The Avenue

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

The Avenue Rookery Lane, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 5RF

p.1

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) and 2(2)(i) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2(A)(2)  The proposed school has established a well-structured curriculum from Reception Year to Year 6, including for early reading and mathematics. The school intends to provide a curriculum that is of comparable breadth to the primary national curriculum. It is designed so that pupils will experience all aspects of education required in the independent school standards (the standards), including the technological, aesthetic and social elements.  The curriculum policy and plans set out the key knowledge and skills that pupils will be expected to learn and develop over time for each subject. Leaders are mindful that the curriculum will need precise adaptations for each pupil in line with their special educational needs and their education, health and care (EHC) plans.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The proposed school curriculum focuses particularly on pupils’ communication development. Much consideration has also been given to sensory integration in lessons to maximise pupils’ engagement in their learning.  The proposed school curriculum focuses particularly on the development of pupils’ personal, social and health education (PSHE). Plans are in place to deliver an extensive PSHE and relationships and sex education curriculum. Curriculum plans are also in place to ensure that pupils develop an age-appropriate understanding of fundamental British values. Paragraphs 3(a) to 4  The proposed school places significant emphasis on investing in highly skilled teaching and support staff. It will draw on the expertise from across the trust when appointing and training staff. The trust has considerable experience in working with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It runs an all-through special

p.1

Main inspection findings

school and several resource bases within mainstream academies. Using its expertise, it intends to put in place suitable arrangements for the proposed school’s staffing structure to ensure the effectiveness of lessons and pedagogical practice.  The proposed school has a suitable framework for assessing pupils in the curriculum and in their wider development, including when they first join the school. The framework will enable staff to assess pupils in terms of their achievement, sensory development, positive behaviour, independence and communication skills.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor intends that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils will thread through all that the school does. The school’s approach aims to nurture pupils’ own personal values and their relationships with each other and teach

p.1

Main inspection findings

them to be responsible young citizens.  There will be a strong focus on preparing pupils for life in modern Britain through building pupils’ knowledge and understanding of different beliefs, cultures and lifestyles.  A range of clubs is planned at lunchtimes. These will be carefully chosen to help pupils to develop self-knowledge and confidence, as well as providing them with opportunities to apply their social communication strategies.  The proposed school intends to provide activities to support pupils’ social development, such as guided exploration of the local area and applying their learning in social situations. The school intends to make educational trips a regular feature of the curriculum.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor and school leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding pupils and

p.2

Main inspection findings

draw on the considerable expertise and capacity across the trust. An appropriate and up-to-date safeguarding policy is in place.  Staff training will be undertaken as part of their induction and regularly thereafter. There is a shared understanding of how pupils’ SEND increase their vulnerability, and keeping them safe is at the heart of the school’s approach. The proposed school has ensured that clear policies and processes are in place to establish a strong, vigilant safeguarding culture.  The proposed school will use a recording and reporting system so that staff can alert leaders to any safeguarding concerns. A similar system for recording and categorising behaviours will help leaders recognise patterns and trends in behaviour and identify any risks to pupils’ safety.  The proposed school recognises the important role positive relationships with parents and carers play in keeping pupils safe. It is likely that most pupils will arrive at school

p.2

Main inspection findings

on transport organised by local authorities. For this reason, an electronic system to communicate with parents will be used regularly. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school has in place behaviour and anti-bullying policies. These align with the school’s values and ethos and emphasise the positive reinforcement of behaviours and the importance of positive relationships. Paragraphs 11 to 16(b)  The proprietor has a secure overview of health and safety legislation. It has ensured that members of the trust are qualified and knowledgeable in checking that the school will meet these relevant standards.  The proprietor has undertaken all the necessary fire checks of the building so that the school is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This includes fire extinguishers and clearly marked emergency exits.  The proposed school has an appropriate first aid policy in place. Staff will be suitably

p.2

Main inspection findings

trained to administer first aid and keep suitable records.  The information on the school’s admission and attendance registers will be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. The proprietor will maintain an electronic attendance register and understands the need to follow up on any absence, including making home visits when necessary.  An appropriate risk assessment policy is in place and risk assessments have been done that detail how the school will minimise risk of harm on and off site.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii) and 21(6)  Proprietor body members understand fully their responsibility to seek the necessary

p.3

Main inspection findings

assurances when appointing staff to the school. There are a number of members of the proprietor body and staff from the school and the trust who are trained in safer recruitment. In addition to this, the trust’s human resources staff will oversee and carry out pre-employment checks on potential staff.  The single central record contains all required information for appointed staff so far and all members of the proprietor body. Procedures are in place for this record to be checked systematically at both school and trust levels.  The proprietor fully understands the procedures to follow in checking the suitability of supply staff if they are used.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) and 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school occupies a purpose-built school building which, until recently,

