Beyond Creative Education

School pre-registration inspection report

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Beyond Creative Education 2 and 3 Station Yard, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 7EF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i) ◼ The proprietor intends for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Pupils are likely to struggle with attending school regularly or find integrating in social contexts challenging. The proposed school’s aim is to ‘help them (pupils) find their way back to loving learning’. It has set out clear curriculum aims and ambitions for its intended pupils. ◼ The curriculum has been designed so that pupils can progress through to key stage 5 successfully. It takes into account the age and stage of pupils. It will use project- based learning to fulfil the breadth of curriculum offer expected for an independent school. ◼ There is ambition for pupils to achieve a range of recognised qualifications, including BTECs and functional skills. The proprietor has the subject knowledge and expertise to

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Main inspection findings

provide this for the recommended age range of 14 to 19 and will recruit appropriately skilled staff to secure this provision. The breadth of accredited outcomes will support pupils to enter other or further education, employment or training successfully. ◼ The proprietor has a sound understanding of EHC plans and the requirements placed on schools within the EHC plans. ◼ The proposed school has designed a progressive personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. This is provided through a sequenced, accredited programme supported by the pastoral offer. The curriculum and its resources are adaptable to meet the bespoke needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). ◼ The school has a carefully thought-through approach to deliver the physical education curriculum requirements. It will include physical activity opportunities that complement the aims of the education offer, such as yoga and using the local area for

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Main inspection findings

hiking and building social interactions. ◼ The school intends to offer a well-considered careers education programme. The school will increase its links with the local community to help pupils understand the world of work, as well as the world around them more generally. The school plans to provide the necessary advice and guidance to equip pupils to successfully transition to appropriate and aspirational destinations. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b) to 2A(1)(g), 2A(2) ◼ There is a relationships and sex education policy in place that meets statutory requirements for both secondary pupils and post-16 students. It reflects the needs of pupils who will attend the school. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j) and 4 ◼ The school has carefully considered how any gaps in pupils’ knowledge and development will be identified. It has an approach in place to check and monitor pupils’ academic, pastoral and SEND achievements. The ongoing assessment

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Main inspection findings

resources that staff will use are clear and include the provision set out in each pupil’s EHC plan. ◼ The curriculum places equal emphasis on wellbeing, social, emotional, academic, creative and personal development. Learning and development will be adapted to meet the needs of each pupil in a bespoke way. A thorough transition process will inform pupils’ individual ‘ladder of courage’. Staff will use this to build on what pupils know and can do. This should enable pupils to make progress from their starting points. The curriculum will likely enable pupils to make progress and work towards qualifications as appropriate. Staff will report on pupils’ progress to parents and carers on a termly basis. This will be through written reports and also through regular ‘huddle’ meetings. ◼ The intended professional development offer will provide staff with training suited to the proposed school and its pupils. The proprietor plans to offer professional

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Main inspection findings

development opportunities bespoke to the needs of individual staff as needed. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii) ◼ The proprietor has identified how she intends to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development in order that they are prepared well for life beyond school. The offer is led by the school’s four values of creativity, courage, curiosity and care. These are at the heart of the offer that pupils will benefit from. ◼ The proposed school’s bespoke coaching model and its strategy to ensure pupils’ wellbeing through meeting their social and emotional needs is likely to provide relevant opportunities to enhance pupils’ personal development. ◼ Pupils will have opportunities to apply their strengthening awareness and understanding of integrating and interacting with the world around them. This will come through the proposed school’s intention to engage positively in the local community and link with members of the community to support the work that the

