Changing Lives

School progress monitoring inspection report

p.1

Changing Lives Changing Lives, Nursery Farm, Isherwood Road, Carrington M31 4BH

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i)-2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g)  At the standard inspection in November 2023, some of the school’s work to develop the curriculum was very recent. The proprietor had not ensured that the curriculum policy, plans and schemes of work were implemented effectively. Pupils’ learning in academic subjects was uneven. In addition, the proprietor had neglected to ensure that the programme of activities for students above compulsory school age was appropriate to their needs. Moreover, pupils, including students in the sixth form, did not have access to accurate, up-to-date and impartial careers guidance to help them to make well-informed choices about a broad range of careers.  In its action plan, the school outlined its intention to write a curriculum policy. It also set out its plans for a programme of activities for sixth-form students. Additionally, leaders

p.1

Main inspection findings

intended to arrange for an independent careers adviser to visit the school every week.  At this progress monitoring inspection, leaders have written a curriculum policy that is fit for purpose. Careful consideration has been given to the redesign of the curriculum to enable pupils to build their knowledge well. Leaders have appointed subject specialists to deliver the curriculum. These subject specialists regularly assess pupils’ learning and identify gaps in knowledge. This work is overseen by the headteacher. Moreover, leaders have created a programme of monitoring that enables them to quickly identify any areas for improvement.  Leaders have put a programme of activities in place for students who are above compulsory school age. This includes carefully planned activities in the community as well as support to develop students’ independent living skills. Additionally, leaders have appointed a careers adviser, who visits the school every week. Leaders have worked with

p.1

Main inspection findings

pupils to create careers action plans and have supported pupils with sourcing suitable work experience. The careers programme for all pupils is now sufficient to give pupils the broad range of careers information, advice and guidance that they need to make well-informed decisions about their next steps and to fulfil their potential.  The previously unmet requirements in this paragraph are now met.  The previously unmet requirements in this part are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(b)  At the standard inspection in November 2023, the school’s arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils did not pay sufficient regard to statutory guidance.  In the school’s action plan, leaders intended to ensure that some staff have training for safer recruitment, including how to maintain a single central record (SCR). Furthermore, they planned to appoint a member of staff to have responsibility for maintaining the SCR

p.1

Main inspection findings

and they proposed that senior leaders would complete half-termly checks on the SCR.  At this progress monitoring inspection, there is a member of staff with responsibility for maintaining the SCR and the recruitment process. Key staff have had safer-recruitment training. The designated safeguarding lead has a clear oversight of safeguarding across the school. Leaders record safeguarding concerns on an electronic system and systemically check these records for any patterns or trends. There is a safeguarding team in place, whose members meet regularly to maintain a clear oversight of the culture of safeguarding.  The previously unmet requirement in this paragraph is met. Paragraph 16, 16(a)  At the standard inspection in November 2023, the school’s risk assessment policy was too generic to be implemented effectively. The proprietor had ensured that appropriate action was taken to reduce many potential risks. However, some other risks had been

p.2

Main inspection findings

overlooked.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in April 2024, it was found that leaders intended to amend and adapt the risk assessment policy to ensure that appropriate action reduced identified risks. Furthermore, they planned to discuss the school’s risk assessments every week and to complete weekly checks of the school site to identify any additional risks and the actions required to minimise them.  At this progress monitoring inspection, the risk assessment policy includes clear guidance about the school’s approach to assessing risk. Risk assessments are fit for purpose and include careful consideration of risks and actions taken to mitigate the impact of these on pupils and staff.  The previously unmet requirement in this paragraph is met.  The previously unmet requirements in this part are now met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(vi),

p.2

Main inspection findings

21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(b), 21(6)  At the standard inspection in November 2023, the proprietor was unclear about the requirements for a SCR and did not keep a register to show the pre-employment checks that it had completed on staff and the proprietor.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in April 2024, the proprietor proposed to appoint a leader to oversee the appointment of staff and to maintain a register to record the pre-employment checks that were completed for new staff. Furthermore, the proprietor planned that some staff would complete training so that they understood how to maintain the SCR effectively. Moreover, it was intended that senior leaders would check the SCR every half term.  At this progress monitoring inspection, leaders have appointed a leader to oversee the recruitment of staff. This leader ensures that the checks made during staff recruitment are recorded accurately. Key staff have completed safer-recruitment training. The SCR

