LIFE Wirral Sports School

LIFE Wirral Sports School 126 Victoria Road, New Brighton, Merseyside CH45 9LD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders’ arrangements to safeguard pupils are effective.  The school has a detailed policy about the arrangements for safeguarding pupils. The policy makes appropriate reference to current guidance from the government. The safeguarding policy contains clear links to additional information contained in other relevant policies, such as the ‘Prevent’ duty and the use of mobile phones and cameras.  Leaders, staff and the proprietor are suitably trained in safeguarding. Staff know how to spot the signs of abuse. They are clear about what to do if they have any concerns. Leaders keep high-quality, detailed records of any safeguarding concerns. They ensure that referrals are made in a timely manner. Leaders ensure that any safeguarding and welfare concerns are followed up quickly with appropriate authorities, including the local authority and the police.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have a secure knowledge of how to respond to safeguarding allegations concerning members of staff. Leaders have clear expectations of staff conduct, which they have summarised in a suitable staff behaviour policy. Leaders follow the correct procedures in the event of breaches of this policy.  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate filtering and monitoring procedures are in place on the school’s internet connection.  Pupils said that they feel safe in the school. Leaders work effectively to promote pupils’ welfare. Pupils know whom to approach for help, if needed, and they have confidence that any concerns that they may have will be resolved quickly by staff. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b)  There is a suitable written behaviour policy in place. It contains relevant information, such as the responsibilities that staff have to promote good behaviour, and information about rewards and sanctions for pupils. Staff know and understand the

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Main inspection findings

school’s policy. They implement the behaviour policy effectively.  There is clear information about the school’s approach to the use of restrictive physical interventions. Leaders have provided staff with training, so that they know how to hold pupils safely when required.  Pupils reported that behaviour in the school is good and that they can learn in lessons without disruption. The inspector found that pupils behave well in lessons. There is a calm and orderly atmosphere during breaktimes. Pupils have positive and respectful relationships with staff. Pupils’ conduct, which was observed during the inspection, was generally positive. Paragraph 13  The proprietor body has ensured that there is a suitable first-aid policy in place. There are sufficient trained first-aiders in the school who have completed appropriate training. Leaders ensure that suitable first-aid resources are easily accessible. Paragraph 16, 16(a), (16b)

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Main inspection findings

 There is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The policy includes guidance for staff on how to reduce risks to pupils. Leaders have completed detailed risk assessments for when pupils will be off site on trips and at work experience placements. Risks are well managed in the school.  The proprietor has ensured that all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–19(2)(d)(ii)  The proprietor body has ensured that there are appropriate systems in place to check that all staff are suitable to work with pupils. These checks include identity checks, the right to work in the United Kingdom and an enhanced criminal record check.  The proprietor keeps legible, electronically stored records of the checks that have been carried out on staff. Paragraph 20, 21(6)–21(7)(b)  All appropriate checks on the suitability of staff, the proprietor and members of the advisory board are recorded on a single central record. This meets statutory requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32, 32(1), 32(1)(c)  At the start of the inspection, the safeguarding policy published on the school’s website did not reflect the most up-to-date version that was in operation in the school. This administrative error was swiftly rectified by leaders. An up-to-date copy of the school’s safeguarding policy is now published on the school’s website.  The proprietor has ensured that the standard inspected that relates to the provision of safeguarding information in this part is met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The school’s complaints policy complies with requirements. For example, the policy clearly explains the three-stage process to be followed in the case of a complaint. This includes the inclusion of an independent member at the stage three panel hearing and the right for a parent to attend. Timescales for responding to a complaint, as set out in the policy, are appropriate. The policy is available for parents and carers on request.  Leaders have a suitable complaints policy in place. Leaders outlined that they have not received any formal complaints from parents, carers or others from outside the school that follow the correct complaints process. Leaders provided evidence that when they receive informal complaints from parents and others, they manage these effectively.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are met.

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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 proprietor and leaders have ensured that the school meets all of the standards that were checked during this inspection.  There were no wider issues that arose during the inspection relating to the concerns that had been raised with the Department for Education (DfE).  The proprietor has a clear vision for the school. He has ensured that leaders in the school have the experience and knowledge required to carry out their roles effectively. Leaders meet frequently with the proprietor to provide information that enables the proprietor to monitor the quality of the provision.  The proprietor has ensured that all the standards in this part are met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 2

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 14 to 16 June 2022

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Information about this school

 The school’s last inspection was a standard inspection in June 2022.  The provider is located at 126 Victoria Road, New Brighton, Merseyside CH45 9LD.  The school caters for pupils who have an education, health and care plan, primarily for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.  Admission to the school is via a referral from the commissioning local authority.  Leaders do not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This emergency inspection was commissioned by the DfE.  The inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008 and was conducted without notice.  The DfE requested that the inspector reported on the independent school standards in respect of safeguarding, welfare, health and safety of pupils, suitability of staff and proprietors, provision of information relating to safeguarding, and the manner in which complaints are handled. The inspector also reported on the standards relating to the leadership and management of the school.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher, a wide range of staff and the proprietor. The inspector held a telephone call with a representative of the local authority.  The inspector spoke with groups of pupils from across the school.  The inspector scrutinised a range of school documentation.  The inspector toured the school. He visited lessons across the school. He also

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Information about this inspection

observed pupils during breaktimes and lunchtimes. The inspector spoke with pupils during unstructured times.

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Inspection team

Ahmed Marikar, 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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