Conquest School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Conquest School 34 Ashlawn Drive, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 9PX

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b)  The proposed school has devised a curriculum that aims to provide pupils with experiences in a broad range of subjects. The school intends to provide linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education. The curriculum promotes fundamental British values.  The school does not have the full range of plans and schemes of work in place to support the curriculum in key stage 2. For key stages 3 and 4, while plans are more detailed, the school has not fully established the order in which content will be taught.  Pupils’ attainment will be checked as they start the school. These assessments will be used to inform pupils’ different starting points in the curriculum. However, the school has not considered the curriculum for pupils who might arrive at the school working below their chronological age. As such, the curriculum does not fully take into account

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Main inspection findings

the aptitudes and needs of the pupils that it will serve.  The curriculum ensures that pupils will be taught speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Those that are at an early stage of learning to read will be taught phonics. However, the school does not yet have the curriculum and necessary resources in place to facilitate this. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii)  The school intends for pupils to be prepared well for their life in modern Britain. It has prepared a suitably organised curriculum for pupils’ personal, social and health education (PSHE). It is planned and sequenced and aims to encourage mutual respect and to promote pupils’ understanding of protected characteristics. Paragraphs 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(iii)  Pupils will receive accurate and impartial careers advice and guidance. This information will help them make informed choices about their future employment and aid them to reach their full potential.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 2(2)(g)  Pupils who are above compulsory school age will receive a curriculum that is appropriate to their stage of education, including preparing them for adulthood. The school has prepared suitable programmes for life skills and independent living. Paragraphs 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The curriculum intends to prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences that they will encounter in British society. However, due to shortcomings in the intended curriculum, it is currently unlikely to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress across the full breadth of the curriculum. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The school has prepared a policy regarding its provision for pupils’ relationships and sex education. The school intends to consult parents and carers before revising the relationships education policy. It has ensured that the necessary information about

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Main inspection findings

relationships education is made available to parents via the school’s website.  The policy reflects the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE). Paragraphs 3 to 4  The school has devised a curriculum policy that sets out its approach to teaching.  Subject schemes of work will set out the types of learning activities that will be used to help pupils gain knowledge and understanding of new content and how they will develop skills. However, these are incomplete. They do not make clear what pupils are expected to learn, know and remember.  The school intends to employ a teacher with responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning. Through a planned programme of quality assurance activities, the school will check on how well the curriculum is taught. It aims to ensure that teachers plan appropriate sequences of lessons and adopt effective teaching methods. However, as some parts of the curriculum are incomplete, this is unlikely to be achieved.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a broad understanding of the training that it will provide to ensure that teachers have suitable subject knowledge and expertise. However, this work is neither detailed nor specific enough. The school intends that teaching will actively promote pupils’ understanding of British values.  The school has not yet established a clear approach to assessment. As such, it does not have in place the mechanisms needed to check on how well pupils learn and progress through the full breadth of the curriculum.  The school is not likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school has prepared a suitable curriculum for PSHE. This promotes understanding of British values, including democracy and protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Through the PSHE curriculum, the school intends for pupils to learn about right and wrong, and about civil and criminal law in England. They will learn about public institutions and services in England, and about a wide range of cultures and beliefs.  Pupils will be given opportunities to work with and support the local community, for example through working with local care homes and participating in community events such as Christmas shows and coffee mornings.  The school intends to monitor the information that any visitors plan to share with pupils. The school will check its provision to ensure that pupils are not exposed to

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Main inspection findings

partisan political views. Where needed, teachers will be expected to provide a balanced, opposing view.  The school is likely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proposed school has prepared a comprehensive safeguarding policy that takes account of the relevant statutory guidance. The policy makes clear the actions that staff will be expected to take if they have a safeguarding concern or worry. The school will record concerns on an electronic system.  The school has identified and trained a safeguarding leader that demonstrates secure knowledge and skills suitable to their role. The school intends to train and appoint additional safeguarding leaders.  The school has prepared a programme of safeguarding training to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge. Content will be revisited over time to ensure that it is understood and applied consistently. Initial safeguarding training will form part of the staff induction programme.  The school has made suitable arrangements to filter pupils’ access to online materials.

