Harpurhey Alternative Provision School

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Christ Church Parish Hall, Water Street, Harpurhey, Manchester M9 5US

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(e) and 2(2)(e)(i)–(iii)  At the previous standard inspection in November 2022, the independent school standards (the standards) in this part were not met. Inspectors found that the curriculum was unambitious and covered only a narrow range of subjects. This limited the options available to pupils when considering their future education or employment. The curriculum failed to take account of pupils’ ages, aptitudes or learning needs, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. In particular, the curriculum for reading was poorly developed. Consequently, pupils did not learn or achieve as well as they should. Pupils also did not receive impartial careers guidance of an appropriate standard.  Following the standard inspection in November 2022, leaders submitted an action plan

p.1

Main inspection findings

setting out their proposals to address these issues. However, inspectors found that the plan provided insufficient assurance that the proposed actions would be successful.  During the progress monitoring inspection, inspectors found that in a few subjects, some small changes have been made to the curriculum. For example, schemes of work in these subjects now set out the key vocabulary for pupils to learn. However, the school has taken insufficient action to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs, ages and aptitudes of pupils who attend the school. Too little consideration has been given to the needs of pupils at the early stage of reading. There is no scheme of work for physical education.  Steps have not been taken to improve the careers guidance provided to pupils. The school does not ensure that pupils receive the impartial information that they need to help them to fulfil their potential and to move on to appropriate next steps in education,

p.1

Main inspection findings

employment or training. Paragraphs 3(d) and 3(f)  At the previous inspection, inspectors found that the learning activities provided for pupils did not meet their individual needs. For example, pupils did not have the prior knowledge or skills that they needed to understand or complete some activities. Pupils did not have access to an appropriate range of resources to support their learning. They did not have sufficient opportunities to practise and improve their reading.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in April 2023, inspectors found that the actions proposed to address these weaknesses were unlikely to be successful.  At the progress monitoring inspection, evidence showed that these weaknesses have not been addressed. The curriculum is not delivered effectively. The learning that pupils receive does not help them to build new knowledge securely on what they already know. The range of resources available to pupils, such as textbooks and literature, remains very

p.1

Main inspection findings

limited. This prevents pupils from learning and achieving as they should.  The school does not meet all of the standards in this part.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  When the school was inspected in November 2022, these standards were unmet. Inspectors found that leaders had not followed the most up-to-date guidance about safer recruitment procedures. For example, leaders had not checked the suitability of new staff before they took up their posts. Leaders did not demonstrate the diligence required when checking references for newly appointed staff.  The school submitted an action plan proposing actions to address these weaknesses. However, when this action plan was evaluated in April 2023, inspectors judged it to be unacceptable.  The evidence from the progress monitoring inspection showed that leaders have now taken appropriate actions to address the unmet standards. For example, staff’s qualifications have been checked and recorded. Leaders have worked effectively with the

p.2

Main inspection findings

local authority to improve their understanding of up-to-date statutory guidance.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable safeguarding policy and that this is published on the school’s website. This policy has regard to the appropriate statutory guidance. There are secure procedures in place for staff to report any concerns that they might have about a pupil’s welfare. Leaders ensure that all staff receive regular safeguarding training. This helps staff to recognise when pupils may be at risk of harm. Paragraph 9, 9(b)  At the previous standard inspection, this standard was found to be unmet. Inspectors found that the school’s behaviour policy was not implemented effectively. Pupils did not show courtesy towards staff. They did not behave well in lessons. This was found to disrupt the learning of other pupils.  In their action plan, leaders proposed appropriate actions to improve the implementation

p.2

Main inspection findings

of the behaviour policy. Inspectors evaluated these proposed actions as likely to be effective.  Evidence from the progress monitoring inspection showed that leaders have put their proposed actions into practice. For example, pupils are reminded consistently to speak courteously to staff and to each other. Behaviour in lessons is typically appropriate. Paragraph 11  When the school received its standard inspection in November 2022, this standard was found to be unmet. Leaders had not drawn up and implemented a suitable health and safety policy. This failure put pupils’ health, safety and welfare at risk.  In their action plan, leaders proposed actions to address this unmet standard. However, their action plan did not provide sufficient information to assure inspectors that these actions would be effective if they were implemented.  At the progress monitoring inspection, evidence gathered showed that leaders have now

