Progress Schools Wigan

School material change inspection report

p.1

Progress Schools Wigan Wigan Youth Zone, Parsons Walk, Wigan WN1 1RU

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 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)  The school has a well-established curriculum that engages pupils in learning. In preparation for admitting younger pupils, leaders have developed specific curriculum plans and schemes of work for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.  Year 7 and Year 8 will follow a broad and balanced curriculum. The school’s curriculum offer for Year 7 and Year 8 fulfils the requirements of the independent school standards. Leaders intend that this curriculum will prepare pupils well, so they can return to mainstream school. This will also make sure that pupils who remain at the school are well prepared for study towards accreditation and qualifications from Year 9.  Pupils’ personal development and welfare are an important part of the work of the

p.1

Main inspection findings

school. The school has a detailed scheme of work for personal, social and health education. This focus helps pupils to overcome their previous educational challenges.  The school has a programme for careers education. This programme provides pupils with information about a broad range of career options. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Teaching in the school is effective. Leaders provide a comprehensive training programme for new and experienced teaching staff. This helps teaching staff to be confident and competent in their practice.  Leaders have ensured that the resources that pupils need, including text books, are available.  Teachers carry out assessments when pupils join the school to find out pupils’ starting points and set targets. Teachers frequently check on how well pupils have remembered and understood what they have been taught. Teachers share this information with parents and carers in half-termly reports. These reports also include

p.1

Main inspection findings

information about pupils’ attendance and their attitudes to learning.  Leaders carry out checks regularly to reassure themselves that pupils are making progress.  Pupils generally behave well in lessons and around school. Staff are adept at calming down pupils when they struggle to manage their behaviour. Serious incidents are rare.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders have a suitable safeguarding policy in place. It is up to date and meets all current government requirements. It includes details of who people can contact, in and out of school, if they have concerns about a pupil. This policy is published on the school’s website.  The school’s safeguarding policy takes account of the particular vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The head of school is the designated senior leader for any safeguarding concerns. She has had suitable and recent training to support her in this role.  All staff receive regular safeguarding updates to make sure that they understand their roles and responsibilities. All new staff undertake safeguarding training as part of their induction. Staff record and report their concerns. The designated safeguarding lead works with external partners to signpost pupils and their families to help and support as required. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  Leaders have a detailed behaviour and anti-bullying policy in place. Any incidents of poor behaviour are reported and recorded. Leaders routinely monitor these incident reports. All staff have regular training and are encouraged to de-escalate incidents. The sanctions set out by leaders are appropriate and proportionate. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school’s written health and safety policy complies with all relevant laws. The

p.2

Main inspection findings

proprietor body ensures that regular checks are carried out, such as fire safety tests. All staff have completed suitable training as fire marshals.  The written risk assessment policy is supported by a range of relevant risk assessments. Leaders are aware of potential risks, including those that could be posed by individual pupils’ behaviours.  The school’s health and safety policy is underpinned by more detailed policies, for example first aid and educational visits. Paragraph 14  Pupils are well supervised at all times, including arriving at school, breaktimes and leaving the premises. Leaders plan to increase staff numbers to accommodate two new classes for the Year 7 and Year 8 pupils as required. Currently, the number of pupils on roll is well below capacity. The school has not requested an increase in the number of pupils on roll. Paragraph 15  Leaders have appropriate systems in place to register pupils’ attendance. School staff

p.2

Main inspection findings

follow up promptly on any pupil absences. The school’s attendance and welfare officer supports families who are struggling to get their children to school.  The proprietor body has published a suitable admissions policy for the school. Leaders work closely with the local authority and schools to ensure that the school is able to meet all prospective pupils’ needs.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The material change application submitted by leaders requests only an extension to the age range of pupils. There are sufficient existing toilets, changing and shower facilities should the number of pupils on roll reach the school’s capacity. All toilets are

