ALP Leicester

School material change inspection report

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ALP Leicester Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, Leicester, Leicestershire LE4 4JG

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 31(1)(c)  There is a safeguarding policy in place that adheres to current government guidance as issued by the Secretary of State. It is published on the school’s website. The school provides parents and carers with a copy of the policy on request.  The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is suitably trained and knowledgeable in a range of safeguarding matters. There are additional DSL-trained staff. Protocols in place for staff recruitment and staff induction are clear.  Staff are knowledgeable about the increased vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) regarding safeguarding. Staff know and understand the procedures to follow should any safeguarding concerns arise.  The school has a strong understanding of how to keep pupils safe. Staff record

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Main inspection findings

concerns accurately and in a timely manner. Records show that the school responds swiftly when concerns are raised. The school works with external organisations, when appropriate, and liaises with them closely to ensure that pupils and their families receive suitable support.  Work to keep pupils safe is built around the strong relationships that staff develop with pupils. Staff meet and greet pupils at the start of the school day and spend time with pupils during social times, as well as in lessons. These opportunities enable staff to check on pupils’ welfare and record any concerns if appropriate.  Pupils value the trusted adults who support them with any worries or concerns. Pupils speak positively about the secure relationships they develop with their peers and with staff at the school. Pupils feel safe.  Staff receive appropriate training that is specific to the needs of the pupils attending

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Main inspection findings

the school. This training links to the range of safeguarding risks that the pupils in their care may face. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16 to 16(b)  A health and safety policy is in place. It is suitable and fit for purpose. The school liaises well with external consultants to help them carry out the required checks. Fire risk assessments for the premises have been completed and emerging recommendations are acted on.  The proposed new classrooms are fit for purpose. They are spacious and are equipped with suitable lighting.  The school has a written risk assessment policy. This sets out how risks will be measured, mitigated for and recorded.  Pupils have individual risk assessments. These identify each pupil’s vulnerabilities and the risks that are associated with these. Appropriate actions that staff should take to mitigate these risks are clear.  Suitable systems are used to record incidents relating to health and safety, including

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Main inspection findings

accidents and illness.  Appropriate supervision of all pupils, including the proposed new pupils, has been well considered. The current staffing structure ensures that pupils’ needs are adequately met. The school intends to appoint additional staff to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards (the standards) checked in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b)  The school has appropriate recruitment procedures in place to recruit the additional staff should the material change be approved.  The school has a secure understanding of the checks that must be carried out before new staff take up their posts.  The school’s single central record, which is up to date, includes information about all of the required recruitment checks.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has completed the necessary checks on staff who hold leadership and management responsibilities.  The school does not make use of agency staff. However, the school knows which checks to complete should the school engage agency personnel.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 24(1)(b), 25 to 29(1)(b)  Four additional rooms provide sufficient space to accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils on roll.  The school’s premises have sufficient toilet and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils.  The school’s site is secured with locked gates.  There is suitable lighting, both inside and outside the building.  The premises have been furbished to a high standard. They include suitable classrooms, breakout spaces, a science room, a construction studio, an information

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Main inspection findings

and communication technology suite and a hairdressing studio.  Drinking water is clearly labelled. Pupils can also obtain drinking water from free- standing water units.  There is ample outdoor space for pupils to play, as well as areas for pupils to do physical education and activities using the school’s woodland area.  There is a suitable shower and changing facility in the existing accommodation which will be able to accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  The school has a dedicated medical room. It has running water and is located near to a toilet facility. It includes a bed and has appropriate first-aid equipment.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  There is a clear rationale for why the school wants to increase the number of pupils

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Main inspection findings

on its roll. This is linked to the demand for school places for pupils with SEND. In response, the school has increased the capacity of its premises, with four new rooms available for use within the existing building.  The school is well positioned to prepare its pupils well for the next stage of their education, training or employment.  The proprietor, along with the school staff, demonstrates suitable knowledge, skills and expertise, as well as high ambitions for each pupil. The planned appointments of more staff will ensure that pupils continue to learn in small groups, with high adult-to- pupil ratios.  The school has made suitable plans to make sure that it is likely to continue to meet the standards that were checked during the inspection if the material change is approved.  The proprietor has established an experienced and knowledgeable governing body that supports the school effectively and holds leaders to account. This ensures that

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Main inspection findings

the school fulfils its responsibilities towards its pupils.  The proprietor, governors and school staff demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting pupils’ well-being and keeping pupils safe.  The school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the material change is implemented.

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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

Date of previous standard inspection 8 to 10 November 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 6 to 19 6 to 19 6 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 34 55 55

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 31 55

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 4 As required

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 35 55

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 35 55

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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 35 55

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 16 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 9 12

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Information about this school

 ALP Leicester is an independent special school located at Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4AG. The proprietor of the school is Gemma Gosden.  The school is registered to admit up to 35 pupils in the age range of six to 19 years. All of the pupils are pupils with SEND who have autism and/or social, emotional and mental health needs.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school admits pupils from Leicester and Leicestershire local authorities.  The school’s most recent standard inspection was in November 2022.  The school uses one registered and four unregistered alternative provisions.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education commissioned this material change inspection in response to the school’s application to increase the number of pupils it can admit from 35 to 55 pupils. This was the school’s first material change inspection for the proposed change.  The inspector considered the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to arrangements for safeguarding and staff recruitment; the school’s health and safety arrangements; the quality of leadership and management; and the premises and accommodation.  The inspector met with senior leaders, including the headteacher and the chair of the governing body. The inspector also spoke with the proprietor.  The inspector met with groups of pupils and a group of staff.  The inspector toured the school’s site, including the new classrooms. A range of evidence, including documents relating to safeguarding, health and safety and risk assessments, was considered. The inspector also scrutinised the school’s single central

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Inspection team

Kirsty Norbury, 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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