Futures Matter – Northwood

School pre-registration inspection report SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.1

Futures Matter – Northwood 122 Emily Street, Highgate, Birmingham, West Midlands B12 0XJ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b)  The school has developed a curriculum policy that details what pupils will be taught, how they will be taught and how they will be assessed. The curriculum contains a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, languages, humanities, the arts and technology. There are appropriate schemes of work that show how learning will be sequenced. Furthermore, schemes are supported by more detailed lesson plans. These plans show key vocabulary and learning objectives, for example.  The curriculum contains details of how fundamental British values will be promoted.  Leaders will use pupils’ starting points and take account of their education, health and care (EHC) plans. Schemes show how pupils’ speaking, listening, numeracy and literacy skills will be developed. Leaders are aware of the importance of learning to read for the pupils that the school is likely to admit. The school intends to train all

p.1

Main inspection findings

staff to teach phonics. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii)  The school has appropriate plans to teach personal, social, health and economic education. Plans show that the school will encourage respect for other people. These plans specifically reference protected characteristics. Paragraphs 2(2)(e) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The school plans to use an independent, external provider for careers advice and guidance. Therefore, this advice will be impartial. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j)  Leaders have plans to employ qualified teachers and other staff who have relevant experience. Staff who have already been appointed are appropriately qualified and experienced.  Curriculum plans are comprehensive and show that lessons are likely to be well planned. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The school has already purchased a range of classroom resources. Leaders have plans in place to secure more resources as pupils’ needs are evaluated.  The school has a clear framework in place to assess pupils’ achievement and to inform parents and carers of their child’s progress. Paragraphs 2A(1) to 2A(2)  The school has a policy for the teaching of relationships and sex education and health education which meets the statutory guidance. This is available to parents through the prospectus. The school has plans in place to consult parents, and a curriculum is in place which covers all of the relevant content that pupils will need to learn.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school has established schemes of work to develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. These plans actively promote fundamental British values, for example, by including content about democracy and public institutions.  The school has also identified ways in which pupils’ SMSC will be developed through the academic curriculum. For example, in food technology lessons, pupils will learn about food from a range of cultures and traditions.  Leaders understand their responsibilities to preclude the promotion of partisan political views. They have plans in place to ensure that any external visitors present balanced views to pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 13, 14 and 15  The school has a safeguarding policy in place. This policy reflects the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. There are currently two staff trained to be designated safeguarding leaders. They have also received a range of other training to help them carry out their responsibilities. The school has adopted a clear system for recording and responding to safeguarding concerns. Leaders have plans in place for an annual external review of the school’s safeguarding effectiveness to provide additional assurance.  The school has an appropriate first-aid policy. Staff already in post hold first-aid qualifications. There is first-aid equipment in appropriate locations across the site.  The school has in place a system for recoding pupils’ attendance. It also has in place an admissions register which contains all of the relevant fields as required by the

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The school has clear and appropriate plans as to how pupils will be supervised at all times. This includes when arriving at the school, and when using facilities off the school site, such as the local leisure centre.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 9 to 10  The school has a written behaviour policy. The policy reflects the particular needs of pupils who the school is likely to admit. The policy details the sanctions that may be used. The school has adopted a system for recording and analysing pupils’ behaviour. Leaders are clear about how staff will be trained in implementing the behaviour policy and how the school will make reasonable adjustments for pupils with particular needs.  The school has an anti-bullying strategy in place. Leaders understand bullying and are likely to implement this effectively.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11, 12, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school has developed an appropriate risk-assessment policy. This is accompanied by risk assessments for the site and specific activities. However, the risk assessment policy is not likely to be implemented effectively. This is because work on the site is not completed and there are a range of hazards to pupils. These hazards include crumbling walls around the playground, large shards of glass insecurely embedded into concrete on top of the playground wall, shards of glass accessible from the playground that have fallen from the wall and accessible loose bricks. There are bricks missing from the playground walls, which makes them scalable by a child. There are electrical wires protruding from the walls and scalable wooden blocks screwed into the walls. Some of these wooden blocks also have nails protruding from them, as do the walls.  The school has commissioned a full fire safety report on the building. This report

p.3

Main inspection findings

shows what action needs to be taken to limit the risk of fire. The school has purchased the appropriate fire-fighting equipment and has clear exit routes, labelled as such. The school has clear plans in place to train fire wardens and has sourced this service from an expert provider. However, the work resulting from this report is not yet finished. One fire exit has too large a drop down to the floor as a result of the playground paving not yet being installed. Another exit is made of wood, and it is currently slippery. It also lacks the balustrade required to make it safe. Both of these fire exits lead to the playground, which currently contains a range of risks to pupils.  The proprietor has not ensured that these standards are likely to be met.

