Olsen House School

School material change inspection report

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Olsen House School 85-87 Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool, Merseyside L23 5TD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. It includes the most current statutory guidance for child protection and safeguarding pupils. It is supported by effective arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare. For example, staff have the training and support that they need to identify pupils who may be at risk of harm. Staff receive specific training about the particular vulnerabilities of the pupils who attend the school.  The school has clear systems in place to ensure that all safeguarding responsibilities are carried out robustly. Staff receive appropriate safeguarding training during induction, regular updates and briefings. Any concerns are recorded diligently by staff and the school takes swift and appropriate action. Paragraphs 11, 12, 16, 16(a) and (b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has a written health and safety policy, which is tailored to the premises of the school. It complies with all relevant laws. There are robust monitoring procedures in place to ensure that all health and safety checks are completed regularly. Leaders carry out regular fire-safety checks of the premises and these are suitably logged. Fire-evacuation routes are clearly lit and signposted. The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These arrangements are suitable to accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils on roll, should it increase.  A written risk assessment policy is in place. A range of risk assessments show that the school takes robust and appropriate actions to reduce any identified risks to pupils, including those pupils who have additional vulnerabilities. Paragraph 14  Staffing levels are appropriate to meet pupils’ needs. Pupils are supervised at all

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Main inspection findings

times, including lunchtimes and breaktimes, when they are on the school premises. Additional staff ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised when they are educated off site or provided with additional outreach support at other locations. The school is appointing additional staff in preparation for the increase in pupil numbers, should the material change be approved. The proposed increase to the number of staff will help to ensure that pupils will continue to be appropriately supervised throughout the school day.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 18(4), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record (SCR) is in place and contains all the necessary checks and

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Main inspection findings

information. The school completes all the required checks on the suitability of staff before they take up appointment.  Records relating to the proprietor body are included on the SCR. All the suitability checks, including those relating to the leadership and management of the school, have also been carried out.  The proprietor ensures that relevant staff have completed safer recruitment training to support the appointment of suitable staff to work at the school. If there are concerns about any member of staff’s suitability, then these are appropriately investigated and reported in line with statutory guidance. The induction programme for new staff ensures that they undergo a range of appropriate safeguarding training on appointment.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has increased the size of the premises to include an additional building with three additional classrooms. There are distinct rooms and spaces to accommodate different activities. For example, there are designated classrooms for particular subjects and pupil groups. There are shared and specialist spaces such as kitchen areas and a dedicated art room. Some spaces are designated as sensory and therapy rooms. The premises are maintained to a high standard.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities in the school building for the sole use of pupils. The toilet cubicles can be secured from the inside. There is a toilet that is suitable for pupils and staff with a disability which is also available for visitors to use. There are sufficient toilet and washing facilities to accommodate the proposed increased number of pupils.  There is suitable shower area for secondary pupils to use. The school uses changing

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Main inspection findings

facilities at the local leisure centre for physical education (PE) lessons. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  There is a designated medical room for pupils in the school to use. It has a bed and there is easy access to a toilet and washing facilities. The room is equipped with a first-aid kit and a lockable cabinet for medication. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27 to 27(b), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The accommodation is well maintained. It meets all requirements for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils, including for the proposed additional pupils. The building is bright, clean and tidy. All of the rooms used by pupils have appropriate acoustics, lighting and heating suitable for the purpose of the different rooms. There is external lighting to ensure that pupils, staff, parents and visitors can enter and leave the site and building safely in the hours of darkness.  There is an adequate supply of hot and cold water. Drinking water is available for

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Main inspection findings

pupils throughout the day. It is clearly labelled. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school grounds provide sufficient outdoor space for the proposed increase in the number of pupils. All pupils have access to a safe and secure outdoor area. The outdoor space is suitable for PE lessons. However, the school also makes use of leisure centres close to the school for this purpose.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and school leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards. There are systems and procedures in place to monitor compliance. Leaders have the knowledge and experience required to carry out their roles successfully and to accommodate the material change requested. They are committed to providing a high quality of education for pupils and actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The accessibility plan meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. This plan reflects the needs of the current cohort of pupils at the school.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Email address olsenhouse@kedlestongroup.com

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 30 April to 2 May 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 16 7 to 16 7 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 55 60 60

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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 55 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 55 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 55 60

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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 55 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 14 15

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 25 26

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Information about this school

 The school’s previous standard inspection was on the 30 April to 02 May when the standards were met and Ofsted judged the school to be good.  The school is located at 85-87 Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 5TD.  The school is part of the Kedleston Group Ltd.  A new headteacher and deputy headteacher have been appointed since the previous inspection.  All pupils who attend the school have an education, health and care plan. The school caters for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils have a diagnosis of autism.  The school uses three unregistered settings as alternative provision for a small number of pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The proprietor has applied for a material change to increase the pupil numbers from 55 to 60. This is the proprietor’s first request for a material change since its previous standard inspection in April 2024.  This inspection was commissioned by the Department of Education to consider the school’s request for a material change. The proprietor would like to increase the school’s capacity from 55 to 600 pupils.  The inspector checked those aspects of safeguarding that directly linked to the material change application.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other senior leaders of the school, including the designated safeguarding leader. She also met with a representative of the proprietor body and the regional education leader for the Kedleston group.  The inspector spoke with some staff and pupils.  The inspector was accompanied by the headteacher, as she made a tour of the school and grounds, to check the suitability of the premises against the relevant standards.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector also looked at a range of documents and policies relevant to the material change request. This included: documents relating to pupils’ behaviour; health and safety information; and fire-safety and risk assessment documentation. The inspector also checked documents relating to safeguarding, including the single central record.

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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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Inspection team

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