Chances Mentoring

School material change inspection report

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Chances Mentoring Unit 3 Whitegate Business Centre, Jardine Way, Oldham, Lancashire OL9 9JT

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2)(h), 3, 3(c), 3(d)  The school has ensured that the curriculum is designed and adapted well to suit the aptitudes and needs of all pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a wide range of strategies in place to support all aspects of pupils’ welfare and academic development. This is especially true for those pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, where staff focus on pupils’ specific needs to help them to learn effectively.  The curriculum is designed well to build on pupils’ prior learning. Teachers are well informed about individual pupils’ prior attainment and plan lessons that are focused on catering for pupils’ needs. Teachers use time well to settle pupils so that they are ready for learning. Pupils can recall their recent learning well. Their work demonstrates how they make positive progress through the curriculum. Pupils have

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Main inspection findings

opportunities to gain short-term entry level unit awards as well as studying for a range of qualifications up to GCSE level.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  There is a clear safeguarding policy in place that offers guidance for staff on how to handle any safeguarding concerns. Staff are provided with a range of training opportunities and safeguarding updates and there is a vigilant culture within the school. The school’s policy takes into account the most recent statutory guidance. The proprietor has ensured that this is published on the school’s website. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14, 16(a) and 16(b)  The school has a diligent approach to health and safety. For example, in the vocational curriculum, pupils have ample opportunities to learn about health and safety in the workplace. The school’s risk assessment policy ensures consistency in developing a wide range of risk assessments, which includes assessments for the premises and off-site activities. There are regular health and safety maintenance

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Main inspection findings

checks, such as on the school’s roller shutters.  The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, the school has a comprehensive fire risk assessment. The proprietor ensures that there are regular checks on the school’s fire-fighting equipment and emergency lighting system.  The school has a high staff-to-pupil ratio in place. It intends to maintain this proportion of staff if it is successful in its application for the material change.  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 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 proprietor has ensured that the single central record of pre-employment checks is maintained well and kept up to date. The school has strong processes in place to check on contractors, volunteers and any supply staff that they may use in the future.  These checks always take place before staff take up their appointment.  There is suitable training in place for new staff. The proprietor has clear plans about the recruitment of new staff should the material change be approved.  All of the required checks are in place for the proprietor. The school’s designated safeguarding lead checks the accuracy of the single central record frequently to ensure that it meets the standards.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25to 29(1)(b)  The building is comprised of two separate industrial units and has eight classrooms in total across two floors. There are also two intervention rooms, a large construction area and a hair and beauty salon. The school has an indoor sports hall that is well equipped for physical activities. The premises are maintained to a very high standard and kept clean, tidy and in an excellent state of repair. They are suitable for the proposed increase in the number of pupils.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a small medical room on site that includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet.  Classrooms are well lit and have appropriate acoustics. There is lighting to the exterior near the main entrance and all fire exits.  All drinking water is appropriately signed. Where water is unsuitable for drinking, this

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Main inspection findings

also has the correct signage to inform pupils and staff.  Appropriate toilet facilities are in place. All toilet cubicles are for single use and can be locked from the inside.  There is suitable space for pupils at breaktimes to play as well as an appropriate space for pupils’ physical education. The school incorporates a shower for the use of pupils following physical activity.  The proprietor has ensured that the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change 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 assures itself about the quality of provision through the analysis of performance information as well as regular meetings with the headteacher. This ensures that the proprietor is well informed about the progress and well-being of each pupil in the school.  The proprietor has ensured that pupils’ welfare is at the heart of the school’s provision. There are individual profiles for each pupil that identify a range of strategies for staff to keep pupils calm and engaged in their education.  The school has a comprehensive accessibility plan to meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.  The proprietor intends to manage any increase in pupil numbers slowly so that the pupils presently in the school do not have their routines and education disrupted.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material

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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

Annual fees (day pupils) £40,000 to £55,000

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School details

Email address callum@chancesmentoring.com

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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 16 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 16 60 Number of part-time pupils 0 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 16 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 16 60

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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 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 5.5 7.5

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Information about this school

 The school is located at Unit 3 Whitegate Business Centre, Jardine Way, Oldham OL9 9JT. It is housed in two industrial units. It is registered to admit up to 40 pupils.  All places at the school are commissioned by local authorities and schools.  All pupils have social, emotional and mental health needs. Many also have other diagnoses, including autistic spectrum disorder.  The proprietor is Chances Mentoring Limited. There is one director. This director is in the process of establishing an advisory governing body.  The school currently uses one unregistered alternative provider.

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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, 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to be met if the material change is approved.  The proposed change involves extending the number of pupils that the school can admit from 40 to 60. The proprietor has extended the school by developing a second industrial unit next door to the current provision at the same address.  This was the school’s first material change inspection.  The school’s last inspection was a pre-registration inspection that took place in August 2024.  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

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Information about this inspection

school’s headteacher and the proprietor. He visited lessons, spoke with pupils and looked at their work. He also spoke with a small group of staff.

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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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