De Jong Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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De Jong Academy 42 Cygnet Court, Timothys Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9NW

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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), 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proprietor body and school leaders have a clear and well-defined vision for the proposed school. This aims to develop a highly innovative approach to providing full- time education in three days. This will involve increasing the number of hours that pupils spend engaged in active learning during the day. The proprietor body also intends to offer a fourth day and after-school tuition, should this be needed to support pupils with gaps in their knowledge or who need additional support.  De Jong Academy will offer a varied curriculum that includes core academic subjects and additional areas of focus. The core subjects are English language and literature, mathematics, and science (Double Award GCSE). Beyond these, the curriculum includes history, life skills, yoga (to be succeeded by Pilates) and oracy skills. The

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Main inspection findings

academy also plans to offer subjects such as Mandarin, art and design. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates practical and transferable skills such as lessons on managing finances, preparing for interviews, creating CVs and podcasting.  In the application to register as an independent school, the proprietor body outlined a vision to create a nurturing and inclusive environment tailored to pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, learning and cognition needs and/or speech, language and communication needs. It was also anticipated that some pupils may present with additional needs, such as autism and moderate learning difficulties (MLD). However, during the pre-registration inspection, the proprietor body clarified that it did not intend to register as a special independent school, but rather as a mainstream independent school. Despite this, the evidence gathered during the inspection indicated that the school is well positioned to make appropriate provision

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Main inspection findings

for pupils with a range of additional needs. To support these diverse needs, the school plans to offer tailored interventions, a flexible curriculum, enrichment activities and strong safeguarding practices to foster resilience, confidence and lifelong learning skills.  The curriculum will be highly adaptive for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), incorporating reasonable adjustments such as overlays, audiobooks, adapted texts and customised exercise books. One-to-one support will be provided where needed, ensuring all pupils can access the curriculum effectively.  The proprietor body has ensured that these independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Paragraphs 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii)  The life skills curriculum and oracy curriculum are designed to promote inclusivity, respect for diversity and personal development. They cover key topics such as health,

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Main inspection findings

relationships, online safety and citizenship, while also embedding important themes such as democracy, anti-racism and cultural awareness. Through this approach, pupils are encouraged to think critically, develop strong social skills and become responsible, informed and empathetic citizens who will be well prepared for life in modern Britain.  The careers curriculum complements this by offering vocational pathways and a focus on functional skills. It supports pupils in exploring their aspirations and career options through personalised guidance and enrichment opportunities. Emphasising ambition, self-awareness and practical preparation, the programme equips pupils for further education, employment or training, helping them navigate a range of future opportunities with confidence.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 4  In keeping with the school’s nurturing ethos, leaders demonstrate the knowledge and expertise needed to support pupils’ self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation. This supportive environment is expected to contribute positively to pupils’ academic progress across a range of subjects.  School leaders have confirmed that teachers will hold qualified teacher status and will be subject specialists. All members of the teaching staff will be graduates.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Paragraph 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The relationships and sex education (RSE) policy sits alongside the personal, social and health education (PSHE) policy. It outlines provisions for both primary-age and secondary-age pupils. Leaders intend to consult with parents and carers on an individual basis about the content of the policy. The RSE policy references the right of

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Main inspection findings

parents to withdraw their child fully or partly from sex education lessons.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.  The proprietor has ensured that 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, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  The school plans to ensure the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of all pupils through a range of carefully designed curriculum activities and enrichment opportunities. This includes embedding SMSC themes across subjects such as PSHE, RSE and oracy lessons. These schemes of work provide opportunities to explore cultural and political issues, promote fundamental British values such as democracy, tolerance and respect and raise awareness of protected characteristics.  The school has also evolved its systems to ensure consistency in SMSC development from Year 7 through to Year 11, particularly in response to protected characteristics. Pupils will have opportunities to engage with local culture through trips to museums, escape rooms and visits to organisations such as local theatres.

