Pathway Schools Limited

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Pathway Schools Limited Impact House, Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 6JL

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(2)b  The proposed school has constructed a curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school’s ‘Pathways approach’ is designed to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs to re-engage with education. There is a strong focus on ensuring that pupils achieve their potential through a personalised approach. To achieve this, the proprietor intends for the curriculum to be adapted to meet pupils’ individual needs.  The proposed school has identified the knowledge and skills it wants pupils to know and remember as they move through the school. The curriculum is sufficiently detailed to enable teachers to know what to teach and what order to teach it in. This includes a clear scheme of work to support pupils who are at an early stage of reading. The school intends that this will ensure pupils develop fluency and confidence

p.1

Main inspection findings

when reading. Paragraph 2(2)d to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The curriculum for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic development (PSHE) is comprehensive and is intended to enable pupils to gain important skills for life beyond school. The proprietor intends that pupils develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They will have opportunities to learn about different cultures. The proprietor intends that, through the school’s curriculum, pupils will learn to respect and value diversity.  The proposed school has plans to promote fundamental British values. It intends to provide pupils with opportunities to understand their place in, and contribution to, British society, now and in the future.  There is a focus throughout the curriculum on furthering pupils’ skills and knowledge to prepare them for adulthood. The school has plans to provide pupils with appropriate independent careers information. It intends to use links with local

p.1

Main inspection findings

organisations and industry to offer meaningful work experience opportunities for older pupils. Paragraph 2(A)(1) to 2(A)(2)  The proposed school has developed a suitable relationship and sex education policy. This policy is supported with schemes of learning that are age-appropriate. The school plans to adapt these for individual pupils. The school plans to consult parents on the RSE policy. Additionally, the policy sets out clearly parents’ right to withdraw their child from sex education. Paragraphs 3 and 4  The proprietor intends to implement a comprehensive training and induction programme for new staff. The content of this includes specific training about pupils’ needs and how staff will need to adapt their teaching accordingly.  The proposed school has put in place a range of processes to ensure that all pupils with an education health and care (EHC) plan have their needs reviewed and updated

p.2

Main inspection findings

accordingly. These processes will include working with the local authority and external agencies, sharing information as necessary.  The proposed school has developed a policy for assessment. Leaders intend to assess pupils once they have settled after arrival at the school. They intend to use this information and the information from pupils’ EHC plans to sequence each pupil’s curriculum journey based on their prior knowledge, interests and needs.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)iii  The proprietor has given thorough consideration to developing the curriculum to support pupils’ spiritual moral social and cultural development. The curriculum includes plans for pastoral support, counselling and a structured PSHE programme. These plans are based on the school’s aim to encourage pupils to reflect on who they want to be in the world and to be ambitious. The school intends that pupils will gain an understanding of different people who live in Britain and develop an understanding of the principles of the Equality Act 2010.  The behaviour policy aims to support pupils to improve their own behaviour where needed. The policy focuses on ensuring that relationships between pupils and staff are built on mutual respect and tolerance.  The proposed school has appropriate plans to promote British values. The PSHE

p.2

Main inspection findings

curriculum encompasses a clear focus on British values, such as democracy and mutual respect.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, to 7(b)  The proposed school has a safeguarding policy in place which reflects statutory guidance. It contains clear information for staff about the procedures they must follow if they have safeguarding concerns. The proprietor intends that the policy will be published on the school’s website once it is active. Until that point, parents and carers will be provided with a paper copy on request.  The proprietor has a comprehensive knowledge of statutory safeguarding requirements. They have in place appropriate systems to record any safeguarding concerns and actions taken.  The proprietor plans to deliver a range of safeguarding training to all staff and members of the proprietor body. They intend for this to include annual updates to any statutory documentation.  The proprietor is aware of the additional checks the school will need to make to

p.2

Main inspection findings

ensure that pupils are safe while attending alternative provision should this be the case once the school is open. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), and 10  The proposed school has an anti-bullying policy in place. It indicates how pupils will learn about different types of bullying and seeks to avoid bullying occurring at the school.  The proposed school has a behaviour policy that details the school’s intended approach to managing behaviour incidents. The school expects pupils to be respectful and to work hard. There is a system to record people’s behaviour including any serious incidents. The record-keeping system will enable the school to monitor pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and respond quickly to any patterns or trends in behaviour. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The proposed school has ensured that appropriate policies for health and safety are in place, including for first aid. These policies comply with the relevant legislation and

p.3

Main inspection findings

are available for parents. The proprietor will ensure that staff have received first aid training in adequate numbers for the number of pupils on roll.  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The proposed school has developed a number of risk assessments for the premises and school activities. Risk assessments clearly identify potential risks and control measures to mitigate the risks.  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate safety equipment is in place and intends that this will be maintained regularly and to an appropriate standard. For example, the premises are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The school plans to arrange external reviews and annual audits of the fire safety arrangements. The fire evacuation procedures and plan are suitable. Fire doors, fire blankets, fire extinguishers and fire detection equipment have been externally certified and will be regularly checked.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 14 and 15  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school is staffed to sufficient level to ensure that there is a high ratio of staff to pupils. The proprietor has suitable arrangements in place to ensure that pupils will be adequately supervised during the school day. The proprietor has established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers include relevant detail about pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.3

