Sowing Seeds Alternative Learning

School pre-registration inspection report

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Sowing Seeds Alternative Learning Westfield Lane, Idle, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD10 8PY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(2), 3 to 4  The proposed school has a written curriculum policy. It explains the school’s curriculum intent and its aims to establish an inclusive ethos.  The proprietor body has an ambitious vision to offer an alternative education based on that currently provided by the proprietor’s unregistered alternative provision. This includes prioritising pupils’ well-being and focusing on supporting pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs.  Schemes of work show how knowledge will build over time in different subjects. The curriculum promotes fundamental British values well. Nevertheless, curriculum content does not provide detail for how pupils who may be working below age-related expectations will learn.  The proposed school will offer recognised qualifications such as GCSE, functional skills, and Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network. However, the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor has not considered the curriculum resources that will be necessary to teach the range of subjects offered.  The intended curriculum’s design does not reflect the breadth of needs and abilities the proposed school will cater for. It is not clear how staff will implement the curriculum or how they can plan lessons to support pupils to learn well. For example, the school has outlined an approach to the teaching of reading, but this does not include the development of early reading skills for those who have significant gaps in their phonics knowledge.  The personal, social and health education curriculum does not reflect the ethos of the school. For example, curriculum content does not identify how pupils will learn respect for those with protected characteristics.  The school intends to provide opportunities for pupils to access independent careers advice and guidance. The school will work with further education providers and

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Main inspection findings

workplaces. It aims to support pupils to transition successfully into further education, employment or training and support pupils with developing skills for independent living. The school will check the effectiveness of the school’s career programme against the Gatsby Benchmarks.  The proposed school has outlined in the relationships and sex education policy what pupils will learn. The content of the curriculum is in line with statutory guidance and is suitable for the proposed age range. The school intends to consult with parents and carers on the content of the curriculum.  Most pupils who will attend the school will have previously missed periods of education. Some pupils will have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and some pupils will be disadvantaged. The proprietor intends to recruit experienced staff to support pupils’ welfare and personal development needs and help pupils to

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Main inspection findings

engage purposefully in learning.  The proprietor has identified appropriate frameworks for the assessment of pupils’ engagement in learning and their academic progress and attainment. Teachers will carry out initial checks on what pupils know and can do on entry to the school. The school will implement regular checks on pupils’ progress through the curriculum.  The proprietor has made suitable arrangements for ensuring that pupils who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and looked-after children receive regular reviews of their personal targets, provision and support. Each pupil will have a ‘personalised learning plan’ to support their academic and personal development.  Some of these independent school standards (the standards) are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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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 curriculum supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Schemes of work across different subjects promote aspects of SMSC and enhance pupils’ learning about British values.  The proprietor has considered the ways that the curriculum will ensure pupils have experiences of different cultures and faiths. However, the curriculum does not identify how pupils will learn about public institutions or protected characteristics in an age- appropriate way.  The proprietor knows the requirement to preclude the promotion of partisan political views. Strategies are in place to ensure staff understand their responsibilities in this aspect.  The school will utilise the local amenities in the best interests of pupils. It is eager for pupils to use the local sports facilities, including the on-site dance school. Enrichment

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Main inspection findings

opportunities will help pupils prepare for life beyond school. These include outdoor education, theatre, sports and music activities, as well as community volunteering.  Some of these standards are unlikely 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 proprietor has a secure understanding of the required safeguarding arrangements to establish an effective culture to keep pupils safe. There is an appropriate policy in place. It is in line with current statutory guidance.  Designated safeguarding leads have accessed suitable training. The proprietor has implemented a comprehensive training programme for staff to understand their roles and responsibilities for safeguarding pupils.  Leaders understand the vulnerability of the pupils who are likely to attend the proposed school. They have established purposeful relationships with external professionals to seek guidance, when necessary, to keep pupils safe. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The proposed school’s policies for managing pupils’ behaviour, including any incidents of bullying, are suitable. The policies consider pupils’ needs carefully. Staff

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Main inspection findings

will receive training in approaches to help pupils recognise and understand their feelings and emotions. The policies outline suitable guidance for staff to help pupils learn to manage their behaviour.  The proprietor is clear that the school will focus on the importance of developing positive and trusting relationships between staff and pupils. The proprietor sees this as vital to pupils’ regular attendance and engagement with school life.  The school has an appropriate system to keep written records of pupils’ behaviour. The proprietor intends to analyse the records regularly to identify patterns in behaviour and provide tailored support to pupils when needed. Paragraphs 11 to 15  The proprietor has produced a pertinent health and safety policy. The school has suitable procedures in place to ensure the safety of pupils. For example, the school’s premises will be checked regularly to ensure it is safe for pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There are suitable measures to keep pupils safe in the event of a fire. For example, firefighting equipment is installed and serviced regularly.  The first-aid policy identifies how staff will care for pupils who may need first aid or short-term basic medical care while at school. Staff will receive relevant training to administer first aid, including paediatric first aid.  The school has considered the number of staff required to supervise pupils. The proposed number of staff is appropriate to ensure that pupils are kept safe and well supported.  The school has established an appropriate electronic register which is in line with the relevant guidance. The proprietor’s plans for an admissions register are suitable and show that the school will collate the required information about pupils. The proprietor understands the importance of recording pupils’ attendance accurately.