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Main inspection findings

 Lunchtime activities such as chess, knitting and crocheting are proposed, although these will be formalised once pupils arrive on site. The curriculum also includes reflection on different faiths and religious ideologies, fostering cultural understanding and respect.  Through these initiatives, the school demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting SMSC development, preparing pupils for life beyond school and equipping them with the skills to navigate societal risks and responsibilities.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The school has robust safeguarding policies in place, which are regularly updated and emphasised as part of the school’s culture. Staff undergo safeguarding training, including real-life scenarios. This helps them understand and share best practices, as well as reinforce the importance of maintaining vigilance. Weekly safeguarding discussions are integrated into staff meetings to maintain continuous awareness.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The school’s behaviour policy precisely articulates the carefully considered approach needed to support pupils with complex and challenging prior school experiences and additional needs. The school has systems in place to log behaviour and record safeguarding concerns. These systems ensure ongoing communication with school

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Main inspection findings

leaders and provide a transparent process for addressing issues.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16  Detailed health and safety policies, related risk assessments and first-aid policies are in place. The school has conducted professional health and safety reviews, including fire risk assessments, and has established partnerships with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. Regular checks on fire extinguishers, fire alarms and the premises are carried out, supported by external specialists. The school has a fire alarm logbook and detailed risk assessments for various areas, including outdoor spaces and sports activities.  A high number of staff members have completed appropriate health and safety courses, ensuring that there are appropriately trained individuals to respond to medical emergencies. While paediatric first aiders are not required for secondary-age

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Main inspection findings

provision, the school has ensured sufficient first-aid coverage.  Comprehensive risk assessments have been conducted for electrical safety, building structure, kitchen areas, classrooms and workspaces. These demonstrate the school’s commitment to identifying and mitigating risks effectively.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Paragraphs 14, 15  There are currently three part-time pupils attending the school. The information the school currently includes, as well as plans to include, on the admissions register, aligns with the Department for Education’s (DfE) guidance.  The staff-to-pupil ratio suggests that pupils will likely be suitably supervised throughout the school day. It is intended that pupils will work with different teachers but be grouped by similar age classes.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)(a), 18(2)(c) to 18(2)(e), 18(3) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(b) to 21(2), 21(3)(a) to 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iv) to 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(4), 21(5) to 21(7)(b)  The proprietor body has established a single central record and begun to record many of the necessary checks required about the suitability of staff. For example, checks have been conducted through the Disclosure and Barring Service and recorded accordingly.  The proprietor body is aware of the checks required on the suitability of supply staff and volunteers. Leaders intend to check the suitability of such adults before allowing them to work with children at the proposed school.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Paragraph 18(2), 10(2)(b), 20(6), 20(6)(a)(ii), 21(3), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 Some of the necessary checks required on the suitability of staff have not been completed or recorded on the single central record. These include prohibition checks for teachers, references for staff and section 128 checks for leaders or proposed governors.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school building is situated in a business park on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. The school’s premises are maintained to a high standard, with clean and well-presented classrooms and communal spaces. The building is relatively new, and cleaning is conducted twice a week after the pupils have left.  The rooms have appropriate acoustic conditions and sound insulation, with minimal noise pollution from the nearby railway when windows are closed. Energy-efficient LED lighting has been installed throughout the school, and external lighting ensures

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Main inspection findings

safe entry and exit.  Suitable drinking-water facilities are provided, clearly marked and separate from toilet facilities. Drinking water is always readily accessible.  The school has put in place appropriate fire safety measures, including regular checks on fire extinguishers and alarms. This ensures compliance with fire safety legislation.  While the proposed school lacks an immediate outdoor space for pupils to play or complete physical education, it has some communal spaces, including a rear walkway and green space at the front of the school, that have been appropriately risk assessed for use for play and for pupils to socialise. The proposed school also has a shared car park with the neighbouring gym and has secured an agreement for the use of this space for physical education.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The school has two toilets: one gender-neutral and one designated for staff use. This provision is only suitable for up to 20 pupils, whereas the proprietor body intends to admit up to 40 pupils.  There are no shower facilities on site for pupils aged 11 years or older who receive physical education. During the inspection, the proprietor body mentioned a verbal agreement with a neighbouring gym, but no formal written evidence of this agreement was provided.  The proprietor has identified a space for the examination and treatment of pupils, as well as the short-term care of those who are sick or injured. However, this is situated in a reception area with limited access to washing facilities and inadequate privacy. While the school plans to address this issue over the summer, no concrete evidence of completion or timelines has been provided.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f) to 32(3)(f)  The school’s website contains much of the information necessary to meet the standards. This includes curriculum overviews, admissions guidance and key policies such as behaviour and safeguarding. The school plans to use its website as a central hub for essential information, including curriculum details, policies, school information and enrichment opportunities.  Leaders have given careful thought to how policies will be shared with staff. Bi-weekly meetings will not only provide updates on day-to-day matters but also serve as opportunities for staff to engage with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures and broader school improvement initiatives.  Parents will receive regular reports detailing their child’s achievement in each subject. This includes plans for weekly update reports on how pupils have performed in each

