The Beehive Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Beehive Independent School 14 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne BN21 4RL

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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)(e)(iii) and 2(2)(g) to 2A(1), 2A(1)(b) to 4  The proprietor requested this inspection because it wanted to register and run an independent school. At the proprietor’s request, this inspection was stopped before it was completed. Consequently, in some parts, there was insufficient evidence to judge whether the independent school standards (the standards) were likely to be met.  The proprietor expresses a ‘desire to provide loving care and meet individual needs’. The proprietor aims to ‘offer pupils somewhere where they think they belong’. However, the proprietor asked to stop the inspection before demonstrating how this vision would be translated into providing an effective education. Nonetheless, inspectors reviewed the documentation about the quality of education that the proprietor submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) with the application to

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Main inspection findings

register the proposed school.  The proposed school seeks to provide education for pupils with a broad range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Inspectors were unable to complete discussions about how the proprietor would ensure that the school has the necessary expertise and arrangements in place to meet this full range of needs.  The curriculum policy sets out the intention to focus on: core skills in English and mathematics; life skills and independence; social, emotional and mental health development and vocational and creative subjects. The school intends to offer a range of qualifications, which include entry level, functional skills and other recognised awards. The range of subjects appears to be sufficiently broad to satisfy the standards. However, inspectors were not given access to, and were not able to discuss, the associated plans to implement this curriculum.  The proprietor intends that each pupil will be placed on an individual curriculum

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Main inspection findings

‘pathway’. By this, the proprietor means that the proposed school will shape a personalised curriculum offer around pupils’ individual needs and aspirations. The proprietor has gathered a range of published schemes of work and syllabuses to provide the detail for the school’s curriculum. Inspectors were not able to discuss how, in practice, the proprietor will bridge the gap between ‘individual pathways’ and these published schemes of work.  Inspectors were unable to discuss arrangements for pupils who are above compulsory school age with the proprietor. Similarly, although the proprietor submitted plans for careers education, advice and guidance, the arrangements for implementing these plans could not be explored.  Curriculum documents specifically refer to promoting pupils’ personal development. The proprietor submitted a range of published units of work to form the curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE). During initial discussions, the proprietor

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Main inspection findings

described how these would be adapted to meet pupils’ individual needs. However, the inspection was stopped before sufficient specific evidence was gathered in this area. Arrangements for consulting on and publishing a relationships and sex education policy were unclear.  It is not clear from the evidence that was gathered how the proprietor intends to secure a suitable quality of teaching. No members of the proprietor body, including the acting head of school, nor appointed staff, have qualified teacher status. The proprietor indicated the intention to appoint a qualified teacher who would, potentially, also become head of school at a later stage.  Proposed assessment materials appear to use published materials that link to the proposed schemes of work. However, the inspection was stopped before these arrangements could be discussed. Supporting documents indicate that ongoing assessment in lessons and over time will lead to a termly report to parents and carers

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Main inspection findings

about pupils’ targets and next steps. However, arrangements for implementing these plans effectively with unqualified staff are unclear without further discussion.  The proprietor’s policies, written plans and other documents provide some evidence against some of the requirements in this part. However, without discussing arrangements for the effective implementation of these policies and plans, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the standards in this part 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)  Inspectors had not been able to conduct discussions about this part before the inspection was stopped. Consequently, it was not possible to explore the proprietor’s intentions fully, or the arrangements for implementing written plans and proposals.  The content of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is mapped across subject areas. The proposed curriculum is likely to include the promotion of respect, resilience and empathy as key skills intended to prepare pupils for their future lives. Planned curriculum content also provides pupils with opportunities to explore moral dilemmas.  The proposed school intends to support pupils’ physical and mental well-being. On paper, this offer includes educating pupils about healthy lifestyles and the risks involved with drugs and alcohol.  The planned PSHE curriculum includes content about the protected characteristics.

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Main inspection findings

Fundamental British values are explored in units about the British legal system, the role of the police and citizenship. Proposed units also include content about exploitation and knife crime with a focus on developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding about keeping safe.  Without discussions about the proprietor’s proposals and their implementation, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  Inspectors were able to gather sufficient evidence to reach a judgement about the standards in this part.  The proprietor previously applied to operate an independent school. The previous pre- registration inspection connected with that application found that the proprietor did not have sufficient knowledge or understanding of statutory safeguarding requirements. This remains the case.  The safeguarding policy submitted by the proprietor includes arrangements that are contrary to statutory guidance. The policy identifies the chair of the proprietor body as designated safeguarding lead (DSL) rather than, for example, the acting head of school. The proprietor was not aware of the statutory guidance about appointing an appropriate DSL.  The proposed policy states that any concerns about the DSL, who is also the chair of the proprietor body, should be raised with another member of the proprietor body.

