Progress Schools - Liverpool

School material change inspection report.

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Progress Schools - Toxteth 115 Upper Warwick Street, Liverpool L8 8HD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2, 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) and 2(2)(i)  The school has prepared an appropriate curriculum policy. The information set out in the policy shows that the active promotion of fundamental British values is at the core of leaders’ work. This includes values such as tolerance and respect, together with the development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of being a citizen in Britain.  The curriculum policy is supported by schemes of work for each subject. The curriculum design and schemes of work are appropriate. The school has thought carefully about what it wants pupils to learn during their time at the school. It has also considered any changes that it may need to make in relation to this material change request. For example, ensuring that the curriculum is suitable and interesting for pupils in lower key stage 3. The school’s curriculum design considers the specific

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Main inspection findings

and individual needs of pupils, all of whom will be pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  There is suitable importance placed on the development of pupils’ speaking and listening, reading, writing and mathematics in the curriculum. Additionally, there is an emphasis on pupils studying subjects such as science, history, geography, and religious education. The subjects offered also include art and design, physical education (PE) and aspects of technology.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is taught through timetabled lessons. Aspects of PSHE education are also woven into the whole school curriculum, including careers education. The development of pupils’ life skills, including their emotional and well-being skills, is considered an essential part of the curriculum by the school. Again, it has considered the proposed younger pupils who are likely to join the school, should the material change be accepted. The topics to be

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Main inspection findings

covered are suitably wide ranging and include all of those that pay particular regard to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Paragraph 2A (1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g) and 2A (2)  The PSHE education curriculum includes the development of pupils’ understanding of relationships, sex, and health education. The school has taken into consideration the relevant statutory guidance as well as any additional considerations that might arise from having lower key stage 3 pupils in school. The school has an appropriate policy statement, and it consults with parents and carers about this policy. The school has ensured that this statement is on its website. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j)  The proprietor already has an established staff team and will recruit new staff as the school grows in number. It has a clear idea of the calibre and expertise that it is looking for in new teachers and other staff.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has suitable templates for short-term curriculum design. Teachers set out the content of lessons taking account of the individual aptitudes, needs, and prior attainment of pupils. The school is well resourced with a range of appropriate educational books and equipment. These are relevant to the intended age range of pupils that the school proposes to admit.  The proprietor is committed to providing a good-quality education for pupils. There is an educationally experienced head of school in place. This person is overseen by an executive headteacher. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to guide and support teachers. There is a suitable programme of professional development in place. This includes providing staff with an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the subjects that will be taught. This should enable teachers to provide a suitable quality of education if the proposed material change request regarding the pupils’ age

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Main inspection findings

range is agreed. Paragraph 4  The school has a suitable assessment policy in place.  Pupils’ attainment and personal needs are assessed when they start at the school. Pupils’ progress and attainment are assessed routinely. Pupils’ progress is communicated regularly with parents and those responsible for governance. Teachers use these assessments to inform their teaching.  Where appropriate, pupils complete national end-of-key-stage assessments.  The proprietor has ensured that all the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b) to 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d) to 5(d)(iii)  Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development is a thread that runs through the curriculum. Pupils’ SMSC development is central to the school’s aims, policies, and enrichment activities. For example, the curriculum policy emphasises the contribution that each subject will make to pupils’ SMSC education.  Aspects of SMSC development are threaded through the PSHE scheme of work. These have been suitably adapted to take account of the younger pupils that the school are seeking to admit as part of this material change. Enrichment activities are offered to all pupils to ensure that they experience a diverse range of social and cultural activities and traditions. For instance, to help pupils to be involved in charity work and local community events.  The school provides opportunities for pupils to discuss local and national issues in an

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Main inspection findings

impartial way. Pupils are encouraged to put into practice the values that are fundamental to living in modern Britain.  The school’s policies include appropriate references to all the protected characteristics set out in legislation.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health, and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has continued to ensure that there is a suitable safeguarding policy in place and that this is published on the school’s website. This policy has due regard to current statutory guidance.  There are robust procedures in place for staff to report any concerns that they might have about a pupil’s welfare. Staff know and understand what these safeguarding procedures are. The school communicates effectively with other professionals to ensure that pupils are safe and well when they are not in school.  Staff receive regular safeguarding training. This helps staff to recognise when pupils may be at risk of harm. The proprietor knows that the school must carry out the required checks on the suitability of staff whenever it appoints new ones. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has a health and safety policy that is tailored to the proposed new school building. It complies with all relevant laws. Regular fire-safety checks of the new building are planned. The proprietor has put checks and record-keeping in place to ensure the proposed new school building complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Pupils are supervised by the deployment of sufficient staff, including at breaktimes, when arriving at school and on leaving the school premises.  A written risk assessment policy is in place. The risk assessments show that leaders will take appropriate actions to minimise risks to pupils. This includes risk assessments for the proposed new school building and grounds, staff, events, and individual pupils.  The school has made appropriate arrangements to ensure that its computer network has appropriate monitoring and filtering systems in place. This is to ensure pupils’

