Woodside School

School material change inspection report

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Woodside School 25 Ravensdale Avenue, London N12 9HP

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The school demonstrates an understanding of the importance of safeguarding. School leaders have received up-to-date and relevant training. The school has a safeguarding policy on its website that reflects the most recent guidance. However, the policy does not set out clearly how the school expects staff to respond to and record concerns about pupils’ welfare or concerns about adult conduct. Additionally, checks on the suitability of staff are not carried out in accordance with the statutory guidance. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16 to 16(b)  The school has a risk assessment policy in place. This identifies some general risks to pupils’ welfare and the actions the school needs to take to reduce these risks at the school’s new premises. However, in making these arrangements, the school has not appropriately considered and mitigated the potential risks arising from the premises

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Main inspection findings

sharing its site with a church. This includes visitors to the church and the general public being able to obtain unsupervised access to the school building. For example, there are no arrangements in place to control and oversee access via the adjoining doors between the church and the school premises. Additionally, the school has not thought through how it will manage risks associated with pupils’ use of the park next door to the site.  The school has a health and safety policy in place. Some appropriate checks on site safety and suitability have been completed, including a fire risk assessment. However, the school’s health and safety policy is not implemented effectively. For example, the school has not provided appropriate training for staff regarding fire safety. Improvements identified by the fire risk assessment have not been actioned. The school has not considered how and when these necessary improvements to the

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Main inspection findings

building’s safety will be addressed. The school has also not considered how to secure pupils’ safety in some aspects of the school site. It has not made suitable arrangements regarding pupils’ access to the proposed cooking room, which contains restricted items.  Overall, the school’s approach to ensuring that risks to pupils’ safety are identified and appropriately mitigated lacks rigour. Important considerations have been missed or not assessed fully. This presents a risk to pupils’ welfare and safety.  The independent school standards (the standards) contained in this part are unlikely to be met if the material change is implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(1) to 18(2)(e), 18(3) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a) to 21(1)(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record is not compliant with statutory guidance and requirements.  The school has begun to create a single central record for pre-employment checks. However, there are many aspects of missing information on the record. The school is not clear about some of the checks and information that are required such as the requirement to carry out prohibition from teaching checks.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the material change is implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27 to 27(b), 28(1) to 28(1)(d), 28(2) to 28(2)(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school’s proposed new permanent site is maintained to a suitable standard, with appropriate lighting and acoustics.  The school building is in a church hall with a large, designated classroom. It also includes appropriate storage space so that resources and equipment can be stored safely. The premises are sufficiently spacious to accommodate the registered number of pupils. Additionally, there are two outdoor spaces that provide appropriate space for pupils to play outside.  The premises include suitable toilet facilities for boys and girls with running hot and cold water. Hot water is regulated to a safe temperature. Drinking-water is available and clearly labelled.  There is a dedicated area for the treatment of sick or injured pupils, which is

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Main inspection findings

adequate to meet the requirements of the standard.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders do not demonstrate a secure understanding of the standards and their responsibilities, particularly with regards to safeguarding and statutory requirements that must be in place to keep pupils safe. This means that the school’s arrangements to promote and secure pupils’ welfare and safety at the proposed new premises are not likely to be suitable.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the material change is implemented.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

School category Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £40,000 to £90,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 21 to 23 May 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 8 to 18 8 to 18 Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 0 15 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 Not applicable Number of part-time pupils 0 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Not applicable

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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 0 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 0 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 Not applicable

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Information about this school

 The school is proposing to move its registered premises from 25 Ravensdale Avenue, London, N12 9HP to St Johns Church, Lords Roundabout, London, NW8 7NE on a permanent basis. At the time of the previous inspection in May 2024, the school was operating from temporary premises at 63 Northiam, London, N12 7JH. The school had not notified the registration authority of this temporary arrangement.  The previous standard inspection took place in May 2024. At this inspection, the school was found not to be meeting the standards in full and was judged as requires improvement for overall effectiveness.  A new headteacher was appointed in February 2025.  The school caters for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities related to autism or social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils who attend are likely to have an education, health and care plan.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned the material change inspection. This is because the school was operating beyond its registration agreement with the DfE. It has changed premises. It is now operating from St Johns Church, Lords Roundabout, London, NW8 7NE.  This was the first material change regarding this request.  To check compliance with the standards, the inspector spoke with the headteacher and the proprietor. The inspector toured the premises and reviewed relevant policies, procedures and records.

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Inspection team

Julie Wright, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or 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 either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person’s medical fitness; – 18(2)(c)(iii) the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the

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

Secretary of State; and  18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.  19(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 19(2)(a) a person offered for supply by an employment business to the school only begins to work at the school if the proprietor has received- – 19(2)(a)(i) written notification from the employment business in relation to that person- – 19(2)(a)(i)(aa) that the checks referred to in paragraph 21(3)(a)(i) to (iv), (vii) and (b) have been made to the extent relevant to that person; – 19(2)(a)(i)(dd) that, where that person is one for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, it or another employment business has obtained such further checks as appropriate, having regard

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

to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; and – 19(2)(b) a person offered for supply by an employment business only begins work at the school if the proprietor considers that the person is suitable for the work for which the person is supplied; – 19(2)(d) the proprietor, in the contract or other arrangements which the proprietor makes with any employment business, requires the employment business to provide- – 19(2)(d)(i) the notification referred to in paragraph (a)(i); and  19(3) Except in the case of a person to whom sub-paragraph (4) applies, the certificate referred to in sub-paragraph (2)(a)(i)(bb) must have been obtained not more than 3 months before the date on which the person is due to begin work at the school.  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application

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

to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or 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 either such direction; – 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB- – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United

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

Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; – 20(6)(c) subject to sub-paragraph (8), where the Secretary of State makes a request for an enhanced criminal record check relating to MB countersigned by the Secretary of State to be made, such a check is made.  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)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity

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

relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 21(3)(a)(vii) a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 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)(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.  21(6) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member ("MB") of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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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; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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