Westmorland School

School material change inspection report

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Westmorland School Weldbank Lane, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3NQ

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f) to 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has put in place an appropriate curriculum policy which sets out a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study from key stage 1 to key stage 4. The policy clearly explains the school’s aims for the curriculum. For example, it describes how the curriculum will enable pupils of all ages to develop strong reading, communication and language skills. The school intends that the curriculum will make a strong contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education. In doing so, the school has given due consideration to the needs of pupils in key stages 3 and 4.  The curriculum policy is supported by suitable plans and schemes of work for each subject. These plans show the high level of ambition that the school has for what pupils should learn during their time in the school. The school have developed its

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Main inspection findings

plans and schemes of work so that they meet the needs of pupils and students aged from five to 16 years. This means that the curriculum is likely to meet the needs of pupils in key stages 3 and 4 should the proposed material change be granted.  Due consideration has been given to the order in which pupils in key stages 3 and 4 will learn essential knowledge should the material change be granted. The school will ensure that pupils’ knowledge builds up securely and follows on coherently from what pupils learn in the primary school setting. The school has ensured that the curriculum takes account of the specific and individual needs of pupils in the school, all of whom will have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  Pupils will be taught a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, music, computing, art and design, history, geography, design and technology and physical education. The curriculum will also include animal care and horticulture. The

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Main inspection findings

proprietor has ensured that pupils will be able to access a suite of qualifications and awards that are well matched to their needs and abilities.  Appropriate importance has been placed on the teaching of reading. Pupils at the early stage of reading receive regular phonics teaching to enable them to learn to read well. The proprietor has ensured that a suitable library will be established on the new site.  There is a scheme of work for pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. There is an appropriate emphasis on ensuring that pupils are ready for life beyond school, including for adulthood. The topics covered in the PSHE education curriculum are wide-ranging. These include topics which encourage pupils to recognise and respect the many differences that exist between people. The PSHE education scheme of work has been suitably adapted for key stage 3 and 4 pupils should the material change be approved. Older pupils at the school will receive

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Main inspection findings

impartial careers information, advice and guidance. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(a) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(3)  The PSHE education curriculum provides pupils of secondary age with appropriate relationships and sex education, which has been suitably adapted for the addition of key stage 3 and 4 pupils. The school’s policy for relationships and sex education complies with the relevant statutory guidance and has been developed in consultation with parents and carers. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(g)  Staff receive advice and guidance to help them to deliver the curriculum. The school has ensured that the staff who will be required to teach the curriculum at key stages 3 and 4 have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so, should the material change be granted.  The school carries out suitable assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when pupils join the school. The assessments will also be appropriate for pupils joining the

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Main inspection findings

school in key stages 3 and 4. The school will make regular checks on pupils’ progress and attainment. The findings from these assessments will be used to inform the teaching that pupils receive. The school has considered how teachers will use assessment information to deliver learning in key stages 3 and 4. The school’s approach to assessment builds on already established practice in the primary school setting.  Pupils benefit from an appropriate quantity and range of resources, such as stationery and textbooks. These resources are of good quality. Suitable resources have been purchased to support the learning of pupils in key stages 3 and 4, for example specialist equipment to deliver the curriculums in science and design and technology. New furniture, suitable for older pupils, has been purchased and is in place ready for their arrival at the school. Paragraphs 3, 3(h) to 3(j)  There is an appropriate policy in place setting out the school’s expectations of pupils’

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Main inspection findings

behaviour. It has ensured that teaching at the school does not discriminate against pupils or undermine the fundamental British Values. The policy, and the school’s work in this regard, are likely to be suitable should the material change be granted to admit key stage 3 and 4 pupils. Paragraph 4  There is a suitable assessment policy in place. Pupils’ progress is shared regularly with parents and carers, school staff and with the proprietor. This is likely to remain appropriate should key stage 3 and 4 pupils be admitted to the school.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material change is granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate consideration has been given to pupils’ SMSC development, including for those in key stages 3 and 4. Through the curriculum for religious studies, and PSHE, pupils learn about a range of different faiths and cultures. This learning will continue in the secondary school and build on the already established primary school curriculum should the material change be approved.  Pupils learn about fundamental British values such as the rule of law and individual liberty. The school’s policies and curriculum include positive references to each of the protected characteristics.  The school provides plentiful opportunities for pupils’ wider development. For example, pupils experience cultural and residential visits to cities. There is a range of clubs and activities to develop pupils’ talents and interests. Pupils develop their