p.2

Main inspection findings

contains all of the necessary information about recruitment checks. Leaders check this record regularly.  The previously unmet requirements in this paragraph are now met.  The previously unmet requirements in this part are now met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33  At the standard inspection in November 2023, the proprietor had not ensured that the complaints policy reflected the school’s practice. For example, the policy referred to a governing body, which the school did not have. Furthermore, the policy was not implemented effectively.  In the action plan, which was evaluated in April 2024, the proprietor intended to write and publish a new complaints policy that was relevant and applicable to the school.  At this progress monitoring inspection, leaders have written a new complaints policy that is relevant to the school. It contains all the required elements. For example, there is

p.3

Main inspection findings

clear information about the escalation process for a complaint if the complainant is dissatisfied with the school’s response.  The previously unmet independent school standard (‘the standard’) in this part is now met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  At the standard inspection in November 2023, the proprietor lacked sufficient knowledge of the requirements of the standards and had not ensured that all of these were met. Moreover, the proprietor had not carried out its statutory responsibilities or ensured that some of the school’s policies and systems were as effective as they needed to be. Nor had the proprietor provided appropriate challenge and support to the school. There was an over-reliance on a small number of new school leaders, and as the number of pupils at the school had increased, leaders’ systems and routines had not kept pace.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Furthermore, the weaknesses identified in the leadership and management had impacted negatively on the quality of the provision offered by the school.  In the school’s action plan, the proprietor intended to identify specific roles and responsibilities for senior leaders and to ensure that senior leaders attended training to increase their knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities. Additionally, the proprietor planned to have a weekly meeting with leaders and staff to check and monitor the standards to ensure that these were met securely and consistently.  At this progress monitoring inspection, the proprietor has implemented systems and procedures to check the school’s ongoing compliance with the standards. Relevant leaders have completed training to fully understand their roles and responsibilities. The members of the newly formed leadership team have clear responsibilities and the skills

p.3

Main inspection findings

and expertise to fulfil their roles well.  The previously unmet requirements in this standard are now met.  The previously unmet requirements in this part are now met.

p.4

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. 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.5

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

p.5

Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 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; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs.

p.5

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

p.5

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.

p.5

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(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form. – 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)(i) S’s identity was checked; – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to

p.5

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

establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.

p.6

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

 21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.7

School details

Type of school Independent special school

p.7

School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

p.7

School details

Email address nicola.smith@changinglivessen.co.uk

p.7

School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 21 to 23 November 2023

p.7

Information about this school

 The school operates from premises at Nursery Farm, Isherwood Road, Carrington M31 4BH.  At the same location, the proprietor body also operates an unregistered alternative provision for part-time pupils. There is a separate headteacher for this provision. There are no shared staff or pupils between this school and the alternative provision.  The headteacher has been appointed since the last inspection.  The chair of the proprietor body has changed since the last inspection.  Leaders make use of one unregistered alternative provision. This is Improving Young Lives, which is located at Broadhurst Park, 310 Lightbowne Road, Moston, Manchester M40 0FJ.  All pupils have an EHC plan. The school caters for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.

p.7

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 is the school’s first progress monitoring inspection following the standard inspection in November 2023.  The Department for Education required the school to prepare an action plan. This action plan was not accepted.  This inspection was carried out without notice.  The inspector met with the headteacher, deputy headteachers, human resources leader and the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector reviewed a wide range of documentation. This included information relating to the standards, the school’s curriculum, leaders’ improvement priorities, leaders’ approach to safeguarding pupils and the checks that leaders carry out on newly

p.9

Information about this inspection

appointed staff, including supply staff.

p.9

Inspection team

Jane Dennis, 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 .

p.9

Inspection team

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.10

Inspection team

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.10

Inspection team

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.10

Inspection team

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.10

Inspection team

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

p.10

Inspection team

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

p.10