Moorfield Learning Centre

School material change inspection report

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Moorfield Learning Centre Moorfield Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 9RS

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 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)  Leaders have planned a curriculum to develop pupils’ personal, social, health, and citizenship education (PSHCE). Within this, leaders assess pupils’ understanding of healthy lifestyles and British values across the key stages. Pupils also work towards Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network awards.  Leaders provide opportunity for pupils to broaden their education. This is done by completing awards in areas such as art and health. These involve working with other schools and organisations within the community. The plans leaders have drawn up would also cater for older pupils attending the provision, if the material change was to be approved  Staff promote fundamental British values, including democracy, rule of law, individual

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Main inspection findings

liberty and resilience. Leaders run a programme of events to actively promote pupils’ mutual respect and tolerance of those with protected characteristics, including those relating to gender, sexuality, and different faiths.  The proprietor company’s code of conduct for staff is clear that they will promote the school’s ethos. Leaders’ expectations are that no partisan political views are advocated through teaching. This is in several policies, including the curriculum policy.  The standards in this part are likely 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)  The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date. It reflects the latest statutory guidance. The policy is supported by a wide range of other policies including health and safety, anti-bullying, whistleblowing and equality and diversity.  Leaders and staff have undertaken relevant safeguarding training. Staff are aware of

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Main inspection findings

all aspects of key statutory guidance on safeguarding.  Leaders ensure that thorough arrangements are in place to support the welfare, health and safety of pupils. The proposed provision is likely to meet the safety needs of the group of pupils the school proposes to admit. Staff understand their responsibility to safeguard and promote the well-being and care of vulnerable pupils. Paragraphs 9, 10  Leaders have ensured there is a policy in place for behaviour. This provides a clear definition of bullying and includes appropriate strategies to prevent it from happening. Leaders record and monitor any incidents. The policies and systems in place are suitable for the proposed increase in age range. Paragraphs 11, 12  A written health and safety policy is in place. It references a broad range of other safeguarding documents. Together they provide enough detail to ensure that staff understand and comply with relevant laws.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor company ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005. Work to check the safety of electrical installations and equipment is detailed and completed regularly. Several staff are also trained as fire wardens.  The maintenance of firefighting equipment is undertaken annually. The fire risk assessment shows that the premises comply with regulations and meet the required standards. Fire routes are free from clutter and visible. Clear signage is in place. Paragraphs 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Pupils are well supervised throughout the school day, both in learning areas and around the school site. The high staff-to-pupil ratio means that it is possible to ensure close supervision of all pupils.  Leaders have ensured that the additional needs of the older pupils will be met in a similarly effective manner, if the material change is approved. Leaders undertake regular risk assessments. They take all necessary action arising from these according

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Main inspection findings

to provisions set out in the health and safety policy. Those with management responsibilities make sure that risk assessments are completed and monitored. This includes if there are any changes to equipment or premises, or when particular needs of a child necessitate this.  Additionally, risk assessments exist for a range of other educational purposes, including curriculum and extracurricular activities, and safeguarding of individual pupils. Additional risk assessments have also been created to manage and support the transition of older pupils in the school. Paragraph 15  The proprietor company has ensured that there is an attendance register in place. The admissions register includes all the relevant information. Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school has a website which includes the school’s most up-to-date safeguarding policy and procedures to promote the welfare of pupils in school. A copy of the school’s complaints procedure is also available.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 21  The proprietor company and leaders ensure checks are made on the suitability of staff to work with pupils. There is also a high-quality induction programme for new staff. This contributes to the effective safeguarding culture within the school.  Leaders do not plan to employ extra staff at the new premises. Arrangements are already in place to support the welfare, health and safety of pupils over the age of 17, if the material change is approved.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if 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), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b)  There are suitable toilet facilities for the sole use of the pupils. They are in individual

