Lakeside School

School material change inspection report

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Lakeside School Naylors Road, Liverpool, Merseyside L27 2YA

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(2), 2A(1), 2A(2), 2A(3)  The proprietor body has written a suitable overarching curriculum policy. Leaders have written individual subject policies and schemes of work that underpin this overarching curriculum policy. The curriculums take into account the age and needs of all pupils, including those with an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Pupils are taught all subjects in the national curriculum which gives them experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. The policies and schemes of work also provide teachers with information about what pupils in key stage 4 will learn and when. This includes different pathways for qualifications such as GCSEs and functional skills. This means that teachers are prepared for key stage 4 pupils, should the proposed material

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Main inspection findings

change be approved.  Leaders have ensured that all pupils receive personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This is appropriate to the needs of the pupils, including those who will be in key stage 4, should the material change be approved. The PSHE programme pays particular regard to the protected characteristics.  Pupils receiving secondary education already have access to impartial careers advice and guidance. This helps them to make informed choices about a broad range of careers. This is suitable for key stage 4 pupils, should the material change be approved.  Pupils receiving primary education are provided with relationships education. Those receiving secondary education are provided with relationships and sex education (RSE). The proprietor body has a written policy for this and has consulted with parents and carers. The policy is available on the website. It includes information

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Main inspection findings

about parents’ right to withdraw their child from elements of this curriculum. The proprietor body has appropriately considered what RSE is required for pupils in key stage 4, should the material change be approved. Paragraph 3  The proprietor body has ensured that the teaching in school helps pupils to acquire new knowledge, as well as address gaps in their prior learning. The schemes of work, including those that have been written for key stage 4, help teachers to know what essential knowledge to teach and when.  Leaders have ensured that staff have secure subject knowledge and the expertise to teach the curriculum, including in key stage 4. This includes the recruitment of secondary-specialist teachers. The proprietor body has ensured that staff have the resources that they need to teach the curriculum well, including should the extra key stage be added. This includes specialist equipment in classrooms such as the science

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Main inspection findings

laboratory. Paragraph 4  Leaders have a framework in place to assess pupils’ work and for teachers to provide timely and helpful feedback to pupils. This helps to inform future teaching and enables teachers to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils. This framework is suitable for key stage 4 pupils. Pupil performance is evaluated and monitored. Leaders have made provision for an examinations cupboard so that they can safely and securely store examination papers for key stage 4 pupils, should the proposed material change be approved.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5  The proprietor body has ensured that the curriculum supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders promote fundamental British values,

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Main inspection findings

including democracy and the rule of law. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in democratic processes such as electing members of the school council and interviewing prospective members of staff. Leaders ensure that teaching and other activities organised by the school preclude partisan political views. They have fully considered how they will build on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development into key stage 4, should the material change be approved.  Leaders ensure that the current curriculum and enrichment activities support pupils’ personal development. Leaders have made suitable plans for pupils in key stage 4 to experience an appropriate wider personal development programme, including clubs and enrichment activities.  Staff, including members of the clinical team, help pupils to develop self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils learn to regulate their own behaviour and to understand right

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Main inspection findings

from wrong. Leaders have considered how they will support pupils’ behaviour and ability to self-regulate in key stage 4, should the material change be approved. They have adapted policies and procedures.  Debates in lessons help current pupils to listen to each other and appreciate views that are different from their own. Pupils are taught about protected characteristics and different cultural traditions. They are encouraged to be tolerant and respectful citizens who make a positive contribution to their community and wider society. Leaders have considered how older pupils in key stage 4 will learn about protected characteristics, as defined in the Equality Act 2010, in an age-appropriate way.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 31(c)  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a detailed safeguarding policy in place.

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Main inspection findings

It includes the most current statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils. The policy is published on the school’s website. It is supported by effective arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare. This policy has been suitably adapted to reflect the needs of pupils in key stage 4, should the material change be approved.  There are two designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) who are supported well by the safeguarding lead for the proprietor body. Staff receive appropriate induction, safeguarding training and regular updates and briefings. Leaders have considered how they will adapt staff training to reflect the different needs of key stage 4 pupils. Paragraphs 11, 12, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor body has a written health and safety policy, which is tailored to the premises of the school. It complies with all relevant laws. There are robust monitoring procedures in place to ensure that all health and safety checks are completed

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Main inspection findings

regularly. Leaders carry out regular fire safety checks of the premises and these are suitably logged. Fire evacuation routes are clearly lit and signposted. The proprietor body ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Leaders have fully considered how an increase in pupil numbers will impact on the welfare and safety of pupils in the school. They have appropriately amended their health and safety policies and their monitoring procedures.  A written risk assessment policy is in place. Risk assessments show that leaders take appropriate actions to reduce any identified risks to pupils, including those in key stage 4, should the number on roll be increased. Paragraph 14  Pupils are supervised at all times, including when arriving and leaving school and at breaktime and transition times. Staffing levels are high. The proposed number of staff will help to ensure that pupils will continue to be appropriately supervised throughout

