Learn 4 Life School

School material change inspection report

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Learn 4 Life School 64a Rectory Road, Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan WN4 0QD

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7(a) and 7(b)  The school has a suitable safeguarding policy that has regard to the most recent statutory guidance. There are robust procedures for staff to report any safeguarding concerns.  The school liaises appropriately with external agencies to support pupils’ well-being. Staff are knowledgeable about how to make referrals to children’s services in order to keep pupils safe. These arrangements take account of the fact that pupils at the school are looked after by different local authorities.  The proprietor has ensured that staff receive regular safeguarding training. This pays attention to the increased vulnerability of the school’s pupils. Several staff are trained as designated safeguarding leads. This will ensure adequate capacity should the proposed material change be approved. Paragraph 11  The school has a health and safety policy that complies with relevant legislation. The

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Main inspection findings

policy is supported by a programme of checks to identify and rectify any faults. For example, electrical equipment and gas boilers are tested at suitable intervals. Paragraph 14  The school deploys staff effectively to ensure pupils’ welfare and safety. This includes staff with the required expertise to meet pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor intends to recruit additional staff if the proposed material change is approved. This will ensure that levels of supervision continue to be appropriate for a greater number of pupils. Paragraphs 16(a) and 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that the school takes the necessary steps to identify and reduce potential risks. Leaders have considered how risk assessments may need to be adapted to remain appropriate for a greater number of pupils at the school.  The independent school standards (the standards) in these paragraphs are likely to

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Main inspection findings

remain met if the proposed material change is approved. Paragraph 12  The proprietor has ensured that the school’s policies and procedures comply with the necessary fire safety regulations. For instance, fire escapes are clearly marked to facilitate evacuation. Alarm systems and extinguishers are tested regularly. The school carries out termly fire drills to ensure that pupils and staff know what to do in case of fire.  The proprietor has commissioned a qualified fire assessor to provide assurance that these arrangements will still be suitable should the number of pupils at the school increase. However, the school could not provide convincing evidence that all of the recommendations made in the fire risk assessment had been enacted. For instance, the mechanisms which ensure that internal fire doors stay closed had not been adequately maintained. Paragraph 32(1)(c)  At the time of the inspection, the school’s safeguarding policy was not available on its

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Main inspection findings

website. Leaders were aware of this issue; however, they were unable to rectify it before the end of the inspection.  The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met if the proposed material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(1) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3) and 20(6) to 20(6)(c)  The required checks on staff, including their suitability to work with pupils, are completed before staff begin working at the school. This is also the case for supply staff.  The school carries out appropriate checks to ensure that staff with leadership and management responsibilities, including the proprietor, are suitable persons to manage a school.  The standards in these paragraphs are likely to remain met if the proposed material change is approved. Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(7)(b)  The school’s single central record of pre-employment checks is maintained by a third

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Main inspection findings

party. At the time of the inspection, it was incomplete. For instance, many of the checks were undated. Furthermore, information about the checks that are carried out on supply staff had not been accurately recorded on the single central record. This does not provide the proprietor with a clear overview of the school’s safer recruitment practices.  The inspector asked the school to rectify these omissions during the inspection. However, by the end of the inspection the school’s single central record was still not compliant with statutory requirements.  The standards in these paragraphs are unlikely to be met if the proposed material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22  The school’s premises are safe and attractive. Classrooms and other teaching spaces are clean, tidy and suitably resourced. These spaces are appropriate for their intended use. The proprietor has already converted a former staffroom into an additional

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Main inspection findings

classroom. This will provide sufficient space for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(2) and 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The school’s existing toilet and washing facilities are suitable for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Hot and cold water is available for handwashing. This hot water does not pose a risk of scalding. There is a separate toilet for staff and visitors. To ensure privacy, toilet cubicles can be locked from the inside.  There are no changing or shower facilities on the school premises. However, the sports centre that pupils visit for weekly physical education sessions has suitable facilities. The school has sole use of these facilities when visiting the sports centre.  Clearly marked drinking water is readily available to pupils throughout the day. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  The school’s therapy room can be quickly converted into a medical room if needed.

