High Peak School

School material change inspection report

p.1

High Peak School Mudhurst Lane, Higher Disley, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 2AP

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1) and 32(1)(c)  An appropriate safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. The policy reflects the most up-to-date statutory guidance. The policy documents the school’s procedures for identifying, recording and reporting concerns. In addition to this, there is contact information for the safeguarding team, including a safeguarding contact within the proprietor body. Those responsible for leading safeguarding have the additional training that they need to check that the culture of safeguarding helps to protect pupils from harm. Staff know what to do if any concerns arise about adults who work at the school. Paragraphs 11, 12 and 16 to 16(b)  The health and safety policy reflects leaders’ high expectations for how the site operates. There is a strong focus on ensuring that the school is a safe place for staff and pupils. There are well-considered systems in place for staff to report any

p.1

Main inspection findings

maintenance issues. Any reported issues are quickly addressed. Leaders have made sure that the building is a suitable and safe space for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.  The school uses competent professionals to advise them on all aspects of fire safety. Regular training takes place to ensure that staff and pupils know what to do in the event of an emergency. Records of fire safety checks are thorough. Fire-fighting equipment is regularly checked and serviced at the appropriate intervals. The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Leaders identify risks appropriately. As set out in the risk assessment policy, risks are well considered and actions are drawn up to reduce any risk to staff or pupils. Staff know pupils’ individual needs well and this is reflected in the high level of detail in risk assessments. This includes a strong understanding of pupils’ special educational needs

p.1

Main inspection findings

and/or disabilities (SEND). Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and evaluated. Paragraph 14  Leaders make sure that pupils are supervised by suitably qualified staff that have the relevant background and expertise. The proposed number of additional staff is appropriate should the material change be approved.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c) to 21(6)  The single central record (SCR) is kept up to date and includes all staff. The proprietor and other leaders regularly check the SCR to make sure that it reflects the most recent statutory guidance. The appropriate checks are made for those in leadership and management.  Leaders have safer recruitment training. This helps them to have a secure knowledge of safeguarding within recruitment procedures. Recruitment checks are completed before staff commence employment.  Leaders make sure that agency staff are recorded on the SCR. They make sure that agency staff have the required checks during recruitment. Leaders also make sure that overseas checks are completed for staff that this applies to.  The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(1)(d) and 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  The school premises are well maintained. The buildings are on several floors with access to extensive outdoor spaces. The layout of the building has been carefully considered with pupils’ needs in mind. The outdoor space is suitable for physical education (PE) and recreation. There is also an indoor sports complex for pupils to use.  There are enough toilets and washing facilities for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Almost all of the toilets are individual cubicles and all are lockable from the inside. Hot water is set at a safe temperature and is regularly checked. Pupils have access to drinking-water throughout the school day, and this is clearly labelled.  There are changing rooms available for pupils to use either when taking part in PE or other parts of the school’s outdoor provision.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  There is a suitable medical room for pupils to use. This contains a sink and is located next to a toilet. The room contains a bed and suitable first-aid provisions. There is locked storage for medication. Administration of first aid and medication is recorded in detail and staff receive the appropriate training to understand the safety precautions. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The premises are clean and tidy. Systems to report any maintenance issues are well considered and mean that any defects are quickly rectified. Sound and lighting are appropriate across the site. There is external lighting around the building that covers entrances and exits. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school is set in extensive grounds. There are a range of suitable places for pupils to play, as well as engage in their outdoor activities, including attending to the animals who live at the school.

p.2

Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  There are effective systems and procedures in place for the proprietor to check ongoing compliance with the standards. This is in addition to leaders making regular checks on the quality of education that pupils receive.  Leaders at all levels have the background, knowledge and expertise that they need to continue to make sure that the standards remain met and that pupils receive an education that meets their needs. Leaders seek to continually improve the school. They set realistic plans for improvement that are based on their in-depth knowledge of each part of the school’s effectiveness.  There has been careful consideration for how the potential increase in pupil numbers will impact the pupils who currently attend the school. This includes the layout of the site, as well as how pupil groups will be organised and how staff will be allocated.

p.3

Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

p.3

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.5

School details

Proprietor Kedleston (High Peak School) Limited

p.5

School details

Email address highpeak@kedlestongroup.com

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 11 to 13 February 2025

p.5

recommendation

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

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 90 110 110

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 90 110

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 90 110

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 90 110

p.6

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 90 110

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 18 21

p.6

Information about this school

 The school’s previous inspection was on 11 to 13 February 2025.  All pupils who attend the school are pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All have an education, health and care plan. The school provides education for pupils with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs.  The school uses one registered alternative provision and two unregistered alternative provisions for pupils.  The school is located at Mudhurst Lane, Higher Disley, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 2AP. It is registered to admit up to 90 pupils.

p.6

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 90 to 110.  This was the first material change inspection in respect of an increase of the school’s capacity since the school’s standard inspection in February 2025.  The inspector checked those aspects of safeguarding that directly linked to the material change application.  The inspector met with a representative of the proprietor body. She also met with senior leaders and other staff.  The inspector spoke to pupils about what it is like to be a pupil at the school.  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

p.7

Information about this inspection

documentation. The inspector also checked documentation relating to safeguarding.

p.7

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 .

p.7

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.8

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.8

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.

p.8

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8