Penarth Group School

School material change inspection report

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Penarth Group School 97 Higher Bents Lane, Bredbury, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 2NA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(I), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)), 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)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The school has prepared a suitable written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The curriculum policy includes a statement about the school’s commitment to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.  Examples of current pupils’ timetables, the curriculum policy and plans indicate that pupils are likely to study a wide range of subjects, including English and mathematics. The headteacher proposes that these two subjects will be taught by qualified teachers, who have previous experience of teaching these subjects up to GCSE level.  Currently, the headteacher oversees what pupils are being taught. He evaluates teachers’ planning prior to the start of each half term. He intends to maintain this

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Main inspection findings

approach at the proposed new school.  The school’s curriculum plans make provision for personal, social and health education teaching. Samples of the school’s schemes of work and plans for this subject show that lessons cover a wide range of topics which are tailored to pupils’ needs.  The school intends to offer a course leading to GCSE citizenship for older pupils.  The school plans to continue to take part in national events, such as Black History Month and Holocaust Memorial Day.  Current pupils are given support to put together a curriculum vitae, write a letter of application and make notes in preparation for interviews. Leaders have made formal arrangements for pupils to receive careers information and guidance from external specialist advisers. Paragraph 33(c), 3(e), 3(f) and 3(g)  The headteacher is working in partnership with a local headteacher to develop an approach to lesson observations, which will inform leaders’ views of the quality of

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Main inspection findings

teaching and identify any areas of weakness. The headteacher intends to continue to develop this approach following the move to the proposed new school.  The headteacher has made arrangements for teachers and teaching assistants to access training through his links with a local special school. Staff have already attended a joint training session.  The school intends to make use of specialist facilities at a local special school to deliver science lessons. Physical education will be delivered by school staff using a range of local amenities, including a country park and climbing wall. The school plans to continue to take an active part in the local school sports partnership. Current pupils act as sports ambassadors for pupils in local primary schools.  The headteacher intends that pupils will be taught in groups of no more than three. These teaching groups will be determined by the ages, aptitudes and needs of the

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Main inspection findings

pupils. It is proposed that a teacher and teaching assistant will be allocated to each class.  The inspector was unable to see classroom resources first hand. The headteacher confirmed that the school has these in storage currently. Moreover, the proprietor asserted her intention to commit sufficient monies to purchase any further resources which may be necessary. Paragraph 4  The headteacher has devised a suitable assessment policy. He has implemented a whole-school assessment and tracking system to monitor current pupils’ progress in English, mathematics, science, humanities and computing. The school intends to use this approach in the proposed new school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7,7(a), 7(b)  The school has a suitable safeguarding policy. This takes account of current statutory guidance. All staff are up to date in their training so that their knowledge about

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding is current. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The school has suitable behaviour and anti-bullying policies. The behaviour policy clearly sets out the sanctions which will be applied if a pupil misbehaves. The headteacher showed the inspector examples of behaviour and teaching plans for current pupils which he intends to use at the proposed new school. These plans alert staff to any possible risks posed by individual pupils and the agreed approach to minimise these risks. Staff undertook training last year to help them manage challenging behaviour.  The headteacher maintains a record of serious incidents, which he proposes to transfer to the proposed new school.  The school intends that pupils will take part in the national anti-bullying week. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16,16(a), 16(b), 16(c)  The school has prepared written health and safety, risk assessment and first-aid policies in relation to the proposed new premises. The school has identified and taken

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Main inspection findings

action to reduce risks as far as it has been able prior to taking possession of the building. However, the proprietor and headteacher are aware that there is much more which needs to be done before the school opens to pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that the appropriate checks have been made to ensure that the premises comply with fire safety regulations if they are to be used as a school. The fire safety assessor has provided the proprietor with a detailed report, which sets out recommended actions. The proprietor intends to complete these works as soon as the school takes possession of the building, prior to the school opening.  The proprietor has accident and first-aid books made ready for staff to keep records. Staff have undertaken suitable first-aid training. The proprietor is aware that first-aid signage needs to be put up and first-aid boxes in place at the locations set out in the school’s policy, prior to the school opening.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has arranged for portable appliance checks to be carried out on 16 May 2017. The proprietor agrees with the inspector that electrical appliances must not be used until the checks have been completed and the equipment deemed safe.  The proprietor agreed with the inspector that the health and safety risk assessment of the premises and accommodation must be updated on completion of the proposed improvement works prior to the school opening. Paragraph 14  Timetables confirm that pupils are likely to be closely supervised throughout the school day. Pupils will work in groups of no more than three pupils to one teacher and one teaching assistant. The headteacher proposes that additional staff will be deployed when pupils are on trips and visits. Paragraph 15  The headteacher showed the inspector an example of the school’s proposed electronic daily attendance registers. This is likely to be compliant.

