Pegasus School

School material change inspection report

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Pegasus School Main Street, Cauldwell, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6RS

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  Strong relationships between pupils and staff underpin the culture of safeguarding at this school. As many pupils find communication difficult, staff are highly attuned to noticing differences in how pupils present and noting anything of concern.  All staff receive regular training in safeguarding. Some of this takes place online. Leaders make sure that this is completed and that staff understand the training. Staff know how to raise concerns about pupils or the behaviour of another adult.  Leaders want all pupils to be able to raise concerns. They make sure that there are ways through which pupils who are at an early stage of being able to communicate can do this. This includes simple signs and the use of technology to explain if they are confused or do not want something to happen.  Pupils know who to tell if they are worried or upset. Staff act on any concerns straight

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Main inspection findings

away. They liaise closely with external agencies to make sure that pupils and their families get the right help as swiftly as possible.  Pupils feel safe at school. They know that they need to follow simple rules to stay safe. For example, they can explain that they have to wait until the swing stops before they get off or wait behind the fence if they are feeding the goats.  Leaders have adapted what they teach to make sure that pupils learn how to stay safe online. They make sure that parents also understand the work that the school is doing in this regard.  There is a systematic audit of the school’s safeguarding procedures undertaken by the trust. Leaders address any areas identified straight away.  There is a clear policy on the school’s website which is up to date. Paragraphs 11, 12  Policies are in place for health and safety and fire safety.  Leaders make sure that there are regular checks of equipment, such as fire

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Main inspection findings

extinguishers. These are stored so that they are accessible but do not present a danger to pupils.  There are regular meetings to make sure that the site is safe. Potential hazards are identified and swiftly acted on.  Leaders liaise with external agencies who undertake checks. They make sure that any concerns raised are addressed. Paragraph 14  Leaders have made sure that there are enough staff to supervise pupils appropriately.  Leaders, including the proprietors, can explain how they plan to increase this number in the event that the school’s proposal to increase numbers on roll is approved. This includes increasing leadership and therapeutic staff as well as staff who work in the classrooms. Leaders have a plan in place for how staff would be recruited. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There are comprehensive risk assessments in place for the site. Risks are clearly identified and control measures are identified to mitigate these risks. These are

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Main inspection findings

reviewed when the use of the site changes, for example in keeping a small number of livestock on site. Appropriate expertise and advice are used in drawing these risk assessments up.  There are risk assessments in place for activities where pupils are learning off site. These are linked to the pupils’ individual risk assessments. Things which may cause pupils distress are identified along with suggestions of how these could be managed. These risk assessments are reviewed prior to visits taking place.  Individual risk assessments are in place where pupils’ behaviour may present a risk to themselves and others. These risk assessments explain some of the factors which may cause a pupil to become anxious or distressed. Control measures are included which identify the safest way to manage any outbursts. These plans are reviewed regularly.  The school is likely to continue to meet these independent school standards (the

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Main inspection findings

standards) if the material change is implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The single central record is well kept and comprehensive. Staff understand exactly what checks should be made before a member of staff starts work.  Leaders regularly check the single central record to assure themselves that this is the case.  The school is likely to continue to meet these standards if the material change is implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  There are toilets available for pupils that are solely for their use. This includes toilets for those who may need assistance with toileting. The toilet facilities include supplies of hot and cold water at safe temperatures.  Pupils have access to an accessible shower room in both buildings. All ages of pupils can use these. These showers have adaptations for pupils with additional needs.  Signage indicates where there is drinking-water. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a medical room for pupils who are unwell, which is close to a toilet. It is not used for teaching. Paragraph 25  There has been much recent renovation as the school has been reorganised. The premises are tidy and well maintained.  The refurbishment of an additional room is almost complete. This would provide sufficient additional space for one additional class.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 26 to 27(b)  The lighting and acoustics in the building are suitable. Paragraphs 29 to 29(1)(b)  There are extensive grounds which pupils access with careful supervision. There is plenty of space for pupils to use for exercise and to socialise. This space has been thoughtfully developed so that it can enhance their learning.  The school is likely to continue to meet these standards if the material change is implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders understand the standards. The proprietor has ensured that leaders are receiving appropriate support and training in the early stages of headship.  Leaders have considered carefully the implications of a material change. They have made sure that the school is likely to continue to meet the standards if the material change is implemented.  The proprietor understands its duties with regard to health and safety and pupils’ welfare. It also considers the welfare of staff and their workload and well-being.  Leaders can clearly explain how and where additional pupils could be accommodated at the school. They have realistic plans for growth. They have a plan to recruit the right staff to a range of roles so that pupils continue to benefit from high-quality teaching, appropriate support and therapeutic care.  The school is likely to continue to meet these standards if the material change is

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £125,000 to £155,993

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School details

Email address pegasus.info@senadgroup.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 15 to 17 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 19 7 to 19 7 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 22 32 32

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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 22 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 22 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 22 Up to 32

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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 22 Up to 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 8

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Information about this school

 Pegasus School is an independent special school which caters for pupils with severe learning disabilities, autism and associated needs such as challenging behaviour and social difficulties.  The school is registered to provide education for up to 26 pupils. There are currently 22 pupils on roll at the school.  All pupils have education, health and care plans and are funded by various local authorities.  The school does not use alternative provision.  The school received a standard inspection from 15 to 17 March 2022.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the school’s request to increase the number of approved pupil places from 26 to 32.  This was the school’s first material change inspection for this proposed change in its provision.  The inspector considered the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to the arrangements for safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment; supervision of pupils; recruitment of staff; the suitability of the premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.  The inspector met with a representative from the board of proprietors, the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and some other members of staff.  During lunchtime, the inspector met informally with pupils and staff.  The inspector undertook a tour of the site, including the room which was undergoing refurbishment. She considered documentation relating to health and safety, fire safety

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Information about this inspection

and risk assessment.  During the inspection, the inspector considered a range of documentation relating to safeguarding. She scrutinised the single central record and discussed the system for undertaking checks on staff.

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Inspection team

Hazel Henson, 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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