Aurora Woodlands School

Aurora Brambles East School Woodlands, Holly Tree Close, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 2NG

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The procedures in place to promote the welfare, health and safety of pupils are effective. The school has a safeguarding policy which is published on its website. It takes account of the most recent guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The policy is supported by other safeguarding documentation, including the school’s behaviour policy, anti-bullying policy and a safer working practice handbook for staff.  The headteacher and the leaders for safeguarding ensure that staff are aware of current statutory guidance on safeguarding.  The designated leader for safeguarding has received up-to-date training. She has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities. As a result, she is fully confident leading on safeguarding in the school.  Leaders understand the importance of recording concerns. The associate headteacher and senior staff maintain detailed records on pupils. This contributes to those in

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Main inspection findings

charge having a very clear overview of provision for these pupils.  Leaders use effective recruitment training to ensure that the procedures in place are effective in supporting the suitability of any appointed staff to work with children. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  There is a written policy for the management of pupils’ behaviour. The policy clearly outlines the school’s aims and expectations, together with the rewards and sanctions that pupils receive. The roles of senior staff, teaching staff and parents are outlined. Pupils spoken with during the inspection said that they are treated fairly, and that behaviour is improving.  The school’s anti-bullying policy is effective in ensuring that any bullying is dealt with effectively. As a result, incidents of bullying are reducing. Pupils spoken with during the inspection confirmed this view. Pupils also said that they feel that the school is a

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Main inspection findings

safe place. Paragraph 11  Leaders have a detailed health and safety policy. This includes information on the broader aspects of the health and safety of pupils, visitors and staff in school. The policy ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with. It states clearly who is responsible for what aspects of health and safety. The policy outlines the ways in which the school will establish, monitor and review its measures to meet satisfactory health and safety requirements. The policy also links clearly to the school’s safeguarding policies and risk assessments. Paragraph 12, 13, 14, 15, 16(a), 16(b)  The school complies with relevant fire safety regulations. Fire routes are visible and free from clutter. Clear signage is in place to enable pupils to leave the building safely. Annual maintenance of firefighting equipment ensures that fire extinguishers are in operational condition.  Staffing numbers are sufficient to ensure that pupils are supervised well, both during

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Main inspection findings

lessons and at social times.  The directors ensure that first aid is administered effectively, by the drawing up of a written first aid policy. Staff are available to support pupils if they become distressed.  Leaders have an effective online system to record and evaluate any incident relating to pupils’ behaviour. This is monitored regularly by leaders. It has been instrumental in reducing the number of incidents in lessons. Leaders have also linked the review of behaviour to the current review of the curriculum. Their aim is to contribute to the reduction of incidents in lessons by providing meaningful learning opportunities.  The policy on risk assessment is detailed and thorough. Risk assessments identify potential hazards. They include control measures to reduce the risks identified. Risk assessments exist for a broad range of activities, including the management of outdoor activities. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly.

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Main inspection findings

 This standard is met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Staff with leadership and management responsibility in school demonstrate a range of skills and knowledge that are appropriate to their roles in terms of the welfare, health and safety of pupils. As a result, safeguarding procedures are followed consistently. Leaders promote the welfare, health and safety of pupils well. All leaders and staff understand the importance of being vigilant about safeguarding. Strong procedures are in place to ensure that pupils are well protected.  The curriculum design provides many opportunities to promote pupils’ welfare, health and safety. Topics such as substance abuse, e-safety and managing emotions support their well-being.  Leaders evaluate the strengths of their overall practice effectively. As a result, they are able to identify any areas where further improvements are required.

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Main inspection findings

 The standard relating to the quality of leadership and management of schools is met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

School status Independent special school

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School details

Gender of students in the sixth form Boys

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

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School details

Associate Headteacher Mr Wallace Robinson

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School details

Email address bes-reception@the-aurora-group.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 October 2017

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Information about this school

 Aurora Brambles East is an independent special school registered to provide education for up to 53 pupils aged 10 to 16 years who have social, emotional or mental health difficulties.  There are currently 53 pupils on roll. All pupils have an education, health and care plan. The vast majority of pupils are of White British heritage.  The school is located in Darwen and works with a number of local authorities in the north-west region.  Pupils often join the school after a history of poor behaviour, exclusions and/or prolonged absence from school or other specialist provision.  The aims of the school are to provide personalised specialist education, to support pupils to be part of an enriched school and community life and to prepare pupils effectively for life beyond school.  The associate headteacher took up post in November 2018. A new substantive headteacher will take up post in the autumn term 2019.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) requested that Ofsted conduct an emergency inspection to report against part 3 and part 8 of the independent school standards.  The inspection was unannounced.  The inspector examined the school’s website and looked at a wide range of documents relating to the school’s procedures for safeguarding pupils.  The inspector spoke with one of the group’s premises officers and with behaviour consultants.  The inspector observed pupils’ movement around the buildings and spoke with some pupils informally about supervision procedures during a tour of the school.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, the associate headteacher and the deputy headteacher. He spoke with the designated leaders for safeguarding. He also spoke formally with a group of pupils and with members of staff about safeguarding and behaviour within school.

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Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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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