Minds Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Minds Education Old School Stamford House, Stamford Road, Mossley, Ashton-Under- Lyne OL5 0BA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(i) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2A(1)(b) to 2A(1)(f), 2A(2)  The proprietor has a sharp vision for the proposed school. It plans to deliver a wide- ranging curriculum that aims to provide pupils with a broad range of subjects. The proposed school has plans in place to provide pupils with linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. The proprietor has ensured that the school has a well-defined written curriculum policy. There are numerous opportunities for pupils to learn and make progress across different curriculum areas.  Overall, there are schemes of work and plans are in place for the intended curriculum. These schemes of work typically take into consideration the starting points of pupils. The proposed school has identified appropriate interventions to support pupils who

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Main inspection findings

are at the initial stages of learning to read.  The proposed school’s relationship and sex education (RSE) policy sits alongside the personal, social and health and economic (PSHE) education policy. It outlines the statutory provision for secondary-age pupils. The proposed PSHE curriculum is appropriate for the school’s intended pupils.  The proprietor has suitable plans in place to provide pupils with necessary careers information and guidance. This includes access to an impartial careers adviser. This information will help pupils to make informed choices about their futures.  This independent school standards (the standard) are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 3(a) to 3(f), 3(h) to 3(j), 4  The proprietor intends to employ qualified staff to implement the curriculum. Where teachers might teach outside of their specialist subject, it intends to provide suitable professional development. This will mean that teachers gain the subject knowledge

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Main inspection findings

that they may require.  The proposed school intends for teaching to actively promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 2(1)(b) to 2(1)(b)(ii)  Despite the proposed school having schemes of work in place and plans, there is variation between the different subjects. Individual subjects often set out the milestones which they want pupils to achieve. However, in some subjects, these plans do not make clear the precise content that pupils should learn and remember. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(g)  The proposed school currently does not have an RSE policy on its website. Paragraphs 3, 3(g)  The proposed school has started to think about the assessment strategies that it intends to use. These are set out in the school’s assessment policy. However, the proposed school has not thought clearly enough about how teachers will use these

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Main inspection findings

strategies in the classroom. It is not clear how the information that teachers collect on pupils’ performance will be used by the school to evaluate overall pupil performance.  The proprietor has not ensured that these standards in part 1 are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school has carefully considered how it will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is primarily through the school’s curriculum and extra-curricular activities.  The proposed school intends for pupils to learn about British values through different curriculum experiences and visits. For example, the school intends to use guest speakers such as the police to inform pupils about law and order. In addition, it intends for pupils to visit places of worship to give them an understanding of different religions.  Celebrating difference will be a central part of the proposed school. One of its aims is ‘Inclusive Community Building’. Recognising, understanding and respecting differences between people is a core part of this. The curriculum which pupils will receive will help

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Main inspection findings

them to fulfil the proposed school’s aim.  The proposed school intends for pupils to have opportunities to gain experiences and debate different current affairs as part of their wider development. This will help pupils to understand diverse views. The proposed school will ensure that pupils are not exposed to partisan political or religious opinions.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has a written safeguarding policy that reflects the latest government guidance. The policy is published on the school’s website.  The proprietor has had the necessary training to oversee the school’s safeguarding procedures. It intends for the school’s headteacher to be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). The proprietor has plans in place to ensure that the DSL is suitably qualified to conduct this role.  The proposed school has a suitable system to record any safeguarding concerns and the subsequent actions which it takes. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school has a written behaviour policy. It sets out what staff will do to promote and recognise pupils’ positive behaviour. It sets out clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour. When pupils display poor behaviour, the policy sets out what sanctions the school will take.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable system in place to record any incidents of poor behaviour. It intends to review this regularly to identify any emerging trends and patterns.  The proposed school has plans in place to train staff on how to use techniques to reduce anxiety and where physical intervention may be needed. The proprietor recognises that physical intervention should only be used as a last resort. Paragraphs 11, 14, 15, 16 to 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there are appropriate health and safety policies in place. The proprietor intends to employ a suitable number of staff so that pupils are supervised throughout the school day.  There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The proposed school has a broad range of risk assessments for the premises and pupil activities. Risk assessments identify the potential risk effectively, how the school intends to mitigate the risk and

