Learning4Life-GY

School material change inspection report

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155–159 Freeman Street, Grimsby DN32 7AP

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietors, one of whom is the headteacher, have ensured that there is a safeguarding policy in place and available on the school’s website. The policy is detailed and complies with current government guidance in relation to ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (2022).  The proprietors train all staff in child protection and the wider aspects of safeguarding, including those highly pertinent to the local context. Staff are confident in raising any concerns they have about a child. Pupils trust staff to help them with any problems or worries they have.  The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is the headteacher and co-proprietor. The deputy DSL is a co-proprietor. Both of these leaders have completed enhanced training in child protection. The DSL and her deputy are knowledgeable and work in tandem with local agencies to ensure that pupils get help outside school when this is

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Main inspection findings

needed. The DSL and her deputy keep accurate and detailed records of all safeguarding concerns and referrals. They are proactive in contacting local authority partners if any pupil at the school needs additional support and/or protection.  Proprietors’ oversight of safety and well-being in school is strong. There are secure safeguarding systems in place. The proprietors have established a school scrutiny panel to govern the school. It meets each half term and monitors the progress and outcomes of all safeguarding referrals. Members review the school’s safeguarding arrangements at each meeting.  The proprietors have ensured that these independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 11, 12  There is a well-considered health and safety policy in place. Staff are trained in health

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Main inspection findings

and safety and know what they are expected to do to with regard to their role in school. The headteacher ensures that staff implement health and safety procedures correctly. Health and safety records show that staff complete relevant site checks daily, weekly, monthly and annually, as directed by the policy. The co-proprietor has appropriate qualifications to carry out this role.  The proprietors are aware of the importance of having secure fire risk assessments in place. There is a robust, up-to-date fire risk assessment in place that covers the current school site. This assessment is reviewed annually. The proprietors wish to increase the numbers of pupils in the school and expand the school to a second site. They have completed a fire risk assessment to include the school’s additional, second site.  The headteacher ensures that checks of fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation drills are completed regularly and consistently. All staff complete training in

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Main inspection findings

fire safety. There are four members of staff who have received enhanced fire warden training.  The proprietors have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 14  Pupils are supervised effectively, and behaviour around the school is calm and appropriate. Pupils like the small class sizes and appreciate the support they receive from staff. The proprietors are aware of the additional support that pupils in the school need; as a consequence, the ratio of staff to pupils is high. They are committed to maintaining current staffing levels and act flexibly in ensuring that pupils and students are only admitted once the most appropriate staff are in place.  The proprietors have ensured that this standard is likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  There is a detailed risk assessment policy in place. The proprietors have ensured that

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Main inspection findings

staff know how to identify, assess and reduce risks around the school and when taking pupils off site. Risk assessments are completed consistently by staff and monitored carefully by the headteacher. Risk assessments are well considered and cover many eventualities. The proprietors have considered the risks that pupils and students may face in the street outside the centre and when travelling the short distance between sites. They have acted accordingly.  The proprietors have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 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(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(i)(dd), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 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)  The proprietors know how to recruit staff safely. The proprietors and administrators check application forms thoroughly and in line with their robust safer recruitment procedures. The headteacher exercises her safeguarding responsibilities well throughout the recruitment process. The headteacher ensures that references are collected diligently.  The headteacher makes sure that all required pre-employment checks are completed on adults before they start working at the school. She ensures that safer recruitment

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Main inspection findings

checks are completed on all members of the school board before they start to work with the school.  The proprietors have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve the material change. Paragraph 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(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Information from pre-employment checks is stored on a central record. The central record has sections covering all adults who work or volunteer at the school, including supply staff and board members. The headteacher ensures that there are no gaps in the information on the central record and that entries are kept up to date. The scrutiny panel checks the central record for completeness and accuracy as part of the school’s regular safeguarding audits.  The proprietors have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the DfE