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Main inspection findings

The proprietor does not understand that is a problem because it presents a potential conflict of interest, despite similar concerns being raised previously by inspectors.  The policy sets out the basis for an appropriate safeguarding culture. For example, the introduction contains clear statements that ‘it could happen here’, that safeguarding is ‘everybody’s responsibility’ and that ‘young people’s welfare is our paramount concern’. The additional vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND for whom the school intends to provide are threaded prominently throughout. The policy also makes frequent reference to local authority safeguarding arrangements. However, the policy does not always comply with this guidance, for example, in relation to allegations about staff.  There are clear roles and responsibilities assigned to governors in the intended implementation of the policy. However, the proprietor has not formed a governing

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Main inspection findings

body and no governors have been recruited.  The school has not made arrangements for monitoring and filtering of internet usage. This would leave pupils at unnecessary risk.  The proprietor has made suitable provision for keeping safeguarding records about pupils. This includes processes for the DSL to oversee and check the quality of record- keeping. However, the proprietor has not established systems for maintaining and analysing concerns about adults. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proprietor’s policies and procedures for behaviour and bullying are rooted in the proposed school’s positive ethos and approach. The school’s behaviour culture and associated expectations are based on the mantra, ‘Respect yourself, respect others and respect your environment.’ The behaviour policy clearly states appropriate rewards and sanctions, with a focus on finding solutions and working constructively with pupils to address any adverse behaviour.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff induction and training is likely to promote the establishment of positive relationships with pupils. There is an appropriate system in place to record and review any behaviour and bullying incidents. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The health and safety policy states that the main responsibility in this area sits with the governing body, which is not yet formed. Work to provide a suitable outside space for recreation has not been completed. Although a small area of hard surface has been fenced off, the area includes damaged meter cupboards. This means that the inner workings could easily be accessed by pupils, which poses an avoidable risk.  The proprietor previously commissioned an expert to undertake a fire safety risk assessment. However, this is now out of date. The proprietor reports an updated written assessment is due following a recent revisit by the expert, but the proprietor has not updated the school’s risk assessment in the meantime. The proprietor has

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Main inspection findings

taken action to reduce risks recommended by the previous risk assessment. However, the proprietor could not provide evidence that the proposed school’s heating has been serviced and maintained. This was identified as a necessary action and priority in the previous fire risk assessment.  The proposed arrangements for supervising pupils are likely to be secure. Staffing levels are likely to be sufficient, and procedures are well planned. The proprietor has made appropriate provision for maintaining admissions and attendance registers. These are likely to meet requirements.  The proprietor has introduced suitable policies for first aid and risk assessments. Allocated first aiders have current certificates of appropriate training. The risk assessment policy sets out a reasonable purpose and process for assessing and managing risk. There is a standard template to use. Risk assessments show clear identification of risks and appropriate control measures to help mitigate these.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has not ensured that all of the paragraphs contained in this part are likely 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)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b) and 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(6)  Inspectors were able to gather sufficient evidence to reach a judgement about the requirements contained in this part.  The proprietor has established a single central record that shows clearly all of the required checks of staff already appointed. The proprietor conveys sound understanding of safer recruitment procedures in relation to pre-employment checks for staff. This includes an understanding of the requirements for using supply staff, contractors and volunteers.  The record does not show that all necessary checks have been completed in relation to all members of the proprietor body. Not every member has been subject to a check that they have not been barred or restricted from being involved in the management

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Main inspection findings

of an independent school (a section 128 direction). The proprietor did not know that those not involved in the day-to-day operation of the school still require this check.  The proprietor has not ensured that all of the requirements 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 (24)(1)(b) and 24(2) to 29(1)(b)  Inspectors had sufficient evidence to reach a view about the proposed school’s likelihood to meet the standards in this part.  The proposed school is located on a busy road close to Eastbourne train station. The school would be based on the first two floors of a period building and has its own secure entrance. There is a common room and a small breakout space on the ground floor. The main classroom, a small art room and an additional meeting room are based on the first floor.  The proprietor has ensured that the accommodation is of a functional, inviting and comfortable standard. Acoustic and indoor lighting conditions are suitable for the nature of the activities that would take place. There is a suitably equipped medical room. There are separate toilet facilities for pupils and staff. These can be locked from

