IMPACT Northwest Schools

School material change inspection report

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IMPACT Northwest Schools Unit 1 Tower House, Tower Road, Birkenhead CH41 1FF

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7 to 7(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  The safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website. It reflects the current statutory guidance and is also available in paper form on request. The policy contains detailed guidance about the safeguarding procedures in place to protect pupils from harm. This includes details about the safeguarding team, as well as information about other avenues of support. Those responsible for leading safeguarding have the additional training that they need to maintain a strong culture of safeguarding. Paragraphs 11, 12 and 16 to 16(b)  There is a health and safety policy in place that promotes the highest standards for the learning environment. There are regular site checks as well as robust procedures for reporting any areas of concern that fall below leaders’ high expectations.  The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)

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Main inspection findings

Order 2005. Regular fire drills take place with any follow up actions completed in a timely manner. Leaders make use of a professional company to service the fire-fighting equipment within the appropriate timescales. Fire exits are clearly labelled throughout the building.  The risk assessment policy contains clear guidance for staff about leaders’ expectations for identifying risks. Risk assessments are detailed and consider any additional risk factors relating to pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Risk assessments are reviewed regularly to make sure that they include the most useful information. Paragraph 14  Leaders take care to appoint staff with relevant background and expertise. They ensure that pupils are supervised appropriately. The staffing plan to accommodate the increase in pupil numbers is appropriate.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to continue to

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Main inspection findings

be met if the request for the material changes is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17 to 18(2)(e), 18(3) to 19(2)(d)(ii) and 19(3) to 21(8)  The single central record (SCR) is in place and includes all staff. Key staff have safer recruitment training. This enables them to check the accuracy of the SCR effectively. Safeguarding checks that have been made on the proprietor are included on the SCR. This includes the checks regarding their suitability for leadership and management.  Leaders make sure that recruitment checks are completed before staff start their employment.  Agency staff are rarely used but leaders understand the requirements for the safe use of agency staff. They are familiar with the procedures for the necessary checks for staff who have spent time overseas.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the

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Main inspection findings

material changes is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(1)(d) and 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  There is an established system in place to make sure that the premises and facilities are maintained to a high standard. The additional accommodation is based on two floors and consists of teaching rooms, offices, a gym and flexible spaces for teaching or relaxation. There is a secure outdoor area that is suitable for physical education (PE) and recreation.  The toilet and washing facilities are appropriate for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Toilets are all single cubicles that are lockable from the inside. Drinking water is labelled and is available for pupils throughout the school day.  PE takes place both off and on the school site and there are appropriate changing facilities available. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  There is a suitable medical room near a toilet and sink. The medical room contains a

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Main inspection findings

bed and a first-aid kit. Administration of first aid or medication is recorded and stored securely. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The accommodation is clean and well-maintained. Sound and lighting are appropriate throughout the building. Externally there is lighting that covers all the exits and outdoor areas. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  There is an enclosed area to the rear of the building that it suitable for recreation and physical activity. Leaders also make use of local facilities with the appropriate risk assessments in place. In addition, there is an on-site gym for pupils to use.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material changes is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  School leaders and the proprietor body have an in-depth knowledge of the standards. They make regular checks to ensure that the standards remain met over time.

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Main inspection findings

 Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. Those with leadership responsibilities, including governors, have the knowledge and expertise to maintain the high standards currently in place.  The proprietor body has thought carefully about how the increase in numbers will be managed to maintain the effectiveness of the provision for pupils on roll.  The standard in this part is likely to continue to be met if the request for the material changes is approved.

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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

Proprietor Impact North West Schools Ltd

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £28,500 to £70,000

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School details

Website www.impactnorthwestschools.org.uk

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School details

Email address schooloffice@impactnorthwestschools.org.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 14 to 16 May 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 29 94 94

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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 22 94

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 29 94

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 16 94

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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 16 94

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 20

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Information about this school

 The school’s previous standard inspection was on 14 to 16 May 2024.  The school caters for pupils with SEND. Some pupils also have education, health and care plans. Pupils at the school have social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  The school is currently registered for up to 30 pupils. There are 29 pupils on roll.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned this material change inspection to evaluate the school’s likely compliance with the relevant standards if the DfE approves the proprietor’s request to increase its pupil capacity from 30 to 94 and to add an additional premises.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of an increase of the school’s capacity and an additional premises since the school’s standard inspection in May 2024.  The inspector checked those aspects of safeguarding that directly linked to the material change application.  The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor body, the chair of governors and senior leaders.  The inspector made a tour of the site to check the suitability of the premises against the relevant standards.  The inspector looked at a range of documentation and policies relevant to the material change request. These included health and safety, fire-safety and risk assessment

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Information about this inspection

documentation. The inspector also checked documentation relating to safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Jane Dennis, 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 children looked after, 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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