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Main inspection findings

 The school’s admission register is likely to be compliant with requirements.  These standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c)  Pupils would have access to two toilets, each intended for sole use. These toilets both have a lockable door and a washbasin supplied with hot and cold water. A further toilet on the ground floor is designed for use by disabled pupils, staff and visitors. This toilet also has a lockable door and washbasin. These facilities are sufficient for the proposed number of pupils.  The proprietor proposes using a large room with an en-suite shower and sink for the medical examination, treatment of sick and injured pupils, as well as a shower and changing facility. This room is adjoining both the pupils’ toilets. The proprietor agreed to devise a plan in case more than one pupil should have urgent need of the facilities

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Main inspection findings

at any one time. Paragraph 25  The proprietor has not yet taken possession of the premises. The proprietor has identified work which needs to be carried out before the school opens to bring the premises, accommodation and facilities up to a standard which ensures pupils’ health, welfare and safety. The proprietor has a maintenance plan which she intends to adapt for the school to ensure that any issues are swiftly identified, reported and resolved once the school opens.  The proposed classrooms are light and airy. They are large enough to accommodate the three pupils and two staff in each classroom the school proposes. There are sufficient plug sockets for any electrical equipment, including computers.  The school has not yet moved furniture into the premises. Photographs of the classrooms at the previous school show suitable classroom furniture. The proprietor intends to bring the school’s existing furniture from storage but supplement this with

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Main inspection findings

new furniture as required. The proprietor assured the inspector that monies have been allocated to the headteacher for this.  The heating is working throughout the building, although one classroom radiator needs attention.  The proprietor and headteacher agreed with the inspector that there are key remedial works to be carried out once the proprietor takes possession of the building. These are: make sure that glass panels in the enclosed front porch are replaced with safety glass or similar; install a gate at the top of the external cellar steps; install safety strips on all steps at classroom doors and notices to highlight these hazards; install secure covers for all fuse boxes and the fire alarm box; repair loose hall tiles; make sure that all carpets and tiles are securely fixed down; secure loose taps in the disabled toilet; replace a missing bulb in the downstairs classroom; remove the gas fire and brass work surround from the downstairs classroom; remove cleaning

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Main inspection findings

products from the toilets; replace the telephone socket in the classroom on the first floor; fit restrictors on all the windows on the top floor; provide ventilation to the smaller classroom on the top floor; eradicate the mould in the first-floor classroom; repair cracks in the walls and loose plasterwork on the top floor; secure the under- eaves storage area; replace ceiling hatches on the top floor and clean or replace dirty and worn carpet.  The proprietor agrees that these works and those works set out in the fire safety report must be carried out before the school opens. Paragraph 26  The proprietor commissioned an acoustic report for the building. The engineer’s findings confirm that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation are suitable for a school. Paragraph 27, 27(a), 27(b)  Almost all the proposed classrooms are well lit. Almost all have large windows as well as suitable overhead lighting. The proprietor is aware that a room on the top floor,