p.3

Main inspection findings

operated as a preparatory school. The building offers well-proportioned accommodation for each of the seven proposed classes, as well as a hall suitable for physical education (PE). The outside area is extensive, providing suitable spaces for pupils to play and for the provision of PE. The proprietor has been diligent in ensuring the outside space is safe and ready for use by pupils.  The building houses suitable toilets and handwashing facilities for boys and girls, along with disabled access toilets. All classes have drinking water supplies which are clearly labelled.  The proprietor body has ensured that the lighting and acoustics throughout the school are suitable. This has been a particular consideration due to the likelihood of pupils being sensitive to their sensory environments.  The medical room is appropriate for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. It is close to a toilet and is equipped with suitable washing facilities and first-aid

p.3

Main inspection findings

supplies.  Although the building is suitable for 42 pupils, the proprietor intends to admit three classes of six pupils in the first instance. Plans are then in place to increase numbers to 42 pupils in the new calendar year.  In the short time the proprietor has had access to the building, they have worked at pace to ensure that the building is safe and in a good state of repair. There is a tangible ambition to continue to enhance and develop the physical environment of the school, both indoors and outside.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(g)  At the time of the inspection, the proposed school did not have a website. However, leaders intend to make all parents aware of how to access information and policies through the sharing of a welcome pack. The proposed school intends to publish all the

p.4

Main inspection findings

required information on a website in the future.  The proposed school has an extensive plan for providing parents with information about how well their children are doing. In addition to regular communication through an online platform, communication will include a detailed annual report. The report covers both a pupil’s academic progress and information about their wider development in line with the school’s assessment framework.  The proposed school plans to work with appropriate external agencies to review pupils’ EHC plans. Meetings with parents will feed into this process. It intends to work closely with the local authorities who will commission places and provide them with annual accounts showing the income and expenditure incurred by the school for each pupil.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)

p.4

Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has a written complaints policy that outlines what parents should do if they have a concern about any aspect of the school’s work. It details processes that parents should follow, including allowing complaints to be made on an informal or formal basis. It explains expected timeframes and how the school will respond to parents in writing.  Parents who are not satisfied with the way the school has dealt with their complaint can request a panel hearing which will include a panel member independent of the proposed school’s management.  The school will retain written records of complaints and the actions taken in response to them.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body and school leaders have a comprehensive understanding of the standards. They intend to use the capacity and expertise within the trust to ensure

p.4

Main inspection findings

that standards are met consistently through structured quality assurance visits and through all the services already provided to the trust schools.  There is a compelling excitement about the opening of the new school among members of the proprietor body and staff in the trust. There is an evident moral imperative to provide pupils with a high-quality education along with a commitment to promoting their well-being.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school’s accessibility plan is suitable. It includes all the requirements, including how leaders will ensure the site, curriculum and documentation are made accessible.  The proposed school is likely to meet the regulations in this part. Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  The proposed school intends to run a Reception class for up to six children. This class

p.5

Main inspection findings

will have one teacher and three experienced support staff working with the children throughout the week. This means that staffing qualifications and ratios will be in line with early years foundation stage (EYFS) requirements. The proprietor intends to ensure that all staff will be fully aware of statutory guidance for the safeguarding and welfare of children in the EYFS.  The curriculum set out at the proposed school fulfils all the requirements of the statutory framework for the EYFS while being carefully adapted to meet the needs of the children who will attend, all of whom will have autism.  The proposed school is likely to meet the statutory requirements of the EYFS.

p.5

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.6

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.7

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

Proprietor Bart’s Training and Support Alliance

p.7

Proposed school details

Email address rporter@abbeyhill.sbmat.org

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 11 4 to 11 4 to 11 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 42 42

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 42

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 42

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 42

p.8

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 0 42

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 10

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to provide full-time education for boys and girls aged four to 11. All pupils will have SEND and EHC plans. It is expected that all pupils will have a primary need of autism, although some will have additional co-occurring special educational needs.  The proprietor body of the school is Bart’s Training and Support Alliance. This alliance is partnered with St Bart’s Multi-Academy Trust which runs 23 state funded academies. The trust intends to provide the proposed school with the support and services that all schools in the trust receive.  The proprietor body consists of five individuals, three are community volunteers and two are employees of the multi-academy trust. If granted permission by the Department of Education (DfE) to open, the proposed school intends to run with a governing body which will include parental representation.  The proposed school is located in a building that was previously used as a preparatory

p.9

Information about this proposed school

school in Stoke-on-Trent.  The proposed school is unlikely to make use of alternative provision.

p.9

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 first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The inspector met with members of the proprietor body, the principal and some senior staff from the trust.  The inspector made a tour of the proposed school site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a wide range of documents provided by the school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the standards, safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

p.10

Inspection team

Gareth Morgan, lead inspector 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.10

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.11

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.11

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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.11

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.11

Inspection team

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

p.11

Inspection team

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

p.11