Bradford Beacon School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Bradford Beacon School Rooley Lane, Bradford BD5 8LJ

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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)(d)(ii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i), 2(A)(1) to 2(A)(1)(a), 2(A)(1)(d) to 2(A)(2), 3 to 4  The proprietor body intends that all pupils attending the school will have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Pupils at the school will likely have a diagnosis of autism. Leaders have carefully considered how they will meet the needs of pupils across the school, including in the early years. School plans cover a broad curriculum, using published schemes of work adapted by the school to meet the academic and developmental needs of the pupils.  Different curriculum pathways for pupils at different stages of learning have been comprehensively planned. Each pathway makes clear the intended knowledge and skills that pupils will learn and when.  A suitable phonics programme has been identified to support those pupils at the earliest stages of learning to read. There is a planned programme of bespoke phonics

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Main inspection findings

training for staff.  The school plans to work closely with therapists, for example in speech, language and communication, to ensure that pupils receive support from appropriate professionals to meet their full range of needs.  The personal, social and health education curriculum reflects the ethos of the school and is planned with consideration for the needs of pupils. There is a clear plan to teach pupils appropriate relationships and sex education content. The proprietor body has ensured that their policies include parents’ and carers’ rights to withdraw pupils from specific non-statutory aspects of this content.  Classroom resources reflect the ages and needs of the pupils who will attend. For example, in the early years area, there are appropriate resources allowing for continuous provision as the room has spaces which are clearly defined for both academic and play-based activities.  Opportunities are planned for pupils to learn about respect for others. The assembly

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Main inspection findings

programme and ‘world about us’ themes promote reflection and awareness of the views and beliefs of a diverse range of people and cultures. Pupils will be actively encouraged to be involved in the community through national events and charity days.  A range of different assessment approaches have been identified to ensure that adults can personalise the curriculum to pupils’ needs during their time at the school. Initial baseline assessments will allow leaders to ensure that, when pupils start at the school, they experience a curriculum which is most appropriate for them.  It is likely that these independent school standards (the standards) will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

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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 body has considered the ways that the personal development programme will ensure pupils have experiences of different cultures, faiths and religions. Plans are in place to ensure that pupils are aware of different public institutions.  Curriculum themes and the planned assembly programme mean that pupils have the opportunity to learn about fundamental British values.  The proprietor body understands the need to preclude the promotion of partisan political views. Strategies are in place to ensure staff understand their responsibilities in this area.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The foundations for suitable safeguarding practice at the school are in place. The school’s proposed safeguarding lead has completed appropriate training. A second appropriately trained safeguarding lead has already been appointed. The school is part of a large organisation. As such, there is considerable experience upon which to draw. The systems to record safeguarding incidents are well established. Minutes of meetings around governance show that there is strategic oversight of the safeguarding practices in schools within the organisation.  The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is up to date with the latest statutory guidance and takes into account the particular needs of the potential pupils who will attend the school.  The school has considered the needs of pupils in relation to safeguarding. For example, the proprietor body has made provision for non- and pre-verbal pupils to

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Main inspection findings

make disclosures using signs and symbols.  Staff have access to an independent service where they can raise whistleblowing concerns should these arise.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open. Paragraphs 9 to 10  Policies around behaviour and anti-bullying are in place and appropriate. The school will adopt an affirmative approach specific to the needs of the pupils. Careful thought has been given to how consequences will take account of the needs of the pupils.  Systems are in place to ensure staff are trained in the use of physical intervention should this be required.  The school site is designed in such a way that there is ample space and appropriate rooms for staff to work with pupils who are dysregulated.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The school has a health and safety policy that complies with relevant laws. There are

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Main inspection findings

clear plans to ensure that regular checks are undertaken of the site. These relate, for example, to the equipment that pupils will use. The first-aid policy outlines how staff will be trained, and there are plans in place to ensure that appropriate numbers of staff are first-aid trained. Risk assessments are in place related to both the building and the activities that pupils will undertake.  Procedures to keep logs of fire alarm tests and evacuation procedures are in place. The school has ensured that fire exits remain clear and that certification regarding emergency lighting and the fire alarm system are in place. Leaders have undertaken risk assessments related to fire safety and have made a booking for an external risk assessment once pupils are on the school site if the school is registered to open.  The proprietor body has a clear plan to grow the size of the school to its capacity of 42 pupils over the next two years. Plans show when staff needed for each phase will

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Main inspection findings

be employed. There are currently sufficient staff employed to open the school in September if it is registered.  The school has plans to establish an appropriate admissions register and electronic attendance register in line with the relevant guidance.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open.

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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), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)  The proprietor body is in the process of appointing staff to the school. For those staff already associated with the school, suitable checks have been undertaken in a systematic way in accordance with current guidance. These checks are undertaken before staff commence employment at the school. The proprietor body understands its role in ensuring any employment agencies conduct proper checks on individuals they offer for work at the school.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open. Paragraphs 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(6)  There are relevant checks on members of the proprietor body who will be involved in strategic oversight of the school. These are recorded on the school’s single central record.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(3)(b)  The school maintains a single central record of all pre-employment checks on staff. These checks are dated and verified by a member of staff. The proprietor body has systems in place to ensure external audits of the single central record are undertaken. There is appropriate oversight of the single central record. Those staff who oversee the single central record have an appropriate understanding of their responsibilities in this area.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open.

