On Track Education Northampton

School material change inspection report

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On Track Education Northampton On Track Education, Unit 6, Quarry Park Close, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6QB

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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), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  There is a strong safeguarding culture in school. Leaders and staff are knowledgeable about their safeguarding responsibilities. Promoting pupils’ welfare and safety is a high priority.  Leaders are well trained. They often update their training and ensure that they are aware of any emerging risks that could affect pupils. Staff also complete relevant training so that they know how to keep pupils safe.  Staff are alert to any signs that may indicate that a pupil is at risk. Staff report any concerns promptly and know that leaders will take appropriate action in response.  Leaders work closely with external professionals to secure the right support for pupils. Detailed safeguarding records indicate that leaders’ actions are timely, proportionate and well considered.  Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including when online. They explore a

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Main inspection findings

range of issues that are appropriate to their age and stage of development.  Each pupil is well known to staff. A culture of mutual support and respect means that pupils share any concerns readily with their trusted adult. As a result, pupils feel safe and well looked after.  The school’s safeguarding policy is published on its website. It is up to date and in line with current national guidance. Paragraph 11  The school has an appropriate health and safety policy. The main site and buildings are checked routinely to make sure that they do not pose a risk of harm. Any issues that are identified are rectified quickly.  The proprietor intends to follow the same practices and procedures to check health and safety arrangements at the proposed new site. However, the proprietor cannot complete a health and safety audit of the site until it has secured the lease. Necessary checks, for example in relation to legionella, have not been completed. As a result,

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Main inspection findings

any potential health and safety risks at the proposed new site have not been identified or resolved. Paragraph 12  The fire safety arrangements at the main school site are suitable. Fire safety equipment is suitably located and well maintained. Evacuation routes are signed clearly. An annual fire risk assessment allows any issues to be identified and resolved swiftly.  The proprietor intends to arrange for a fire risk assessment to be completed at the proposed new site once the lease has been agreed. However, currently, the fire safety arrangements at this site do not comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Paragraph 14  The school’s current staffing arrangements mean that pupils are well supervised. At the proposed new site, the proprietor intends to employ sufficient staff to allow ratios of no less than 1 staff member to every 3 pupils. The plan is that the number of pupils at the proposed new site will increase slowly so that staff have the opportunity to

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Main inspection findings

develop a suitable school culture in which pupils can learn. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  The school’s approach to assessing risk is consistent. Individual risk assessments are completed when pupils join the school. These risk assessments are reviewed by staff on a regular basis to ensure that they remain suitable. Staff are trained to complete risk assessments before pupils take part in off-site activities.  Risk assessments for the main school site identify potential hazards and strategies to mitigate them so that pupils are kept safe. However, there are no risk assessments in place for the proposed new site.  The school is not likely to meet all of the independent school standards (the standards) checked in part 3 and part 6 if the material change is approved and implemented.

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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), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  Leaders know the checks they must complete to be sure that staff they recruit are suitable to work with pupils. These checks are carried out before a new staff member begins their role.  Leaders understand the information that they require if they use the services of supply staff.  A record of the recruitment checks that have been completed is kept online. Evidence to support these checks is also stored electronically.  The school is likely to continue to meet all of the standards in this part if the material change is approved and implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 28(1), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(d)  At both the main site and the proposed new site, there are toilets available for the sole use of pupils. Some of these are in their own lockable room. Others offer separate facilities for boys and girls.  The toilets at the main site are well equipped with suitable washing facilities, including hot water that does not pose a scalding risk to users. However, some of the toilets at the proposed new site lack toilet paper, soap and drying facilities. Checks have not been made to ensure that the water temperature in these toilets is appropriate.  At both the main site and the proposed new site, there is accommodation available where pupils can shower and change. Paragraphs 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  In the main school, in each unit, a room has been set aside for the medical examination and treatment of pupils. These rooms are well equipped and have ready

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Main inspection findings

access to suitable washing and toilet facilities. These rooms serve no other purpose.  At the proposed new site, a suitable room has been identified for administering first aid. It includes a sink and toilet. However, currently, the room has no furniture and there is no first-aid equipment available. Paragraph 25  The main school premises are well maintained. Rooms benefit from good-quality furniture and equipment. Regular health and safety checks mean that any issues are spotted quickly and dealt with.  The proposed new premises appear to be in a good state of repair, both inside and out. There is a large amount of space, offering ample accommodation for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. However, currently, the proprietor has not agreed the lease with the owner. As a result, work planned to make the site suitable has not taken place and essential health and safety checks have not been completed.

