West Lodge School

School material change inspection report

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Liberty Lodge Independent School 23–25 Waterloo Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2NY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), (2)(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  There is a clear written policy supported by schemes of work for the proposed primary age range of pupils and the existing secondary-aged pupils. The written plans show that the staff intend to teach the required range of subjects for the primary-aged pupils, through topic work, with a strong emphasis on developing the basic skills of speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy. The proposed timetables for primary-aged pupils show the intention to provide full-time supervised education for them.  The school intends to personalise the curriculum, basing methods, approaches and topics on the individual interests, aptitudes and abilities of each pupil, including any

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Main inspection findings

who arrive with an education, health and care plan. Planning shows that staff intend to ensure that the curriculum does not undermine fundamental British values.  The school has developed an appropriate programme of personal, social, health and economic education, which reflects its aims and encourages respect for others, including those with protected characteristics as set out in the 2010 Equality Act. There is a suitable a range of planned focused visits to places of interest and opportunities to participate in community projects to help prepare primary-aged pupils for the experience of life in British society.  The school continues to provide appropriate careers advice for secondary-aged pupils to enable them to make informed choices about their future careers and help them to fulfil their potential. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The curriculum is likely to ensure that primary-aged pupils have the opportunity to

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Main inspection findings

learn and make progress. Lesson plans show that teaching is suitably planned to enable pupils to acquire new knowledge, skills and understanding according to their ability.  Teachers intend to motivate the learning of primary-aged pupils through interesting topic work such as ‘The Fairground’ and ‘Chocolate’. Topic plans show that pupils will have opportunities to apply their intellectual, physical and creative effort, maintain interest in their work and to think and learn for themselves.  Samples of lesson planning show that the school is likely to deliver well-planned lessons and use effective teaching methods and resources, such as the safe use of the internet for research.  Appropriate systems of assessment are in place to determine the starting points for learning for all pupils, including the proposed primary age range. These systems include the use of standardised tests for reading, comprehension and spelling, the

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Main inspection findings

assessment of mathematical skills and the use of previous assessment information.  The school intends to take account of parents’ and pupils’ views in setting targets. Planning shows that targets set in individual education plans will be based on the learning needs and provision specified in education, health and care plans.  The school has appropriate systems in place to track the academic progress of secondary-aged pupils using examination grades and criteria across the range of subjects. The headteacher has also developed appropriate systems for tracking the progress of primary-aged pupils in English, mathematics, science and personal, social, health and economic education, based on the national curriculum. Staff are currently developing systems to track the progress of primary-aged pupils in other subjects.  Current resources are suitable for primary-aged pupils, such as the internet for research, a range of different media for aesthetic and creative education, and musical

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Main inspection findings

equipment to develop their musical skills.  Current assessment procedures show that good effort is rewarded with positive comments and pupils are encouraged to improve their attitudes to learning. Effective strategies are in place for managing pupils’ behaviour.  The standards for the quality of education provided are likely to continue to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Planning shows that the school actively promotes mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. The programmes for personal, social, health and economic education for primary-aged pupils contain well-chosen topics to promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including fundamental

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Main inspection findings

British values. The plans include opportunities for pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.  There is suitable provision for encouraging pupils to distinguish between right and wrong. There is a clear code of conduct, supported by a well-conceived system of rewards and sanctions to enable pupils to respond positively.  The teaching and learning policy contains clear guidance for staff to ensure that partisan political views must not be promoted in the teaching of any subjects. Staff are also informed that where such political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, they must take reasonable steps to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views at all times.  The standard for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10, 11, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The safeguarding policy contains all the essential information to promote the safety and welfare of pupils of primary and secondary age. Staff are provided with clear guidance on the different types of abuse and the procedures to follow when any allegations are made. The policy provides the most up-to-date guidance on keeping children safe in education and the headteacher has ensured that all staff have signed that they have read and understood this guidance. The policy also refers to the school’s strategy to prevent any form of radicalisation and to other related policies in the school, such as the e-safety policy.  The anti-bullying policy provides appropriate guidance for staff on dealing with all forms of bullying, including those under the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act.  The behaviour policy includes a code of conduct, a well-thought out system of

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Main inspection findings

rewards and sanctions and clear procedures for recording and monitoring pupils’ behaviour and attendance.  The health and safety policy provides clear guidance to staff on maintain the health safety and well-being of pupils. It includes appropriate procedures for identifying and assessing all potential risks.  The admissions register and register of attendance are completed efficiently for the secondary pupils currently on roll.  The standards for the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e)  The school carries out all the required checks on the suitability of staff, visitors and proprietors to work with pupils. The school does not use supply staff. The proprietor

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Main inspection findings

has ensured that the headteacher and teaching assistant are suitably qualified and experienced to teach pupils aged seven to 11 years. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b)  All required checks are entered into a single central record. Effective procedures are in place to recruit and select staff.  The standards for the suitability of staff school are likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 25  There is one toilet, located within the classroom. This is not suitable for primary-aged pupils or for shared use with secondary-aged pupils.  Although there is sufficient classroom space for secondary-aged pupils, the space is not suitable if primary- and secondary-aged pupils use the space at the same time.

