Pushforward Primary School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Pushforward Primary School The Stable Barn, Blackthorpe, Rougham IP30 9HZ

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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)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school will cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils will typically have had time out of education and be in receipt of education, health and care (EHC) plans. There will be three curriculum pathways for pupils depending upon their starting points and needs.  The proposed school’s curriculum will give pupils experience of linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. Wednesdays are set aside in the timetable for pupils to undertake enrichment in the curriculum and will include community activities and outdoor education.  As yet, the proposed school has not completed all the curriculum plans for the curriculum areas it will offer. The aim is for the creative studies curriculum to be

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Main inspection findings

project-based. Each project will run for half a term. These will rotate around the subjects of art, music and design technology. However, the curriculum plans for the projects are in the early stages. There has not been sufficient thought given as to how pupils will remember the key content for the subjects over time.  While there is an English curriculum in place, it lacks sufficient clarity as to which books pupils will read over time and how their knowledge and skills will progress as they move through the curriculum. The proposed school has purchased an online phonics programme and there will be trained staff to deliver it. However, they have not ensured that pupils have suitable books to practise their phonics knowledge. In addition, they have not put in the proposed school’s timetable the regular input that pupils need to gain momentum with learning to read.  The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is in place. It is age

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Main inspection findings

appropriate. For example, pupils’ knowledge of digital safety builds over time. There is increased emphasis upon developing pupils’ socialisation skills. It includes content on diversity and fundamental British values. It is designed to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The content of the school’s proposed relationships education programme meets statutory guidance. The school plans to consult with parents and carers with regards to its policy for relationships education as well as the programme’s content and resources. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The proposed school will check what pupils know and can do upon entry. It will use pupils’ starting points and their EHC plans to inform teaching. There is a clear idea of how to integrate pupils’ EHC targets into the curriculum as well as how to check pupils’ achievement of these over time.  The proposed school will have access to the company’s special educational needs

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Main inspection findings

coordinator as well as therapists for speech, language and communication. Staff will be primary specialists. They will have access to ongoing training. This will include autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness training. Pupils will be in small classes with high staff-to-pupil ratios.  The independent school standards (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 Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s vision is to build pupils’ confidence, their self-esteem and pride in their learning. Therefore, the proposed school has integrated opportunities for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development through its curriculums. Pupils will also have input on current affairs and topical events. They will have opportunities to explore different cultures, faiths and beliefs. For example, the school intends for pupils to visit places of worship.  There is a planned programme for extra-curricular provision. This is carefully thought through. It gives pupils real-life experiences to help them understand fundamental British values, such as learning about the fire, police and emergency services.  The proposed school plans to celebrate key events and festivals through the year. Pupils will keep a photobook of their learning to demonstrate their SMSC

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Main inspection findings

development.  The proposed school knows it is responsible for ensuring that pupils are free from the promotion of partisan political views. Expectations of staff in this regard will be covered in their induction when they first join the school.  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 Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  There is a comprehensive safeguarding policy for staff to adhere to. It takes into account the latest government guidance and is clear about how staff are to report and record concerns. The policy will be uploaded to the school’s website when it is launched. The school has an electronic system for its record-keeping.  The headteacher is also the chair of the proprietor body. While this person is qualified to be a designated safeguarding lead (DSL), the proposed school will deploy another staff member to fulfil this role. This member of staff will move across from one of the proprietor’s alternative provisions. This will also be the case for the deputy DSL. Both staff members have up-to-date certification.  Staff will receive ongoing safeguarding training. The proprietor has invested in commercial online safeguarding training. Staff will have to undertake mandatory

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Main inspection findings

training, such as on the ‘Prevent’ duty, and will have access to research areas they would like further information about.  The curriculum teaches pupils how to keep themselves safe, including when online. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school has appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies in place to provide a safe and positive learning environment for pupils. The policies include the requirement for reasonable adjustments to its approach, informed by pupils’ specific needs and, where relevant, by pupils’ EHC plans. Staff will record incidents of behaviour and bullying over time. This is so that leaders can see where issues arise and put in place early intervention where need be. All staff will receive positive handling training. Paragraphs 11 to 14  There are detailed policies for health and safety and first aid in place. All staff will be trained in first aid. There are robust arrangements in place for maintenance and

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Main inspection findings

health and safety checks.  Plans for fire safety, such as the regular practice of fire evacuation, are appropriate. Fire equipment is installed, and the required external checks have taken place. Fire exits are clearly labelled. The proposed school meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Leaders have completed all the actions required by the assessor. These improvements have been signed off by the external assessor.  There are appropriate plans for the deployment of staff. The staffing structure is sufficient for the proposed number of pupils and their needs. The proprietor plans to steadily increase the number of pupils. They will start the school with no more than six pupils. Paragraphs 15 to 16(b)  The proposed school’s procedures for recording attendance are appropriate. They take into account the latest government guidance, ‘Working together to improve school attendance’, Department for Education (DfE), August 2024. The admissions register

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Main inspection findings

records the necessary information.  The risk assessment policy demonstrates a comprehensive approach to risk assessment. The proposed school has in place a range of rigorous risk assessments. These are for on-site as well as off-site activities. Staff will also update pupils’ individual risk assessments as required.  The standards 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), 21(6)  The single central record is maintained electronically. As yet, no staff members have been employed. The single central record contains information in relation to the members of the proprietor body. Mostly, the information it contains reflects the guidance in ‘Keeping children safe in education’, DfE, September 2024. It did not include the required section 128 checks for the proprietor body. These were completed during the inspection. The single central record was amended as a result.  The proposed school does not intend to use supply staff. However, if this intention were to change, the school knows and understands its role in relation to supply agencies and pre-employment checks on supply staff. It knows that it must receive written confirmation that relevant checks have been made on supply staff.