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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(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The building in which the proposed school will be housed has undergone extensive renovation and is finished to a high standard. The proprietor body has carefully considered the intended uses of each room so that resources, lighting and equipment are appropriate. Many classrooms have attached breakout spaces. There is a soft play area if inclement weather prevents outdoor play. Sensory rooms have been incorporated into the design, and the dining hall can easily be repurposed into an indoor space for teaching physical education.  The classrooms for pupils in the early years have a connecting door to a secure outside space. The outdoor spaces that all pupils will use have been landscaped and designed to make them safe for pupils. For example, the floors are made of soft material, which means pupils are less likely to be injured should they fall over. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor body is aware that one part of the outdoor space should not be used until suitable covers for air conditioning units have been fitted. However, there remains ample outdoor space available for pupils, even if this area is not ready for use at the time of registration.  Drinking-water stations are clearly labelled throughout the school and are readily available.  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable medical facility for the care of sick and injured pupils. Rooms and facilities have also been designed with the intimate care of pupils in mind, given the needs of the pupils who it is intended will attend the school.  Toilet, showering and changing facilities are appropriate. For children in the early years, the toilets are low height. The water in these facilities, and in other sinks located in classrooms, does not pose a scalding risk as the proprietor body has fitted thermostatic mixing valves to all hot water taps to ensure easy control of the

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Main inspection findings

temperature at the point of use.  The school is located near a main road. This road is lit, and the school has its own external lights on the building. The proprietor body has considered the security of the site to ensure that pupils cannot access the road near the school and that it is difficult for members of the public to access the school without staff knowledge.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(b)(ii) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f) to 32(3)(g)  The proprietor body has an appropriate website in development, which is ready to go live if the school is registered to open. This contains the appropriate range of contact information for the proprietor body and headteacher. It also contains particular information about important policies, including those related to safeguarding. Policies considered by inspectors during this inspection, for example related to the curriculum, could easily be made available to parents.  There are suitable plans in place to ensure that the school reports to parents about the progress of their children. The proprietor body understands the need to keep clear accounts and expenditure related to pupils with EHC plans. There is considerable organisational experience that can be drawn upon in this regard.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The school has a written complaints policy. This provides relevant information to parents about how a formal complaint may be made if an initial complaint is not resolved. Timescales are clear and there are appropriate measures to record findings, escalate complaints to panel hearings with independent members and provide findings and recommendations to interested parties.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Members of the proprietor body have an appropriate understanding of the standards. Systems to ensure regular reporting through the board of governors are in place, so that appropriate challenge and support are in place to ensure that the standards are consistently met.  The decisions taken by leaders focus on the best interests of pupils. For example, the approach to all aspects of the standards accounts for the needs of the pupils who are likely to attend the school. Additionally, the curriculum design has several pathways to support pupils at different stages of development. The building and layout have been considered to ensure that the well-being of pupils is prioritised.  The proprietor has appointed a head of school to take up post in September. An executive headteacher will have overall responsibility for the school and is already in

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Main inspection findings

post.  It is likely that these standards will be met if the school is registered to open.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan considers the likely needs of the pupils who are proposed to attend the school. Plans identify targets, strategies and timescales for actions for the school to make sure that pupils can fully access the curriculum and the site, as well as published information. There is consideration of how the clinical team will be involved to ensure the success of the plan.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage  The school has given appropriate consideration to the needs of children in the early years foundation stage. This means that safeguarding processes are suitable for children in this phase of education. While there are no staff currently trained in paediatric first aid, leaders are aware of their responsibility in this area and have a plan in place to ensure that staff are trained prior to the admission of children.  The curriculum plans, resources and building design all take into account children in the early years. The school has a clear understanding of the differing needs of children in the earliest phases of education. It has taken this into account in the approach to planning the curriculum. From the moment they arrive, the school plans for there to be a clear and ongoing focus on developing children’s communication and interaction skills.

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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.

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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

Headteacher Toni Woods (Executive Headteacher)

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £95,000

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Proposed school details

Email address Toni.woods@optionsautism.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 4 to 11 4 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 42 42

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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 42

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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 42

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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 42

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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 42

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 7

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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 30

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will offer education for pupils aged four to 11. It is expected that pupils will have an EHC plan with autism identified as the primary need.  The proprietor body does not intend to use any alternative provision.  The school’s proposed location is Rooley Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD5 8LJ.  The proprietor body of the school is P Bloom Ltd. The school will operate under the Options Autism brand of this proprietor body. P Bloom Ltd is part of the Outcomes First Group which is a private equity company operating education provision around the world.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards prior to opening as a registered school. This was the first pre- registration inspection for the proposed school.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  Inspectors discussed the school’s proposed curriculum and looked at curriculum plans and schemes of work.  Inspectors met with members of the proprietor body, the executive headteacher and the regional director of P Bloom Ltd who will act as chair of the governing body. Inspectors also met with leaders responsible for the school site and renovation of the building as it prepares to open and accept pupils.  Inspectors reviewed policies and documents associated with the standards. An inspector toured the premises accompanied by several staff from the proprietor body.

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Information about this inspection

Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.

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Inspection team

Matthew Vellensworth, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor 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 .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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