developed to meet the needs of prospective pupils, should the proposed school be registered.  Similarly, there is a clear, coherent programme of careers advice and guidance in place, which is planned to start at the point of admission and build on the vocational learning that pupils will access. Opportunities to find out about a broad range of careers and to experience work are built into pupils’ individual programmes to meet specific needs and to prepare them for their future. It is intended that this would continue to be a significant element of provision in the proposed school.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(e) to 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that there is an age-appropriate policy for relationship and sex education in place. The policy sets out what will be taught when and invites parents to share their views. The policy also explains parents’ right to withdraw pupils from sex education.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has carefully considered the needs and experiences of prospective pupils to inform his plans to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. There is a clear understanding of how and when the social and cultural experiences of pupils in their communities may need to be incorporated into planned activities and events.  The proprietor’s plans identify appropriate aims of developing pupils’ respect and tolerance of others and their ability to understand the importance of the rule of law and democracy. These are actively promoted in and around the current setting.  It is intended that pupils will learn about the protected characteristics and fundamental British values through visits and visiting speakers, as well as through the taught curriculum.  There is appropriate emphasis on supporting pupils to develop their confidence and

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Main inspection findings

self-esteem and the ability to take responsibility for their own actions.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 10 and 12 to 16  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school’s safeguarding policy meets all requirements. The policy is up to date and published on the proposed school’s website. As noted earlier, the setting is currently operating as an alternative provision. Consequently, the proprietor was able to demonstrate that all staff are and will be appropriately trained. The proprietor was also able to demonstrate rigour in the systems and processes to keep pupils safe, including detailed record-keeping that supports strong relationships with a range of suitable agencies including the placing local authorities.  Appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies are in place currently and are suitable for the proposed school. The proprietor was able to share how review and analysis of these records effectively support individualised behaviour support plans where

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Main inspection findings

needed.  There are suitable polices in place for fire safety, first aid and risk assessments that meet all legislative requirements. Risk assessments are thorough and regularly reviewed. All pupils attending the proposed school will have individual risk assessments, as is currently the case.  The proprietor complies with Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005 at both sites used by the proposed school. However, the proprietor does not yet have a certificate to authenticate the very recent annual check of the farm site. This will be shared with the Department for Education (DfE) as soon as it arrives.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11  There is a suitable health and safety policy in place. However, its implementation at the farm site is not as rigorous as it should be. Buildings to be used by pupils are not suitable for educational purposes and general hygiene has not been considered well

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Main inspection findings

enough.  This standard is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(b), 18(3), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a) and 21(3)(a)(iii)  At the time of this inspection, the proprietor had not ensured that the required checks of staff in regulated activity had been completed. These checks are done externally on the proprietor’s behalf. However, the proprietor’s requests for these to be completed during the inspection were not satisfied.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraph18(2)(a), 18(2)(c) to 18(2)(e), 19(2) to 19(3), 21(2), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iv) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(c)  The proprietor has a single central record in place which allows for all the required checks to be recorded. The current record has one check that is missing. However, the proprietor now understands the checks to be made for different groups of people and intends to rectify this error. It is not intended that the proposed school will use agency

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Main inspection findings

staff, but checks required of such staff are understood.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1) to 24(1), 24(1)(b), 25, 27, 27(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is situated across two sites, one of which is a farm. However, structures designated for pupil use at the farm are not fit for purpose and some of these areas are not routinely kept clean enough for pupil use. This includes the medical room and the ‘portaloo’ that is the only toilet available.  At the Grain Warehouse site, toilets are clean and provide suitable hot and cold water. However, these are used by all pupils and staff. There are no separate toilets for the sole use of pupils as required by the independent school standards.  The medical room at the Grain Warehouse site is not suitably situated. The area for pupils who may be feeling unwell consists of three chairs pushed together in a busy office where there is no possibility of rest or privacy.  The main site does not have any outdoor space that is designated for pupils to use for

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Main inspection findings

physical education or for play. There is no external lighting in place.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraph 26, 27(a), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The Grain Warehouse site provides suitable classroom areas. Both sites are well-lit and have appropriate acoustics. Both sites make drinking water freely available.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(3)(d) and 32(3)(f)  The proprietor intends that the website established for the alternative provision will continue to serve the proposed school, if registered. All required information has been made available and accessible to those with an interest.  The proprietor intends to report on pupils’ progress at least termly, including progress towards EHC plan targets. These will also inform annual reviews.  The proprietor has agreed process for reporting on expenditure for pupils placed by local authorities. Expenditure is agreed at placement in accordance with the level of need and reviewed annually.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable complaints policy is in place that meets all the requirements set out in the independent school standards. The policy sets out the stages from informal to formal complaint and provides appropriate timescales.  The proprietor has secure storage readily available to ensure that confidential records of complaints are kept safe.  These standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(b)  The proprietor will also be the headteacher of the proposed school. He and his proposed deputy have skills and experience of alternative provision that will transfer effectively to the proposed school. However, to ensure that the independent school standards are met consistently, further work to develop a clearer understanding of learning across a range of subjects is needed so that pupils can access a well-rounded education and develop the knowledge and skills they require to make progress over time, as well as to achieve appropriate accreditation.  These standards are unlikely to be met. Paragraph 34(1)(c)  There are appropriate processes in place to ensure that pupils will be kept safe and learn how to keep themselves safe. High staff pupil ratios will support this, alongside effective relationships with placing local authorities and a wide range of agencies

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 18 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 0

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 15

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 12 to 19 12 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 40 30 Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Following the pre-registration findings, the proprietor is likely to reconsider use of the farm site as an integral part of the proposed school. In this case, to maintain the proprietor’s wish of small teaching groups, a total of 30 pupils all attending the Grain Warehouse site would be the optimum number. This was discussed and agreed with the proprietor.

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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 0 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 40

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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 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 13

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is located on two sites. The main site is situated in a series of ex-railway warehouses. The subsidiary site is a farm located a few minutes’ drive away.  The proprietor intends to provide full-time education for up to 40 pupils from Year 8 to Year 13.  The school will offer places to pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, moderate learning difficulties and those with autism.  All pupils are expected to have EHC plans and to be placed by the local authority.  The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with the proprietor and the centre manager.  Inspectors visited and viewed all areas of the proposed school at both sites to check on health and safety procedures, fire safety and the suitability of the proposed premises.  Inspectors visited two lessons taking place during the inspection.  Inspectors reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the proposed curriculum arrangements for the intended pupils, and considered the proposed school’s compliance with the statutory safeguarding requirements and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Inspection team

Mel Ford, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard 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 purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 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(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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; – 3(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly;  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction;  18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007,

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

whether- – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction.

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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)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable 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. 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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