p.2

Main inspection findings

drawn up a suitable health and safety policy. This policy is implemented effectively. For example, regular checks are carried out on the safety of electrical installations and gas boilers. Leaders make sure that water is tested to ensure that legionella is not present. Paragraph 12  At the previous standard inspection, leaders had not ensured the school’s compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In their subsequent action plan, leaders proposed to carry out an audit of fire safety. However, inspectors found insufficient information in this plan to explain precisely what actions leaders would take to address the unmet standard.  At the progress monitoring inspection, evidence showed that leaders have taken some appropriate steps to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Following a fire risk assessment, a procedure has been put in place to carry out regular

p.3

Main inspection findings

checks in order to minimise the risks of fire to pupil and staff safety. These checks include regular fire drills and inspections of firefighting equipment. However, leaders’ records show some inconsistencies in the execution and recording of some checks. For example, on occasion, there is no record to show that the weekly test of the fire alarm has been carried out. This prevents leaders from assuring themselves that all the necessary equipment is working as it should do. Paragraph 15  This standard was found to be met at the school’s inspection in November 2022. However, at the request of the Department for Education, the standard was included in the progress monitoring inspection.  During this inspection, leaders complied with their duty to make the admissions and attendance registers available to the inspector. These registers contain the information required by the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. Evidence

p.3

Main inspection findings

provided during the inspection showed that absences and late arrivals are recorded appropriately. There are clear procedures in place to check that pupils are safe when they are not in school. Paragraphs 16(a) and 16(b)  When the school was inspected in November 2022, inspectors found that the school had not developed or implemented a suitable risk assessment policy. Steps had not been taken to identify the hazards and associated risks in relation to the school site. This put the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff at risk.  When leaders’ action plan was evaluated in April 2023, inspectors found that leaders had neglected to propose actions that would meet the specific requirements of this standard.  During the progress monitoring inspection, the inspector found that since the previous inspection, leaders have put in place a suitable risk assessment policy. This is supported by a number of appropriate risk assessments. For example, there are risk assessments in

p.3

Main inspection findings

place for the safe storage of hazardous materials and for walks around the local area. However, consideration has not been given to all of the possible hazards and risks in school. There is no risk assessment relating to the use of the school’s outdoor area, for example for breaktimes or during PE sessions. This means that there are aspects of pupils’ and staff’s health, safety and welfare that remain potentially at risk.  The school does not meet all of the standards in this part.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(iv), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a) and 21(3)(a)(iv)  At the school’s standard inspection in November 2022, inspectors found that leaders did not carry out rigorous checks on the suitability of new staff to carry out their roles. In particular, they did not take or record appropriate action to assure themselves that new staff were appropriately qualified. Staff’s qualifications were not recorded as required on the school’s single central record.  In their action plan, leaders proposed some actions to address the unmet standards. For example, they proposed to develop a staffing policy and to put in place additional training. However, when inspectors evaluated the action plan in April 2023, the plan was found to contain insufficient information about how these actions would ensure that the standards were met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

 At the progress monitoring inspection, evidence showed that leaders have taken appropriate steps to check the qualifications of staff. This information is now appropriately recorded on the school’s single central record.  The standards in this part are met.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 25, 27 and 27(b)  When the school received its standard inspection in November 2022, inspectors found that the school premises were not well maintained. The premises were in a poor state of repair. This jeopardised the health, safety and welfare of staff and pupils. For example, there was no external lighting to ensure that people could safely enter and leave the school premises.  The school’s action plan showed that leaders proposed to establish regular reviews of the facilities. Leaders proposed to keep organised records to show compliance with necessary health and safety checks in relation to the premises. However, their action plan did not propose any actions to address the lack of external lighting.  During the progress monitoring inspection, leaders provided evidence of their work to maintain the premises to an appropriate standard. For example, they have commissioned