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Main inspection findings

The school intends to use the Department for Education’s (DfE) register codes.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The proprietor has produced a clear risk assessment policy that sets out for staff how to identify and manage risks. However, some of the risk assessments undertaken by the school lack specificity. Risk assessments do not identify clearly for staff the actions they should take to mitigate potential risks.  It is unlikely that these standards will 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) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(6)  The proprietor has implemented an electronic single central record. The necessary checks will be completed to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children.  The proposed school has trained leaders to ensure the school’s compliance with statutory requirements for recruitment of staff. The school has appointed designated safeguarding leads to take responsibility for the oversight of the school’s safeguarding arrangements.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 24 to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The proprietor has not ensured that there is suitable accommodation for the care of sick and injured pupils. A room was identified by the proprietor during the inspection, but this was not adequately equipped to care for pupils’ basic medical and first-aid needs.  It is unlikely that this standard will be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is located in a former church building. It has been refurbished to provide an acceptable learning environment.  The school has suitable toilet and washing facilities. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding. Drinking water is labelled as such and is available for pupils.  There is suitable outdoor space for physical education (PE) lessons to take place. The proprietor intends to use a field area across the road from the school. The school

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Main inspection findings

benefits from two large indoor dance studios, one equipped with a stage area.  Suitable showering facilities and changing accommodation are provided for pupils for sports or PE lessons.  Classrooms have appropriate lighting and acoustics. Pupils can enjoy relaxing in the games room and canteen area.  The school is situated on a busy country road. The road is lit, and the school has its own suitable external lighting. Pupils will be supervised entering and exiting the premises.  The proprietor maintains regular checks on the premises to ensure the health and safety of staff and pupils.  These standards are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(I), 32(3), 32(3)(a)  The proprietor has not considered how the proposed school will provide the required details to the responsible local authorities for pupils who are looked-after children and

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Main inspection findings

those who have an EHC plan.  The proposed school’s admissions policy will be published on the school’s website. However, it is ambiguous and contains some information that is not relevant to the proposed school’s context. For example, it references a referral form that is for the proprietor’s alternative provision and not for the school.  These standards are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Paragraphs 32(1)(a), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(2) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d)  The proposed school’s website is not yet live. However, the website has been set up and populated with some of the required statutory information.  Policies, including those for safeguarding, the management of pupils’ behaviour and health and safety, will be published on the school’s website and are available to parents on request.  The proprietor has ensured that the school has an appropriate framework to track the

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Main inspection findings

progress and attainment of pupils. Reports on pupils’ progress and attainment, attendance and engagement will be provided to parents regularly and through a suitable annual written report.  These standards are likely 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 proprietor has produced a suitable complaints policy that sets out in detail how complaints will be managed. It includes pertinent timescales for responding to complaints. The procedure for parents to follow at each stage of the complaints process is clearly outlined. The policy is to be published on the proposed school’s website.  The proprietor understands the requirement to publish the number of complaints that the school may receive.  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 relevant experience working in education and currently operates other educational services. Leaders are ambitious for what the proposed school can provide for particularly disadvantaged families in the local community. The school will benefit from leaders’ existing partnership work with two local authorities and professionals health and social care.  The proprietor does not demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. Some of the standards are unlikely to be met. For example, the curriculum does not consider the range and aptitudes of pupils who will attend the school. Some important curriculum content has not been identified, and teaching is not supported by a suitable range of resources.  The proprietor has not made sure that risk assessments are carefully written and consider all potential risks to pupils, including when using the adjacent public field.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have a secure grasp of what is required to promote the well-being of pupils. For example, they understand their statutory duties regarding safeguarding. They have considered how pupils will be best prepared for life beyond school, including careers and preparation for adulthood.  Some of these standards 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 proposed school has an appropriate accessibility plan. The plan details targets and timescales for actions for the school to make sure that pupils can fully access the curriculum and the premises. The proprietor has ensured that school policies and procedures are compliant with 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

Proprietor Sowing Seeds Alternative Learning Limited

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £51,300 to £64,125

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 32 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 0

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 25

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 9 to 16 9 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 40 30 Reason for inspector’s recommendations  Given the proposed age range and pupils’ anticipated SEND, the school’s premises are more appropriately suited to accommodate up to a maximum of 30 pupils.

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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 40

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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 40

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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 5

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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 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will offer education for pupils aged nine to 16.  The proposed school will admit some pupils who are looked-after children and pupils with SEND. Some of these pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proposed school will cater for pupils with autism and associated cognitive and learning needs and pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.  The proposed school may be likely to use alternative provision.  The school’s proposed location is Westfield Lane, Idle, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD10 8PY.  The proprietor also operates other educational services from the same address as the proposed school. These include an unregistered alternative provision and early years provision. The proprietor also provides private tuition and education other than at school services.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine whether the school is likely to meet the standards should the DfE decide to register the proposed school.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspectors held meetings with the deputy headteacher and the headteacher who is also the chair of the proprietor body.  An inspector toured the proposed school’s site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors scrutinised and evaluated a range of documentation provided by leaders of the proposed school. These included policies and procedures related to health and safety, curriculum planning, risk assessment, administration of first aid, safeguarding and fire safety.  An inspector scrutinised the proposed school’s planned website.  The inspectors checked the arrangements for staff recruitment, scrutinised safeguarding documents, viewed the single central record and discussed the school’s

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Inspection team

Stephanie Innes-Taylor, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

 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 education, health and care plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9];  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and

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The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

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(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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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(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and

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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

 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 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(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 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

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Part 6. Provision of information

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)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour, and exclusions;

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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 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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