FIIT Learning Academy, Addiscombe

School pre-registration inspection report

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FIIT Learning Academy, Addiscombe 95 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 6PT

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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)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(c), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The school has developed a curriculum policy which outlines the range of GCSE and vocational courses that pupils will study. These include science, English, mathematics, digital skills and information and communication technology, history, geography, religious education and physical education (PE). Appropriate schemes of work are in place for English, mathematics and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, which take into consideration what and when important content will be taught.  Schemes of work and plans are not in place for all the areas of learning required by the independent school standards (the standards). Leaders have not given sufficient thought to whether the curriculum in some subjects, including history, geography, religious education, PE and art, suits the ages, skills and needs of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 There are suitable plans in place for PSHE, which leaders intend for pupils to study weekly.  The statutory requirements for relationships and sex education (RSE) are likely to be met. The school has an appropriate policy relating to RSE. The school intends to consult with parents and carers on this policy when it opens.  The school plans to provide pupils with impartial careers advice and guidance. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j), 4  A member of the proprietor body is currently the interim headteacher of the proposed school. The school intends to recruit a head of centre and a number of new staff, including two teachers. The interim headteacher has experience delivering education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, at the time of this inspection, members of the proprietor body do not have the knowledge and expertise to ensure pupils acquire new knowledge and develop their

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Main inspection findings

understanding in the subjects taught. Furthermore, leaders have not adequately planned some curriculum subjects. Therefore, it is unclear if the curriculum will include well-planned lessons and effective teaching methods.  There are appropriate processes in place to monitor and assess pupils’ progress. Leaders intend to assess pupils’ needs when they arrive at the school. They plan to use this information to sequence each pupil’s curriculum based on their prior knowledge.  The school has in place a behaviour policy. The policy sets out how the school will respond to good and inappropriate behaviours. The policy outlines the school’s expectations and training for staff in relation to managing behaviour effectively.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely 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 proposed school’s personal development programme will focus on preparing pupils to re-engage with education and build their self-esteem and motivation. The school has considered how interventions will be used to develop pupils’ social, communication and behaviour skills. The school is at the early stages of considering enrichment activities, including educational visits, to enhance the curriculum.  The PSHE curriculum is planned to teach pupils about British institutions, equality and democracy. The teaching of the fundamental British values is thoughtfully planned. The school has sufficiently considered how it will give due regard to protected characteristics as referenced in the Equality Act 2010.  Leaders plan that any external visitors to the school will be carefully checked to ensure pupils receive balanced viewpoints.

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Main inspection findings

 Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7 to 7(b)  The school has in place an appropriate safeguarding policy that takes into account statutory guidance. The policy will be made available to parents. The school intends to publish the policy on the school’s website by September 2025.  The safeguarding policy sets out the expectations for staff, including their roles and responsibilities relating to safeguarding. The school intends for staff to receive regular safeguarding training. The school has in place systems to manage challenging behaviour. The school plans for staff to undergo specific training in the autumn term to equip staff with safe, respectful strategies to prevent and de-escalate challenging behaviour.  The school plans to have a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and a deputy DSL. The interim headteacher has completed designated safeguarding lead training. The school intends to use a management information system to record safeguarding

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Main inspection findings

incidents. Paragraphs 9 to 9(c), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 to 16(b)  The school has established an appropriate anti-bullying policy. The policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of staff, pupils, parents and carers. The school plans to use strategies that address the root causes of bullying. Leaders aim to promote a culture of respect and inclusion.  Leaders intend to supervise pupils throughout the day. The school intends for there to be a high adult-to-pupil ratio.  The first-aid policy sets out the school’s responsibilities relating to first aid. The school intends for staff to receive first-aid training in September 2025. The processes for managing and recording accidents, injuries and the administering of medication are likely to be suitable if leaders implement the intended processes and procedures effectively.  The school has in place appropriate systems for recording pupils’ attendance. Leaders

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Main inspection findings

intend to promote the importance of regular attendance and monitor any absences closely. Processes for recording pupil admission information are also appropriate.  The proprietor has in place a health and safety policy. Although policies for health and safety and first aid are in place, the proprietor needs to ensure that the systems and processes documented in the policies reflect the intended school. This is because sometimes processes and procedures in these policies are not applicable to the new school. The proprietor intends to conduct regular health and safety checks.  The school has in place a suitable risk assessment policy. Leaders will complete individual risk assessments when needed to further lower risks. Risk assessments sampled suggest that the risk assessment policy is likely to be effective if implemented consistently and as the school intends.  The proprietor does not have appropriate knowledge of the Regulatory Fire Reform

