Edison Pace School

School material change inspection report

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Edison Pace School Wellesley Street, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST1 4NF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The school has carefully considered the programme of study that it will offer to post-16 students. It has designed a coordinated series of learning, experiences and opportunities through its provision, that are age appropriate and likely to provide progression and stretch to post-16 students. The curriculum will include a continued focus on students studying mathematics and English, to GCSE level where appropriate. In addition, the proposed programme of study will include students selecting vocational subjects that will help them prepare for the world of work. These include courses such as construction, mechanics and hair and beauty. Many of these lead to recognised qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas. The school has suitable schemes of work in place and has set out a proposed timetable to demonstrate how the curriculum will be implemented week-by-week.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has made suitable arrangements for post-16 students to access an enhanced careers curriculum. This curriculum is designed to complement students' studies of vocational subjects. A careers teacher has been recruited to lead in this work and time has been allocated each week for students to explore future pathways and develop essential skills. As part of this program, the school plans to provide a work experience package facilitated through the school. Paragraph 3 to 3j and 4  The school has ensured that its existing curriculum is implemented effectively. In addition, leaders have focused on recruiting staff with the necessary subject expertise to teach the content of the post-16 curriculum. This has included employing some new teachers who specialise in areas covered by the proposed post-16 curriculum.  The school proposes to implement a framework of assessment linked to the relevant courses and pathways that post-16 students will study.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has carefully considered and purchased the resources needed to support students' learning. These resources are expected to enhance the implementation of the curriculum. For instance, the school features a hair and beauty salon, a well-equipped construction workshop, a music studio, and an art room that includes facilities such as a kiln.  Pupils in the existing phases of the school behave well. Staff understand the needs of the pupils who attend and implement effective strategies to ensure that pupils focus on learning in lessons. The school proposes to admit pupils who are already on its roll into the post-16 provision. It has put in a place a transition process to ensure these pupils receive adequate support to continue with their learning and maintain good behaviour in the post-16 phase.  The independent school standards (the standards) checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school's current curriculum is proving successful in helping to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. To build on this success, the school intends to enhance students’ understanding of current affairs and societal issues through its post-16 programme. It plans for students to continue studying personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education, tailored to their individual needs.  The school’s ethos, along with its proposed curriculum, is likely to promote fundamental British values and encourage respect for others.  The school intends to promote students’ independence and confidence by encouraging them to play a more active part in arranging elements of school provision. For example, the school has made firm plans for post-16 students to 'buddy up' and mentor younger pupils when appropriate. It also intends for post-16 pupils to

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Main inspection findings

plan, cost and lead whole school projects, including making arrangements for fund raising charitable events.  The standards checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7b  The school maintains a positive safeguarding culture. Leaders take their safeguarding responsibilities seriously and have established clear procedures to protect pupils from potential risk or harm. Staff members understand what to do if they have concerns about a child or another adult. The school ensures that any concerns are recorded accurately and leaders act swiftly to protect pupils when necessary.  The school recognises its specific context and has trained all teachers to be aware of the heightened safeguarding risks associated with the pupils they educate. This has included considering students in the 16 to 18 age range, proposed to be taught at the school. To address these risks, the school plans to teach post-16 students how to keep themselves safe. The proposed curriculum includes additional topics related to making the transition to adulthood, including responsibilities of increased independence.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards checked during the inspection are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is available on its website and is also provided to parents and carers on request.  This standard is likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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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 clear vision for the school and is dedicated to improving the lives of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who attend. The school has well-established approaches to ensure effective oversight of its provision. Leaders invite external review to help assess the quality and impact of the school's work. This reflective practice includes the commissioning of various audits, such as reviews by a school improvement partner. There is clear evidence that the school has consistently maintained the independent school standards over time. In addition, leaders have thoughtfully considered the proposed approach to providing post-16 education.  The proprietor has made significant investments in developing the school’s facilities to support high-quality post-16 education. Leaders have a solid understanding of the

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Main inspection findings

independent school standards and can provide convincing evidence that statutory duties are likely to be fulfilled.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of 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

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £105,000

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 29 April to 1 May 2025

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 7 to 16 7 to 18 7 to 18

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 47 96 96

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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 47 96

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 47 96

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 47 96

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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 47 96

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 18 22

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Information about this school

 Edison Pace School caters for pupils aged seven to 16 years old.  The school operates from two sites. The secondary site is located at, Wellesley Street, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 4NF. The primary site is located at, Porthill Bank, Newcastle Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0LS.  The school’s last standard inspection took place on 29 April to 1 May 2025.  The school provides education for pupils with complex social, emotional and mental health needs.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school is registered to admit 96 pupils.  The school does not currently use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 The material change inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine whether the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change is approved.  The school seeks to increase its age range and educate pupils from the age of 7 to 18.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of this particular change that the school has applied to make.  Inspectors visited both school sites. The lead inspector met with the proprietor, the headteacher and other senior leaders of the school.  Inspectors visited lessons and spoke with current pupils. They observed pupils learning and spoke briefly with some teachers.  The lead inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including the proposed curriculum arrangements for post-16 students.

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Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Inspection team

Gareth Morgan 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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