Templecroft School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Templecroft School Templars Way, Bedford MK44 1PY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(i)  The primary purpose of the proposed school is to intervene to support pupils who have faced trauma. The proprietor intends to use an extended transition process when pupils join the school. This will be to review pupils’ needs and assess their barriers to learning. The proprietor then intends to develop a bespoke curriculum that meets pupils’ needs. The aim is for staff to help pupils re-engage with learning. Through this approach, staff are to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.  The proprietor has designed a curriculum in English and mathematics that identifies what pupils should learn. In these subjects, the curriculum is sequenced in a way that is likely to help pupils build up their knowledge over time. However, this is not the case across the rest of the curriculum. In other areas, for example in science, history and geography, the curriculum is still being put together. Where this is the case, the

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Main inspection findings

proposed school has not identified comprehensively enough how pupils will build on prior learning. At present, the curriculum is not sufficiently well designed to be likely to help pupils learn what they need to succeed. Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3 to 4  The proprietor has put in place a proposed reading curriculum. This takes into account the probable needs of the pupils. For example, leaders have identified and purchased a suitable phonics scheme. The staff recruited appear to have the required knowledge to teach reading appropriately. They have relevant experience of supporting those in the early stages of reading. This seems likely to help pupils develop their fluency and foundational knowledge in reading.  The proprietor has devised a training programme aimed to ensure staff continue to build their skills and knowledge.  The proprietor has the knowledge needed to identify special educational needs and/or

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Main inspection findings

disabilities (SEND) accurately. The proposed school has processes in place that seem likely to provide the support pupils require for their SEND. For instance, it has created ways of ensuring it listens and responds to pupils’ viewpoints. Leaders have devised processes to break down education, health and care (EHC) plan strategies and outcomes into targets. The proposed school will regularly check and review these targets. Paragraph 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii)  There is an appropriate programme for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This identifies the important content pupils should learn, and when. It is aimed to reflect the school’s purpose and ethos.  The proprietor means pupils to receive a suitable careers education. The proposed school has considered how it will meet the Gatsby Benchmarks. The intended careers programme plans how pupils will gain experience of the workplace. The proprietor has

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Main inspection findings

identified how pupils will receive independent advice and guidance from a trained careers professional. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b) to 2A(2)  The proprietor has devised a clearly structured programme for relationships and sex education (RSE). However, the proprietor has not considered how it will consult regarding its RSE policy. The policy does not explain how the proposed school will communicate with relevant stakeholders about the right to withdraw from aspects of RSE provision.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  There is a well-considered programme for helping pupils develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) knowledge. This dovetails carefully with what pupils will learn in PSHE. For instance, the personal development programme includes important learning about respect for fundamental British values and the protected characteristics.  The proprietor aims to offer pupils a range of extra-curricular experiences to secure and extend this SMSC learning.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor’s processes for safeguarding seem secure. Leaders have the knowledge needed to keep pupils safe. The plans for staff safeguarding training appear thorough. There is a suitable system in place to spot and log concerns.  The proposed school aims to educate pupils about risk through the PSHE programme. The school has carefully considered potential risks. For example, pupils will not initially have access to the internet. They will then be gradually enabled to have this on a managed basis.  The proprietor appears to liaise as it should with external agencies regarding safeguarding. For example, it has made contact with the local authority designated officer about the intended safeguarding arrangements. Paragraphs 9 and 10  There are detailed and suitable policies for behaviour and bullying. The proprietor aims to address the previously unmet needs that may underlie pupils’ behaviour. It