p.3

Main inspection findings

in separate cubicles. There is a separate accessible toilet that may also be used by staff and visitors. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water is a suitable temperature.  Pupils are able to access drinking water throughout the school day. This water is dispensed from a bottled water cooler. Usually, pupils can also access water from drinking fountains located around the building. However, these have been temporarily decommissioned due to current COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions. Paragraph 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2)  The school has a dedicated medical room. There is a toilet and a sink in the room. A bed and bedding are set up in the room. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The premises are suitable for teaching and other educational activities.  All parts of the accommodation have appropriate acoustics, lighting and heating. The exterior of the building is well-lit so that people can safely enter and leave the school

p.3

Main inspection findings

premises. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  Pupils have access to a large outdoor area to the rear of the building. This space also provides space for physical education in accordance with the school’s curriculum requirements.  The school also benefits from having access to a sports hall, gymnasium and boxing ring located in the adjacent youth club.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(d), 32(1)(e), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a), 32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g), 32(4), 32(4)(a), 32(4)(b), 32(4)(c)  Leaders have ensured that the information that they need to provide to parents and others is available. This includes a school prospectus.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The school has a website. The school’s safeguarding, complaints and other required policies are available to download from the website. The contact details for the school, headteacher, chair of governors and proprietor body are all available on the school website. Leaders have made sure that other information, such as examination results, are available on request from the school.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders have a secure understanding of the independent school standards. They carry out frequent checks to ensure that these standards are met consistently.  Leaders’ plans show that the school can provide a suitable education for pupils who are in Year 7 and Year 8.  Leaders demonstrate a high level of experience and expertise in providing a good

p.4

Main inspection findings

quality of education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. They provide effective support to pupils who have been excluded from school or are at risk of exclusion.  Leaders have ensured that all the standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

p.4

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.5

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.6

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £12,000 - £36,000

p.6

School details

Email address wiganPS@progress-schools.co.uk

p.6

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 11–13 September 2018

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16

p.6

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 10 10 10

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 10 10

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 2 2

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 2 2

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 2 2

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 3

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 1

p.7

Information about this school

 This small independent school is located within the premises of a purpose-built facility for Wigan Youth Zone. The building offers a range of additional facilities, including a climbing wall, gymnasium, sports hall and spaces for performing and creative arts. The school has its own secure entrance. The school’s accommodation cannot be accessed from the youth club.  The school opened in November 2017. The school’s first standard inspection took place in September 2018, when the school was found to be providing a good standard of education.  The headteacher has been appointed since the previous inspection.  The school is registered to provide full-time education for up to 35 pupils in Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11. The proprietor body has requested to expand the age range of pupils so that the school can also cater for pupils in Year 7 and Year 8. The proposed changes will not alter any other aspects of the school’s registration, approved by the

p.7

Information about this school

Department for Education (DfE) before the school opened. This means that the maximum number of pupils who can attend and the numbers of staff required remain the same.  Pupils have previously been disengaged from education, permanently excluded, or at risk of exclusion from education because of their behavioural difficulties.  Some pupils have identified special educational needs and/or disabilities and a small number have an education, health and care plan to support their social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school works closely with Wigan local authority, which is the main referral route for placing pupils at the school.  The school is one of 11 other similar schools located across the country. Progress Schools Limited are the proprietor body. As well as the executive headteacher and headteacher, there is a chief executive officer and a managing director with responsibility for leadership. The school also has a local governing body.

p.8

Information about this school

 The school does not use any alternative providers.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE following the proprietor body’s request to extend the age range of pupils from 13 to 16 years to 11 to 16 years.  This is the first material change inspection in respect of the change that the school has applied to make.  During this inspection, the inspector met with the executive headteacher, the headteacher and the proprietor body’s operational executive. The inspector toured the building currently used by the school. She scrutinised policies and other information to check the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards if the material change is completed. The documents checked included the school’s safeguarding policy and record of checks on the suitability of staff.  This inspection was conducted with two days’ notice to the school.

p.9

Inspection team

Pippa Jackson Maitland, 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 .

p.9

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.10

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.10

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.10

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.10

Inspection team

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

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10