The Parks School

School material change inspection report

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The Parks 29A Park Road, Golborne, Wigan WA3 3PU

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  A range of policies and procedures for keeping pupils safe are in place. The school has a clear health and safety policy, risk assessments and first aid policy, complaints and safeguarding policy. All policies reflect current government guidance.  The school has an appropriate safeguarding policy which references relevant and up- to-date government guidance. All staff receive comprehensive training on all aspects of safeguarding on induction and at regular intervals through the year. Clear and precise records of training are kept for each member of staff.  Leaders ensure that a comprehensive programme of personal, social and health and economic (PSHE) education and citizenship is taught to pupils. This programme teaches pupils how to stay safe in school, online and in the wider community.  Leaders ensure the safety of pupils while using computers through educating pupils

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Main inspection findings

about online dangers and by using an appropriate monitoring and filtering system.  The school does not have a website but all policies are made available to parents and carers as hard copies, on request. Paragraph 11, 12, 14  Leaders have an appropriate health and safety policy in place which is reviewed regularly. The policy includes appropriate procedures for identifying and assessing potential risks. Leaders ensure that the school meets legal health and safety requirements; for example, all gas safety checks and electrical checks are in order. The site is clean and well maintained, with new furniture in all rooms.  Suitable fire signs and extinguishers are in place. The building has a working fire alarm with many emergency fire alarm activation points located around the building. Fire exits and fire doors are in place throughout the building.  Although the fire safety order cannot be issued until the site is ready, it is scheduled

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Main inspection findings

to take place with the local fire authority as soon as possible and before pupils arrive.  Leaders confirm that pupils are closely supervised during the school day. Proposed staff ratios are appropriate and plans are in place to ensure that pupils are supervised throughout the school day, including social times. Staff will not routinely travel between sites so deployment of duty staff is clear and well planned.  The coverage of closed circuit television is comprehensive and is monitored by several staff. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  School risk assessment policies are up to date and are used as working documents. They are regularly reviewed, amended and updated as appropriate. Relevant risks are identified and appropriate responses are in place.  The standards in this section are likely to be met if the material changes are implemented pending a successful fire safety order being completed imminently.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18, 18(1), 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)(f), 18(3)  The school carries out rigorous checks on staff before appointment to ensure that teachers and other staff are suitable to work with children. All checks are thorough and well documented. Paragraph 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The school ensures that it receives comprehensive information about supply staff before they begin to work at the school. All identities of supply staff are confirmed before they work with pupils. Paragraph 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  All necessary checks on the proprietor have been carried out, including those required

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Main inspection findings

in section 128 of the Education and Skills Act, 2008. 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), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The single central record of vetting and checks carried out on staff is complete and up to date. The school maintains all records of pre-employment checks in electronic form. These can be reproduced in a legible form.  All standards in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c)  Suitable toilet facilities are provided at both sites for the use of pupils. They are all individual toilets which are lockable from the inside. There is an adequate amount for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. The toilets have hot and cold running water

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Main inspection findings

of an appropriate temperature.  Suitable changing and shower facilities are provided for pupils who partake in physical education. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  Both sites have a separate, designated medical room which includes a sink, temporary bed and is located near to a toilet. Paragraph 25  The premises are maintained well. The proprietors employ a full-time maintenance manager who carries out regular maintenance checks. Remedial action is taken as appropriate. The premises are cleaned regularly and often. The heating and ventilation systems are functioning. Paragraph 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  There are a number of rooms that are suitable for teaching and other educational activities. Most of the rooms are carpeted and furnished with appropriate equipment. The acoustic conditions in the classrooms are appropriate.  The lighting in all rooms is suitable. There is good natural daylight in all of the rooms,

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Main inspection findings

including those on the lower ground level of the building. Internal wall colours ensure that each area in the school feels bright and open.  Outside sensor lights around the building ensure that visitors, staff and pupils can access the site safely after daylight hours. Additional lighting is gained from nearby street lighting. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils have ready access to drinking water at all times. This is located in the communal kitchen area and is clearly labelled. The temperature of hot water is thermostatically controlled and does not constitute a scalding risk to users. Periodic checks on water temperature are carried out by maintenance staff. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Physical education will be taught in the sports hall in the premises. This is a large space with a high ceiling, appropriate for indoor sports.  The premises have a secure outside area for pupils. Plans are in place to replace

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Main inspection findings

railings and ensure that the hard ground is even. When this work is completed, the outside area is likely to be safe and secure for pupils. This work is part of the planned schedule of improvements and will be completed before pupils are admitted to the site.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The headteacher demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards. Plans are in place to ensure continuous developments and improvements to promote the continued safety and well-being of all pupils.  Appropriate review and monitoring systems are in place to ensure that the independent school standards are met. The headteacher understands what is required to ensure that policies and standards are implemented effectively.

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Main inspection findings

 Policies for safeguarding and health and safety are appropriate for the age range of pupils to be provided for. Due to the vulnerable nature of some pupils, leaders focus on the individual needs of pupils and all aspects of safeguarding are high priority. Staff ensure that pupils are always fully supervised. Leaders actively promote the well-being and safety of pupils.  Standards in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are implemented. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have prepared a full accessibility plan for the school.  This requirement is 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 changes.

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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 changes that the school has applied to make.

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Email address stephenwardale@inspiretes.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 12–14 July 2016

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 7 30 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 7 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities 7 30

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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 6 30

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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 6 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 7

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Information about this school

 The Parks School is owned and run by the Inspire group. It caters pupils aged between 11 and 16 who have significant emotional, social, behavioural and other complex needs.  The school is currently located near Wigan. The school has applied for a material change to permit it to operate from an additional site, approximately six miles away.  The school is mixed gender. It is registered with the Department for Education (DfE), to meet the needs of up to 10 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16 years. The school has also applied for a material change to allow it to admit up to 30 pupils for the 2017/18 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.  Pupils are referred to the school from a variety of local authorities in the north-west region. Pupils often join the school after a period of disrupted education elsewhere.

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Information about this school

 The headteacher joined the staff in September 2016.  The school currently uses the alternative provider Cornerstones to contribute to the education of some pupils.  The aim of the school is ‘to provide young people, with complex behavioural and educational needs, a bespoke education that is tailored to their individual needs’.  The school was previously inspected in July 2016.

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Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the DfE to determine the suitability of the school’s proposed premises and as the school has requested to increase its maximum number of pupils on roll from 10 to 30.  The DfE requested that Ofsted conduct a material inspection to report against parts 3, 4, 5 and 8 of the independent school standards.  The inspector toured the premises at both sites being used by the school, accompanied by the headteacher.  The inspector scrutinised a range of school documents and policies, including the single central record. The inspector also held discussions with the headteacher.

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Inspection team

Helen O’Neill, lead inspector Her 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 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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