Wize Up

School material change inspection report

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Wize Up 579 Westhorne Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 6DN

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  The previous inspection found safeguarding to be effective and that leaders put a huge emphasis on the safeguarding curriculum. Aspects of safeguarding are taught where relevant during personal, social, health and economic, citizenship and religious education lessons.  This inspection found that the current safeguarding policy complies with relevant guidance, is detailed, and is published on the school’s website.  There are risk assessments in place in relation to managing pupils safely on site and keeping safe during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.  There are comprehensive policies related to safe working practices and staff recruitment and conduct. The school’s recruitment and selection policy reflects leaders’ clear commitment to keeping pupils safe and recruiting high-quality practitioners. The policy meets current guidance.

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Main inspection findings

 The planned staff ratios for the new site are appropriate.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school met all the standards relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils at the time of the previous inspection.  This inspection found that this continues to be the case. A revised and comprehensive health and safety policy was written and implemented in September 2020. Risk assessments relating to pupils’ welfare and safety are detailed and precise.  The proprietor ensures that regular health and safety audits are undertaken and acted on. The last audit was undertaken by an external specialist in January 2020. A further audit was booked for the week after this inspection.  The school complies with all relevant fire safety orders.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards listed above if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17–21  The previous inspection found that records relating to safer recruitment were detailed and complied with guidance.  Leaders continue to ensure that all the necessary checks are undertaken when new staff are appointed.  The school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards in this part if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22–31  The proposed new site has been used for education purposes previously and is fit for purpose. The site is spacious and there is ample space for pupils to enjoy being outside for physical education and for socialisation. The building is decorated to a high

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Main inspection findings

standard, with only a few minor alterations needed before it is open to pupils. The site is airy and bright.  There are pleasant rooms allocated for medical use and for therapy.  There are suitable washing, toilet, and showering facilities available. The proprietor is adapting the use of one of the shower/toilet facilities to make sure that only one pupil can use this at a time.  Water coolers will be installed before pupils go on site.  Appropriate policies and risk assessments are in place to ensure that the site is safe.  The inspector was unable to check water temperatures or lighting, but the proprietor confirmed that thermostats are in place and that lighting is fully functioning.  When the planned minor adjustments are made to the site, and the water facilities are in place, the school is likely to continue to meet the independent school standards listed above. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  At the time of the previous inspection, leadership and management was judged to be good.  This inspection found that the proprietor/headteacher remains passionate about providing the best possible experience for the pupils in her care.  Leaders have a clear rationale for increasing the number of pupils on roll. This is underpinned by an absolute moral imperative to ensure as many pupils as possible can access their provision. The demand for places at this school is high.  Leaders have made sure that the new site is presented to a high standard and they have thought carefully about how pupils will benefit from the vast outside space and the excellent indoor facilities. There is ample space to accommodate the proposed number of pupils.  There are detailed, precise policies, plans and risk assessments in place to ensure that the school will continue to meet the independent school standards listed above if the

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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 that are relevant to the material change.

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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

Type of school Other Independent Special School

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School details

Email address lorretta.boyd@wize-up.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 14–16 January 2020

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recommendation

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

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 33 70 70

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 33 70

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 4 Up to 10

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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 4 Up to 10

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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 4 Up to 10

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 8

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Information about this school

 Wize Up is a small independent school. It provides alternative provision for pupils, including those who have been excluded from or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools. Placements at the school can be short or long-term. Pupils are dual registered if they come from mainstream schools.  All pupils have social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. A small number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities have education, health, and care plans.  The school uses Flower Skills and Training in Charlton, where pupils can access courses for one day a week.  The school’s previous inspection was in January 2020, when it was judged to be good.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/2021. The inspection was conducted remotely. This was due to changes made to inspection activity during this period of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The inspection was conducted with three days’ notice.  The focus of the inspection was to consider whether the independent school standards in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are approved.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documentation, including a range of policies, information relating to health and safety, welfare and safeguarding.  The inspector held remote meetings with the headteacher and the business manager.  The inspector undertook a remote video tour of the new additional premises at 124- 126 Broad Walk, London SE3 8ND.

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Inspection team

Ruth Dollner, 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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