Calder Lodge School

School material change inspection report

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Oakenclough, Preston, Lancashire PR3 1UL

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  There is a detailed safeguarding policy in place that is also available on the school’s website. The policy reflects the most up-to-date legislation from the Secretary of State. It is supported by a range of other school policies and detailed risk assessments.  All staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, have received up-to-date safeguarding training. Staff who are new to the school receive relevant training as part of the school’s programme for induction.  The proprietor body ensures that arrangements to support the welfare, health and safety of pupils are in place. These arrangements are likely to meet the needs of the increased numbers of pupils on the school’s roll, should the material change request be approved. Paragraph 11, 12  The detailed health and safety policy reflects current legislation. There is a robust

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Main inspection findings

recording system that is monitored frequently to ensure that all health and safety checks are completed in a timely manner. These checks include all of the main teaching areas, including those that are outdoors on the school’s extensive grounds.  The fire alarm and emergency lighting system are checked annually by an independent, suitably qualified person. Fire evacuation routes are clearly displayed throughout the building. All routes are free from clutter, and fire doors are in good working order.  The proprietor body has ensured that the school premises are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Regulations. Paragraph 14, 16–16(b)  The proposed staff-to-pupil ratio will be suitable if the material change is approved. This ensures that pupils are appropriately supervised throughout the day.  The risk assessment policy is closely linked to the comprehensive health and safety

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Main inspection findings

policy. Detailed risk assessments are completed for a range of activities both on and off the school site. These activities include visits to places of historical interest in the local area, transport to and from school, and outdoor learning activities in the school grounds.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(2)–18(3), 19(2)–19(3), 21  All the required checks have been carried out for the current staff in the school. The proprietor body intends that all checks will be completed for any future staff before they begin working at the school. This will include checking that new employees have the experience needed to support effectively the special educational needs and/or disabilities of the pupils who attend the school.  There is an appropriate induction programme in place for any new staff, including the safeguarding protocols within the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(1)(b)  The proprietor body has made a number of improvements to the accommodation within the building, such as the increased capacity of one of the existing teaching rooms on the first floor. The proprietor body has also reconfigured some of the existing space in another area of the first floor. This has enabled the creation of an additional teaching room. These improvements will cater effectively for the proposed increase in the number of pupils on the school’s roll, should the material change be approved.  There is a dedicated room for the medical treatment of pupils. The room is well equipped and includes a suitable bed, pillow and duvet. The room also has suitable handwashing facilities and there is access to a toilet.  There is an adequate number of toilets for the sole use of pupils on both the ground

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Main inspection findings

and the first floor of the building. There are separate toilets for staff. On the ground floor, there is a toilet that is suitable for people with a disability. This toilet is also available for visitors to use. Paragraph 25, 26, 27  The proprietor body ensures that the premises are maintained to a high standard. The work completed to improve the building further matches the same high quality of the existing facilities. Furniture and resources are suitable for the intended use and the increased number of pupils on roll.  In all areas of the school building, the acoustics and lighting are appropriate for the use of the rooms. All windows on the upper floors have secure fastenings to restrict how wide they can open, but to allow suitable ventilation. The stairwells and corridors are well lit and free from clutter.  There is suitable outside lighting over the entrance and car park area. This enables staff and pupils to be able to enter and leave the premises safely in low light

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Main inspection findings

conditions. Paragraph 28(1)–28(1)(d), 28(2)–28(2)(b)  Drinking water is clearly labelled and is available for pupils throughout the day. Handwashing facilities are easily accessible for pupils. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and does not pose a risk of scalding. Paragraph 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The existing outdoor space is extensive and will accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers with ease. There is space set aside for quiet reflection and a space with seating for pupils to socialise. There is also a large area for exploration and learning among the mature trees and shrubs and in the developing wildlife area.  The hard-surface area is suitable for the delivery of the physical education curriculum.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for a material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has a comprehensive understanding of the independent school standards. The members of the proprietor body clearly demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills and understanding that they need to carry out their roles effectively.  Leaders at all levels are extremely vigilant about all aspects of safeguarding. They use their knowledge and expertise to ensure that the needs of all pupils are effectively met. The welfare, health and safety of all pupils are promoted well.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards relating to the material change request are likely to be met if the change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan in place. It details how all pupils will have equal access to the curriculum, including outdoor

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Main inspection findings

learning.  The proprietor body has ensured that the requirements 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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 8 to 10 June 2021

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 11 No change No change

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 38 48 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed No change Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 38 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 38 48

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 38 As required

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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 38 As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 8 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 13 15

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Information about this school

 All pupils who attend this school have an education, health and care plan related to autism spectrum disorder and/or their social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs.  The referral route for placing pupils at the school is through local authorities from across the North West region.  No use is made of alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor body requested an increase in the number of pupils on roll.  The inspector met with a representative from the proprietor body and the headteacher to discuss all aspects of the material change.  The inspector was accompanied by a representative from the proprietor body as she toured the premises, including the school grounds.  The inspector scrutinised a range of documentation relating to safeguarding and the school’s premises. She also reviewed further evidence relating to the independent school standards, as identified on the inspection commissioning form.

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Information about this inspection

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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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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

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