Expanse Learning Wigan School

School material change inspection report

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Expanse Learning Wigan School Tyrer Avenue, Worsley Mesnes, Wigan WN3 5XE

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7–7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor body has ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy is suitable and follows the most recent government guidance. The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Staff receive regular and appropriate safeguarding training and updates on areas such as radicalisation and child sexual exploitation. This means that staff know how to recognise signs of abuse. The safeguarding training that leaders provide includes a consideration of the particular vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  Leaders plan to provide training on the procedures used for dealing with safeguarding issues to new staff, as they start at the school. Paragraph 11  There is a written health and safety policy in place. It links to a range of policies covering welfare, health and safety. These policies ensure that the welfare of staff,

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Main inspection findings

pupils and visitors 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. Paragraph 12  Appropriate measures are in place to ensure that pupils are kept safe should a fire occur. Staff have training on what to do in this circumstance. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed throughout the building. Regular fire safety checks of the premises are undertaken, and any risks identified are dealt with swiftly. This process will continue if the number of pupils increases. The proprietor body 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 existing practice around staffing means that pupils are well supervised. Plans for increased staffing indicate that supervision of pupils is likely to be appropriately

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Main inspection findings

organised. Paragraph 16  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a written risk assessment policy in place. This provides a suitable framework for protecting pupils from risk. Detailed risk assessments are carried out for a range of activities, for example visits to the community. In addition, leaders have put in place personal risk assessments for each pupil.  Leaders plan to develop personal risk assessments for any pupils joining the school.  The proprietor body has ensured that the independent school standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3)  Leaders ensure that the required checks on the suitability of staff to work with pupils are completed. The proprietor body has plans in place to make sure that the required checks on the suitability of new staff to work with pupils are completed.  The proprietor body has suitably trained staff and systems in place to ensure that

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Main inspection findings

safer recruitment procedures can be followed when appointing staff. Paragraphs 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  Leaders do not employ supply staff at present. They understand the required checks on the suitability of supply staff should they be used in the future. Paragraphs 20(6)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(7)(b)  The proprietor body has a secure understanding of the required prohibition checks that need to be completed. Consequently, all safeguarding checks have been carried out. Suitable checks have been completed under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 for the leaders of the school.  The record of checks on current staff is kept as a secure electronic document and is complete.  The proprietor body has 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)–28(2)(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b), 30

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Main inspection findings

 The school building is large enough to accommodate the proposed new maximum number of 45 pupils. There is space in the existing classrooms to meet this increase.  Toilet facilities are suitable for the proposed increase in the numbers of pupils and staff. Toilets are well maintained. There is an appropriate supply of hot and cold water for handwashing. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and will not pose a scalding risk.  Leaders have ensured that drinking water is always available for existing pupils. It will be readily available for proposed new pupils.  On-site showers are provided. The shower facilities are suitable for the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  There is a medical room that is appropriately equipped. The room has a toilet and a basin with running hot and cold water. It has a bed, with appropriate bedding.  The proprietor body maintains the school premises to an acceptable standard. The

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Main inspection findings

existing policies on 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.  The outdoor area consists of a large field and surfaced playground. It is suitable for play and physical education. This will be suitable to accommodate the proposed new pupils.  The proprietor body has 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)(c)  Leaders demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards.  Leaders actively promote the well-being of pupils. They have ensured that the provision in place is suitable for the proposed increase in the number of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 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.

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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 hello@expanselearning.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 22 to 24 January 2019

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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 31 45 45

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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 31 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 31 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 30 45

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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 30 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 9

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 9 11

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Information about this school

 The school received its last standard inspection on 22 to 24 January 2019.  The school uses four alternative providers, of which three are unregistered.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned Ofsted to carry out this inspection because the proprietor body applied to make a material change to the school’s registration. The proprietor body requested an increase in the maximum pupil capacity from 31 to 45.  The school caters for pupils with a range of special educational needs, including autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  This was the school’s first material change inspection in respect of this proposed increase in the maximum pupil capacity.  The inspector met with the headteacher, members of the leadership team and the chief executive officer. She undertook a tour of the school premises. She analysed a wide range of documents, including those relating to safeguarding and matters of health and safety. She spoke with four pupils about safeguarding. In addition, the inspector examined the school’s record of pre-employment checks on staff and the

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Inspection team

Elizabeth Stevens, 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

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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