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 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 proprietors have requested an increase in the number of pupils able to be admitted to the school from 40 to 80. They have developed additional school premises to accommodate this potential increase in the school roll. This new site also has a large kitchen and dining space that will help leaders in their desire to enrich pupils’ and students’ experience. The additional premises are a short walk from the school. The estimated pupil capacity based on the existing school building and the layout of the additional site is in line with the number of pupils requested on the material change application. The proprietors have started to use their new accommodation

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Main inspection findings

with their current number on roll. This transition has been very well managed.  Both school sites have appropriate toilets and shower facilities for the age of the pupils in the school. The temperature of the water at hand basins and sinks is maintained at a safe level. There are kitchens, with appropriate drinking water signage around the school sites, for easy access to refreshments.  There are two medical rooms in the school, one on each site. Both medical rooms have a bed and hand basin and are close to a toilet. These rooms are available for pupils to use any time they are feeling unwell or require treatment.  Both school buildings are very welcoming and maintained to an extremely high standard. Classrooms are light and airy, and acoustic levels are comfortable.  The entrance areas to both school buildings are designed to ensure security and pupil safety. There is adequate external lighting at both sites.

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Main inspection findings

 The original school building has a well-equipped boxing gym and sports hall.  The proprietors have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  There is an up-to-date child protection policy that complies with current statutory requirements. The policy is published on the school website and easily accessible to parents and carers. A printed copy of the policy is available on request.  The proprietors have ensured that this standard is likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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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 proprietors have a clear vision for the school and show strong commitment to their community. The rationale behind the material change request is based on need in the local area.  The proprietors are experienced school leaders. The current school is well organised and well ordered. Leaders know exactly what they want from the proposed expanded school and have clear plans in place to support the school as it grows and develops.  The proprietors have a well-established and multi-skilled scrutiny board to provide the function of school governance. The members of this board have the knowledge and skills to provide support and challenge to the headteacher. The board meets half termly to scrutinise information provided by leaders.  The proprietors have developed robust systems to record all training completed by

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Main inspection findings

staff. Training records are regularly checked to ensure that mandatory refresher training is completed as required. Staff complete safeguarding training as part of their induction and then on a very regular basis. The DSL runs additional, regular safeguarding training sessions for staff.  Pupils have no concerns about the expansion of the school. They trust the staff in the school to meet their needs and sort out any worries they may have.  The proprietors have ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material change.

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £12,000 to £32,000

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School details

Email address claire@learning4life-gy.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 21 to 23 September 2021

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 39 80 80

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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 40 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 24 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 24 60

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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 24 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 15 20

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Information about this school

 Learning4Life-GY is an independent special school that is run by Learning4Life-GY CIC. It is situated in Grimsby, in north-east Lincolnshire.  There are two proprietors, who form the proprietorial body. One of the proprietors is the headteacher.  The school does not use any alternative providers.  The school provides education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those with education, health and care plans. The school provides education for pupils with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety and social, emotional and mental health needs.  A number of pupils who attend the school are recent arrivals to the country. They are learning English through the English for speakers of other languages course that the school provides.  The school has a sixth form.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in response to the proprietor’s request for a material change. The material change requested is to increase the number of pupils who can be admitted to the school from 40 to 80 and to add a second school site. There is no change requested to the age range of pupils in the school or the SEND provision.  This is the school’s first material change inspection.  Leaders were given two days’ notice of the inspection. The inspection lasted one day and was conducted by one inspector.  The inspector met with the headteacher/proprietor and DSL.  The inspector undertook a tour of the school and visited the classrooms, social areas and other facilities. The inspector visited and toured the additional site. The inspector checked both school buildings and grounds against the independent school standards.  The inspector observed pupils’ behaviour around the school.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector scrutinised school documents and the arrangements to safeguard pupils. This included checking the school’s safeguarding systems and the single central record and meeting with the DSL.

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Inspection team

Marcus Newby, lead inspector His 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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