St Paul's School

St Paul’s 73 Hertford Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 8NJ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7a, 7b and 11  The standards in this paragraph were met at the time of the last inspection. However, concerns were raised to Ofsted in relation to the safeguarding of pupils.  The school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy. The safeguarding policy is written with regard to current guidance issued by the Secretary of State. It takes into account procedures defined by the local authority. The policy outlines the action to take if there are concerns about a child. The policy is published on the school’s website. It is also made available in paper format upon request from the school.  There are four designated safeguarding leads within the school. At least one is available on site at all times. Designated leads have completed relevant training. They are aware of their responsibilities and understand their roles well. They demonstrate professional curiosity and take appropriate action where there are concerns about a

p.1

Main inspection findings

child. They maintain detailed records and review these regularly.  All staff have completed appropriate safeguarding training. They know about risks to children, including harm, neglect and radicalisation. Staff know their pupils well and they are vigilant. They know the process to follow if they are worried about a pupil.  Leaders and all staff have a secure knowledge of risks in the local community. They have adapted the curriculum to make sure that pupils learn about risks and how to keep themselves safe. The curriculum also teaches pupils about healthy relationships and risks of exploitation.  The school is supported by a safeguarding lead from within the trust. There is also a governor with responsibility for safeguarding.  The proprietor has produced a comprehensive health and safety policy. The policy outlines responsibilities for staff at all levels and visitors to the site. The policy covers

p.1

Main inspection findings

all aspects of the school’s work and is implemented well.  The school continues to meet this standard. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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)(e), 18(3)  This standard was met at the time of the last inspection. However, concerns had been raised to Ofsted about safeguarding in the school.  The school has carried out all necessary checks on the suitability of staff to work with children prior to them commencing employment at the school.  The school’s single central register meets requirements.  This standard continues to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c) and 25  The standards in this paragraph were met in full at the time of the last inspection.  The proprietor has ensured that there are sufficient toilet facilities for boys and girls.

p.1

Main inspection findings

These are for the sole use of pupils and can be secured from inside. An accessible toilet is also available on the ground floor.  The school has arrangements in place at local leisure centres for pupils aged 11 and over to access showers following physical education.  The school premises are maintained well. Any repairs are carried out in a timely manner to minimise risk and ensure the health and safety of pupils.  This standard continues to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is available on its website. Paper copies are also made available upon request for parents and carers who are unable to access the policy online.  This standard continues to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c), 34(2)  These standards were met in full at the last inspection. Concerns relating to

p.2

Main inspection findings

leadership of the school were raised to Ofsted.  The headteacher and senior leaders demonstrate appropriate experience and expertise relevant to their roles. They have a secure understanding of the independent school standards and make sure they are consistently met.  Leaders understand their school context well. They know their pupils and carefully consider how they can meet their needs.  A high emphasis on safeguarding means that pupils are well looked after at this school. The work of leaders contributes fully to the well-being of pupils.  This standard continues to be met.

p.2

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.

p.3

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.

p.4

School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

p.4

School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 2

p.4

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £18,000 to £23,000

p.4

School details

Email address administration@stpaulstrust.org.uk

p.4

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 9–11 July 2019

p.4

Information about this school

 St Paul’s is an independent day school located in Birmingham. The school offers places for up to 55 pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. All the current cohort have an education, health and care plan. The school also offers places to pupils who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.  The school operates across a primary and a secondary site. It is part of St Paul’s Trust.  Pupils are placed at the school by Birmingham local authority.  The school does make use of alternative provision. Pupils access construction courses at Southside. This is part of The Edge Academy, which is registered with Ofsted. The school has made sure that all appropriate checks are in place. Pupils are accompanied by school staff when in attendance.  The school was last inspected in July 2019 when it was judged to be good. The school met all of the independent school standards.

p.4

Information about this inspection

 This emergency unannounced inspection was carried out at the request of the Department for Education (DfE) in relation to concerns received about the school.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and the facilities manager. A number of key policies were scrutinised, including those associated with safeguarding and health and safety. The inspector also checked the school’s recording of safeguarding concerns.  The inspector also reviewed information on the school’s website.  A meeting was held with those responsible for safeguarding.  The inspector toured the premises, accompanied by the headteacher and facilities manager. The inspector also visited the primary school site.  The inspector reviewed the school’s single central register.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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.7

Inspection team

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

p.7

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.7

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.7

Inspection team

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

p.7

Inspection team

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

p.7