High Grange School

School material change inspection report

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High Grange School Hospital Lane, Mickleover, Derbyshire, DE3 0DR

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school has a safeguarding policy that reflects the latest guidance provided by the Secretary of State. The policy is implemented effectively. This policy is supported with additional safeguarding guidance.  The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Staff receive regular safeguarding training. All concerns are taken seriously. Safeguarding leaders know pupils well and take appropriate actions. Leaders work with and challenge external agencies to support pupils when needed.  There is a strong safeguarding culture in the school. Paragraph 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school has an appropriate health and safety policy. This is published on the school’s website. Leaders ensure that safety checks take place regularly. For example, the school’s records show that managers undertake premises and water checks

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Main inspection findings

regularly. Health and safety audits have been undertaken for the school, including for the premises that are subject to the material changes. Recommendations from the audit have been completed in a timely manner. Leaders respond promptly to identified issues to meet health and safety requirements. Such measures ensure pupils’ safety and welfare.  The school complies with the relevant fire-safety regulations. Leaders ensure that checks on fire-safety equipment, such as fire doors and fire-fighting equipment, take place regularly. Fire drills happen regularly and there is clear fire exit signage. External fire audits have been undertaken for the school, including for premises subject to the material change inspection. Leaders responded promptly to the audit recommendations.  The school has an appropriate risk-assessment policy. The school has a range of written risk assessments. Each risk assessment includes an evaluation of potential

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Main inspection findings

risks with control measures needed to reduce risks. For example, each pupil has a risk assessment. These are regularly reviewed. Risk assessments are written for a range of educational visits and trips. Leaders make sure that staff read and understand risk assessments that are relevant to their work.  The school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material changes. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(3), 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(3)(b), 21(6), 21(7)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders and the proprietor have experience and a secure understanding of safer recruitment procedures. The school has undertaken all the necessary pre-employment checks on members of the governing body, senior leaders and staff who are currently associated with the school. The school does not employ supply teachers.  The school has a single central record that includes the full range of checks required before an individual starts working with pupils. The single central record was amended during the inspection to include entries of a check that had not been recorded. Leaders intend to meet statutory guidance by continuing to complete all checks on future appointments.  The school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material changes. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c),

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Main inspection findings

24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 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 proposed premises are adjacent to the main school. Both the post-16 hub and key-stage-2 buildings are on the main school site and are adjacent to the main school building. The accommodation is secure and appropriate for the needs and age ranges of the pupils.  The school accommodation across the site is well maintained. Leaders make sure that facilities are safe for pupils. For example, leaders carry out regular checks on water supplies across the school to ensure that supplies are appropriate. They also carry out regular water temperature checks to make sure that there is no risk of scalding. Drinking water is clearly labelled.  The school provides suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. There are several purpose-built disabled toilet facilities. The premises have shower facilities. Pupils have

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Main inspection findings

access to appropriate changing and showering facilities in the physical education and swimming pool areas.  The school has a suitable medical room with appropriate facilities for the short-term care of pupils who are unwell or injured. First-aid equipment is stored safely and is easily accessible. The medical room has a bed, with washing facilities and toilets nearby.  Classrooms are clean and tidy. The accommodation includes rooms for therapy, independent learning and soft play, as well as multi-sensory rooms. Regular premises checks identify potential hazards and steps are taken to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety.  Classrooms and social spaces are well lit. The acoustics in classrooms are suitable to enable effective learning. External lighting is in place.  The school has sufficient space for pupils to play outside. The outdoor perimeters are secure. The school has a dedicated sensory garden and outdoor sports areas.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if the school receives approval for the implementation of the material changes. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders have given careful thought to the proposed changes to increase pupil numbers and the use of additional accommodation. The proprietor, governors and principal are committed to the school’s purpose and vision to provide high-quality education for each pupil. They are mindful that any changes should not have an adverse impact on pupils currently at the school. They actively promote pupils’ well- being. They plan to increase the number of pupils on roll gradually.  Directors and leaders have a secure understanding of their responsibilities. They fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that the independent school standards, relevant to the

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Main inspection findings

proposed changes, are met consistently.  The school is likely to meet the independent school standards in this part if it receives approval for the implementation of the material changes.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £78,000 to £135,111

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School details

Email address admissions@highgrangeschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 27–29 November 2018

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 63 75 75

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 63 75

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 63 75

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 63 75

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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 63 75

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 25 28

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 9 16

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Information about this school

 High Grange School is located on the outskirts of Mickleover, Derby.  The school is registered to provide education for up to 60 pupils aged five to 19. There are currently 63 pupils on roll. This exceeds the approved number of pupils on roll.  The school is currently using buildings for post-16 and key-stage-2 provision that are subject to this material change inspection.  The school caters for pupils who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, together with associated communication and emotional difficulties.  All the pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities. All the pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school uses one unregistered alternative provider to provide off-site education for pupils. This is Charnwood Forest Alpacas, Ashby Road, Boundary, Swadlincote, DE11 7BA.  The school’s previous standard inspection was in November 2018.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned this material change inspection in response to the school’s request to increase the number of approved pupil places to 75. The school’s request also includes the approval of additional premises on the school site to accommodate the additional numbers of pupils.  These material changes have partly been implemented. The school has 63 pupils on roll. The additional premises are being used for post-16 and key-stage-2 provision.  This is the school’s second material change inspection. The previous material change inspection was in September 2019. This resulted in approval of a change to the age range, to include pupils aged five to eight and an increase in numbers of pupils on roll to 55.  The DfE approved a change in pupil numbers in February 2021. This increased the permitted maximum number of pupils to 60.  The inspector met with the principal, safeguarding leaders, the proprietor and a

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Information about this inspection

director.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documents provided by the school, including policies related to safeguarding and health and safety, and the single central record.  The inspector met with leaders to discuss the material change requests and had a tour of the additional premises as well as the whole school site.

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Inspection team

Chris Davies, 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 .

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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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