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Main inspection findings

who is responsible for ensuring pupils’ safety.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate first-aid policy in place. However, first-aid boxes do not contain enough equipment to support staff with the implementation of the policy. For example, there were no gloves in the first-aid boxes that would help to prevent cross-contamination.  The proprietor has ensured that it complies with many aspects of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There is a necessary fire risk assessment in place. However, there is not suitable signage in place to ensure that staff, pupils and visitors know how to leave the premises in the event of a fire and where the fire evacuation point is.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(iii) to 18(2)(e), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(2) to 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iv) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(6)  The proprietor has put in place an electronic single central record. Many of the required checks have been completed for the proprietor and any staff already employed. These checks include the right to work in the UK, prohibition of teaching checks and qualifications. One member of the proprietor body has completed safer recruitment training and demonstrates a secure understanding of safer recruitment practice.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(c)(ii), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(ii)  The proprietor has not ensured that as part of its suitability procedures it has checked on staff’s medical fitness. It was not aware of the requirement to do so.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has not ensured that a check under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 on whether an individual is prohibited from managing a school has been carried out on the appropriate staff. At the time of the inspection, the proprietor was unaware of the need to do so.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(1)(c), 24(2), 25 to 27(b), 28(1)(a) to 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 29(1)(b)  The school building is well maintained. It is attractive and welcoming to pupils. It features three classrooms, a breakout space, a library, an intervention space, a kitchen and an office space. Many of the spaces can be used for multiple purposes if required.  Classrooms are well lit for the activities that will take place. External lighting will allow staff and pupils to leave the building safely via street lighting provided. Lighting and acoustics make a suitable learning environment.  The proposed school has separate toilet facilities for pupils. Cubicles are lockable from the inside and intended for single use.  Pupils will have access to drinking-water throughout the day from a mains supply. It is labelled appropriately. Where water should not be used for drinking, it is clearly

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Main inspection findings

labelled throughout the school.  The proposed school does not have any shower facilities on site. It intends to use local sporting facilities to ensure that pupils have access to an appropriate physical education curriculum. Showers and changing facilities are available at this location.  The proposed school has a communal space nearby which it intends to use for pupils’ recreational and social time. The school intends that pupils will be supervised when they are walking to and from the location and when they are using the area. The proposed school has appropriate risk assessments in place.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  The proprietor has not yet ensured that accommodation is available to cater for pupils’ medical needs. A room is close to toilet and washing facilities. However, the room is currently not set up with a bed for pupils. It is not readily available for pupils to use in

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Main inspection findings

its current state.  The proprietor has not ensured that it has conducted checks on the temperature of water in different places in the school. Although the water from most taps does not pose a scalding risk to pupils, the water temperature from some taps do pose a risk to pupils. In addition, there is no sign to indicate the potential risk of scalding because the water is too hot.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(c) to 34(2)(c)  The proposed school has a written statement of its ethos and aims. This is available on the school’s website.  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s address, telephone number and contact details are available on the school’s website.  The proposed school has the required policies on its website. This includes policies relating to admissions, the curriculum, behaviour, exclusions and health and safety. Where this is not the case, policies are readily available when requested.  There are suitable arrangements in place to work with different local authorities to review pupils’ education, health and care plans (EHC plan).  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i)  The proprietor has not ensured that its details are available on the school’s website.

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Main inspection findings

This includes the name of the proprietor, address, contact details and how parents and carers can make contact during term time and school holidays.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy is in writing and is available on the school’s website. The proprietor has ensured that the policy is clear and contains information about how to raise a complaint. It gives sufficient detail around timescales associated with each stage of the complaints process.  The proposed school has ensured that it has systems in place to ensure that all formal complaints will be recorded appropriately.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has not ensured that it demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that the standards are consistently met.  There are aspects of the quality of education, welfare of pupils, suitability of staff and premises which are not likely to be met.  The standards in this section are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has ensured that it has a suitable accessibility plan in place. Overall, it demonstrates how the school will fulfil its duty under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. For example, the accessibility plan considers how information can be made accessible to all members of the school community.

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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) £20,000 to £50,000

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Proposed school details

Email address t.selema@mindseducation.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 12 12

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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 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable None

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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 1 4

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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 As required

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will operate from premises located at Old School Stamford House, Stamford Road, Mossley, OL5 0BA.  The proposed school will operate from a detached building, with two floors.  The proposed school intends to use the main entrance for pupils to enter the school.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 12 pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school will cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It is expected that many of the pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor body is made up of two individuals. The proprietor is registered at Companies House.  There is currently no governing body. The proprietor intends to have a governing body in place by the time the school is registered and open to pupils.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor does not intend to make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (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 inspector held discussions with the proprietor.  The proprietor intends to appoint a headteacher, but this person was not in post at the time of the inspection. One member of staff has been appointed.  The inspector made a tour of the 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.

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Inspection team

Stuart Perkins, 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-  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress;

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.

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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)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness;  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question. – 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;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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 includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(b) either- – 32(2)(b)(i) where the proprietor is an individual, the proprietor’s full name, address for correspondence during both term-time and holidays and a telephone number or numbers on which the proprietor may be contacted, or

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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

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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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 .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.

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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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