Ashlea House School

School material change inspection report

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Ashlea House School Ashlea House, 474 Stockport Road, Denton, Manchester, Greater Manchester M34 6ET

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has put in place all the necessary arrangements to ensure the safeguarding of pupils and to promote their welfare. This includes a consideration of the particular vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date and follows the most recent government guidance. Staff receive regular and appropriate safeguarding training and updates on areas such as child sexual exploitation. This means that staff know how to recognise signs of abuse. Paragraphs 11, 12  The written range of policies covering welfare, health and safety ensure that the welfare of staff and pupils is protected. Leaders undertake regular checks to identify any health and safety concerns. They plan to extend these checks to ensure the health and safety of the proposed increased number of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 Appropriate measures are in place to ensure pupils are kept safe in the event of a fire. Staff have regular training on what to do in this circumstance. Leaders plan to undertake training for any new members of staff. Regular fire safety checks of the premises are undertaken. The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Paragraph 14  There are plans to increase the number of staff if the material change is granted.  The current behaviour policy and existing practice around behaviour management mean that pupils are well supervised. Plans for increased staffing indicate that supervision of pupils is likely to be appropriately organised.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(iii),

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Main inspection findings

18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19((2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The proprietor will ensure that the required checks on the suitability of new staff to work with pupils are completed. The record of such checks on current staff is kept as a secure electronic document and is complete.  Leaders involved in appointing staff have had appropriate training. This ensures that safe procedures are followed during the recruitment process.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders do not employ supply staff at present. They are aware of the required checks on the suitability of supply staff should they be used in the future.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 21(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2), 24(3), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The premises are large enough to accommodate the proposed new maximum number of nine pupils. There is space in the existing classroom to meet this increase. In addition, the school has a reading room and two workshop areas.  Toilet facilities are suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Toilets are well maintained and are lockable from the inside. There is an appropriate supply of hot

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Main inspection findings

and cold water for handwashing. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and will not pose a scalding risk.  Leaders have ensured that bottled drinking water is always available for existing pupils. It will be readily available for proposed new pupils.  Leaders use the local sports facilities for lessons in physical education (PE), so on-site showers are not provided. Leaders have carried out risk assessments for PE. These are for travel and for activities at the sports facilities. Risk assessments are detailed and are likely to ensure the safety and privacy of pupils.  There is a medical room which is appropriately equipped and is adjacent to a toilet. It is used for other purposes but can be exclusively available when needed. There is a first-aid kit in this room and a basin with running hot and cold water.  The outdoor area is suitable for play. The provision of PE takes place using a range of

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Main inspection findings

facilities in the community. This PE provision will be available for new pupils.  The proprietor maintains the school premises to an acceptable standard. The existing policies on first aid, fire safety, health and safety, and risk assessment are implemented effectively.  Classrooms and other areas are spacious and have suitable light and ventilation. External lighting is provided to ensure that people can enter and leave the building safely during the hours of darkness.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders demonstrate secure knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards. They are likely to fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that the relevant standards are met consistently if the Department for Education grants the proposed

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Main inspection findings

change.  Leaders actively promote the well-being of pupils. Through a range of suitable policies and procedures, leaders are likely to ensure that pupils’ welfare is secured.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £35,000 to £55,000

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School details

Email address Jenna@fullcirclecare.co.uk

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 5–7 February 2019

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recommendation

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

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 6 9 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 6 9 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 6 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 6 9

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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 6 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 3

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Information about this school

 The school received its last standard inspection on 5 to 7 February 2019.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned Ofsted to carry out this inspection because the proprietor applied to make a material change to the school’s registration. The proprietor requested an increase in the maximum pupil capacity from six to nine.  The school caters for pupils with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties.  This was the school’s first material change inspection in respect of this proposed increase in the maximum pupil capacity.  An inspector met with the headteacher and with the proprietor. She undertook a tour of the premises and spoke with two members of the teaching staff. She analysed a wide range of documents, including those relating to safeguarding and matters of health and safety. In addition, the inspector examined the school’s record of pre- employment checks on staff and the proprietor.

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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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