Indie Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Indie Education Creative Mill, 64 Mansfield Street, Leicester LE1 3DL

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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)(g) to 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2(A)(1)(d) to 2A(2), 3 and 4  The proposed school has prepared a curriculum that is ambitious and sufficiently broad. It is intended that pupils will acquire the knowledge and skills they need to experience success. Pupils will be prepared to achieve a range of appropriate qualifications.  Curriculum plans are detailed and provide staff with information about what to teach and when. Plans include provision for post-16 students.  The medium- and short-term plans that have been drawn up from these overarching curriculum plans are well sequenced. They identify key knowledge and how that knowledge will be assessed. The plans are flexible so that the curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  Leaders recognise that pupils may have missed significant time in education. They

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Main inspection findings

have designed an assessment system to identify gaps that pupils may have in their knowledge. This information, alongside that included in pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans, will be used to personalise the curriculum for each pupil.  The personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum will be a key strand of the proposed school’s curriculum. The PSHE curriculum is age-appropriate and carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils will have the support they need to be well prepared for adulthood.  The relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum is woven through the PSHE curriculum. Pupils will learn about topics such as sexual health, how to establish respectful relationships and keep themselves safe. The RSE policy is available on the school website.  Leaders intend to adapt the PSHE and RSE curriculum in response to pupil’s individual needs and/or contextual issues.  The proposed school’s plans for careers education are a fundamental part of the

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Main inspection findings

school’s curriculum. These well-considered plans will provide pupils with the impartial information, advice and guidance they will need to make informed decisions about their futures.  The proprietor has appointed a staff team, who are ready to open the school. Leaders have provided a programme of specialist training so that staff can meet pupils’ educational and wider needs.  The proposed school intends to offer further training in response to the needs of pupils to ensure that staff can confidently cater for the needs of the pupils they are working with.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is 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)  Leaders are committed to building positive relationships between staff and pupils. Each pupil will have a key worker who will be the first point of contact for pupils and parents and carers.  The proposed school will offer a wide range of experiences and opportunities for pupils. The purpose of these activities will be to develop pupils’ academic progress, broaden their horizons and develop their social skills and independence. These plans include a trip to London. The school intends to organise a visit to the Houses of Parliament, where pupils can learn more about the British democratic process.  Leaders have designed a programme where pupils will learn about wider society. This is intended to develop pupils’ understanding of public institutions, fundamental British values and different faiths, religions and cultures. Staff will also help pupils to learn

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Main inspection findings

right from wrong.  The proposed school will ensure that pupils are not at risk of being subjected to extremist or partisan views. Leaders will carefully check any materials and messages shared by visiting speakers and on educational visits.  Leaders have plans in place to help pupils develop their talents and interests. The curriculum is designed to allow staff to respond to pupil’s personal interests. For example, pupils can develop their sporting interests through the school’s links with local sports facilities.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  There is a suitable safeguarding policy in place. It is up to date with statutory guidance and is available on the school’s website.  The proposed school has established a safeguarding team with plenty of capacity to prioritise pupils’ safety and well-being. There is a knowledgeable designated safeguarding lead in place, supported by four further deputy designated safeguarding leaders. The proposed school has established a relationship with local police officers to ensure that they have up-to-date information about local safeguarding issues.  Staff will receive safeguarding training as part of their induction programme. They will continue to receive safeguarding training to ensure they are well placed to spot the additional vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND. Paragraphs 9to 9(c), 10, 14, 15  The proposed school has written a clear behaviour policy that sets out the strategies

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Main inspection findings

that staff will use to support pupils to behave well. Leaders demonstrate careful consideration for the proposed school’s context and the likely challenges pupils may present with. They have also established an anti-bullying strategy.  The school has identified rewards and sanctions. There are systems in place to record behaviour incidents that sit outside the school’s expectations. Leaders intend to analyse this information to help them to identify trends in pupils’ behaviour and offer further support.  The admission and attendance registers are in place and align with statutory requirements.  The staff-to-pupil ratio suggests that pupils will be adequately supervised at all points in the school day. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, to 16(b)  The proprietor has written a suitable health and safety policy. There are systems in place to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors.  The school intends to make a range of regular checks on the school premises to