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Main inspection findings

the inside to provide privacy. The water temperature of handwashing facilities does not pose a risk of scalding. Pupils would have access to drinking water throughout the day.  The proprietor proposes to use a range of off-site facilities for physical education. These arrangements demonstrate clear understanding of the need to manage the risk associated with using public facilities.  Since the previous application, the proprietor has made some outdoor space available by fencing off a small section of the car park. At present there has been no further development of this area, although the proprietor proposes to involve pupils in designing improvements. However, the damaged meter cupboards in this area mean that pupils’ health and safety is unlikely to be assured.  The proprietor has not ensured that every standard contained in this part is likely 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)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) and 32(2)(d) to 32(4)(c)  Inspectors were able to gather sufficient evidence to make a judgement about the proposed school’s likelihood to meet some of the requirements in this part. Where information was not seen and inspectors had not had the opportunity to check with the proprietor whether it existed, they did not make a judgement about that particular requirement. However, where inspectors had confirmed in discussion with the proprietor that information did not exist, they judged this unlikely to meet the standard. For example, the proprietor does not have the required exclusions policy.  Most of the information that the proprietor must provide is readily available on the proposed school’s website. The website also contains much of the information that the proprietor must make available on request. However, some is not. For example, it is

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Main inspection findings

not clear whether the school has made provision for pupils who speak English as an additional language.  Arrangements for reporting to parents and carers are likely to meet requirements. The proprietor has devised an appropriate template for this purpose.  Although there was insufficient evidence to reach a judgement about whether all the paragraphs contained in this part are likely to be met, there was sufficient evidence to determine that some of the requirements were likely to be unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  Inspectors had gathered enough evidence about the proposed school’s likelihood to meet the standard in this part.  The proprietor has published a complaints policy on the proposed school’s website. It makes provision for both informal and formal complaints, setting time scales for the various stages. The policy allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a complaints panel hearing and references the keeping of records. It also explains that findings and resulting actions taken by the school would be shared with the complainant.  The policy does not make clear that one member of a complaints panel must be independent of the management and running of the school. The implementation of the policy requires a governing body, which the school does not have.  The proprietor has not ensured that all of the requirements in this part are likely to be

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Inspectors had sufficient evidence to reach a view about the proposed school’s likelihood to meet the standard in this part.  The proprietor demonstrates a weak understanding of the requirements of running an independent school. Fundamental flaws in proposed arrangements that were identified when the proprietor previously applied to register an independent school have not been adequately addressed. The proprietor could not explain why statutory policies are designated to be signed off by the head of school and chair of governors when the proprietor is the accountable body.  The leadership structure, lines of accountability and policies confuse roles and positions between the proposed school and the proprietor’s other existing services. The successful implementation of many of the submitted policies is reliant on a well-

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Main inspection findings

functioning governing body. No governors have been recruited.  The proprietor does not understand that members of the proprietor body are not independent of its leadership and management, even if they are not involved in its day-to-day operation. This seriously undermines proposed arrangements for safeguarding and complaints.  The proprietor has not ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met. The written policy and plans cover the necessary aspects of improving accessibility.

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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

Headteacher Bobbie Collins (Acting Head of School)

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £85,000 to £120,000

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Proposed school details

Website https://bee-leafproject.co.uk/the-beehive- school Email address office@tbhschool.co.uk

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age Fewer than 5 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Fewer than 5

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 8

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 18 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 5 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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 5

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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 5

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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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Unclear Unclear

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Unclear Unclear

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school premises is located in the centre of Eastbourne close to the train station. The accommodation is contained within the first two floors of a period building. A beautician currently occupies the basement.  The school intends to cater for pupils with SEND who have an education, health and care plan. The school proposes to cater for the following need types: cognitive and learning needs; speech, language and communication difficulties; autism; social, emotional and mental health difficulties; moderate learning difficulties and specific learning difficulties.  The proprietor body operates a range of other services. This includes an unregistered alternative provision, The Beehive Project, mentoring services and respite care. The alternative provision has operated for a number of years and currently provides packages of support for a very small number of pupils.  Inspectors were unable to confirm the school’s existing and proposed staffing

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Information about this proposed school

arrangements before the inspection was stopped.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given the permission to open. This was the school’s second pre-registration inspection, having had one under a previous application.  Before and during the on-site visit, inspectors scrutinised a wide range of policies, documents and records presented by the proprietor as evidence of the school’s likelihood to meet the independent school standards. On site, the inspection team held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body and toured the premises. The lead inspector spoke with a representative of East Sussex local authority on the telephone.  At the request of the proprietor, the inspection was stopped before it was completed. Ofsted agreed to stop the inspection in the interests of the proprietor chair’s well- being and only because a pre-registration inspection is commissioned at the

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Information about this inspection

proprietor’s request.  At the point the inspection was stopped, sufficient evidence had been gathered against all of the requirements in Parts 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the standards, and some aspects of part 6. There was insufficient evidence at that stage to reach judgements about Parts 1 and 2.

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Inspection team

Clive Dunn, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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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- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  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.  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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend 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;  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(7) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member

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

of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007- – 21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; 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.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions;

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school;

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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 – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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