The Independent Grammar School:Durham

School material change inspection report

p.1

The Independent Grammar School: Durham Claypath, Durham DH1 1RH

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor has a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place which is available on the school’s website. This policy takes account of the most recent government guidance and legislation.  The proprietor commissions an external agency to provide safeguarding training for all staff. This training ensures that staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and know how to report concerns.  In relation to pupils’ wider welfare, the school offers pastoral support to pupils on an individual basis where required. In addition, a school nurse provides pupils with health and well-being support. The curriculum for personal, social and health education and relationships and sex education covers statutory content. Pupils learn how to lead safe and healthy lifestyles. The school provides pupils with comprehensive careers advice to ensure that they are prepared well for the next stage of their education or

p.1

Main inspection findings

employment. Paragraph 11  The proprietor has drawn up an effective health and safety policy which is published on the school’s website. The policy sets out the responsibilities of different stakeholders within the school. It takes account of all aspects of health and safety, such as health and hygiene, electrical safety and site security.  The building work undertaken on the proposed new premises has been carried out in line with current building regulations and has been overseen by building control to ensure that the premises are safe.  The proprietor has put a system of daily checks in place to ensure that the proposed premises are safe for pupils to access and use. This includes a perimeter check as the premises adjoin public spaces.  Health and safety forms part of the staff training day at the start of the academic year. Staff are required to complete a health and safety checklist. Paragraph 12

p.1

Main inspection findings

 The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  The proprietor has commissioned an external agency to conduct a fire risk assessment of the proposed new premises. The school has already acted on the feedback from this risk assessment. It has ensured that all fire extinguishers are tested and that sufficient emergency lighting is installed.  The proprietor has produced a clear fire plan. The proposed new premises have a number of fire exits which are all clearly marked and kept free from obstruction. Several new fire extinguishers and a fire blanket have been installed.  The school conducts regular fire evacuation drills. Where necessary, personal evacuation plans are in place for pupils.  Fire safety forms part of staff training at the start of the academic year. Several staff are trained as fire marshals. Paragraph 14  The school is not proposing to appoint any more staff if the proposed increase in pupil

p.2

Main inspection findings

numbers is approved. However, current staffing levels are sufficient to ensure that pupils will remain properly supervised at all times should the proposed increase in pupil numbers be approved. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The proprietor has produced a risk management policy for the proposed new premises. This takes account of the potential risks to those using the site and mitigation of those risks. For example, the school has identified that the pick-up and drop-off area outside the new premises is quite limited with regard to space. It has issued guidance to parents and carers about the most appropriate places to park to mitigate against this.  The school produces individual risk assessments where necessary, such as for educational visits and the use of the minibus. It seeks the advice of external experts for support with these risk assessments where needed. The proprietor has ensured that ‘the standards’ in this part are likely to be met if the DfE

p.2

Main inspection findings

decides to approve implementation of the material changes.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(3)  All required pre-employment checks are made on staff. The proprietor has ensured that robust recruitment procedures are in place. Paragraphs 19(2) to 19(3)  The school employs some supply staff. The proprietor ensures that all appropriate checks are made on these staff prior to them commencing employment at the school. Where these staff are used in a leadership capacity, the school makes its own additional pre-employment checks, such as conducting a section 128 check. Paragraphs 20(6) to 20(6)(c)  All required pre-employment checks are made on members of the proprietor board. Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(7)(b)  There is an electronic single central record in place. This is checked for compliance regularly and systematically by a member of the proprietor board. The school’s single central record records all relevant checks on school staff and the dates on which those

p.2

Main inspection findings

checks were made. The proprietor has ensured that ‘the standards’ in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material changes.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(2)  The proposed new premises have adequate toilets and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils.  Pupils come dressed in sportswear on the day of their physical education lessons. However, the school has identified areas of the building that are suitable for use as changing areas. A shower is also installed.  There is a medical room for the short-term treatment of pupils. The room has a sink and is located near to toilets. Paragraphs 25 to 28(2)(b)  The proposed new premises are finished to a standard that will ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils.  Classrooms are spacious with plenty of natural light. They are suitably insulated to ensure that teaching is not disrupted by external noise.  Externally, adequate lighting is fitted to ensure the safety of those entering and leaving the premises. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The proposed new premises are surrounded by a large area of green space which is suitable for both outdoor play and physical education. The outdoor space is secure. Paragraph 30  The school does not provide boarding accommodation for pupils. The proprietor has ensured that ‘the standards’ in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material changes.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has given careful thought to the design and layout of the proposed new premises and how they will be used to accommodate a growing number of pupils.  The proprietor and the headteacher demonstrate secure understanding of the independent school standards. They have established quality assurance processes and systems to ensure that these are consistently met. Leaders have both the capacity and the capability to ensure that ‘the standards’ will continue to be consistently met.  Leaders possess the knowledge and skills they require to perform their respective roles. They fulfil their responsibilities effectively and actively promote pupils’ well- being. The proprietor has ensured that ‘the standards’ in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve implementation of the material changes.

p.3

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.

p.5

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.

p.6

School details

Proprietor The Education Partnership (UK) Ltd

p.6

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 28 to 30 November 2023

p.6

recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 16 Not applicable Not applicable

p.6

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 97 130 130

p.6

School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 95 Not applicable

p.6

School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils 0 Not applicable

p.7

School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 20 Not applicable

p.7

School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 7 Not applicable

p.7

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 7 Not applicable

p.7

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 10 10

p.7

School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable Not applicable

p.7

Information about this school

 The school’s last standard inspection took place in November 2023.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school currently operates from its premises at Claypath, Durham DH1 1RH. It is also using temporary premises at Laburnum Avenue, Durham DH1 4HA for some pupils. A small number of students in Year 10 and Year 11 are being taught at the school’s proposed new premises. These premises are at Esh Winning Methodist Church, Acton Road, Durham DH7 9QF.  The school has a Christian ethos.

p.7

Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned this inspection to check the suitability of the school’s proposed new premises and whether they can accommodate an increase in pupil numbers.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of this particular change that the school has applied to make.  The nature of the material change will not affect the educational provision on offer to pupils.  The material change has been partially implemented. A small number of students in Year 10 and Year 11 are already being educated at the proposed new premises.  To check compliance with the independent school standards, the inspector toured the proposed new premises. The inspector also reviewed the school’s fire safety arrangements and several policies. These included the health and safety policy and risk management policy.  To evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding, the inspector reviewed the school’s

p.8

Information about this inspection

single central record and met with the designated safeguarding lead, who is the headteacher. The inspector also spoke with the chair of the proprietor board about the safeguarding culture in the school.  The inspector also checked that the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. This requirement of the independent school standards is met.

p.8

Inspection team

Philippa Kermotschuk, 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.8

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.9

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.9

Inspection team

achieve 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.9

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.9

Inspection team

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

p.9

Inspection team

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

p.9