p.4

Main inspection findings

checks on gas and electrical installations by qualified individuals. Systems such as those for emergency lighting and water temperature are checked regularly. Records and certification of checks are clearly organised. Appropriate external lighting is in place. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  At the last inspection, this standard was judged to be unmet. Inspectors found that leaders did not ensure that there was a safe and suitable outside area for pupils to take exercise or to play games.  In their action plan, leaders proposed to investigate other suitable venues for physical activity. They proposed to refurbish the outside basketball court. However, inspectors found that the action plan contained no timescales or success criteria for these actions. Inspectors therefore judged leaders’ actions as unlikely to address the unmet standards.  During the progress monitoring inspection, inspectors found that the outdoor space

p.5

Main inspection findings

available at the school is of an adequate size for pupils to play games or to engage in physical activity. However, leaders have not taken sufficient steps to ensure that it is safe. For example, they have not assessed the hazards and potential risks that this outdoor area might pose to pupils and staff. Consequently, pupils currently at the school do not benefit from a suitable outdoor space.  The school does not meet all of the standards in this part.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b)  At the previous standard inspection in November 2022, these standards were found to be unmet. However, at the progress monitoring inspection, the inspector found that the school had published on its website the relevant information about the school’s address, the headteacher’s name and the proprietor’s name and contact details.  The standards in this part are met.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33(f)–(i) and 33(i)-(i)(ii)  At the previous standard inspection, inspectors found that while leaders had a complaint procedure for parents and carers, the procedure did not provide the required opportunity for a panel hearing that included an independent panel member.  In their action plan, leaders proposed actions to address this omission. Inspectors judged these actions as likely to address the unmet standard.  At the progress monitoring inspection, evidence showed that the school’s complaints policy is now compliant.  The standards in this part are met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) and 34(1)(a)–(c)  At the school’s standard inspection in November 2022, the standards in this part were unmet. The proprietor and leaders did not demonstrate the knowledge and skills to ensure that all of the standards were consistently met. Leaders’ action plan to address

p.5

Main inspection findings

the unmet standards was judged to be unacceptable in April 2023.  At the progress monitoring inspection, evidence showed that despite some improvements, leaders have not taken sufficient action to ensure that the school now meets all of the standards that were found to be unmet in November 2022. The quality of education remains poor.  The standards in this part are not met.

p.6

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet 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, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

p.7

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.

p.8

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £13,000 to £21,000

p.8

School details

Email address admin@haps.manchester.sch.uk

p.8

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 29 November to 1 December 2022

p.8

Information about this school

 The previous standard inspection took place from 29 November to 1 December 2022.  The school operates from premises at Christ Church Parish Hall, Water Street, Harpurhey, Manchester M9 5US.  The school is registered to admit 25 pupils.  All pupils at the school have social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This was the first progress monitoring inspection since the standard inspection in November 2022. The school prepared an action plan, which was evaluated by Ofsted in April 2023. The DfE rejected the action plan following the standard inspection.  This inspection was carried out without notice.  The inspector met with the proprietor and the headteacher.  The inspector undertook a tour of the premises and looked at a wide range of documentation to check compliance with the independent school standards.  To evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding, the inspector: reviewed the single central

p.9

Information about this inspection

record; took account of the views of leaders, staff and pupils; and considered the extent to which the school has created an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils’ interests first.

p.9

Inspection team

Mavis Smith, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.9

The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain unmet at this inspection

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work– – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are– – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.

p.10

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

p.10

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

p.10

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

p.10

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable– – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

p.11

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school– – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

p.11

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b)such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

p.11

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety

 9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that- – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

p.11

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if– – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person– – 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications.

p.12

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (“S”) appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications.

p.12

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.

p.12

Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate.

p.12

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which– – 32(1)(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 32(g) ensures that where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 32(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 32(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is-

p.12

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

– 32(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher. 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.13

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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.14

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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.14

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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.14

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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.14

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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

p.14

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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

p.14