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Main inspection findings

(Fire Safety) order 2005. There is a fire risk assessment in place. However, leaders could not assure the inspector that they had the knowledge to keep pupils safe. For example, the accessibility plan references fire safety procedures that are not applicable to the intended school. In some instances, there are not appropriate checks in place to ensure that fire safety equipment works properly.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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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)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  A single central record is in place. This electronic document specifies the necessary checks the school is to carry out before employing staff.  The interim headteacher has completed safer recruitment training. It is the school’s intention that the head of centre and the chair of governors will also complete safer recruitment training. The proprietor has appropriate systems in place which follow safer recruitment processes and procedures. School leaders know what pre- employment checks need to be carried out on all staff to determine their suitability to work with pupils. The school has in place appropriate procedures to ensure that supply staff are suitable to work with pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 28(2)(b), 29(1)  The school is located on the ground floor of a residential block. The school’s environment is bright and welcoming. The two classrooms are appropriate for the proposed activities. The main reception area is accessible via a secure entrance at the front of the school.  The school has one toilet, which is lockable from the inside. However, the toilet is not solely for the use of pupils. At the time of the inspection, there was no running hot water for washing hands.  A medical room is available and suitable for the care and examination of pupils who require medical attention. The medical room has a bed, its own portable sink and is near to the toilet.  Drinking water is provided and appropriately labelled. This will be accessible to pupils throughout the day.  There are no changing or showering facilities available at the school. However, pupils

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Main inspection findings

will have access to showering and changing facilities provided at the local leisure centre for use after physical activity sessions.  All rooms have suitable lighting and acoustics. External lighting is appropriate. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school intends to use the local park and is in the process of formalising an agreement with the local Methodist church so that pupils have access to an outside space to socialise and play.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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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)(1)(j), 32(2) to 32(4)(c)  The school has the necessary policies and information required by the standards available in digital and printed formats. Prospective parents can request this information if they wish to. The school intends to publish this information on a website by September 2025.  Leaders have in place a structure to track the progress of pupils across different aspects of the curriculum. The school will provide parents with termly and annual written reports of their child’s progress.  Leaders plan to share key information with local authorities. This will detail the allocation of funding and its impact on pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part 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 school has an appropriate complaints policy in place. The proprietor intends to publish the policy on the school’s website in September 2025.  The complaints policy references the different stages of the complaints procedure and includes the necessary timescales. If leaders implement the proposed complaints procedure well, it is likely to ensure that informal and formal complaints are managed appropriately.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders are ambitious to provide a high-quality education for all pupils. However, currently, leaders lack the knowledge and skills to realise this aim.  The proprietor and chair of the governing body do not have a good knowledge of the standards. As a result, it is not likely that these will be met consistently.  School leaders intend to appoint members of the governing body who have expertise in education. This is because leaders have already identified weaknesses in their educational knowledge and skills.  Leaders have plans in place to actively promote the well-being of pupils.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have written an appropriate accessibility plan, which is likely to comply with 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

Proprietor Solid Foundations Education Group Ltd

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £35,000 to £70,000

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Proposed school details

Email address djude@solidfoundations.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 10 10

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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 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 10

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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 10

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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 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 2

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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 2

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Information about this proposed school

 The intended new school is located in Croydon.  The proprietor of this proposed school is Solid Foundations Education Group Ltd.  The school plans to cater for pupils with an EHC plan. Pupils are likely to have SEND related to their social, emotional and mental health needs and speech and language and cognitive learning needs. This may also include pupils with autism.  The school plans to open in September 2025 with a maximum of 10 pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The 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 standards that are required for registration as an independent school.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspector checked all relevant standards, including parts 1 to 8.  The inspector met with the interim headteacher, who is a member of the proprietor body. The inspector also met with the chair of the governing body.  The inspector considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the school meeting all of the relevant standards. This included touring the premises, reviewing key documents and policies and considering the school’s proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

Deborah Walters, lead inspector 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;  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(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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

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;

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that-  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

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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; – 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)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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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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