Edstart

School material change inspection report

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Edstart EdStart Specialist Education, 5 Gerald Road, Salford M6 6DW

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b)  The proprietor body has ensured that a suitable written curriculum policy is in place. The policy includes the relevant information relating to the proposed increase in the school’s age range.  Curriculum plans take into account the ages and abilities for the proposed age ranges. Detailed schemes of work include sufficient detail about the teaching of technological, human and social, aesthetic and creative subjects. These are likely to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan), should the proposed changes be approved. Paragraph 2(2)(d)–2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(h), 2(h)(i)  The proprietor body has ensured that there are comprehensive curriculum plans and

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Main inspection findings

schemes of work in place for the development of pupils’ personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education, including for the proposed age groups.  Leaders’ plans promote respect and tolerance for all of the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010. These detailed plans take into account the different ages and abilities of pupils in Years 7 and 8, the proposed new age groups. Plans include a broad range of activities to help prepare pupils for life in modern Britain, for example budgeting for a meal.  The proprietor body already has a successful and well-established careers programme in place to ensure that pupils receive impartial careers advice and guidance. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g)  The proprietor body intends to use the school’s current assessment policy and procedures. The information gathered is used to inform pupils’ achievement records

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Main inspection findings

and is shared with parents and carers. The policy identifies how assessment information will be used to plan what pupils need to learn next. Pupils are likely to make progress and achieve well. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The proprietor body intends to apply the school’s current behaviour policy should the proposed changes be approved. The policy has been amended to take account of the proposed change to the age range of pupils should the changes be approved. Training to implement this policy forms part of the induction programme for new staff. The new staff that leaders intend to employ in Years 7 and 8 will receive training in behaviour management in line with this policy. Paragraph 4  The proprietor body intends to use the format for reporting to parents that they currently use. This will be suitable for the proposed changes to the age range.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards (the

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Main inspection findings

standards) in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b)(1)–5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d)–5(d)(iii)  The proprietor body intends to use the suitable plans, and effective schemes of work, already in place for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  These plans have been suitably adapted to meet the different ages and development of pupils should the proposed changes be approved. The plans clearly identify how pupils’ understanding will be developed over time in an age-appropriate way.  The proprietor body has ensured that partisan and political views will not be part of the teaching of any subject. Through the effective delivery of the curriculum, pupils will understand right from wrong and develop a tolerance and respect for the beliefs and cultures of others.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website. The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate number of staff with responsibility for safeguarding. Leaders intend to use the safeguarding policy, and the existing effective procedures, to keep pupils safe.  Leaders understand how to manage any safeguarding concerns. Leaders have ensured that the induction process for new staff includes training linked to safeguarding and welfare. There is also suitable training on how to manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. Paragraph 11, 12, 14  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a detailed health and safety policy in place. Current staff have received appropriate training. It is intended that training will form part of the induction process for new staff. The planned staff numbers would be appropriate to ensure suitable supervision of pupils if the increase in pupil numbers is

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Main inspection findings

granted.  The proprietor body has ensured that the building is likely to be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the building. All exits are signposted and clear from clutter. Paragraph 16–16(b)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. Leaders intend to use the procedures already in place in order to mitigate risk to staff and pupils. There is guidance for staff on how to complete risk assessments for a range of activities. Leaders have risk assessed the areas and activities they wish to use, including when pupils are off site. The procedures would be suitable if the proposed changes are approved.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(2)(e), 19(1)–19(2)(d)(ii), 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)  Leaders demonstrate a detailed understanding of the most up-to-date guidance on safer recruitment. Leaders have the knowledge required to complete appropriate recruitment and selection procedures effectively when appointing new staff. These include an enhanced criminal record check, identity checks and checks to ensure that all staff have the appropriate qualifications and/or experience to support the needs of pupils well.  A comprehensive single central record is already in place. The proprietor body has ensured that all required pre-employment checks have been completed before staff start working at the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23–23(1)(c), 24–24(2), 25, 26, 27–27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The additional premises are situated in a Grade II listed building. The accommodation is set over three floors. There are a number of classrooms, a suitable office space and rooms for pupils to use for recreation.  The building is well maintained, clean and tidy. All stairwells and corridors are appropriately lit and free from clutter. The banisters are at a suitable height for the proposed age range of pupils.  The classrooms are appropriate for the number and age range of the intended pupils. They are well ventilated. Acoustics and lighting are appropriate. Windows on the third floor have appropriate safety guards in place.  There are suitable toilet facilities available. These are appropriate if the proposed increase in the number of pupils on roll is granted. The temperature of the water for

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Main inspection findings

handwashing does not pose a scalding risk. Drinking water is clearly labelled and is available for pupils throughout the day.  There is a small area outside that is suitable for pupils to be able to socialise. There is a local park and sports facilities close by which leaders intend to use for physical education. Leaders have ensured that appropriate risk assessments are in place when pupils are away from the school site.  The medical room is situated on the ground floor and is suitably resourced. The adjacent toilet facilities also have appropriate handwashing facilities.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(j), 32(2)–32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proprietor body has ensured that all relevant information is available on the school’s website. This includes a suitable safeguarding policy. Other information is also available on request, including the school’s prospectus.  The proprietor body anticipates that, should the proposed changes be approved, an increasing number of pupils who will attend the school will have an EHC plan. Leaders have a suitable format in place in order to report to the commissioning local authorities on the expenditure of funds for the pupils placed at the school.  Leaders intend to use the school’s current format in which to report a pupil’s annual progress and achievements to parents. This report also includes the opportunity for pupils to record their own achievements throughout the academic year.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

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 has ensured that a suitable curriculum is in place, ready for the proposed increase in the age range of pupils from age 11 years, should the proposed changes be granted. The curriculum plans reflect the anticipated needs and ages of pupils to 16 years of age.  Leaders intend to use the effective assessment procedures already in place to check what pupils know and can do. Pupils are likely to make progress, achieve well and be well prepared for the future, both academically and personally.  The proprietor body has the knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of pupils are maintained should the proposed changes be granted.  The proprietor body has ensured that all of the standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that there is an appropriate accessibility plan in place. Leaders have ensured that the requirements under schedule 10 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 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £12,000 to £45,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 5 to 7 March 2019

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 90 115 115

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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 90 115

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 90 115

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 10 30

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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 10 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 18 20

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 25 28

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Information about this school

 A new headteacher was appointed in May 2021.  The school currently operates on four sites across the Greater Manchester area, including Manchester, Salford, Bolton and Bury. The proposed site is in Oldham.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to evaluate the school’s application for a material change.  The inspector scrutinised a range of school policies and documents relating to the organisation of the school.  The inspector toured the proposed premises in Oldham with leaders. She held meetings with the headteacher and a member of the proprietor body.

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Inspection team

Amanda Stringer, 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

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 .

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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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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