Meliorate Institute Education and Training Ltd

School pre-registration inspection report

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Meliorate Institute Education and Training Ltd Stratford Town Football Club, Knights Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7BZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1)(b)(ii) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 4  The proprietor has set out a clear vision for the proposed school in a curriculum policy and related documents. The breadth of the proposed curriculum covers linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, aesthetic and creative education. Thought has been given as to how targets in education, health and care (EHC) plans are to be included in the curriculum for each pupil.  The proposed school intends to make use of a variety of published curriculum materials. These are aimed at providing pupils with short learning units in each subject. The unit plans are detailed and include adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The proposed school’s curriculum places particular focus on pupils’ acquisition of language skills. Subject plans emphasise the key vocabulary that pupils will learn. The

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Main inspection findings

proposed school has a phonics programme for all pupils at an early stage of learning to read.  The proposed school has begun to appoint skilled, experienced staff with expertise in working with pupils with SEND.  The proposed school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme covers the requirements of relationships and sex education. The programme places a particular emphasis on how pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) grow to understand their own behaviours and feelings.  The proposed school’s PSHE curriculum does 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 curriculum teaches pupils about the ways that people can be different. The school’s ethos actively promotes respect for all.  The proposed school plans to provide comprehensive careers advice and guidance,

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Main inspection findings

which is impartial and includes access to a range of prospective local employers and further education providers.  The proposed school has established a clear framework for assessing pupils’ performance. This framework not only informs reports for parents but also provides teachers with valuable insights to plan pupils’ next steps effectively.  The proposed school is likely to meet these independent school standards (the standards). Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(i)  Despite the breadth and potential flexibility of the curriculum materials the school has available, the proposed school has not identified the core learning which is most important. Therefore, the curriculum’s structure and the order in which the units are taught are not sufficiently well sequenced. This means that pupils’ knowledge is unlikely to build over time to well-defined expectations or outcomes as successfully as it could. Also, there is the potential for key learning to be missed.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed school is unlikely to meet this standard.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5(a) to 5d(iii)  The proposed school places strong emphasis on pupils’ personal development, as it expects pupils will attend who may have experienced disrupted education or unsuccessful school placements. The school aims to embed spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development throughout its provision, ensuring these values are woven into the curriculum and all aspects of school life.  There will be a strong focus on preparing pupils for life in modern Britain and the world of work. Drawing on the proprietor body’s extensive experience in supporting young people into apprenticeships, the school plans to use this expertise to provide pupils with meaningful work experience opportunities.  The proposed school intends to make educational trips a regular feature of the curriculum. For instance, they intend to utilise the local area’s historical heritage in

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Main inspection findings

humanities and take pupils to Parliament to help them secure an understanding of democracy.  The PSHE programme that the proposed school intends to use covers aspects including health, personal safety, relationships and careers. Additionally, the proposed school plans to be responsive to pupils’ needs and to address and discuss the issues in the news each morning so that pupils gain a balanced view of their world.  The proposed 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), 9 to 11, 13 to 16(b)  The proprietor has in place a suitable safeguarding policy which has due regard to guidance in the document ‘Keeping children safe in education (2025)’.  Clearly defined policies and procedures will help staff understand their roles in keeping pupils safe. Those staff already appointed are well trained to identify signs of abuse. They know how to respond appropriately if a pupil should raise concerns or make a disclosure. They fully understand how to report concerns to the designated safeguarding lead and record incidents accurately on the school’s system.  The proposed school has a written behaviour policy that emphasises a positive approach to managing behaviour. It clearly outlines sanctions and the procedures for recording them. In addition, the anti-bullying policy sets out expectations and details how incidents will be addressed, reinforcing the school’s commitment to ensuring that

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Main inspection findings

bullying is not tolerated.  Both the safeguarding and behaviour policies acknowledge the additional considerations required for pupils with SEND. They recognise, for example, that certain behaviours may reflect an unmet need. Staff are expected to take a proactive approach, seeking to understand the underlying reasons for behaviour which falls short of expectations.  The proposed school has an appropriate first-aid policy in place. Staff will be suitably trained to administer first aid and keep suitable records.  The information on the school’s admission and attendance registers will be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. The proposed school will maintain an electronic attendance register.  An appropriate risk assessment policy is in place. Risk assessments have also been completed. These detail how the school will minimise the risk of harm for pupils on

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Main inspection findings

and off the school site.  The proposed school is likely to meet these standards. Paragraph 12  In the area where most of the teaching is planned to happen, the proprietor has not ensured that all the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are met. For example, one of the designated fire exits does not have emergency lighting above it and there are no fire call points.  The proposed school is unlikely to meet this standard.