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Main inspection findings

safety when they are working online.  The proprietor has ensured that the relevant standards in this part and the requirements in paragraph 32(1)(c) are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2) (d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c) and 21(6)  The single central record (SCR) is in place and meets the statutory requirements. The proprietor understands the need to complete all the required checks on the suitability of staff before they take up an appointment.  Records relating to the proprietor are included on the school’s SCR. All of the suitability checks, including those relating to the leadership and management of a school, have been carried out.  The proprietor and senior leaders, including the executive headteacher and head of

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Main inspection findings

school, have completed appropriate training to support the appointment of suitable staff to work in the school. Should the material change be agreed, the proprietor plans to recruit additional teachers and support staff as the school’s pupil numbers grow. The induction documentation for new staff makes it clear that they will undergo a full suite of safeguarding and other appropriate training on appointment.  Leaders are aware of the procedures that they should follow in the event of employing supply staff to ensure that they are suitable to work with pupils.  The school does not engage volunteers. However, staff are clear about their responsibility for checking the suitability of volunteers who may work with pupils if this does occur.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(1)(d), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  The new school building, subject to this material change, is housed in a large, three- storey former school. The building is refurbished to an appropriate standard and comprises several teaching rooms, communal spaces, breakout rooms and two kitchens. There is also a medical room, reception area, offices, and outdoor spaces.  There are appropriate toilet and washing facilities. All the toilet cubicles can be secured from the inside. There is hot and cold running water. The hot water is set at an appropriate temperature. There are signs indicating that the water is not suitable for drinking. Pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day.  There are separate changing and shower facilities for boys and girls. They are clean and well appointed. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b) and 24(2)

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Main inspection findings

 A medical room has been set aside. It has a sink within the room and easy access to a toilet. A bed and a first-aid kit were in the medical room at the time of the inspection. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a) and 27(b)  The accommodation throughout is of an appropriate standard and it meets all requirements for the health, safety, and welfare of pupils. This includes suitable acoustics and lighting. Teaching rooms have a suitable source of natural light. The exterior and interior lighting is of an appropriate standard. Access through main doorways and gates will be via keypads. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to an outdoor area that is safe. It will be an appropriate space in which pupils can play when not in lessons and for them to engage in PE activities. These PE activities will be regularly timetabled in accordance with the school’s curriculum requirements.  The proprietor has ensured that the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor has a secure understanding of the standards and monitors compliance with the standards regularly.  Leaders demonstrate the knowledge required to accommodate the material change requests. They have experience of, and a commitment to, providing an effective quality of education for pupils. They are likely to fulfil their responsibilities to promote the well-being of pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that all the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan has been revised to take account of the material change requests and fully reflects statutory requirements.

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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

Chair Charlotte Charnley (known as Charlotte Barton) Headteacher Gina Lunt

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £19,294 to £59,535

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School details

Email address liverpool@progress-schools.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 December 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 8 45 45

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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 8 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 8 45

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health, and care plan 8 Not known

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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 2 Not known

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff None None

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 3 7

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Information about this school

 The previous standard inspection took place from 3 to 5 December 2024.  The school is presently located at 115 Upper Warwick Street, Liverpool L8 8HD. The proposed new premises are located at 19 Back Canning Street, Liverpool L8 7PB.  The school caters for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Many pupils have an education, health, and care plan.  The school is currently registered to admit up to 30 pupils.  There has been a new head of school appointed and is due to take up post at the end of July 2025. In the meantime, the executive headteacher has been the acting head of school.  The school uses two unregistered alternative providers for a small number of pupils.  The school is part of the Progress Schools group of schools.

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Information about this inspection

 The proprietor applied to the registration authority, the Department for Education (DfE) for a material change to change the school premises, increase the pupil capacity from 30 to 45 and to change the age range from 13 to 16 to 11 to 16 years old. The DfE commissioned Ofsted to carry out this material change inspection to advise whether the school would be likely to meet all relevant standards if the proposed material changes are implemented.  This was the first material change inspection since the school’s last standard inspection in December 2024.  The inspector met with the executive headteacher, who is also the acting head of school and designated safeguarding lead. She also met with the chair of the proprietor body, director of schools and the director for curriculum and teaching.  The inspector made a tour of the existing and the proposed new school building to check the suitability of the premises against the relevant standards.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector also looked at a range of documents and policies relevant to the material change requests, including for welfare, health and safety and the curriculum.  The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the independent school standards are met.

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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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Inspection team

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