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Main inspection findings

resilience and learn to take care of their environment through outdoor activities. Such activities will be tailored to the needs of pupils in key stages 3 and 4. For example, pupils will develop their leadership skills when they run the school’s community shop should the proposed material change be approved.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed material change is granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has followed current statutory guidance in the development of its arrangements to keep pupils safe. There is a suitable and up-to-date safeguarding policy in place. This policy is likely to remain suitable should the proposed material change be granted.  The proprietor has ensured that all staff receive regular safeguarding training. Those with responsibilities for leading safeguarding have been trained to the required level.  All new staff receive an appropriate induction programme, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas such as radicalisation and extremism and online safety. At the time of his inspection, many new staff had already completed this training. Paragraph 11  There is a suitable and up-to-date health and safety policy in place. This policy is likely to remain suitable should the proposed material change be granted.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 12  The proprietor has ensured that the school complies with the necessary fire safety regulations. The good practice that the school has established on the primary school site has been replicated on the proposed secondary school site. The policies and procedures relevant to fire safety are likely to remain suitable should the material change be granted. Paragraph 14  The proprietor has ensured that a suitable number of qualified staff have been appointed so that pupils are properly supervised at the proposed secondary school site. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has prioritised the welfare of pupils. It has ensured that the school has taken the necessary steps to reduce risks. For example, the school has drawn up an appropriate risk assessment policy. This includes risk assessments for the new secondary school site and off-site visits.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the material change be granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17  The proprietor has a detailed understanding of the standards in relation to the suitability of staff. It has ensured that all necessary checks are made on staff prior to their employment at the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3)  The proprietor makes the necessary checks on staff prior to their appointment to the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 19(1), 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3)  The proprietor does not make use of supply staff. However, it is aware of the checks that are required prior to the employment of supply staff at the school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor makes the necessary checks on members of the proprietor body prior to their appointment to this role. This includes those checks required under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The proprietor keeps an up-to-date record of the employment checks that it makes on staff and members of the proprietor body. This is stored electronically and it can be reproduced in a legible form if required.  The standards in this part are likely to be met should the material change be granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1) to 23(2), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The school’s premises are entirely suitable for use by pupils and staff. The premises are clean and tidy and do not pose a risk to the health of staff and pupils.  There are suitable toilets and washing facilities. These are clean and modern.  Changing rooms and showering facilities are new and wholly appropriate for pupils aged 11 years and over.  Drinking-water is readily available to pupils at all times and it is clearly marked as suitable for drinking.  The temperature of hot water is suitable and does not pose a scalding risk to users.  At the time of this inspection, the building intended to accommodate the teaching of vocational subjects is unfinished and due for completion by the end of October 2024. However, this would not prevent pupils from accessing the full curriculum should the material change be granted. This is because there is already a complete and suitably

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Main inspection findings

resourced building on the same site.  The standard in this part is likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  Medical facilities are wholly suitable for pupils. They are spotlessly clean and they contain fully stocked first-aid boxes, along with eye wash equipment and materials for the management of biohazards.  The proprietor has ensured that the medical room is readily available for the short- term care of sick and injured pupils. Washing and toilet facilities are nearby.  The standard in this part is likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraph 25  The proprietor has a comprehensive understanding of the standards in relation to premises and accommodation. It has ensured that the new buildings provide pristine and modern accommodation that is finished to a high standard. The new premises are wholly appropriate for pupils aged between 11 and 16 years should the material

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Main inspection findings

change be granted.  The standard in this part is likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  Classrooms and other spaces used for the delivery of the curriculum have suitable acoustic conditions and sound insulation. In the design of the new accommodation, the proprietor has secured specialist advice to ensure that classrooms are suitable for the teaching of academic and vocational subjects.  The standard in this part is likely to be met should the material change be granted. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is suitable outdoor space for pupils to take part in physical education, in line with the school’s curriculum.  During social times, well-designed and safe spaces are available for pupils to play outside.  The standard in this part is likely to be met should the material change be granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s safeguarding policy is made available to parents via the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met should the material change be granted.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has an appropriate knowledge of the standards. It holds the school to account for its work effectively. This helps to ensure that the standards are met consistently well. The proprietor, and leaders at all levels, have planned carefully for the proposed changes to the age range and number of pupils that the school will admit. For example, they have developed an appropriate curriculum, appointed suitable staff and built a specialist facility to accommodate pupils aged between 11 to 16 years.  The proprietor has ensured that all standards checked during this inspection are likely to be met if the proposed change to add key stage 3 and 4 provision is granted.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed material change is granted.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility policy in place which ensures that schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 is likely to be met.

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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

Website www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/our- locations/our-schools/westmorland-school/ Email address westmorland@witherslackgroup.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 8 to 10 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 11 5 to 16 5 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 56 80 80

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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 56 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 56 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 56 80

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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 56 80

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 11 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 5 7

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Information about this school

 The standard inspection took place from 8 to 10 March 2022  The school operates from premises at Weldbank Lane, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 3NQ where it provides education for children aged five to 11 years.  The school plans to expand its provision onto new premises at Wood Campus, Midge Hall Lane, Leyland, PR26 6TN.  The school caters for pupils with a range of SEND, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor requested a change to the age range of pupils that the school admits, a change to the number of pupils that the school admits and the addition of a second site.  This was the first material change since the standard inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the chief operating officer, the regional director and other leaders to discuss the curriculum for pupils. The inspector scrutinised a range of policies and documents relating to the curriculum and other standards.  To evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding, the inspector reviewed the single central 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.  The inspector carried out a tour of the school.

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Inspection team

Andy Cunningham, 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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