Approach Learning (Secondary)

School pre-registration inspection report

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Approach Learning (Secondary) Units 1 & 2 Paragon House, Barnfield Road Industrial Estate, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5QG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(A)(1)(b), 2(A)(1)(d), 2(A)(1)(e), 2(A)(1)(g), 2(A)2 and 3(h) to 3(j)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written curriculum policy in place. This sets out that education across the whole range of subjects, as required the independent school standards (the standards), will be provided. The schemes of work and plans available do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  The plans to provide personal, social, heath and economic education reflect the proposed school’s ethos and encourage respect for other people. They pay particular attention to all of the protected characteristics.  The proposed school’s approach to the teaching of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is in line with the standards required.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)b(i), 2(2), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(e) to 2(2)e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i), 2(A)(1), 2A(1)(f), 3 to 3(g) and 4  The curriculum that the proposed school has prepared does not take enough consideration of the ages, aptitudes and needs of the pupils who are likely to attend the school. The schemes of work vary in quality. Some are not appropriate. They are general and do not outline the content that pupils will learn. Therefore, the plans in place are not likely to give pupils the opportunity to make good progress.  The framework for assessing pupils’ progress and attainment is in the early stages of development. The plans to report on pupils’ progress are not complete.  The proposed school has not outlined clearly the content of the careers education programme.  The proposed school has not yet developed plans to consult with parents and carers

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Main inspection findings

of pupils about the approach to RSE.  At the school’s first pre-registration inspection, the proprietor had not evaluated the specific requirements of staffing expertise to meet pupils’ needs. This is still the case.  These standards are unlikely 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’s plans for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils do not outline in enough detail the content that pupils will learn. As a result, the school is not likely to adequately develop these aspects for pupils.  The school has not considered how to ensure that partisan political views are not promoted.  These standards are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(b), 9(a), 9(c), 10 and 12 to 14  At the last pre-registration inspection, the proposed school had not developed a safeguarding policy which fully aligned with the guidance provided by the Secretary of State. The school has now appointed a designated safeguarding leader who is separate from the headteacher and clarified the role of the advisory committee in safeguarding. Therefore, the safeguarding policy is now written in line with advice issued by the Secretary of State.  The proprietor has commissioned a full fire-safety review of the school building by a competent person. As a result, the school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  There is a first-aid policy in place, which outlines how pupils will be administered first aid if needed.  The school has considered how pupils will be adequately supervised.  The proposed school has developed a written behaviour policy, which contains details

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Main inspection findings

of how poor behaviour will be managed and recorded, alongside strategies for de- escalation. They have also developed an anti-bullying strategy, which is clear and likely to be implemented effectively.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 9, 9(b), 11, 15 to 16(b)  The school has developed an appropriate risk assessment policy. Leaders have completed a range of risk assessments. They have plans to supervise pupils adequately. However, they have not completed risk assessments on all of the activities that will happen, nor the whole of the site. For example, risk assessments have not been completed for off-site physical education programmes. The outdoor space has not been adequately assessed for risk. Therefore, the arrangements made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils are not complete.  The behaviour policy is not likely to be implemented effectively because the school

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Main inspection findings

does not have a clear plan to train staff, or make sure that staff are suitably trained, in its implementation.  The proprietor has not established admissions and attendance registers.  These standards are not likely 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), 19(2) 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), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The school has appointed a designated safeguarding lead who is trained and has relevant expertise in safeguarding and safer recruitment practices.  The school has a single central record, which meets all of the relevant requirements. It is populated with the members of staff who have been appointed so far.  The proposed school has ensured that these standards 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), 24(2), 26 to 28(2)(b), 29(1)(a)  The inside of the school building is fit for purpose. It is a clean and positive place for pupils to be educated in. Classrooms are appropriate in terms of their size and there is a suitable social space.  Toilets and medical facilities are appropriate.  Physical education will be provided at a local leisure centre with appropriate facilities for changing and showering.  The proposed school has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 25, 29(1) and 29(1)(b)  The outdoor space for pupils to play in is not safe. There is easy access to a storage area from the outdoor space that has equipment that would pose a risk to pupils.  There are two doors to a separate business, which open onto the outdoor space. The school does not have firm plans as to how access for people from this business to the