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Main inspection findings

community does. ◼ Woven through each pupils’ curriculum offer are opportunities to ensure that pupils understand the importance of not discriminating against those with protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. ◼ The proposed school’s policies and schemes of work specify how the school will promote fundamental British values. The curriculum for pupils’ PSHE education is well developed. It will form part of each pupil’s academic qualification offer. The scheme of learning for the intended BTEC qualification outlines how teaching will support pupils in taking responsibility for their actions. This will be supported well by the pastoral offer, which underpins the education offer that the proposed school intends to deliver. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 9 to 16(b), 34(1)(c) ◼ The proposed school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is up to date with the latest statutory guidance. It takes account of the particular needs of the pupils who will attend the proposed school. ◼ Safeguarding is a high priority. Staff roles and responsibilities are set out clearly in policy. Intended training and ongoing support, beginning with induction, ensures that newly recruited staff will understand the importance of safeguarding pupils and each other. The proprietor and those involved in governance have relevant previous experience and have completed suitable training. The proposed school is aware of the increased vulnerabilities that pupils who will attend this school may have faced or be experiencing. Currently, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is also the proprietor. The DSL is knowledgeable and understands how to keep pupils safe from harm.

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Main inspection findings

◼ Systems to record and track incidents relating to safeguarding are in place and will be underpinned by an online reporting system. Online recording will enable the DSL to take prompt action and monitor the welfare of pupils. ◼ The proprietor and those responsible for governance have established links with external agencies to support pupils’ well-being and welfare. ◼ The ‘Relational Policy’, which is the proposed school’s approach to behaviour, sets out how the school will promote positive relationships and build trust and self-awareness through support and mutual respect in accordance with its core values. The policy outlines the intended approach as restorative rather than punitive. It is grounded in teaching pupils how to manage difficult emotions, as well as helping them to be reflective and take responsibility for their actions. ◼ The anti-bullying policy is clear and covers different types of bullying, including online

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Main inspection findings

and relating to people with protected characteristics. ◼ There is a health and safety policy in place. This is well matched to the proposed school site. The buildings are maintained well. ◼ The proposed school is not operational, but the first-aid policy, alongside the health and safety policy, make clear how injuries will be dealt with. ◼ The proposed school complies with requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Firefighting equipment is well maintained through regular checks. There is clear oversight of this, along with other health and safety checks provided by monitoring compliance with the standards. ◼ The proposed school has systems in place for completing the admissions register and attendance registers as required. ◼ Pupils will be supported by appropriate staffing levels. The proprietor intends that staff will have the expertise in and knowledge of pupils’ individual needs to support

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ learning and development effectively. This will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised from arrival to departure. ◼ The proposed school has an appropriate risk assessment policy in place. Individual support and risk assessments that pupils require to keep them safe will be addressed through each pupil’s ‘relational plan’. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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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(5)(c), 20(6) to 20(6)(c) ◼ The proprietor understands the requirements for checking on the suitability of new members of staff. The proprietor has a suitable staff recruitment policy. The proposed school is yet to recruit staff. It has carried out suitable checks on the individuals appointed to carry out governance roles and voluntary roles. ◼ Details of all required checks on the proprietor and those responsible for governance are entered onto a single central record. ◼ The proprietor knows what checks to make if they decide to use agency staff and contractors. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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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), 31 ◼ The proposed school is situated in a set of four studios which were previously two adjoining buildings. Each studio space offers differing settings and layouts to meet a wide range of pupil needs. The curriculum is designed to make effective use of each space with pupils moving between areas during their school day. The proposed school has put in a one-way system to navigate moving around without disrupting pupil learning. The school has set up the learning spaces so that they can flex to the needs of the pupils and their bespoke curriculum offer. ◼ There is a well-resourced kitchen area to support social development and opportunities for developing life skills and group interactions, such as at the start of the day and lunchtimes. Pupils will complete a food hygiene certificate as part of their

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Main inspection findings

induction so that they can use this space successfully and safely. ◼ There is access to outdoor space within easy reach of the proposed school site. There are plans to make effective use of the local area to provide physical activity that aligns with the school’s ethos and curriculum aims. ◼ There are separate toilets for pupils and staff. The supply of hot running water is maintained at an appropriate temperature. There is no risk of scalding. ◼ The space for medical treatment is located close to a toilet and washing facilities. There is a lockable cupboard for the storage of medical equipment. ◼ Pupils will arrive at the proposed school using school transport or public transport. There has been consideration to how pupils will get from public transport drop-off points to the school safely, for example by using a ‘walking bus’. ◼ The four learning spaces are well lit. There is external lighting in place.