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) to 21(6), 21(7)(a) to 21(7(b)  The proprietor is knowledgeable about the checks that need to be made for staff prior to appointment. They have set up a single central record that includes all the required information. The proprietor has also ensured that members of the proprietor body have completed safer recruitment training.  The proprietor does not intend to use any supply staff to cover staff absence. However, they are knowledgeable about the procedures to follow should they wish to use supply staff in the future.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.4

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)  The proposed school has suitable toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils. Cubicles are lockable from the inside. There is a supply of hot and cold water that is maintained at a safe temperature.  The proposed school site has a showering facility and changing space for pupils to use. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is space for a medical room. The proprietor intends for this to be suitably equipped. The room is close to a toilet and has washing facilities. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The building is spacious and well maintained. The proprietor has thought carefully about how to use the space to provide a mix of learning and social spaces. Members of the proprietor body are knowledgeable about the routine maintenance checks that need to be in place.  The top floor of the building has already been renovated to a high standard. The

p.4

Main inspection findings

ground floor will be ready for opening in September.  Classrooms and learning spaces have suitable lighting and acoustics. External lighting is fitted to the outside of the building. Emergency lighting and fire exits signs are all in place. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b), 29(1) to 29 (1)(b)  Drinking water is clearly labelled and will be readily available for pupils.  There is outdoor space available to pupils for their use during breaktimes and for physical education. The proprietor has considered the needs of the pupils in ensuring there is shade from trees and more open areas.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(d), and 32(1)(f) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school does not currently have a website. The information required by the standards, including the school’s schemes of work and safeguarding policy are available in printed format or they can be emailed to parents and other agencies on request.  There is a system in place to account for any income and expenditure for each pupil that is funded by a local authority as part of an EHC plan. The proposed school will provide information on pupils’ progress to the local authority.  The proposed school’s contact information includes the school address, telephone number and information about the proprietor’s registered office. It also contains a statement about the school’s aims. The proposed school plans to publish a school website if the school is granted permission to open. The proprietor intends that the

p.5

Main inspection findings

website will include all the required statutory information. At present this information is available on request.  The proposed school’s policies show how the provision at the school will be adapted for pupils, all of whom will have an EHC plan.  The proposed school has a clear format for reporting pupil progress to parents. Regular termly written reports will include information about academic and personal development.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a complaints policy which is available to parents on request. It will be available on the school website once this is published.  The complaints policy sets out clear procedures and timescales for each stage of the process. The policy allows for any concerns to be addressed informally and formally.  Information for parents about next steps if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, including arrangements for a panel hearing, are included in the policy.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school which is shared by all the members and leaders. The proposed school has designed a curriculum and programme of activities designed to give a strong focus on pupils’ well-being, welfare and personal development.  The proprietor has a secure understanding of the requirements of the standards.  The proprietor has put comprehensive arrangements in place for how they intend to quality assure the work of the school if it opens. The planned measures to check the work of the school are likely to enable the proprietor to ensure that the school consistently meets the standards.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school opens.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality through the school’s documentation and in the curriculum design. The proposed school has an appropriate accessibility plan. This includes the measures in place to ensure that pupils can access the curriculum.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £55,000 to £65,000

p.8

Proposed school details

Email address admin@pathwayschools.org.uk

p.8

n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 8 to 18 8 to 18 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 25 25

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 25

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 25

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 25

p.9

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 25

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 7

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 1

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 6

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The school is located at Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 6JL.  The proposed school intends to cater for up to 25 pupils, aged eight to 18 years. All pupils will have a range of social, emotional and mental health needs.  All pupils will have an EHC plan.  If granted permission to open, the proprietor intends to open the school on 1 September 2025. The proprietor intends to gradually increase the number of pupils on roll. Proposed staffing appointments will be made in preparation for pupils’ admissions.  The school is likely to use the services of unregistered alternative provision.  The proposed school will not have any religious character.

p.10

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in response to the proprietor’s application to open an independent school.  The purpose of this inspection was to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Schools must comply with the standards to be registered.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor body, the executive headteacher, the headteacher and the deputy headteacher.  The inspector toured the site to check the suitability of the premises. The inspector reviewed a range of key policies and documents, including those related to the curriculum, safeguarding and welfare. The inspector reviewed the single central record.

p.11

Inspection team

Corinne Biddell, 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 .

p.11

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.12

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.12

Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.12

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12