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Main inspection findings

 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 29(1)(b)  The school is situated in a large holding. On the site there are three buildings, including a building for alternative provision which is owned by the proprietor but unconnected to the school. There is a risk assessment in place for the sharing of the grounds. The intention is to keep pupils from the alternative provision separate from those from the primary school. There will be a rota of use of the grounds in place.  The school’s grounds are extensive. There is ample room for pupils to undertake physical education (PE). There are different sections to the grounds for pupils to use. This includes a bushcraft area, climbing apparatus, vegetable gardens and a mud kitchen. There is plenty of outdoor equipment for pupils to use, including a trampoline.  There is a neighbouring business which shares the driveway. There is agreement with

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Main inspection findings

the business owner that during school hours they will use alternative vehicular access. There is an appropriate risk assessment in place for this area.  The primary school building is well maintained. There is access for disabled users. The ground floor contains a large classroom which adjoins an outdoor play area and courtyard. There is a kitchen which is of a large size for pupils to cook in. There is also a sensory area to cater for pupils’ needs. On the upper floor, there are a further two classrooms. All the classrooms contain specialist equipment and resources for pupils with SEND, such as wobble cushions and ear defenders. The accommodation is suitable to support the teaching of the proposed curriculum. However, it is too small for the proposed capacity of 20 pupils. The fire risk assessment identifies a maximum of 20 persons for the building.  The building has natural light and electric lighting, and ventilation. External and

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Main inspection findings

emergency lighting are in place and suitably checked.  There are suitable and separate toilet and washing facilities for staff and pupils. There are two showers available for pupils to use should they need to.  The designated medical room is also an office. This is a large space with a collapsible bed and is well stocked with medical supplies which are in date. There is an adjacent toilet and shower room which is also large to cater for pupils who may require intimate care. This is appropriately equipped for that purpose. There is a suitable intimate care policy in place.  Drinking water is available and suitably labelled.  While the school building is ready for opening, there is further work to do with the entrance to the school grounds. The proprietor has plans to replace a small section of waist-height fencing which has spikes that could pose a hazard to pupils. The risk assessment currently requires all pupils to be accompanied by staff in that area.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are 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(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(g)  The proposed school knows and understands what information it has a duty to publish and provide for parents, the DfE and other bodies, as required. All policies that are required to be in place are available currently as hard copies. The school’s website is under construction and will contain the required information. It will be made public should the DfE decide to register the school.  Pupils who attend the school when it opens will be funded by a local authority. Leaders are aware of their responsibility to provide a breakdown of income and expenditure related to the funding they receive. They understand what they need to do to implement effective processes linked to pupils’ EHC plans and the associated annual reviews.  The proposed school’s assessment framework links to the weekly reporting to parents.

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Main inspection findings

A summary of these will be provided for the annual report. The proposed school has a suitable annual report template in place.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  There is a detailed complaints policy in place. It provides clear guidance and covers all the required processes and procedures.  There is a system in place for maintaining written records of all complaints and information about the follow-up actions taken.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has extensive experience running alternative provisions across several local authorities. The directors of the proprietor body have worked with pupils with SEND for a significant length of time. They have a strong understanding of pupils’ needs and the requirements of the SEND code of practice. They have well-established relationships with local authorities and virtual schools. This will be the first independent school they will run should the DfE agree to register the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor understands the requirements of the standards and that these must be consistently met over time. There are plans to employ suitably qualified staff who have experience of working with pupils with SEND. They will be in receipt of training and development over time, so their knowledge remains up to date.  As yet, there has not been sufficient consideration of how the proprietor will hold the school to account. The proprietor is not clear with regards to the lines of accountability. The school’s proposed quality assurance procedures are not robust. For instance, they rely upon the headteacher who is also the chair of the proprietor body. The checks and balances that provide assurance of the quality and effectiveness of the school’s work are not in place.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan in place. The plan details how the school will ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum, information and the physical environment.  This requirement is likely to be met should the proposed school open.

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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 Pushforward Primary School Ltd

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Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 11 NA Number of pupils on the school roll 0 12 NA

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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 12

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 12

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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 12

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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 12

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

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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 Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor seeks registration for the school with the DfE as an independent special school to cater for pupils with a range of SEND needs, including autism, cognitive and learning needs, social, emotional and mental health needs and speech and language needs. The provider also seeks to cater for children who are looked after by the local authority.  The proprietor currently operates 24 alternative provisions across three local authorities. Three directors form the proprietor body.  The building capacity outlined in the fire risk assessment is 20 occupants. The pupils who attend the school will have a range of needs and some may require one-to-one support. The building size will not cater for 20 pupils as was originally intended. The proprietor seeks to amend their proposal so that the capacity of the proposed school is 12. There is a graduated plan in place to stagger the number of pupils admitted.

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Information about this proposed school

 Local authorities will commission school placements.  The proprietor will use alternative provision if appropriate for the needs of the pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE registers the school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The proposed school is not yet operating.  The inspector visited the site and met with the directors of the proprietor body. The inspector toured the premises, scrutinised the single central record and reviewed safeguarding arrangements.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation, including the proposed school’s curriculum, policies and procedures, and other information provided by the proprietor.

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Inspection team

Liz Smith, 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.

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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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