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Main inspection findings

It will be alerted promptly to any attempts to access inappropriate online content.  While the proposed safeguarding arrangements are suitable, there are standards that are unlikely to be met relating to health and safety, and premises and accommodation. This means that the school is unlikely to ensure that the welfare of pupils would be suitably safeguarded were it to open with immediate effect. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The school has a suitable written behaviour policy. It describes how pupils’ needs will be assessed and set out in individual risk assessments. The school has systems in place to track and monitor trends and patterns of behaviour over time. Records of incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded on an electronic platform.  Staff will be trained to de-escalate situations when pupils become distressed. Staff will be trained in the use of appropriate physical restraint. The school is committed to

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Main inspection findings

using this only as a last resort.  Pupils will be taught what to do if they experience bullying, including online. The school’s anti-bullying policy appropriately sets out how instances of bullying will be managed. Paragraph 11  The school has a written health and safety policy. However, some of the measures, checks and assessments that it sets out are not implemented. These include actions related to fire safety, the provision for first aid, risk assessments and compliance with gas safety and public liability insurance requirements. As such, the school has not ensured that all arrangements adhere to its policy. Paragraph 12  The school has a detailed fire risk assessment that has been carried out by competent persons. However, some of the remedial actions in this assessment, including conducting portable electrical testing, have not been completed. The school’s fire policy is not implemented effectively. Some of the measures that it states, for example

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Main inspection findings

displaying evacuation routes in each room, are not in place. In some places, fire door exit signs are not fully visible. Paragraphs 13 to 15  The school has a first-aid policy. It is not implemented effectively. The policy sets out the number and locations of first-aid equipment across the school. This includes locations that the school does not have such as in school vehicles. At the time of the inspection, there was an insufficient number of first-aid boxes present. There is a suitable system in place to record any incidents and where first aid is administered.  The school has considered how it will ensure that there are appropriate levels of supervision. It intends to employ a suitable number of staff to ensure that pupils are supervised effectively.  The proposed arrangements for the school’s admissions register are fit for purpose. However, the school has not yet put in place a system to record pupils’ attendance.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There is a risk assessment policy in place. This sets out how risks will be calculated and mitigated. However, the policy is not implemented effectively. The school has not completed all the necessary risk assessments. The small number of risk assessments in place are not specific enough and, in some cases, are inaccurate.  The school intends to carry out a risk assessment for each pupil. These risk assessments will be updated regularly.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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 18(4)(c), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor knows and understands its safer recruitment responsibilities. The school will ensure that all relevant checks are undertaken before adults are permitted to work with pupils. These checks will be recorded in the single central record. The single central record contains all required information for staff in post so far.  The school may make use of supply staff. It is aware of the checks that would need carrying out should this be the case.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c)  There are separate toilet and washing facilities that are provided for the sole use of pupils.  The school has changing facilities and showers for pupils to use when they are in receipt of physical education. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a suitable room to cater for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. This medical room is close to toilet facilities. It will not be used for teaching. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The unmet standards relating to welfare, health and safety mean that the school’s premises do not currently ensure the health and safety of pupils on the school site.  Internal acoustic and lighting conditions are suitable. External lighting is appropriate. Paragraphs 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The school has ensured that drinking water is suitably identified, readily available and is separate from toilet facilities.

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Main inspection findings

 Toilet facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The premises have sufficient outdoor space for pupils to socialise and for physical education to take place. However, some of the outdoor space is unsafe. In some places, paths are uneven, and paving blocks have been dislodged.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i), 32(2) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(d) to 32(3)(g)  The school’s website contains the key information required, including the publication of the school’s safeguarding policy and details about how the school will manage complaints. Parents will be able to request paper copies of policies and documents if needed. The school understands the requirement to publish any future inspection reports and details of pupils’ academic performance.  The school has devised an annual report that it will use to provide parents with information about how well their child is doing at school.  There are suitable arrangements in place to work with local authorities to review pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans. The school understands its responsibilities with regard to providing information to local authorities about looked-

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Main inspection findings

after children and pupils with an EHC plan.  Leaders will use the school’s website to share information about the academic performance of pupils and to publish copies of inspection reports.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school has a complaints policy which is available to parents. The policy explains to parents how to complain should the need arise. There are clear timescales, and the arrangements for a formal complaint are explained. The policy is made available to parents via the school’s website.  The school will keep copies of findings and recommendations and make these available during an inspection.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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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 leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role. Leaders do not have a strong enough understanding of some of the standards. The proprietor has not ensured that the proposed school will meet all the standards relating to the curriculum and teaching; welfare, health and safety; and premises and accommodation.  The school is not likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan identifies how the school’s curriculum, premises and published documentation will be adapted for any pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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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

Email address enquiries.bs@conquestschools.co.uk

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 19 7 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 50 50

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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 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 50

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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 Up to 50

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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 Up to 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 13

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 10

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school intends to provide full-time education for up to 50 pupils with SEND aged seven to 19 years old. It is anticipated that all pupils will have an EHC plan.  The school is located at 34 Ashlawn Drive, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 9PX.  Some pupils who attend the school may be in the care of the local authority.  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors met with the proprietor and the headteacher to consider all relevant aspects of the standards.  Inspectors conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised a wide range of documentation, including policies, curriculum plans and assessment information. They considered a wide range of documentation relating to health and safety, including a sample of the school’s risk assessments.  Inspectors checked the arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Vic Wilkinson, 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)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; 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(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

management of class time; – 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;

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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  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.  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.  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].

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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

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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

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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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