Underley Garden School

Underley Garden School Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire LA6 2DZ

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 11, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned this inspection to check the school’s safeguarding policy, health and safety arrangements and approaches to behaviour management. This was a result of issues identified in complaints.  The safeguarding policy is informed by the latest statutory guidance. The policy is published on the school website. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. They complete suitable safeguarding training. They also have regular safeguarding updates. This has included recent training on recording and reporting any concerns.  The designated leader for safeguarding is effectively trained for his role. He receives up-to-date training to keep his knowledge fresh and enable him to carry out his responsibilities appropriately. As a result, he is confident leading the safeguarding

p.1

Main inspection findings

team in the school. Leaders maintain detailed records in regard to safeguarding, such as chronologies of any concerns. This contributes to leaders having a clear overview of provision for the vulnerable pupils at Underley Garden.  The proprietor body has an appropriate behaviour policy in place. As many pupils have complex needs, it explains in detail what leaders consider to be misbehaviour. It defines a list of suitable rewards and sanctions. Leaders keep detailed information on any incidents and how staff have responded to them. This information is used by leaders to review the effectiveness of provision and improve it further. The written risk assessment policy is suitable. It describes appropriate features of risk assessments, including the level of risk. It also references how to report accidents. There are apt risk assessments in place that cover a range of activities and situations. This includes,

p.1

Main inspection findings

for example, the use of specialist equipment for cooking activities and school trips.  Leaders have a detailed health and safety policy in place. The policy ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with. As the school has three separate buildings, the policy states clearly who is responsible for what aspects of safety in each area. The policy also outlines the ways in which the school will monitor and review procedures. The policy links to the school’s safeguarding policy, the management of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) policy and risk assessments.  Staff supervise pupils well. During this inspection, pupils’ behaviour was calm. Pupils going to a swimming lesson lined up quietly and orderly. Leaders have recently upgraded the school environment. This includes the continuing development of the Holly Tree building. Areas are well equipped for the needs of pupils at the school. For example, there are sensory areas for use by pupils.

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The independent school standards that were inspected in this part are met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 19  The proprietor body’s register of checks on members of staff show that staff are suitable to work with pupils. There is also a record of the required checks made on those with management responsibilities. Leaders presented examples of staff’s employment files. These contain copies of the expected evidence of checks that leaders make on staff before they appoint them.  Leaders do not intend to use supply staff. However, if they were to do so, leaders have procedures in pace to check agency staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The independent school standards that were inspected in this part are met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34 (1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body and school leaders show good knowledge and understanding of

p.2

Main inspection findings

the independent school standards. They have ensured that the standards that were inspected are met.  Leaders oversee the work of staff well. Staff give pupils a high degree of support. The headteacher and deputy headteacher are experienced school leaders. A new head of service has also been appointed. As a group, they have a strong understanding of how to meet the needs of the pupils in the school.  A governing body is in place to hold senior leaders to account. The head of service and the headteacher present information to governors on a termly basis. The chair of governors has a secure understanding of the independent school standards and the necessary knowledge and expertise to carry out his role effectively.  The proprietor body has put in place suitable policies and procedures that promote pupils’ well-being and safety. The premises are well maintained and fit for purpose.  Leaders have ensured that all the independent school standards in this part are met.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place that takes account of the needs of the pupils at Underley Garden. The requirements under schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are 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

Type of school Other independent special school

p.4

School details

School status Independent special 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 21

p.4

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £55,000–£95,000

p.4

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 9 to 11 January 2018

p.4

Information about this school

 Since the last inspection, the proprietor has refurbished new buildings. Play and recreational areas have also been developed.  The school does not use alternative providers.

p.4

Information about this inspection

 The DfE requested that Ofsted conduct an emergency inspection in response to some complaints received by them. The inspection took place at the same time as a separate inspection, also conducted by Ofsted, of the children’s home adjacent to the school.  The inspector gave 30 minutes’ notice of the inspection.  The inspector examined the school’s website and looked at a wide range of documents relating to behaviour and the school’s procedures for safeguarding pupils.  The inspector toured the school premises, accompanied by the headteacher and deputy headteacher.  The inspector held discussions with senior leaders. He spoke with those responsible for safeguarding and a representative from the local authority. He also spoke formally with a group of pupils and with members of staff about pupil behaviour and safeguarding procedures in school.  During this inspection, the inspector had discussions with the headteacher and

p.5

Inspection team

Simon Hunter, 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 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

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.6

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.6

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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.6

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.6

Inspection team

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

p.6

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6