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Main inspection findings

subject that week, as well as more comprehensive termly reports for parents. Leaders have a clear understanding of how relevant staff will contribute to the annual review process for pupils with education, health and care plans. Notably, the school intends for both parents and pupils to play an active and meaningful role in this process.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  The complaints policy is clear and precise and outlines what needs to be done at different stages. The aim is to resolve complaints informally, but more formal steps are outlined in the policy, including a panel hearing. It outlines suitable timeframes for addressing complaints. Leaders have articulated transparent systems and processes for learning from complaints, thereby reducing the likelihood of the issue recurring. The complaints policy is on the website and accessible to parents when needed.  The proprietor body has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34  Leaders have already identified a distributed model of responsibility, ensuring that all team members will be actively engaged in maintaining and improving standards. This collaborative approach extends to curriculum development, safeguarding, health and safety and recruitment processes. Leaders have identified systems to ensure that health and safety policies are actively discussed and implemented, rather than being relegated to paperwork. Regular checks on fire safety, blockages and equipment functionality will be conducted, with prompt action taken on maintenance issues through the existing system for the current provision.  The proprietor body has not taken appropriate action to ensure that the school is likely to meet the standards consistently. This is because the proprietor has not ensured that the standards for parts 4 and 5 have been met.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards are unlikely to be met if the school is granted permission to open. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that it has a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £7,200 to £7950

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Proposed school details

Email address office@dejongacademy.co.uk

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 3 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 17 hours 45 minutes

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 15 hours and 35 minutes

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 3 40 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 3 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 2 40

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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 1 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 4

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on the ground and first floors of 42 Cygnet Court, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9NW. This is situated in a business park on the outskirts of the town.  The proprietor body intends to establish a governing body and has already secured the involvement of two experienced governors.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.  The proposed school does not have a religious character.  The proposed school is designed to support pupils with SEND, including those with an education, health and care plan, with a particular focus on those with autism, SEMH needs, MLD and specific learning difficulties.  At the time of application, the school indicated that it intended to be specially organised to provide education for pupils with SEND. However, during the pre- registration inspection, the proprietor made clear that this was a mistake. The

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Information about this proposed school

proprietor body confirmed that they did not wish to register as a special independent school, but rather as a mainstream independent school. On this basis, the school did not intend to operate in line with the application to the DfE.

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE commissioned this pre-registration inspection to determine whether the proposed school would be likely to meet the standards if granted permission to open. This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector carried out a range of activities to ascertain if the proposed school was likely to meet the standards. These activities included meeting with members of the proprietor body, reviewing a broad range of policies, reviewing curriculum aims and examples of schemes of work, as well as reviewing leaders’ intended systems and procedures for managing the school.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises.  As this pre-registration inspection was completed during the summer holidays, the inspector was not able to visit any lessons that were taking place in the current provision. For this reason, it was also not possible to speak to pupils. This limited the

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Information about this inspection

ability to make judgments about the quality of the current provision.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher, the administration manager and the designated safeguarding lead to discuss safeguarding arrangements.

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Inspection team

Chris Pollitt, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends 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;  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)(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

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

disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction;  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to 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 such a direction; – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

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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; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

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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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