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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) and 21(6)  The proprietor body understands fully its responsibility to seek the necessary assurances when appointing staff to the school. It has ensured that at least one member of all recruitment panels is trained in safer recruitment.  The single central record contains all required information for current staff and members of the proprietor body. Procedures are in place to make regular checks of the information in the single central record.  The proprietor body demonstrates a thorough understanding of the procedures for checking the suitability of supply staff should they be employed. It also recognises its statutory duty to refer any individual deemed unsuitable to work with children to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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Main inspection findings

 The proposed 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)(c) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 29(1)(b)  The majority of teaching is planned to occur in a teaching block, housed in temporary buildings in a secure area of Stratford Town Football Club’s premises. This provides ample space for lessons and the flexibility to group pupils in a variety of ways depending on needs. The interior of the building is well maintained and provides a space with suitable lighting and acoustics for effective education.  The proposed school has a signed agreement to have sole use of some club facilities during the school day. These include a medical room and changing and showering facilities for pupils aged 11 years and over. The external space includes an extensive all-weather games area, providing sufficient space for pupils to participate in physical education and to play outside.  The exterior of the building is equipped with suitable lighting so people can safely

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Main inspection findings

enter and leave the school premises.  The proposed school does not have a drinking-water supply in the teaching block and so provides bottled water, which is available throughout the day. In other areas that the proposed school will use, there are cold water supplies labelled as drinking water.  The proposed school is likely to meet these standards. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 25, 28(1), 28(1)(b) and 28(1)(d)  There are no suitable toilets readily available for pupils in or near the teaching block. Portable toilets have been placed nearby, but are not suitable as they do not have appropriate hot water handwashing facilities.  In the designated medical room, the water supply for handwashing is too hot and presents a risk of scalding.  The proposed school is unlikely to meet these standards.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(4)(c)  At the time of this inspection, the proposed school did not have a website. However, all the required information was made available to inspectors and is available to parents on request. The proposed school intends to provide a website containing all the required information for parents in the future.  The proposed school has designed a pupil report format for parents. This is extensive and covers aspects such as academic progress, pupil views, interventions, qualifications, attendance, and personal development. The intention is to share reports with parents at least termly. These documents will also serve as pupils’ annual reports.  The level of detail on the proposed report format will provide information suitable for the statutory annual reviews of EHC plans.  The proposed 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(a) to 33(k)  The proprietor has in place a suitable and comprehensive written complaints policy which clearly sets out what parents should do if they have concerns about any aspect of the proposed school’s work.  The policy explains how parents can complain informally in the first instance to address concerns. The policy also outlines the stages should parents not be satisfied and provides indicative timelines.  The complaints process allows for an independent panel to hear complaints if parents are dissatisfied with the way in which the school or the proprietor has handled a complaint. Parents are advised that they are entitled to representation at any panel hearing.  The policy makes clear the proposed school’s understanding of its duty to retain records of complaints in line with General Data Protection Regulation requirements.  The proposed school is likely to meet the standard 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 body demonstrates ambition to provide pupils who have struggled in education with a safe, caring school in which to learn. However, at the time of the inspection, several of the standards were unlikely to be met.  Leaders are new to their roles in the prosed school and have not yet fulfilled their responsibilities to ensure the standards are met consistently.  The standard related to Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is unmet and so the proprietor body has not actively promoted the well-being of pupils as defined in section 10(2) of the Children Act 2004.  The proposed school is unlikely to meet the standard in this part.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that the school is compliant with the legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010. A suitable accessibility plan is in place to cover physical access to the school, the curriculum, and school information, including communications with parents.

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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 Meliorate Institute Education and Training Ltd Chair Karen Hyde

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 16 7 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 0 18 18

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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 18

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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 18

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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 18

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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 18

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school’s proprietor body is Meliorate Institute Education and Training Limited, which is an established provider of apprenticeships, community education and training.  The proposed school is sited in buildings located within Stratford Town Football Club, Knights Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7BZ. The proposed school holds a written agreement with the club to have sole use of some club facilities during school hours.  The proposed school intends to provide full-time education for boys and girls aged seven to 16. All pupils will have SEND and EHC plans. It is expected that all pupils will have a primary need of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or SEMH needs. Many are likely to have experienced a disrupted education and trauma.  The proposed school currently has three staff appointed. As a minimum for the proposed 18 pupils, there will be seven full-time members of staff.

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Information about this proposed school

 At the time of inspection, the proprietor was in the process of appointing a governing body.  The proposed school does not intend using alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE registers the school.  This was the first pre-registration inspection of the proposed school.  The inspector met with members of the proprietor body, the headteacher and some senior staff.  The inspector made a tour of the proposed school’s site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.  The inspector scrutinised and evaluated a range of documents provided by the proposed school, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.  The inspection focused on compliance with the regulatory requirements of the standards, safeguarding procedures and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Inspection team

Gareth Morgan, 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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and  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.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water;

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.

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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

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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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