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Main inspection findings

the school day. Leaders are appointing additional staff in preparation for the increase in pupil numbers, and the addition of key stage 4, should the material change be approved. They have a three-year plan to address staffing levels, which are already very high.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(3), 18(4), 19(1), 19(2), 19(3), 19(4), 20(6), 21  The single central record (SCR) is in place and contains all the necessary information. Leaders complete all the required checks on the suitability of staff before they take up appointment. This includes agency staff and those that are being appointed in preparation for a potential increase in pupil numbers and age.  Records relating to the proprietor body are included on the SCR. All the suitability

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Main inspection findings

checks, including those relating to the leadership and management of the school, have also been carried out.  The proprietor body and leaders have completed appropriate safer recruitment training to support the appointment of suitable staff to work in a school. They have ensured that any new employees have the experience that they need to meet the needs of the pupils in the school. This includes the subject-specialist staff who are being appointed in preparation for a potential increase in numbers in key stage 4. Induction documentation for new staff ensures that they undergo a wide range of safeguarding and related training upon appointment.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23  The proprietor body has recently extended the existing school building. The school

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Main inspection findings

site now includes the original primary school building and an adjoined secondary school building. There are some shared spaces for primary and secondary pupils in the new building, such as the dining room and rooms which allow pupils to receive therapy sessions and/or sessions with specialist teachers and clinical staff. The building is maintained to a high standard. Both the primary and secondary spaces have numerous classrooms and breakout rooms. In the new building, there are specialist rooms such as a science laboratory, food technology room, design technology room and information technology room.  The extended school building will cater effectively for the proposed increase in the number and age of pupils should the material change be approved.  There are suitable toilets in the primary school building and in the secondary school building for the sole use of pupils. There are separate toilet cubicles that can be

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Main inspection findings

secured from the inside. There are toilets that are suitable for people with a disability which are also available for visitors to use. There are sufficient toilets to accommodate the proposed increase in numbers.  There is changing accommodation and showers for pupils in the secondary school area to use. These areas are new, clean and suitable for pupils to use following physical education. They will accommodate the proposed increase in numbers, should the material change be approved. Paragraph 24  There is a designated medical room in the primary area for all pupils in the school to use. It has a bed, pillow and blanket, as well as a sink for handwashing. There is easy access to a toilet. A second medical room in the secondary space also has a bed, pillow, blanket and sink. Both rooms are equipped with a first-aid kit and a lockable medicine cabinet is situated in one of the medical rooms. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 28

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Main inspection findings

 The accommodation is maintained to a high standard. It meets all requirements for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils, including should the material change be approved. The new building is light and spacious. Both parts of the building are clean and tidy. All of the rooms used by pupils have appropriate acoustics and lighting suitable for the purpose of the different rooms. There is adjustable lighting in many of the classrooms in the new building.  Drinking-water is clearly labelled and available for pupils throughout the day. Paragraph 29  The extensive school grounds provide ample outdoor space for pupils and will easily accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers. There are separate and appropriately equipped areas for primary pupils and for secondary pupils. All pupils have access to safe and secure outdoor areas to play in when not in lessons. The outdoor space is also suitable for physical education lessons, including for key stage 4

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Main inspection findings

pupils.  There is external lighting to ensure that pupils, staff, parents and carers and visitors can enter and leave the site and building safely.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor body and school leaders demonstrate an excellent understanding of the independent school standards. There are robust procedures in place to monitor compliance. Members of the proprietor body and school leaders have the knowledge and experience required to carry out their roles successfully and to accommodate the material change requested. They are committed to providing a high-quality education for pupils and actively promoting the well-being of pupils.  The independent school standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for

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Main inspection findings

the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The accessibility plan fully reflects the school’s statutory responsibilities. 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £66,525 to £106,246

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School details

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

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 December 2019

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 13 5 to 16 5 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 42 114 114

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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 42 114

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 42 114

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 42 114

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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 42 114

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 10 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 1 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 33 53

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Information about this school

 The school’s previous standard inspection was on 3 to 5 December 2019.  A material change inspection, commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), was carried out on 25 May 2022.  All pupils who attend this school have an EHC plan. Most are for speech, language and communication needs, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school is part of the Witherslack Group.  Leaders do not use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The proprietor body has applied for a material change to increase the pupil numbers from 42 to 114, and to change the age range from 5 to 13 years old to 5 to 16 years old.  The DfE requested that Ofsted conduct a material change inspection to report against paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16 and 34. The DfE also requested a report against parts 4 and 5 of the independent school standards.  This is the second material change inspection since the school’s last independent school standard inspection in December 2019.  The inspector checked those aspects of safeguarding that were directly linked to the material change application.  The inspector met with the headteacher and senior leaders of the school. She also met with a representative of the proprietor body. The inspector spoke to the DSL and a senior member of the administration team who maintains the single central record.  The inspector was accompanied by the headteacher as she made a tour of the school

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Information about this inspection

and grounds to check the suitability of the premises against the relevant independent school standards.  The inspector also looked at a range of documents and policies relevant to the material change request. This included documents relating to the curriculum; pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development; health and safety information; and fire safety and risk assessment documentation. The inspector also checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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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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Inspection team

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