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Main inspection findings

which the school proposes to use for examinations, is currently fitted with wall lights. The proprietor intends to replace these with suitable overhead lighting.  At present there is no external lighting near the main entrance door and fire exits. The proprietor has obtained a quote to compete these works prior to the school opening. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are adequate supplies of hot and cold water in the washing facilities and properly functioning toilets. However, the proprietor is aware that the temperature of the hot water needs reducing prior to the school opening because it poses a scald risk. She is also cognisant of the shower’s erratic water flow and fluctuating temperature, which also pose a scald risk and must be addressed before the school opens.  The headteacher plans to provide pupils with bottled water during the school day.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor intends to make arrangements for legionella testing once she has taken possession of the building so that she can be sure that drinking water is safe. The proprietor is aware that signage for drinking water must be put up before the school opens. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a grassed area suitable for pupils to play and for some physical education activities. However, this outdoor play area requires improvement. A fence panel is missing, shrubs, bushes and grass are overgrown, the lawn is uneven and there is no gate to secure this area which adjoins a car park. The proprietor plans to complete these works and also raise the height of the playground wall prior to the school opening.  The proprietor has revised her plans for car parking, so the vehicle gates will be closed during school hours and cars will not be able to drive on or off site during the times when pupils are present.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  The school has developed its website recently. The proprietor has ensured that the school has published all the information required on its website.  The school has provided information about its provision for pupils who have education, health and care plans and for pupils who speak English as an additional language.  The school has published its complaints policy and the number of formal complaints registered for the last academic year.  The headteacher intends to revise and update the school’s current prospectus in readiness for the new school opening.  The proprietor provided the inspector with an example of the annual account of

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Main inspection findings

income and expenditure for a current pupil whose place is wholly funded by a local authority.  The headteacher provided a recent example of the information provided by the school for the annual review of an education and health care plan of a current pupil. The information provided was sufficiently detailed and fit for purpose.  The headteacher provided an example of an annual report to parents from the last academic year. The headteacher has increased the frequency of reporting to include half-termly written updates for parents with regard to pupils’ effort, attainment and progress. The headteacher confirms that this provision of information to parents will be maintained when the school moves.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has been seeking new premises for the school for some time. The

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Main inspection findings

school was required to vacate its previous permanent premises at short notice in December 2016. The school has been based in temporary accommodation for the past four months. The proprietor anticipates that she will take possession of the new premises on Wednesday 26 April. The current tenants moved out of the premises on the day of the inspection.  The proprietor and headteacher have endeavoured to prepare for the likely move to the proposed premises so there is minimal delay in getting the premises ready to open as a school. They have sought advice and guidance from professionals, including a fire safety officer and acoustic engineer, to inform their plans.  The proprietor and headteacher are cognisant of the need to move pupils into suitable accommodation given the concerns around the suitability of the temporary arrangements.  The proprietor and headteacher have made sure that the standards in Parts 1 and 6,

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Main inspection findings

which were not met at the recent emergency material change inspection, are now met.  The proprietor and headteacher agree with the inspector the actions that need to be completed before the school can open. They have plans in place so work can start as soon as they take possession of the building.  The standards in this part 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 that are relevant to the material change.

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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

Email address headteacher@penarthgroup.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 8–9 June 2016

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 8 to 17 8 to 16 8 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 5 15 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 4 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 5 15

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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 4 15

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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 4 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 3 5

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Information about this school

 The Penarth Group School opened in March 2008.  The proprietor has identified proposed new, permanent premises for the school. The proprietor anticipates that planning permission for change of use should be issued on 26 April 2017 and the lease should be signed immediately following this. The previous tenants vacated the premises on the day of the inspection. The proprietor made a request to the DfE for the school to move to these premises.  The school is currently located in temporary accommodation. This move occurred following short notice of the termination of the lease for the school’s previous premises. The school opened on the current sites on 11 January 2017. An emergency material change inspection was carried out on 14 March 2017 at these premises.  The school is mixed. It is registered with the Department for Education (DfE), to meet the needs of up to 15 pupils between the ages of eight and 16 years. The school has

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Information about this school

had a material change authorised by the DfE to allow it to admit one pupil aged up to 17 years old for the 2016/17 academic year.  Most pupils speak English as their first language.  Most of the pupils on roll have an education, health and care plan for emotional and behavioural and other difficulties.  The school’s long-term aim is to nurture confident individuals and responsible citizens, who can lead safe and happy lives and who will make a positive contribution to society.  The headteacher joined the staff in September 2015.  The governing body has been in place since January 2016.  The school was previously inspected in July 2016.  No alternative provision is used by the school.  The school is part of the Penarth Group and the headteacher is responsible to the group’s proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

 This emergency material change inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine the suitability of the school’s proposed new premises.  The DfE requested that the inspector reported on standards 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 of the independent school standards and indicate the maximum number of pupils these premises can accommodate.  The inspector toured the premises accompanied by the headteacher and proprietor.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents and checked the school’s website.  She held discussions with the headteacher and proprietor.

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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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Inspection team

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