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Main inspection findings

outdoor space will be managed.  These standards are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1)(a) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(g), 32(2) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(c) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school does not have a website. The proprietor has prepared an information booklet for parents. This booklet includes details such as the proprietor’s contact details and information about the proposed school’s ethos and curriculum.  The information booklet also includes a range of polices, such as the safeguarding and child protection policy, behaviour policy and complaints policy.  The proposed school has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i) 32(3) and 32(3)(b)  The school has not considered how it will report annually on the funding received from a local authority. The school lacks clarity on how it will make an annual report of progress and attainment. It also lacks clarity as to how it will provide information as a

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Main inspection findings

part of the annual reviews of education, health and care (EHC) plans.  The school has not considered how it will provide information on how it will provide information on education and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans or those who speak English as an additional language.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33(a), 33(b), 33(d), 33(e), 33(i)(i)  The complaints procedure is in writing and will be available to parents in a parental information pack.  The policy allows for complaints to be made on an informal basis in the first instance and for a parent to make a formal complaint if they decide to. It also makes provision for the information to be provided to the complainant.  The proposed school has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 33, 33(c), 33(f) to 33(i) and 33(i)(ii) to 33k  At the last pre-registration inspection, the school had not developed a complaints policy, which clearly outlined the role of the proposed advisory body.  The complaints policy does not clearly show that a person who is independent of the school will be appointed to hear complaints when they reach the panel stage.  The policy does not have clear timelines.

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Main inspection findings

 The policy does not provide for a parent to be accompanied at a panel hearing.  The school has not considered how it will make complaints available to the proprietor and headteacher and keep a written record of complaints.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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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 demonstrated the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that the standards are met consistently.  The proprietor, who is also the headteacher, has a range of experience relevant to the leadership of the proposed setting. She previously held leadership roles in mainstream and independent schools.  The proprietor’s vision for the proposed school is not yet clear.  At the last inspection, the proprietor was at the early stages of planning the curriculum, arrangements for staffing and leadership oversight of the school. This is still the case.  At the previous inspection, the proprietor had not clearly mapped out how leadership in the school would be structured. The proprietor has begun to plan how an advisory committee would support the school. This planning is not yet completed.  These standards are unlikely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The accessibility plan that is in place does not meet 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

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address lanaapproachlearning@gmail.com

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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 30 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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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 30

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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 30

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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 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 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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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school intends to operate from Units 1 & 2 Paragon House, Barnfield Road Industrial Estate, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5QG.  The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, particularly social, emotional and mental health needs.  The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.  The proposed school does not have a religious character.  The school is operated by a sole proprietor, who is also the headteacher.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to carry out a pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. The school’s first pre-registration inspection took place on 12 February 2025.  The inspectors carried out a range of activities to ascertain whether the proposed school was likely to meet the independent school standards. These activities included meeting with the proprietor and designated safeguarding leader, reviewing policies and evaluating a range of documentation.  The lead inspector conducted an evaluation of the premises and external areas of the proposed school.

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Inspection team

Dan Owen, 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  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 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;  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- – 5(b)(i) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; – 5(b)(ii) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England; – 5(b)(iii) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely; – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

institutions and services in England; – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and – 5(b)(vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England; – 5(c) precludes the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and – 5(d) takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils- – 5(d)(i) while they are in attendance at the school, – 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school, or

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(d)(iii) in the promotion at the school, including through the distribution of promotional material, of extra-curricular activities taking place at the school or elsewhere,

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively; and  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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(1)(f) an annual written report of each registered pupil’s progress and attainment in the main subject areas taught is provided to the parents of that registered pupil except that no report need be provided where the parent has agreed otherwise; – 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006[16]) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect

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Part 6. Provision of information

of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on request, to the Secretary of State; – 32(1)(i) where a pupil with an EHC plan wholly or partly funded by a local authority or other body through public funds is registered at the school, such information as may reasonably be required for the purpose of the annual review of the EHC plan is provided to the responsible local authority; and  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 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(c) sets out clear time scales for the management of a complaint; – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

a copy of those findings and recommendations is- – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j) provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and- – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing; and – 33(j)(ii) action taken by the school as a result of those complaints (regardless of whether they are upheld); and – 33(k) provides that correspondence, statements and records relating to individual complaints are to be kept confidential except where the Secretary of State or a body conducting an inspection under section 109 of the 2008 Act requests access to them.

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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.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The school’s arrangements do not meet Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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 .

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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

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