Endeavour SR

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Endeavour SR 54 John Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 1QH

p.1

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)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school’s curriculum is clearly planned and sequenced to cover the breadth and range required by the independent school standards (the standards). Appropriate qualifications will be taught in key stages 4 and 5. The proprietor has ensured that the proposed curriculum is flexible enough to take account of the pupils’ differing starting points.  The physical education (PE) curriculum will be taught off site. The proprietor has plans to use local sporting facilities to allow this to take place.  The curriculum plans take account of the likely special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) that pupils will have. The headteacher who has been appointed and members of the proprietor body have relevant experience working with pupils with SEND, including those pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme is clearly designed to support the needs of pupils. There are suitable cross curricular links between the topics on the PSHE programme and the school’s wider curriculum. This curriculum is adaptable to make it probable that it can meet the needs of pupils that will attend the proposed school.  The proprietor has made links with local businesses in order to develop a work experience programme for pupils. The careers curriculum will also utilise resources and input from external careers services and professionals. The proprietor also aims to ensure that pupils gain experience in independent living. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The relationships and sex education policy meets statutory requirements. Information will be clearly presented to parents on the school website.  The policy reflects the ages and needs of pupils and will be incorporated into the

p.1

Main inspection findings

school’s PSHE programme. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The proprietor has ensured that provision is made for staff to receive appropriate training to deliver the intended curriculum.  Plans are in place to ensure that suitably qualified staff will teach pupils should the proposed school open. There is clear planning for the recruitment of further staff so that the school’s intended curriculum can be covered appropriately.  An appropriate system of regular assessment has been designed to ensure that the curriculum is likely to meet the needs of pupils. This will allow the proprietor to measure the progress of pupils over time.  It is likely that all the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed PSHE programme covers a wide range of topics to make it likely that pupils will be prepared for life in modern Britain. Fundamental British values are woven throughout the different elements in the programme. The proprietor is aware that pupils may have different starting points. It has designed the programme to be flexible to meet these differing needs.  The proposed school intends to develop pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through the religious education programme.  The school has established links with local businesses and other institutions to support pupils in hearing a range of views. This should ensure that pupils have the opportunity to gain an understanding of British society.  The independent living skills programme takes account of the needs of pupils. Support

p.2

Main inspection findings

around financial education and digital literacy should help pupils prepare for life after they leave the proposed school.  It is likely that the standard in this part will be met if the proposed school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The school’s safeguarding policy takes account of statutory guidance. The proprietor has updated this policy since the previous pre-registration inspection in February 2025. It now has a more detailed section on how the proposed school will deal with low-level concerns.  The proposed designated safeguarding lead and deputy have appropriate training. A clear induction programme for staff, which includes relevant safeguarding training, has been designed. The proprietor expects that staff will complete this training before they take up post. Chances for appointed staff to shadow colleagues will also make it likely that they understand the context of the proposed school before they begin employment.  The school has purchased a commercial system to track and record safeguarding incidents. This will allow for prompt action to be taken.  The proprietor and safeguarding leads have a good understanding of how and when

p.2

Main inspection findings

to report incidents to external agencies for support and guidance in helping to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The behaviour policy is clear and takes into account the needs of the pupils. It outlines supportive and preventative strategies as well as restorative measures. The policy is aligned with the school’s ethos. The design of the school building means there are rooms where pupils can receive support if they find it difficult to manage their emotions.  The proposed school’s information system will allow for the recording of incidents and for analysis to support pupils further.  Since the previous pre-registration inspection of February 2025, the proprietor has amended the school’s anti-bullying policy. This now takes account of the different types of bullying and clearly explains how the proposed school will report on and respond to incidents of bullying. This policy is now appropriate.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The health and safety policy covers appropriate aspects of the proposed school’s approach to keeping pupils safe. There are links to the school’s risk assessment policy. It outlines how minor injuries will be logged and takes account of the school building. The first-aid policy is clear and provides for the training of staff to administer first aid as necessary.  The proprietor has completed a significant amount of work around fire safety since the previous pre-registration inspection in February 2025. There is a new fire risk assessment. The proprietor has undertaken works related to this. For example, issues raised with emergency lighting and ill-fitted smoke detectors have been fixed. During this inspection, an exit door in the basement was fitted with a thumb-turn lock to allow another means of escape from the building. The proprietor has undertaken a fire door survey. The mag lock system on the doors in the school has been linked to