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Main inspection findings

◼ Pupils will have access to drinking water in shared spaces. This is clearly labelled. Water that is not to be used as drinking water is clearly labelled. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1) to 32(1)(g), 32(1)(j) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(dc) to 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f) to 32(4)(c) ◼ The proposed school’s website provides parents with access to required school policies and other information, such as contact details for the headteacher and the governing body. ◼ The proposed school is aware of its responsibilities to add further information as it becomes available and the school is established. Leaders plan to provide termly reporting to parents on pupil progress and achievement. This will be led by face-to- face ‘huddle’ review meetings. ◼ The school will ensure that appropriate agencies and commissioning local authorities have access to relevant information. Funding will be accounted for and reported accordingly to commissioners. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k) ◼ The proposed school has an appropriate complaints policy. It stipulates the time frames and how complaints will be handled. This includes the involvement of an independent panel member when needed. ◼ The proposed school is clear on how complaints will be reported and how records of complaints are kept. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c) ◼ The proprietor and governing body have secure knowledge of the standards and experience of providing education for pupils who face the challenges that the proposed school intake is likely to experience. They have established the necessary systems and processes to ensure effective oversight of the quality of the school’s provision. Some of this has been put into practice with the alternative provision that the proprietor offers. ◼ The building that will be used by the proposed school is in good order. All health and safety checks of the school site are in place. There is clear oversight of this work, which includes a detailed process for checking, maintenance and risk assessment. ◼ Staff have not yet been recruited. There is a clear induction programme designed to provide a secure understanding of the school’s values, culture and ethos. The

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Main inspection findings

recruitment process is intended to ensure that staff will have the specialist knowledge and skills needed to support the pupils who attend. ◼ The aims of the proposed school and its intended education offer will actively support the wellbeing of pupils. ◼ The proprietor has a well-thought-through approach to grow pupil numbers to full capacity. This will secure the quality of the provision for, and have a successful impact on, pupils as they join the proposed school. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

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Main inspection findings

◼ An accessibility plan is in place. The school has considered the potential accessibility challenges that pupils and staff may face. Where practicable, the proposed school has put in place actions to overcome potential accessibility issues, such as a one-way system throughout the school premises. ◼ The proprietor has ensured that the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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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

Proprietor Beyond Creative Education Limited

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Proposed school details

Website www.beyondcreativeeducation.org.uk

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Proposed school details

Email address office@beyondcreativeeducation.org

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils not applicable 14 to 19 14 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll not applicable 16 16

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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 Number of part-time pupils not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

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

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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

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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

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff not applicable

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Information about this proposed school

◼ The proposed school is located at 2 and 3 Station Yard, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7EF. It is situated in a small town just off the A38. This provides good accessibility to several local authorities who will, or are likely to, commission places at the proposed school. ◼ The proposed school intends to provide education for pupils who have spent significant time out of full-time education or struggle with school attendance for various reasons. These are likely to include reasons such as medical issues or as a result of barriers presented because of individual, social and/or emotional needs. ◼ Pupils are likely to have an EHC plan. ◼ The proposed school does not have any religious character. ◼ The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

◼ This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards prior to opening as a registered school. This is the first pre-registration inspection for the school. ◼ The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice. ◼ The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also the proprietor. The inspector spoke with some of those persons responsible for governance on the telephone and a representative of a local authority that currently commissions an alternative provision placement with the proposed school. ◼ The inspector reviewed documents and policies associated with the independent school standards. The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the proprietor. Documents and policies relating to the school’s safeguarding procedures were reviewed.

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Inspection team

Leanne Thirlby, lead inspector 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. 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-

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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

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