Lakeside School

School material change inspection report

p.1

Lakeside School Naylors Road, Liverpool, Merseyside L27 2YA

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. The policy is available on the school’s website. The policy pays due regard to the most up-to-date guidance from the Secretary of State. It is supported by a range of other policies such as arrangements for filtering and monitoring pupils’ access to the internet.  All staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, have received up-to-date safeguarding training. As part of the school’s comprehensive programme for induction, leaders plan to ensure that any new staff receive relevant safeguarding training.  Effective 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.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor body has ensured that the health and safety policy reflects current legislation. The comprehensive monitoring procedures demonstrate that all health and safety checks are completed in a timely manner.  The emergency lighting and fire alarm systems are checked annually by a suitably qualified, independent person. All fire doors are in working order. Fire evacuation routes are clearly signposted and are free from clutter.  The proprietor body has ensured that the school premises are compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 regulations. Paragraphs 14, 16–16(b)  The proposed staff-to-pupil ratio will be suitable should the material change be approved. This will help to ensure that pupils will be appropriately supervised throughout the day.  A detailed risk assessment policy, and comprehensive risk assessments, are in place and are designed well to mitigate any risk to pupils and/or staff. Risk assessments are

p.1

Main inspection findings

completed for a range of activities, including visits off site and when pupils are learning outdoors in the school grounds.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met should the request for the material change be approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(2)–18(3), 19(2)–19(3), 21  The proprietor body has ensured that all required checks have been carried out for the staff currently at the school. Checks will be completed for any future staff before they begin working at the school. This will include the right to work in the United Kingdom.  The proprietor body intends that any new employees will have the experience needed to support the special educational needs and/or disabilities of the pupils who attend the school effectively.  The proprietor body does not intend to use any supply staff. However, they know the processes to follow should it be necessary.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 There is a robust induction programme in place for any new staff, including up-to-date safeguarding and first-aid training.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the request for the material change be approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a)–23(1)(c), 24(1)–24(1)(b)  The school is in an old manor house and is set over three floors. There are also additional buildings set in the school grounds which are used as dedicated teaching areas. The main school building also comprises sensory rooms on each floor and smaller rooms which allow for pupils to receive therapy sessions and/or sessions with specialist teachers.  The accommodation overall will cater effectively for the proposed increase in the number of pupils should the material change be approved.  The dedicated medical room has a bed, pillow and duvet. The room also has suitable handwashing facilities and there is access to a toilet.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 There are an adequate number of toilets for the sole use of pupils. There are separate toilets for staff. There is a toilet suitable for people with a disability which is also available for visitors to use.  There is a suitable shower and changing facilities for older pupils to use following a physical education session. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27  The premises, and extensive school grounds, are maintained to a high standard. Furniture and resources are suitable for their intended use and the increased number of pupils on roll should the material change be approved.  In every room, the acoustics and lighting are appropriate for the intended use, including the sensory rooms on each floor.  All windows on the upper floors have security procedures in place to restrict how wide they can open while allowing suitable access to ventilation.  The corridors and stairwells are free from clutter and are well-lit. Additional handrails

p.2

Main inspection findings

have been fitted to support any pupils or staff who may require help to move freely around the building.  The outside lighting enables staff and pupils to enter and leave the premises safely when it is dark. Paragraph 28(1)–28(1)(d), 28(2)–28(2)(b)  Drinking water is clearly labelled and available for pupils throughout the day.  Hand washing facilities are available on each floor. The hot water is at a suitable temperature and does not pose a risk of scolding the pupils and staff. Paragraph 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The extensive school grounds will easily accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers. There are separate car parking facilities for staff and visitors.  In the grounds, there is a dedicated adventure play area for pupils to support pupils’ physical development, as well as develop their confidence and resilience. There is a sheltered area with seating which is suitable for story time. It can also be used to

p.3

Main inspection findings

enable pupils to socialise at breaktimes and lunchtimes.  There is a designated garden area with a polytunnel and raised beds for growing a range of plants and vegetables. The large pond and wildlife area are used for exploration and learning outdoors.  The separate hard surface and grassed areas are suitable for the delivery of the physical education curriculum.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the request for a material change be approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor body demonstrates a secure understanding of the independent school standards. The members of the proprietor body have the knowledge and experience required to carry out their roles effectively.  The welfare, health and safety of pupils are promoted well. Leaders at all levels use their knowledge and expertise to ensure that the needs of all pupils are met

p.3

Main inspection findings

effectively. Leaders are extremely vigilant about all aspects of safeguarding.  The proprietor body has ensured that the standards relating to the material change request are likely to be met should the change be approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan is detailed and identifies how all pupils will have equal access to the curriculum, including outdoor learning. The proprietor body has ensured that the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met.

p.3

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.6

School details

School status Independent special school

p.6

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £73,344 to £99,569

p.6

School details

Website www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/lakeside- school Email address lakeside@witherslackgroup.co.uk

p.6

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 December 2019

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 13 No change No change

p.6

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 30 42 42

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed No change Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 30 42

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 30 42

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 30 42

p.7

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 42

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 8

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 44 No change

p.7

Information about this school

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

p.7

Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor body has requested an increase in the number of pupils on roll.  The inspector met with a representative from the proprietor body, the headteacher the designated safeguarding lead and a member of the administration team.  The inspector was accompanied by the headteacher as she toured the school’s premises, including the school grounds.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation relating to safeguarding, including the school’s procedures for the recruitment of new staff. She also reviewed further documentation relating to the independent school standards as identified on the inspection commissioning form.

p.8

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 .

p.8

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.9

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.9

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.9

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.9

Inspection team

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

p.9

Inspection team

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

p.9