p.3

Main inspection findings

the fire alarm system.  Leaders have plans to further develop the premises. This includes the addition of extra electrical power points and some fitting of fire-resistant materials to a basement area and staircase. During the inspection, inspectors were able to see booking forms for the electrical work to be completed in the coming weeks. The proprietor has plans to finish the work in the basement. The work which remains is not structural. The proprietor’s approach since doing the new fire risk assessment has been thorough. The bookings for upcoming works provide assurance that this work will be completed prior to pupils being on site.  The proprietor has published a new fire risk assessment policy. There is evidence of regular checks on the fire alarm system. The policy also allows for fire wardens and evacuation assistants. Zonal maps showing escape routes in the case of fire are prominently displayed around the school.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor plans to open the school to pupils in January and appoint key staff to ensure appropriate supervision. A headteacher has already been appointed. One of the members of the proprietor body plans to work as a teacher once the school opens. There are plans to appoint therapeutic and mental health staff to offer emotional support for pupils alongside academic support. The proprietor has a clear vision for the teaching staff they want to appoint to ensure that the curriculum can be delivered effectively. Plans are in place to appoint staff on registration of the proposed school.  The attendance and admission policies are clear and reflect current guidance.  Since the previous inspection, the proprietor has made changes to how it undertakes risk assessments. The risk assessment policy is appropriate. In addition, there are now risk assessments for the school building as well as off-site activities. There is

p.3

Main inspection findings

more detailed consideration of the risks that pupils may face when engaged in off-site activities. The proprietor has recently engaged an external consultant to audit risk assessments and provide further advice and guidance in this area. This gives assurance that the school’s approach to identifying and minimising risk will continue to develop over time.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(c), 21(6)  Several members of the proprietor body and the headteacher of the proposed school have completed safer recruitment training. The proprietor understands the checks it needs to make to ensure staff are suitable to work with pupils. There is assurance, for example with the checks completed on the appointed headteacher, that these checks will be conducted in a timely way should the school be registered to open. The proprietor understands that safeguarding considerations are an important part of the recruitment process.  At the pre-registration inspection in February 2025, some information related to members of the proprietor body was missing or incomplete on the single central record. All members are now on the single central record. Checks on suitability, including those relating to section 128 of the 2008 act, are recorded.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c)  While the proprietor does not intend to use agency staff, they understand the checks they should make on any staff offered by employment businesses. There are systems in place should it be necessary to use any agency staff. Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(3)(b)  The proprietor has engaged an external consultant to audit the proposed school’s approach to maintaining the single central record. The single central record shows the appropriate information related to the checks that the proprietor has made on staff already employed at the school. There are sufficient fields to record information related to contractors, volunteers and others that may come into the school should it be registered to open.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. 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)

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The proposed school is situated in a grade two listed building which has been refurbished by the proprietor. The classrooms are spacious and ample to accommodate the proposed number of pupils. The refurbishment of the second floor, which was proposed at the time of the pre-registration inspection in February, has been completed. This is to the same standard as works on the ground floor.  The school is located on a main street in Sunderland city centre. Street lighting provides ample light for safe entry and exit of the premises.  Drinking water facilities are provided through water coolers. These are readily available when needed.  Provision has been made for sensory rooms and breakout spaces to ensure that pupils can be supported in small numbers and on a one-to-one basis as necessary.  There is a shower on site and space to ensure that pupils can change as necessary.  The medical room has been relocated since the pre-registration inspection in February