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Main inspection findings

cubicles provided with suitable locks. There is an adequate number for boys and girls. Toilets are also accessible to boys and girls with physical disabilities.  The school does not have showering facilities for boys and girls to use following physical education, as this is done at local leisure facilities. Leaders have secure risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety when visiting the leisure centre.  Provision is in place for the medical examination and treatment of pupils and for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. Paragraphs 25, 26  The school buildings are maintained to an acceptable standard. Acoustics are suitable, including in the school’s music room and ‘diner’ which is used for individual tuition sessions with pupils. The learning areas are of suitable size for the proposed material change. Furniture is also suitable for the proposed age range. Paragraph 27  Classrooms and corridors are well-lit. External lighting is suitable, including in the car

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Main inspection findings

park and external paths, to ensure that the premises are safe to access and leave after dark. Paragraph 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to drinking water throughout the day. Drinking water facilities are clearly labelled, including taps and the water fountains. Washing facilities are available for all pupils, including in the kitchen. Hot water of a suitable temperature is available for hand washing. Regular checks are carried out on water temperature. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is a suitable outdoor space for pupils to play in. Physical education is provided at the local leisure facilities and is suitable for both boys and girls.  Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if 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)

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Main inspection findings

 The headteacher is newly appointed but has experience of senior leadership in similar schools. Senior leaders and representatives from the proprietor company demonstrate the skills and knowledge appropriate to their roles.  Leaders actively promote the welfare, health and safety of pupils. They understand how vulnerable the pupils are and, as a consequence, all leaders and staff are vigilant about safeguarding and welfare. They ensure that they adapt policies and procedures to the specific needs of pupils, including on an individual level if needed.  Pupils welfare, health and safety are prioritised by staff and vigilance is high. Leaders demonstrate clear expertise in meeting the needs of pupils. Detailed provision is in place to support all aspects of pupils’ well-being, including those pupils who will continue their education at Moorfield, if the material change is approved.  The school has provided a programme of activities for the proposed age range.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor company has ensured that there is an accessibility plan in place. This details relevant targets for making sure that all pupils have access to the curriculum and that the premises are accessible for all pupils.  The proprietor company has ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

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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.

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

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School details

Website www.cascbarrow.co.uk/learning-centre

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School details

Email address enquiries@cascbarrow.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 11–13 December 2018

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 17 11 to 18 11 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 12 12 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 6 6 Number of part-time pupils 6 6

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 10 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 8 8

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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 8 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this school

 The school is located in a refurbished building in Barrow-in-Furness. In addition to the pupils who are on the school’s roll, a few pupils, who are dual registered with their mainstream schools or pupil referral unit, attend on short-term and/or part-time placements. The school also offers an outreach service to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties in local schools.  The school provides education for pupils aged 11 to 17 years who are at risk of falling, or have fallen, out of education. There are a small number of students aged 17 on roll at the school.  All the registered pupils have an education, health and care plan or are in the process of being assessed for one. Pupils have a range of special educational needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional and mental health issues and moderate learning difficulties.  Places are secured through a referral process involving different agencies, including

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Information about this school

schools, children’s social care and Cumbria local authority. Some pupils come from schools and pupil referral units in Barrow-in-Furness and the surrounding area.  The school does not use any other alternative providers of education.  The school organises physical education lessons off site at the local leisure centre.

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Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the school requested to increase the age range from 11 to 17 years to 11 to 18 years  The inspector toured the new premises, accompanied by the headteacher. The inspector checked the suitability of the premises against the relevant independent school standards.  The inspector scrutinised a range of school documents and policies to promote the health, well-being and safety of pupils, including the school’s safeguarding policy.  The inspector spoke with two representatives of the proprietor company and headteacher. He also met with staff responsible for the PSHCE programme and in those charge of risk assessments.  The inspector scrutinised the single central register.  The increase in age range will not affect the school’s educational provision. The school still intends to cater for pupils who have a range of special educational needs,

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Information about this inspection

including autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional and mental health issues and moderate learning difficulties. This will not be affected by the material change.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of the requested change

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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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Inspection team

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