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Main inspection findings

This room is equipped with a bed, first-aid supplies and a sink with hot and cold water. A toilet is nearby. These arrangements are suitable for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. Paragraphs 26 to 27(b)  All areas of the school, including the new classroom, are well lit and have suitable acoustics. There is appropriate outdoor lighting, including emergency lighting. This is regularly maintained. Paragraph 25  The proprietor has suitable arrangements for overseeing the standards related to the school’s premises. There are regular checks made of the condition of the school’s premises. Paragraph 29  There is an enclosed outdoor space where pupils can socialise and play outside. This is of sufficient size for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. In addition, the school has ensured that pupils visit nearby sports facilities on a regular basis. This provides both recreation and suitable physical education. The school has made careful risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments of these facilities to ensure the safety of pupils.  It is likely that all the standards in this part will remain met if the proposed material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34 to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders have planned carefully for the proposed expansion of the school’s provision, for example by ensuring that an increase in pupil numbers would not be detrimental to the education or well-being of current pupils.  The proprietor’s knowledge of the standards is not sufficient to provide a suitable oversight of some aspects of the school’s provision. For example, the proprietor has not ensured that the standard relating to fire safety is consistently met. In addition, some of the school’s systems for ensuring compliance with the standards are not as effective as they need to be. During the inspection, this meant that the school

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Main inspection findings

struggled to provide evidence about whether necessary maintenance had been carried out.  The proprietor has not ensured that the school’s safer recruitment procedures follow statutory guidance. Although the school provided evidence that the required pre- employment checks on staff had been made, the school was unfamiliar with the requirements for a single central record.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an appropriate accessibility policy in place which ensures that the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to continue to be met if the proposed material change is approved.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely 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, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £49,142 to £77,792

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School details

Email address jamesmcalpine@careafloat.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 4 to 6 October 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 16 20 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 16 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils None Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 16 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 15 20

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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 15 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 10

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 1 None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 3 4

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Information about this school

 The school provides full-time education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Almost all pupils who attend this school have an education, health and care plan. Most places at the school are commissioned by local authorities. The school is registered to admit up to 16 pupils.  The school operates from premises located at 64a Rectory Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 0QD.  The school’s previous standard inspection took place from 4 to 6 October 2022. Since then, the proprietor of the school has changed. The Department of Education (DfE) approved this change in proprietorship shortly after the previous inspection.  The school uses one unregistered alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This material change inspection was commissioned by the DfE because the proprietor requested an increase to the maximum number of pupils that the school can admit.  The inspector considered whether the relevant requirements in parts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the independent school standards are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.  This was the first material change inspection since the school’s previous standard inspection.  The inspector met with the proprietor, the headteacher and other leaders to discuss the proposed material change. The inspector considered a range of policies and documents relating to this change. The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including pre-employment checks recorded on the school’s single central record.  The inspector also held an online meeting with a representative of a local authority which commissions places at the school.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector spoke with some pupils about their experiences at the school.  The inspector made a tour of the school’s premises to check their suitability and safety.

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Inspection team

Ben Hill, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is– – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether– – 21(3)(a)(i) S’s identity was checked – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction – 21(3)(a)(vi) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); including the date on which each such check was completed or the certificate

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

obtained; and – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed.  21(5) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to supply staff- – 21(5)(a) whether written notification has been received from the employment business that– – 21(5)(a)(i) checks corresponding to those referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(a)(i) to (iv), (vi) and (vii) have been made to the extent relevant to any such person; and – 21(5)(a)(ii) an enhanced criminal record check has been made and that it or another employment business has obtained an enhanced criminal record certificate in response to such a check – 21(5)(c) where written notification has been received from the employment business in accordance with a contract or other arrangements referred to in paragraph 19(2)(d)

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

that it has obtained an enhanced criminal record certificate, whether the employment business supplied a copy of the certificate to the school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 32(1)(c) particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school– – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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