Banks House School

School material change inspection report

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Banks House School Bright House, 51 Wendene, Bowthorpe, Norwich NR5 9HA

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Leaders have a strong understanding of the safeguarding needs of pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders foster a vigilant culture through high levels of staff training, daily oversight and the use of clear, structured systems for recording and responding to concerns. Safeguarding is embedded into everyday practice. Staff are vigilant, observant and responsive to subtle changes in pupils’ behaviour or well-being.  Safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding policy, have regard to the most recent statutory guidance. Internal quality assurance processes are used to check that staff training has been understood and is applied in practice, including through observations, meetings and appraisals.  The independent school standards (the standards) in these paragraphs were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is

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Main inspection findings

approved. Paragraph 11  Health and safety policies are well developed and effectively implemented. Checks and audits are regularly completed. The school ensures that any actions arising from monitoring checks are addressed swiftly. Checks on the new learning area and outdoor space have been thorough.  The premises are carefully maintained to support pupils’ educational, physical and sensory needs.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 12  Records and risk assessments show appropriate attention to potential fire hazards across both sites. Checks on fire extinguishers and fire alarms are carried out regularly.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 14  The school deploys staff effectively in order to ensure that pupils are appropriately

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Main inspection findings

supervised. The school operates a high adult-to-child staffing ratio model. The school has already recruited and trained staff in advance of the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  Timetables and staffing rotas are carefully structured to ensure that pupils receive appropriate support.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders take appropriate action in response to identified risks. The school has suitable risk assessments and risk assessment policy in place.  Risks assessments are reviewed regularly and adjusted as pupils’ needs change. Transport arrangements, access to off-site areas, medical needs and behavioural risks are all considered.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1) to 18(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b) and 21(5) to (21)(6)  The proprietor has ensured that there are robust procedures in place for the safer recruitment of staff. Knowledgeable staff diligently implement these.  The record of background checks on all staff is up to date and recorded accurately on the school’s single central record. The single central record is monitored regularly.  The school does not use supply or agency staff.  The standards in these paragraphs were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(2), 25 to 29(1)(b)  The school premises are safe, secure and appropriate for pupils’ needs. A recent expansion has increased indoor and outdoor learning capacity at the school site,

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Main inspection findings

including the addition of a new cabin and outdoor sensory areas. These are well equipped, suitably maintained and appropriate for the requested increase in number of pupils. Site security is strong, and any hazardous items are safely and securely stored.  Facilities for toileting, hygiene and medical needs meet requirements. The lighting, ventilation, acoustics and general maintenance of the premises are of high quality.  Outdoor areas include space for recreation, physical education and sensory regulation. The off-site learning space at the associated children’s home is equally well maintained and suitably resourced.  The school has risk assessed the use of resources and learning areas and ensured they align with the expectations of the standards.  The standards in this part were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 34(1)-34(1)(b)  Leaders and those responsible for governance demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to meet the standards consistently. Leaders are reflective, well informed and responsive to pupils’ needs. Systems for safeguarding, compliance, quality assurance and staff development are robust and well embedded.  The school has carefully planned for the proposed material change. Staffing, space, timetabling and risk assessments have been reviewed and adjusted in readiness.  Leaders and those responsible for governance show a sustained focus on improvement, training and future planning. The school actively promotes the well- being and safety of pupils, and its work has a positive demonstrable impact on pupils’ academic, physical and emotional development. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor ensures that the school complies with 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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Website www.cascade-care.com/education-at- cascade Email address schools@cascade-care.com

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 18 to 20 June 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 19 13 to 19 13 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 9 12 12

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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 9 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 9 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 9 12

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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 9 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 1 2

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 11 22

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Information about this school

 The last standard inspection took place in June 2024. At this time, the school was judged as outstanding. All standards were met.  The school caters for up to 10 pupils aged 13 to 19 years of age with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs. Local authorities refer pupils. All pupils have an EHC plan.  The school does not use supply staff or alternative provision.  The school operates across two sites, the second of which is at 55a Norwich Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR5 0EQ and is not currently in use.  The school advisory board carries out the functions of local governance of the school.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to a request from the proprietor for a material change to be considered.  The inspector did not meet with pupils and staff, because it was half term.  The school is currently registered for up to 10 pupils. The proprietor has requested that the DfE increase the school’s capacity to 12 pupils. This is the second time that the proprietor has requested this change. At the time of the previous standard inspection, the school requested a material change to increase its capacity. The outcome at that time was that the school was likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision was implemented.  The inspector met with the headteacher, the operations director, who is also a member of the school advisory board, and the director of Cascade Care Ltd’s compliance team.  The inspector checked the school’s single central record, discussed safeguarding with

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Information about this inspection

leaders and looked at safeguarding records.  The inspector toured both school sites with leaders. The inspector reviewed a range of documents relating to safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and school development.

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Inspection team

Hannah Stoten, 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

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked-after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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