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Main inspection findings

has knowledge and experience of providing therapy programmes for pupils who have experienced trauma. It aims to provide a range of what seems well-considered clinical support.  There is an appropriate policy for restrictive physical intervention. This includes prompt review and communication to stakeholders following incidents. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 to 16(b)  Mostly, there is a robust approach to health and safety. Fire safety processes are compliant with statutory requirements. The school means to use risk assessment routinely, such as for the site, trips, and for pupils.  The proprietor intends staffing ratios to be high. Staff seem likely to have the needed knowledge to support pupils. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has published an appropriate first-aid policy. However, at the time of the inspection, the required first-aid signage and resources were not in place at the school.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), and 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The proprietor has ensured there is a single central record in place for pre- employment checks on staff. The proposed school’s systems for completing vetting checks mean these are likely to comply with statutory guidelines. In one case, a section 128 check had been completed but not recorded. Leaders amended this during the inspection.  Leaders have received safer recruitment training. They articulate the procedures for safer recruitment clearly.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  At the time of the pre-registration inspection, there was no toilet for pupils in the school. The proprietor acknowledges this. It intends to convert a staff toilet for the sole use of pupils.  The proposed school does not have a medical room. The proprietor has a space they are considering for this purpose. This does not at present include a washing facility. Paragraphs 25 to 29(1)(b)  The site is well resourced and attractive. There is a well-presented outside garden area. There is ample room in this for physical education. There are showers on the school site so pupils can change during the school day.  The classroom is very well equipped. There are alternative spaces for breakout and interventions. The site has appropriate lighting, both internal and external. Acoustics are suitable. Pupils will have access to clearly designated drinking water.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school has available most of the required information for stakeholders and local authorities. There is an appropriate and detailed safeguarding policy. The other policies that should be available are. The proprietor knows its responsibilities regarding the annual reviews of EHC plans.  The proprietor has not provided information about how it might support pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has put in place a detailed complaints policy. This meets the requirements of the standards. For example, it explains how a panel hearing will have one member independent of the running of the school.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor aims to provide a crucial intervention for pupils who have known trauma. This is to give them a fresh start and a platform to reintegrate into education. The proposed school seeks to offer a holistic education. This is while it meets pupils’ emotional and mental health needs. Much of their experience and learning may not fit into a typical educational picture. The proprietor hopes that pupils will be able to reintegrate with mainstream education. It has considered in a lot of detail the support it will offer. That said, there is still work to do to develop an effective curriculum.  The proprietor has a clearly articulated rationale for its proposal to start this school. What is less clear are the transition plans at the end of the placement. There is not, currently, a plan to ensure educational stability at that point. This is particularly the

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Main inspection findings

case for pupils whose needs might not be met by a mainstream school.  The proprietor aims to put in place a board of governors. The purpose of this is to ensure robust oversight of the proposed school. The proprietor means to ensure it recruits and has access to leaders with educational expertise. Through this, the proprietor intends to have the knowledge required to support and challenge the school’s work effectively. However, a robust system of oversight is not in place. For example, the headteacher is the chair of governors. There is not currently the needed knowledgeable scrutiny of the quality of education.  The proprietor has ensured that robust safeguarding processes are likely to be in place. It has the knowledge it requires to support pupils’ welfare.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proposed school has a detailed and appropriate accessibility plan. For example, this considers how to adapt the curriculum to support pupils’ SEND.

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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) £55,000 to £65,000

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Proposed school details

Email address cbrown@resicarealliance.co.uk

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 6 Not applicable

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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 6 Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 6

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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 6

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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 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 1

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor is Resicare Alliance Ltd. It does not currently run any schools. The proprietor proposes to open this and two other schools. The other proposed schools have not yet had pre-registration inspections.  The proprietor’s core business so far has been in running social care provision.  The proprietor seeks registration for the school with the Department for Education (DfE) as an independent special school to cater for pupils with a range of SEND, including autism, cognitive and learning needs, SEMH needs and speech and language needs. Their core need will be related to particular types of trauma. Pupils will typically have an EHC plan. However, this is not a requirement for admission.  The proprietor proposes to support pupils for a 12 to 18-month period. After this, the aim is for pupils to move to another school. This would typically be a mainstream or a special school.  Local authorities will commission school placements.

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will not have a religious denomination.  The proprietor intends to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The DfE commissioned this pre-registration inspection to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if permitted to open. This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documentation, including the school’s single central record of pre-employment checks.  The inspector toured the proposed school’s premises.  The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also the chair of the proposed governing body. The inspector also spoke by phone with the chair of the proprietor body. He also spoke with the proprietor’s clinical lead.  The proposed school is not yet operating.

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Inspection team

Charlie Fordham, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and  2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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 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  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  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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