p.3

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)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii) and 21(5)(b) to 21(6)  The school has established a single central record. This details of all of the relevant checks required by the standards. The checks on those staff already appointed are complete. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The school does not intend to use staff from an employment agency. However, leaders understand the checks that they would need to do if they were to do so.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 25, 29(1) and 29(1)(b)  At the time of this inspection, some areas of the school building and the outdoor space were not maintained to a standard that would reasonably ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils. The outdoor spaces, through which pupils would enter the building, contain a range of hazards. The space is not suitable for pupils to play outside.  In an area that the school proposes to use for car maintenance, there is an unfinished sink area and significant drops in floor height. These pose a risk to pupils who could trip, fall or become injured.  The proprietor has not ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 26 to 27(a)  In general, the inside of the school has been renovated to a high standard. Classrooms are furnished with appropriate lighting and the acoustic properties of rooms are suitable for teaching. There are enough classrooms and other spaces for

p.4

Main inspection findings

the purposes intended by the school. There is a large teaching kitchen where pupils can learn to cook.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 28(1) to 28(2)(b) and 29(1)(a)  The school has toilets for the sole use of pupils. These lock from the inside and are for use by one pupil at a time. Each toilet has a sink in the cubicle or nearby.  There is a medical room which is suitable for the treatment of sick or injured pupils. It is next to a toilet. There is hot and cold running water in this room.  There is accessible drinking water available for pupils. This is clearly marked and separate to the toilet areas.  The school intends to use local leisure facilities for pupils to undertake physical education. A contract to do so is in place and the school has risk assessed these premises. These premises have showers and changing facilities. When the school uses

p.4

Main inspection findings

these facilities, pupils will have sole use of the changing and showering facilities.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 27(a)  The school has adequate lighting to the exterior of the building so that people can enter and leave it safely.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements in this paragraph are likely to be met. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.4

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(3)(d), 32(3)(f) to 32(4)(c)  The school does not have a website. It has developed a prospectus for pupils and their parents. This prospectus contains all of the information required by the standards in this part. It clearly states who the proprietor is and how to contact them. It outlines the curriculum on offer. It also contains the arrangements for assessment and reporting to parents, for example. The prospectus also contains information about behaviour expectations, arrangements for the review of EHC plans and support available for pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The prospectus makes parents aware that the school’s safeguarding policy is available from the school office.  Fuller documentation and relevant policies are freely available from the school office.  The school has a system already in place to report income and expenditure to any

p.5

Main inspection findings

local authority that commissions a pupil’s place.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The school has developed a complaints policy which meets all of the applicable requirements. The school prospectus clearly states that the full policy is available from the office on request.  The policy allows for complaints to be raised informally in the first instance. It shows the stages that a complainant can take, including a panel review. The panel includes a person independent from the management and running of the school. It states that a complainant can be accompanied during a panel hearing. It contains clear and reasonable timelines for the school to respond to a complaint.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has appointed a headteacher to lead the school. The headteacher is supported by a school consultant. Both of these members of staff are suitably skilled and experienced. They have relevant understanding of the needs of pupils the school is likely to admit if it is registered. They also have experience in safeguarding in education.  The proprietor has also established a governing board for the school. Similarly, this board is populated by professionals who have relevant skills and experience.  At the time of the pre-registration inspection, the proprietor had not ensured that all elements of the school site were safe for pupils. Some areas of the school site would pose a significant risk to pupils. This has not enabled the school to show that the SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.5

Main inspection findings

persons responsible for leadership and management of the school demonstrate the skills and knowledge they need to meet the standards consistently.  The proprietor has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

p.6

Main inspection findings

 The school has in place an accessibility policy. This is accompanied by an evaluation of the school and its operations in light of the Equality Act 2010. Following this evaluation, the school has developed an accessibility plan. The school’s policy clearly shows that the accessibility plan will be dynamic and updated whenever pupils arrive who need support in accessing information, the curriculum and the school premises.  The school is likely to meet the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.6

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. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.7

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.

p.8

Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.8

Proposed school details

Email address enquiries@futuresmattereducation.co.uk

p.8

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 20 Not applicable

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 20

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 20

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 20

p.9

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 20

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 4

p.9

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

p.9

Information about this proposed school

 The school proposes to operate from 122 Emily Street, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0JX. The premises is a former engineering unit on an industrial estate. It is self-contained and would be used solely for pupils at the school.  The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities, including cognitive and learning needs, speech, language and communication needs, autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, moderate and specific learning difficulties. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.9

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the proposed school is likely to meet the standards if it is given the permission to open. This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  Inspectors toured the school site and building, evaluated a wide range of documentation and held discussions with the headteacher, school consultant, proprietor and a director.

p.10

Inspection team

Dan Owen, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.10

Inspection team

Paul Halcro His Majesty’s Inspector SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.10

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 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.  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.

p.11

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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

p.11

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. SENSITIVE-OFSTED USE ONLY

p.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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 .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.12

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 .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.12