Riverside Education

School material change inspection report

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Riverside Education 2 Riverside Drive, Stechford, Birmingham, West Midlands B33 9BF

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b).  No safeguarding concerns were identified during the inspection. The school has worked hard to establish a culture where safeguarding has a high priority and takes full account of the difficulties pupils have experienced in their previous schools.  The safeguarding policy meets current government requirements and is fit for purpose. The policy reflects guidance issued by the Secretary of State and is available to parents via the school’s website.  The school has three designated safeguarding leads who are appropriately trained. At least one designated safeguarding lead is on site at any one time to ensure that this role is always covered. Staff receive frequent and appropriate child protection training, including how to identify pupils at risk of child sexual exploitation. Staff also receive training in the ‘Prevent’ duty and are aware of their responsibilities.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has robust procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns. Staff are fully aware of these.  The checks on staff’s suitability to work with pupils are thorough and detailed. Leaders record the checks appropriately on the single central record, which meets requirements.  The staff know pupils well. As a result, staff identify and act upon any signs of risk quickly. There is a culture of vigilance and support for those pupils most in need.  When pupils are absent from school, these are followed up with rigour with support from external agencies, if required.  Staff check that all external educational providers are suitable. Leaders carry out risk assessments and staff accompany pupils at all times when accessing work-related learning opportunities off-site. Paragraph 11.  The school has a suitable health and safety policy that leaders and staff implement effectively. The premises, equipment and resources are well maintained and of a safe

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Main inspection findings

working standard. Paragraph 12.  There is an appropriate fire risk assessment in place, which is detailed and minimises risk. Staff carry out and record frequent fire evacuation drills appropriately. Leaders ensure that firefighting equipment is tested routinely and appropriate records are maintained. Alarm systems are tested on a weekly basis. Exits are clearly marked and accessible. Emergency lighting is tested on a monthly basis and appropriate records are kept.  School leaders visit every alternative provider and carry rigorous fire risk assessments. Paragraph 14.  Pupils are properly supervised at all times. The ratio of staff to pupils is appropriate and ensures vigilance throughout the school day and during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Staff accompany and properly supervise pupils during visits to alternative providers and when they attend work experience. Staff make suitable checks on placements used, including checks on insurance and procedures for emergencies.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 16, 16(a) and 16(b).  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy that staff implement fully. Furthermore, staff complete risk assessment training. As a result, staff competently carry out risk assessments on all alternative providers, identifying hazards and appropriate measures to reduce risk. Risk assessments for subject areas and environmental risk assessments are in place. These are highly detailed and minimise any risks appropriately.  The school site is safe and secure. Staff welcome pupils upon arrival and ensure that they pay attention to road safety outside of the premises. Staff are highly vigilant at the start and end of the school day when pupils are entering and leaving the premises. Classrooms and corridors are clean and well maintained. They are free from potential hazards and fit for purpose. The curriculum promotes pupils’ safety. Pupils learn about potential risks and dangers through personal, social, health and economic

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Main inspection findings

(PSHE) education lessons, including e-safety.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 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)(e), 18(3), 18(4), 18(4)(a), 18(4)(b), 18(4)(c), 19(1), 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,(4), 19(4)(a), 19(4)(b) and 19(b)(c).  Pre-employment checks are rigorous. Staff do not commence employment at the school until they have been cleared through the disclosure and barring service and appropriate references have been received. Overseas checks, where appropriate, have also been carried out and recorded.  The single central record meets requirements.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a detailed safer recruitment policy that reflects guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Paragraphs 20(1), 20(2), 20(3), 20(3)(a), 20(3)(a)(i), 20(3)(a)(ii), 20(3)(b), 20(3)(b)(i), 20(3)(b)(ii), 20(3)(b)(iii), 20(4), 20(5), 20(5)(a), 20(5)(a)(i), 20(5)(a)(ii), 20(5)(b), 20(5)(b)(i), 20(5)(b)(iii), 20(6), 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), 20(7), 20(7)(a), 20(7)(b), 20(8), 20(8)(a), 20(8)(b), 20(8)(c), 20(9), 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) and 21(8).  Leaders are trained in safer recruitment and at least one trained member of staff is present on interview panels.  Leaders and proprietors have not been prohibited from the management of schools.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23 (1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b) and 23(1)(c).  This standard is met. There are sufficient separate toilet facilities for boys and girls that can be secured from the inside and that are intended for use by one person at a time.  Physical education takes place off site at a local leisure centre. Pupils have access to suitable changing accommodation and showers at the leisure centre. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c) and 24(2).  The school provides suitable accommodation to care for short-term medical needs of pupils. This includes a washing facility and is near a toilet. Paragraph 25.  The school site is safe and secure. The environment is in good order, clean and accessible. Maintenance is routinely carried out to a high standard. Resources are of a

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Main inspection findings

good quality and fit for purpose. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a) and 27(b).  The learning environments are suitable for the nature of activities that take place within them, sound insulation is appropriate.  Classrooms are well lit and are appropriate learning environments.  External lighting ensures that pupils can enter and leave the school premises safely. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c) and 28(1)(d).  Suitable drinking water is provided and is accessible at all times. Toilet facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water and the hot water does not present as a scalding risk. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b).  The school provides outdoor space that is appropriate for the pupils. Physical education takes place at a local leisure centre.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 6. Provision of information

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 32(1) and 32(1)(c).  The school has ensured that the safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c).  School leaders demonstrate appropriate skills and knowledge to ensure that the independent school standards inspected are met.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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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 compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School Details

Annual fees (day pupils) Minimum £1,000 per term. Varies depending on provision required for each pupil. Telephone number 0121 678 2942

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School Details

Email address info@riversideeducation.co.uk

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School Details

Date of previous standard inspection 6–8 June 2017

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 14 to 19 Not applicable Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 40 60 60

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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 44 60

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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 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities 6 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 4 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 4 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 26 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 2 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 Not applicable

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Information about this school

 Riverside Education is located on a single site in Stechford, Birmingham. It is registered with the Department for Education (DfE) to provide full-time education for up to 40 pupils aged 14 to 19.  The school accommodates pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing alternative provision for pupils who have previously been enrolled at secondary schools in the local area. All the pupils who attend Riverside Education are registered to the school and on the school’s roll.  Riverside Education provides full-time education for pupils.  The school admits pupils in Years 9 to 13, for whom mainstream school is no longer an appropriate setting.  The aim of the school is to ‘provide a therapeutic, stimulating practical learning environment that is interesting and fun, giving young people opportunities to gain skills they can use now and in later life’.

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Information about this inspection

 Ofsted carried out this inspection at the request of the Department for Education. The school applied for a material change to its registration to increase the number of pupils on roll from 40 to 60 through the provision of alternative provision and work- related learning.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice by an Ofsted inspector in one day.  The inspector met with the headteacher, who is also the acting director of the company which owns the school. The inspector also met with a parent governor.  The inspector reviewed a range of relevant policy documents, the school’s safeguarding policy, work-related learning policies, as well as various procedures, risk assessments, insurance documentation, the single central register and staff training records.  The inspector audited the premises and accommodation against the requirements of the independent school standards.  The inspector was also able to visit some of the work-related learning providers to

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Inspection team

Melanie Callaghan-Lewis, 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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