Utopia

School material change inspection report

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Utopia The Vikes, 40 Thorsway, Rock Ferry, Merseyside CH42 1NW

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b)  The school has ensured that there is an appropriate curriculum in place for post-16 education. The school has put in place an ambitious curriculum for post-16 education. It is adapted well to the needs and aptitudes of students, all of whom have an education health and care (EHC) plan. The proprietor proposes to offer pupils a smooth transition from key stage 4 into this provision. The curriculum pathways are designed to be flexible to students’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school has put in place detailed schemes of work that aim to ensure that students continue to gain the fundamental knowledge that they will need to achieve a range of qualifications from entry level to GCSEs. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e), 2(2)(g) to (2)(i), 2A(1), 2A(1)(b) to 2A(2)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a strong element of personal, social, health

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Main inspection findings

and economic (PSHE) education throughout the curriculum. There is also strong emphasis on ensuring that students in the post-16 provision develop skills for independence so they can cook meals, manage money and travel independently.  The school intends to continue to develop students’ understanding of relationships through a well-thought-out programme of personal development. This also includes further developing students’ relationships with others, including in the workplace, to help them to prepare for their future education, employment or training.  The proprietor has published the school’s relationships and sex education policy online which describes the content of the scheme of work. This has been extended to meet the needs of 16- to 19-year-old students. Arrangements are in place to consult parents and carers about any changes to this policy. Paragraphs 3 to 4  The school proposes to monitor students’ progress through regular assessments of

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Main inspection findings

what they have remembered. This matches well with the provision already in place.  The proprietor has a clear plan in place for the recruitment of staff to bring additional expertise for post-16 education if the proposed material changes are approved. There are appropriate arrangements for the induction of new staff.  The proprietor has ensured that the relevant independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are approved. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The curriculum includes clearly defined content for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. There is a strong focus on the development of pupils’ social skills, awareness of others’ views and their self-confidence.  It is intended that students in the post-16 provision will continue to learn about difference and about the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

The school also proposes to ensure that they continue to understand fundamental British values so that students are equipped well for life in modern Britain. For example, current pupils are supported to predict the outcome of voting data in mathematics whilst also learning about democracy.  Pupils are encouraged to debate news stories to keep abreast of current affairs. The school ensures that staff encourage pupils’ discussion but that they do not share their own political views.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material changes are approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. This provides clear guidance for staff, including when recording how any incidents have been handled. Staff are provided with support and regular updates on

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding issues so that they remain vigilant. The school’s policy takes into account the most recent statutory guidance and is published on the school’s website. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16 to 16(b)  The school has effective measures in place to promote the health, safety and welfare of pupils. The school’s risk assessment policy gives guidance on how to write effective risk assessments, for example when handling animals or when pupils participate in wheelchair basketball.  The proprietor ensures that there are regular checks on a range of health and safety matters to ensure that these standards are met. For example, the school has a comprehensive fire risk assessment in place. This is supported by a programme of maintenance, such as checks on the school’s emergency lighting system and fire- fighting equipment.  Current staff have excellent relationships with pupils. They know them well as individuals. This, combined with high staff-to-pupil ratios, means that pupils are well-

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Main inspection findings

supervised throughout the school day.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material changes are 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), and 21(5) to 21(6)  The school maintains a single central record of pre-employment checks on staff that are undertaken prior to staff beginning employment with the school. The school regularly updates these checks. This record is kept securely in an electronic format. The safeguarding governor checks this record to make sure it is accurate and kept up to date.  The school checks teachers’ qualifications, the medical fitness of all staff and the eligibility of staff to work in the UK.  The school does not currently use agency staff, nor does it propose to do so if the material changes are approved. However, leaders know how to meet these

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Main inspection findings

requirements should the need arise.  The chair of the proprietor body has ensured that all relevant checks have been carried out on the suitability of board members and governors.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material changes are approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2) and 25 to 29(1)(b)  The school site is currently comprised of a two-story building that has eight classrooms, a kitchen, a sports hall, a breakout area, offices and toilets. The proprietor has ensured that there is also a dedicated medical room which includes a washing facility. The premises allow adequate space for the proposed increase in pupil numbers and are well resourced to meet pupils’ needs.  The premises are finished to a high standard. The proprietor ensures that regular checks are in place to keep the site in a good condition.

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Main inspection findings

 There are separate toilet facilities for pupils and for staff. These can be locked from the inside.  The school uses local sports venues for physical education. Pupils access shower facilities at these venues. There is a suitable risk assessment in place to ensure pupils’ safety.  Classrooms are carpeted, which helps ensure that the acoustics are suitable. Classrooms are well lit and there is external lighting outside the premises for safe entry and exit.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material changes are approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools  Members of the proprietor body are knowledgeable about the school. They have established a governing body to add a layer of challenge and support to aid school development.  The school’s quality assurance processes ensure that governors and the proprietor fully understand the provision and how well it is meeting its aims. The school’s self-

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Main inspection findings

evaluation of its development priorities provides a clear commentary on what is working well in the school and what could be improved upon. This is further strengthened by the quality assurance procedures that are in place. These help to ensure that the school consistently meets the independent school standards.  The proprietor ensures that there are effective arrangements in place to support the well-being and welfare of pupils. Staff know pupils well. This contributes to pupils’ SEND being met well.  The school complies with schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. For example, the school’s accessibility plan includes actions to ensure that all pupils can be evacuated safely in the event of an emergency. The school’s plan and equalities policy are published on its website.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material changes are 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

Email address office@utopiaschools.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 2 to 4 July 2024

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 13 to 16 13 to 19 13 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 20 32 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 20 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 20 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 20 32

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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 20 32

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 8 11.5

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Information about this school

 The headteacher and deputy headteachers are members of the proprietor body.  The school opened on 26 July 2023. The school’s first standard inspection took place on 2 to 4 July 2024.  The school operates from premises at The Vikes, 40 Thorsway, Rock Ferry, Merseyside CH42 1NW. It is registered to admit up to 20 pupils.  All pupils have an EHC plan. Pupils’ SEND includes social, emotional and mental health needs, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) in response to the proprietor’s request to make a material change to the school. The DfE requested that the inspector consider whether particular independent school standards in parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved.  The proposed change involves extending the school’s age range to include provision for students aged 16 to 19. The school also proposes to extend its admissions number from 20 to 32.  This was the school’s first material change inspection.  In evaluating whether the school is likely to continue to meet the relevant standards, the inspector undertook a tour of the proposed premises, considered a range of documentation and discussed the proposed changes with leaders, including the school’s headteacher and the proprietor. He also spoke with some staff and pupils.

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Inspection team

Steve Bentham, 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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