p.5

Main inspection findings

2025. It is now located near to a toilet. There is a handwashing unit available in the proposed medical room. First-aid boxes are located throughout the school.  Lockable toilet facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils. There is ample hot and cold water in these facilities. The hot water was adjusted during the inspection so that it did not pose a scalding risk at the point of use.  During the inspection, the proprietor put locks on some of the doors, which allowed access to loft spaces. This provided additional security to ensure pupils could not enter these spaces.  The building is maintained to a high standard. The necessary checks related to electrical and gas safety have been completed. Asbestos and legionella risk assessments have been completed. Risk assessments show the regular checks that the proprietor intends to complete in order to ensure the building consistently meets the standards.

p.5

Main inspection findings

 There is a small outdoor space for social times that is appropriate for the proposed number of pupils that the proprietor wishes to accommodate.  It is likely that the standards in this part will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

p.5

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), 32(2)(d) to 32(g)  The proposed school has a website, which is ready to launch if it registered to open. The proprietor is clear about what information is needed on the website and was able to provide examples of this during the inspection. Contact details for the proprietor as well as necessary information related to key policies, such as safeguarding, will be available for parents.  Annual reporting to parents will be through an online system and will take place at regular intervals throughout the year. This will include academic and therapeutic information to parents. Parents will be invited to the school on a regular basis to discuss the progress of their child.  It is proposed that all pupils will have an EHC plan and be placed at the school by the local authority. The proprietor has developed a system to report clearly on the

p.5

Main inspection findings

expenditure related to the pupils at the school.  The improvements made to the anti-bullying policy since the last pre-registration inspection mean that this information, when provided to parents, will now be appropriate.  It is likely that this standard will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy is appropriate. Time frames and procedures for dealing with complaints are clear. There is facility for an informal process before moving to a formal complaint. Appropriate measures are included to ensure that independent panel members are involved when necessary.  The proprietor understands the need to record the number of complaints received.  It is likely that this standard will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body includes members who have a wide range of education experience. The appointed headteacher of the proposed school is a qualified special educational needs coordinator.  Since the last pre-registration inspection, the proprietor has developed their understanding of the standards through work with external partners. The issues raised at the last inspection have been addressed. The proprietor has ensured that there are systems for ongoing and regular checks of the standards and how these are being met. The proprietor shows a commitment to continuous improvement of the provision through acting on the advice of an external consultant so that fire risks are swiftly identified and addressed.  The proprietor has thought carefully about how to support the likely needs of the pupils that will attend the school. The design of the rooms in the building and the

p.6

Main inspection findings

proposed staffing ratios will allow for the provision of ample support of pupils.  The proprietor understands the importance of clear systems to ensure strategic oversight of the school. For example, at present, there is no governing body in place. However, the proprietor intends to appoint a governing body once the school is open. This will enable independent scrutiny and challenge.  It is likely that this standard will be met if the proposed school is registered to open.

p.6

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met through consideration of the accessibility of curriculum, the environment and the approaches taken in the school.

p.6

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.

p.8

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.

p.9

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.9

Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £82,000

p.9

Proposed school details

Email address jvance@newbeginningsnorth.org

p.9

Proposed school details

Date of previous inspection 5 February 2025

p.9

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 19 14 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 10 10

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 10 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 10

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 10

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 10

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.10

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

p.10

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school’s address is: 54 John Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 1QH.  The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs who may have other special educational needs, such as autism, cognition and learning needs and specific learning difficulties.  Pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proposed school does not have any religious character.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.  The proprietor is New Beginnings North CIC.  The school underwent a previous pre-registration inspection in February 2025. That inspection found that the proposed school was unlikely to meet all of the standards which were checked.

p.10

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 independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. This was the second 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 and the proposed headteacher.  Inspectors reviewed policies and documents associated with the independent school standards. An inspector toured the premises. Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.

p.11

Inspection team

Matthew Vellensworth, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.11

Inspection team

Chris Sergeant 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 .

p.11

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.12

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.12

Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked-after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.12

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12