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Main inspection findings

ensure that the health and safety policy is implemented effectively.  The proprietor has ensured that a fire risk assessment has been completed. Fire safety equipment, including alarms have been installed. The school is compliant with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety).  The first-aid policy sets out how staff will care for pupils who may need first aid or medical care while at school. First-aid kits are available throughout the school. Appointed staff have received appropriate first-aid training. First-aid training will be a part of the induction programme for newly appointed staff.  The risk assessment policy sets out the expectations for identifying and addressing risk. A wide range of risk assessments are in place relating to the building, employees and security. The school intends to complete individual risk assessments for each pupil.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1) 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) to 21(6).,  The proprietor has ensured that recruitment procedures are rigorous. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training.  The safeguarding policy sets out all of the statutory checks that the school needs to carry out on new employees. These checks have been carried out for staff who have been appointed and recorded on the single central record. The school has also made checks about the suitability of those in a management position.  The proprietor has ensured that 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), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The proposed school is set over one floor and a basement. The building is well matched to the proposed school’s vision for pupils’ education. It provides an attractive and welcoming environment for learning.  The proposed school will share the building with a number of businesses. The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school is secure. Access to the school is through a main entrance, where visitors are requested to show identification.  The intention to provide education for up to 40 pupils is appropriate. There are a range of spaces for pupils to learn and to socialise. Additional rooms are available for pupils to be quiet and reflect. These spaces are well lit. Leaders have considered the acoustic conditions, they are suitable.  The school has appropriate toilet facilities available for the proposed age-range and

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Main inspection findings

number of pupils. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water is regulated to ensure that it does not pose a risk of scalding. The proposed school also provides changing and showering facilities.  A medical room is available for the short-term care of ill or injured pupils. It has washing facilities and is near to a toilet.  Pupils will have access to an outdoor area for exercise and to socialise. Pupils will also have the opportunity to visit local leisure centres and gymnasiums as part of the curriculum and to promote their physical well-being.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is 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(3)(g)  The proprietor has ensured that the information required under Part 6 of the standards is available on the school’s website. This includes a wide range of policies including, behaviour, curriculum and health and safety policies.  The proprietor has also ensured that the names and contact information for the headteacher and chair of the proprietor body are available.  Leaders are aware of their duty to provide other information when it is available, such as Ofsted reports.  Leaders intend to provide the necessary information to the relevant local authorities regarding the allocation of funding for pupils with an EHC plan.  Leaders intend to provide parents with an annual report, which provides information about the progress and attainment of each pupil.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy is available on the school’s website.  The complaints policy is suitable. It sets out how the proposed school intends to respond to formal and informal complaints. The policy identifies appropriate timescales for responding to complaints. The process for escalating complaints is clear, including the arrangements for convening a panel for the final stage of the complaints procedure.  The proprietor has ensured that 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 worked with local agencies and authorities to identify and respond to a specific need for pupils with SEND in Leicester City and Leicestershire.  Leaders have established a clear vision for the proposed school – ‘Unlocking potential, one learner at a time’. At the heart of their work is an ambition to develop pupils’ self- esteem and confidence, promote their independence and prepare them well for their futures.  Leaders’ plans for the proposed school reflect the high aspirations that they have for pupils who have struggled in mainstream settings.  The proprietor has ensured that leaders and other appointed staff bring a wide range of appropriate skills and experience to their roles. As a result, staff are likely to be well placed to meet pupils’ needs and bring about leaders’ vision for the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor demonstrates a secure understanding of the standards and their statutory duties. There are systems in place that will provide them with an oversight of the school’s work. This will enable them to offer support, and appropriate challenge when needed.  The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders are aware of their responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. They have written an appropriate accessibility plan which they intend to monitor, review and update on a regular basis.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £26,000 to £68,000

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proposal

Inspector’s recommendation Age range of pupils Not applicable 14 to 19 14 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 40 40

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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 Up to 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 Up to 40

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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 40

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 7

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Information about this proposed school

 The proprietor of the school is Indie Education.  The proposed school is located at Creative Mill, 64 Mansfield Street, Leicester LE1 3DL. The school shares the building with a number of other businesses. The proprietor has ensured that the school site is secure.  The proposed school intends to cater for up to 40 pupils aged 14 to 19.  The proposed school is designed to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. Pupils are likely to have an EHC plan linked to their social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Pupils may have been absent from education for some time.  The school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned the inspection to check whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given permission to open.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The lead inspector met with two members of the proprietor body, including the chair of the board. Inspectors met with the headteacher, the chief executive officer and other school staff, including safeguarding leaders.  The lead inspector toured the site to check the suitability of the premises.  Inspectors considered a wide range of policies and documents to evaluate the school’s likelihood to meet the standards.

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Inspection team

Caroline Poole, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Matthew Fearns-Davies His Majesty’s Inspector 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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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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