Mortimer House School

School material change inspection report

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Mortimer House School Mortimer House, 17 Victoria Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7HS

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7b, 11, 12, 14, 16(a), 16(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The proprietor body has ensured that the school has a suitable safeguarding and child protection policy that meets all statutory requirements. The school has made sure that all staff are trained to use the well-established systems to raise their concerns, no matter how small. Records show that these are followed up quickly, the right actions taken, and the right partners involved to provide additional support where relevant. Staff work together in the interests of pupils to create a strong culture of safeguarding.  The school has a comprehensive health and safety policy, which is implemented effectively and reviewed regularly. The school complies with all relevant health and safety legislation.  The school meets the requirements of the Fire Regulatory Reform Act 2005. Suitable measures are in place to manage the risk of fire, including regular checks of

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Main inspection findings

firefighting equipment and fire drill practice.  The school has ensured that staff recruitment and training enables appropriate and high levels of supervision.  The school has a comprehensive risk assessment policy, which is implemented effectively to minimise risk.  These independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18 to 18(4)(c), 19(1) to 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(7)(b)  The proprietor body has made sure that a single central record is in place that meets statutory requirements. All appropriate checks are completed, including those for supply staff. Regular review and monitoring are in place to ensure that the record remains accurate.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(2), 24(1) to 24(3), 25, 26, 27 to 27(b), 28(1) to 28(2)(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school premises are very well maintained. Classrooms are well lit, with good acoustics and are suitably resourced, providing a calm and inviting environment for learning.  Suitable toilet facilities are provided, and pupils have access to a medical room at all times. Drinking water is always available on request.  There is a pleasant outdoor area for the use of pupils. It is currently being extended to provide space for growing vegetables and plants, as well as an outdoor classroom to support sensory activities. Pupils also have regular access to facilities at a local sports centre.  These standards are likely to be met if the material change application is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor body has made sure that leaders and managers in the school have the

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Main inspection findings

appropriate skills and knowledge to ensure that the independent school standards are met consistently.  Leaders have thought carefully about how they want the school to grow over time and what the most important considerations are in that process. For instance, leaders have been keen to secure staff stability and additional expertise before making this material change request.  Leaders actively promote the well-being of all pupils. The holistic approach to mental and physical health, alongside academic progress, supports the special needs of pupils very effectively. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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) £74,446 to £104, 219

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 26 to 28 April 2023

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 11 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 18 21 21

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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 18 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 18 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 18 21

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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 18 21

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 6 7

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Information about this school

 The school currently makes provision for 18 pupils aged 11 to 18 with social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school proposes to admit up to 21 pupils aged 11 to 18 if the material change is approved.  Pupils will continue to be placed at the school through local authorities, including Staffordshire, Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.  The school does not have a religious denomination.  The school does not use alternative providers.

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Information about this inspection

 The material change was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine whether the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change is approved.  The school has applied to increase the number of pupils to be admitted from 18 to 21.  This was the second material change, in respect of this particular change, that the school has applied to make. The first material change request was in November 2018.  The inspector met with the CEO of the proprietor body, the director of education, the head of estates, the headteacher and other senior leaders in the school.  The inspector also spoke with some current pupils and spoke briefly with some teaching staff.  The inspector reviewed a range of policies and other documents and considered the school’s compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements and schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The inspector reviewed the premises to check on health and safety, fire safety and the

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Information about this inspection

suitability of the premises against relevant independent school standards.

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Inspection team

Mel Ford, 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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