Aurora Hanley School

School material change inspection report

p.1

Aurora Hanley School Cambrian Way, Eaves Lane, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 8PQ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 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)(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), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4  Since the last inspection in June 2017, the school has opened and admitted 20 pupils during the course of its first term.  The policies and schemes of work are now being implemented for the benefit of the school’s pupils.  Pupils have settled well because the support and pastoral arrangements are effective and, as a result, positive relationships are developing.  Assessment is used to identify baseline levels and inform planning. Resilience is fragile in some learners and staff have been careful not to overextend pupils while trust and confidence is established. However, for some pupils the work set lacks

p.1

Main inspection findings

challenge.  School leaders have addressed the issue of planning for a sixth form. They have identified three basic curriculum pathways, which incorporate taking GCSE examinations later than 16, A/AS-level qualifications, vocational qualifications and experiences and supported placements at the school and/or at colleges. This has the potential to enable pupils to progress to further and higher education at a rate that is more suited to their rate of development.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 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) and 5(d)(iii)  The ethos of the school is embedded in the equalities agenda. Staff model polite and respectful behaviour and pupils mirror this most of the time.  The curriculum plans and lesson planning incorporates spiritual, moral, social and

p.1

Main inspection findings

cultural development of pupils and this also extends to the proposed sixth form arrangements.  During the inspection, pupils were discussing plans for a trip next term. They understood that they would be taking an important part in making the arrangements but that responsibilities, including managing risk, also featured in the planning. They were excited by the prospect of being involved and also made some sensible observations.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  School leaders have developed a suitable safeguarding policy which is published on the school’s website.  The school’s policies and arrangements to promote the welfare of pupils continue to be thorough and are implemented effectively. The vast majority of pupils feel safe at the school. The minority of pupils who said they did not feel safe were known to the

p.2

Main inspection findings

headteacher. She knew who the pupils were and why they felt the way they did. It usually related to new pupils who were still building relationships with other pupils in their class.  Pupils’ behaviour was good during the inspection because expectations were high, inappropriate behaviour was appropriately challenged and staff were deployed effectively in lessons and around the school during lunchtimes and breaktimes.  Health and safety audits and logbooks continue to show that equipment and premises safety checks are routinely carried out and site safety is effectively maintained.  Risk assessments are effective and staff complete them for teaching, behaviour issues and event management. In this way, school leaders ensure that risk is reduced as much as possible and pupils are kept as safe as possible.  The proposed school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 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), 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), 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), 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) and 21(7)(b)  The single central register is up to date, and all the required checks are carried out systematically.  Staff files illustrated the suitable and effective use of safer recruitment procedures.  The administrator clearly understands the procedures and processes, and is well

p.2

Main inspection findings

organised.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard because the procedures are clearly understood and continue to be implemented appropriately. 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), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The condition of the school environment continues to be clean, attractive and welcoming.  The school’s teaching accommodation is currently being extended. The new accommodation is almost ready for handover. When that happens, the school will have additional physical capacity to support their arrangements to increase the age range and numbers on roll in line with its material change application.  The new accommodation will offer more specialised facilities for science and art, thus

p.2

Main inspection findings

extending the scope of the curriculum, especially for the more mature pupils and students.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard in respect of its material change application. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Since the last inspection, the school has appointed an experienced headteacher to take the school forwards.  During the last term, the headteacher has begun to build a determined and effective teaching team. She is well aware of the need to balance the development of pupils’ resilience with learning outcomes. She is carefully shaping the foundations of policies, procedures and management to enable teachers to teach and for pupils to safely develop their academic, personal and social skills.  Staffing levels are to continue to increase in line with increases in pupil numbers. This is likely to increase the range and scope of expertise in the leadership and teaching

p.3

Main inspection findings

teams, and also ensure that sufficient staff are available to safely manage the numbers and behaviours of pupils on and off-site.  The school is likely to meet the requirements for this standard because school leaders are promoting a positive, respectful ethos through which they are demonstrating that they have the knowledge, skills and understanding to deliver the independent school standards consistently. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The school meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 as accessibility planning is in place.

p.3

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

School details

Type of school Residential special school

p.5

School details

School status Independent residential special school

p.5

School details

Chief Executive Officer Stephen Bradshaw

p.5

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £51,776 (day provision, education only)

p.5

School details

Email address enquiries@the-aurora-group.com

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

p.5

recommendation

Age range of pupils 6–16 6–19 Not applicable

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 20 40 Not applicable

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 20 40

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities 20 40

p.6

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 20 40

p.6

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 20 40

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 8

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 8 teaching assistants 1 clinical lead 8 teaching assistants 1 clinical lead

p.6

Information about this school

 The Aurora Hanley School is a relatively new independent special school. The Aurora Hanley School is part of a larger private organisation known as the Aurora Group. The Aurora Group runs eight other schools nationally and offers adult services for people with complex needs and learning difficulties.  The school has been open since September 2017 and has already reached its approved capacity. The school caters for pupils who have a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, learning difficulties and additional complex needs.  Pupils are placed at the school by local authorities and come from mainstream schools or academies.  The school provision is all on the ground floor level and comprises of seven classrooms, a spacious dining area with lounge area, a clinical hub, a medical room with an en-suite toilet and shower facility, toilets, various storage rooms and administrative offices. There is a secure inner quadrangle for play, and some

p.6

Information about this school

classrooms have access to gardens which will extend their learning experiences.  The new premises will add a suite of six additional classrooms, a large meeting room, some smaller offices, a staff kitchen and toilet facilities.  The school does not have a religious character.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out by Ofsted at the request of the registration authority, the Department for Education, under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. The school applied for a material change to change the age range of pupils to 6 to 19 years of age, and to increase the numbers on roll to 40 pupils.  This inspection was conducted in one day, with two days’ notice.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the company’s regional director and corporate head of governance, teachers, support staff, pupils and the school administrator.  The teaching of all groups of pupils was observed during a learning walk. Pupils were observed during lessons in information technology, food technology, science and topic work. The inspector took lunch with the pupils and observed their behaviour during this social time.  A range of documents were examined in relation to the independent school

p.8

Information about this inspection

standards. These included policies, schemes of work, pupil assessments, pupils’ books, health and safety audits and fire safety maintenance logs, risk assessments, the school’s accessibility plan and the school prospectus. The school’s website and information to parents and carers were also checked, as were the safeguarding policy, single central register and a sample of staff files.  The inspector also checked the premises and new facilities against the independent school standards.

p.8

Inspection team

Elizabeth Ellis-Martin, 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 .

p.8

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.9

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visitwww.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .

p.9

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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.9

Inspection team

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- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.9

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.9

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.9