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Main inspection findings

Therefore, at this time, the proprietor has not been able to ensure that the site is suitable for pupils’ health, safety and welfare. Paragraphs 26 to 27(b)  The acoustic conditions in the buildings of both the main school site and the proposed new site are appropriate.  At the main school site, suitable lighting is available, both inside and out. At the proposed new site, most rooms benefit from natural light, as well as other suitable electric lighting. There are also outside lights to the front and side of the building. Paragraphs 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(c), 28(2) to 28(2)(b)  At the main school site, there are drinking water dispensers available for pupils to use throughout the school day. The school has purchased similar dispensers for pupils to use at the proposed new site. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  At the main school site, there is a small amount of outdoor space that pupils can use during social times. Leaders have used this space creatively to encourage pupils’

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Main inspection findings

interest in the natural environment.  At the proposed new site, there is a large area of grass to one side of the building. However, while the proprietor intends to erect a fence around this space, it is currently open to the public. With no risk assessment in place, this space cannot be used safely by pupils.  Pupils currently on the school’s roll make use of local leisure facilities for physical education. It is likely that pupils who attend the proposed new site will do similar.  The school is not likely to meet all of the standards checked in part 5 if the material change is approved and implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  At the time of the material change inspection, the proprietor could not confirm when it would have secured the lease on the proposed new site. Until this is in place, the proprietor cannot complete work needed on these premises, carry out necessary health and safety checks or install suitable furniture and equipment. Therefore, the proprietor has not ensured that the proposed new premises are suitable and that they comply with the standards.  The proprietor is knowledgeable about the standards and has a positive track record in setting up and running schools. It has a close oversight of this school. This means that it knows what is working well and how things can improve.  The proprietor’s request to increase the number of pupils on the school’s roll and open a new site is in response to the growing demand for specialist school places in the

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Main inspection findings

local area. The proprietor has a clear vision for the type of provision it wants to offer and how it will complement and enhance the existing school.  The proprietor has considered how to increase the number of pupils on the school’s roll in a way that is sustainable. It recognises the importance of having the right staff in place to support pupils’ needs. The proprietor has also considered how it will reorganise the school’s leadership team across the two sites in order to retain the quality of the current provision.  The school is not likely to meet all of the standards checked in part 8 if the material change is approved and implemented. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There is a suitable accessibility plan in place for the current site that considers all the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. However, the proprietor has not reviewed the plan to ensure that is also appropriate for the proposed new site.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely 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, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Proprietor On Track Education Services Ltd

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School details

Headteacher Pete Davies, Education Manager Sally O’Connor, School Manager Annual fees (day pupils) £49,527 to £69,635

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School details

Email address pdavies@ontrackeducation.com

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 20 to 22 May 2025

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 19 11 to 19 Not applicable

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 47 78 Not applicable

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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 44 78

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 44 78

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 44 78

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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 44 78

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 47 62

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Information about this school

 The school provides education for pupils who have social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Many have not been successful in their previous settings.  The previous standard inspection of the school was in May 2025, when it was judged to be outstanding.  The school operates from Unit 6, Quarry Park Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN3 6QB. The proposed new premises are located at Suite A & B Diamond Business Centre, Attley Way, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire NN9 5GF.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  The school is registered to admit up to 48 pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to check the school’s likely compliance with the standards relevant to the proposed change to increase the maximum number of pupils that the school is permitted to have on roll from 48 to 78.  This was the school’s first material change inspection for this proposed change.  The DfE commissioned the inspector to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment; supervision of pupils; recruitment of staff; the suitability of the premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.  The inspector met with the education manager and the school manager, as well as some other school leaders. She also met with the chair of the proprietor body.  The inspector met with two groups of pupils and a group of staff.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector undertook a tour of the premises at the main school site and at the proposed new site. The inspector was granted permission to access the proposed new site by the trust who is responsible for the building and with whom the proprietor is currently negotiating to lease the site.  The inspector considered school documentation in relation to safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment. She looked at the school’s single central record and the school’s procedures for undertaking checks on new staff.

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Inspection team

Rachel Tordoff, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including– – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; and – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that–

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

– 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable– – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

 The proprietor must prepare an accessibility plan that, over a prescribed period- – increases the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the school’s curriculum; – improves the physical environment of the school for the purpose of increasing the extent to which disabled pupils are able to take advantage of education and benefits, facilities or services provided or offered by the school; and – improves the delivery to disabled pupils of information which is readily accessible to pupils who are not disabled. 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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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010

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