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Main inspection findings

The classroom furniture is not suitable for primary-aged pupils, which could compromise the health, safety and welfare of primary-aged pupils. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is enough outside space for primary-aged pupils to play outside and to exercise. The school has clear plans to supplement this by use of local leisure centre facilities to ensure that pupils are provided with physical education, in accordance with the curriculum.  The standards for the premises of and accommodation at schools school are unlikely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(g), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  The proprietor’s website for the school provides insufficient information to parents and other stakeholders about its policies and provision. The proprietor’s arrangements to safeguard pupils and the school’s previous inspection reports are not on the website, as required.  Policies are available for parents and others on request, including policies for safeguarding pupils, health and safety, anti-bulling, child protection, e-safety and the curriculum. Arrangements for admissions, exclusions and dealing with misbehaviour are also available on request.  The school intends that parents will receive regular reports on their child’s progress and that a summary of pupils’ academic performance will be available on the website

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Main inspection findings

at the appropriate time.  The standard for the provision of information is unlikely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The new headteacher has reviewed all policies and has taken effective steps to develop a well thought out curriculum for primary-aged pupils. She has been instrumental in building positive relationships and instilling confidence with local authorities who are now referring pupils to the school.  The proprietor is not ensuring that the independent school standards are likely to be consistently met in relation to the premises of and accommodation at schools, and the provision of information.  The proprietor has no definitive plans in place to provide additional classroom space and suitable washing and toilet facilities for primary-aged pupils. The school is in the process of updating the website to ensure that it provides the relevant information for parents and stakeholders. However, the proprietor has not ensured that the website

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Main inspection findings

currently meets the requirements for the provision of information to parents.  Leaders are actively promoting the well-being of pupils.  The school is unlikely to continue to meet the standards for the quality of leadership and management of schools if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and has developed a three-year plan to improve access for disabled people.

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

 The proprietor must provide suitable washing and toilet facilities for primary-aged pupils (paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b)).  The proprietor must ensure 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, in particular that there is sufficient and suitable classroom accommodation and furniture for primary-aged pupils (paragraph 25).  The proprietor must ensure that the particulars of the arrangements for safeguarding pupils and the school’s previous inspection reports are available on the school’s website (paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(3)(g)).  The must ensure that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school – demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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The school is unlikely to meet the following independent school standards

– fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently (paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)).

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School Details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School Details

Type of school Special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties School status Independent special school

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School Details

Proprietor Able Health Care Ltd – Mrs A Kukadia

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School Details

Email address ange.rudd@libertylodge.com

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School Details

Date of previous standard inspection 8–9 December 2015

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 7 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 2 not applicable not applicable

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recommendation

The school is unlikely to continue to meet the standards for the premises of and accommodation at schools, the provision of information, and the quality of leadership in and management of schools if the DfE approved the implementation of the material change.

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 2 not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 0 not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 2 not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 0 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 a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 0 not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 not applicable

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Information about this school

 Liberty Lodge Independent special school is owned and run by a single proprietor under the proprietorship of Able Health Care Limited. The school is located in a large Victorian house in an urban setting.  The school provides education for girls and boys aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The school opened in September 2010 and was registered with the Department for Education (DfE) in October 2010 to admit up to six pupils aged between 11 and 16 years. At its previous standard inspection by Ofsted, the overall effectiveness was judged as requiring improvement and there were no pupils on roll.  Since the previous inspection, a new headteacher has been appointed and took up post in September 2016. Two pupils have been admitted within the past two weeks. During the inspection, neither of these pupils were in attendance at the school.  The school aims to help pupils become more confident learners so they are well-

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Information about this school

prepared for the next stage of their education or employment.  The school does not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The school requested a material change inspection from the DfE in October 2016 to change the age range from 11 to 16 years to 7 to 16 years, because the proprietor wished to attract more pupils.  The DfE commissioned Ofsted to conduct a material change inspection requiring inspectors to report against the independent school standards for part 1 (the quality of education provided), part 2 (the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils) and part 8 (the quality of leadership in and the management of schools). The DfE required the inspection to determine if the school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the age range is extended to include primary-aged pupils.  The inspector looked at a range of documentation, including curriculum plans for primary-aged pupils and samples of topic work. He also looked at a range of policies to promote the health, well-being and safety of pupils, including the school’s

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Information about this inspection

safeguarding policy.  The inspector examined the school’s website to determine if the required information was published.  The inspector checked if policies, particularly the safeguarding policy, were made available to parents and stakeholders.  The inspector held discussions with staff and the proprietor.  The inspector looked at the premises and accommodation to determine whether it was likely to be suitable for primary-aged pupils.  The inspector examined whether staff were suitably qualified and experienced to teach primary-aged pupils.

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Inspection team

Declan McCarthy, lead inspector Ofsted 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 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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