ALP Nuneaton

ALP Nuneaton Holman Way, Nuneaton CV11 4PN

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inspection report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented

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inspection report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending from 70 to 90.

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inspection report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’s likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

All leaders, including the proprietor body, share a strong moral purpose for the school. All leaders are highly effective and understand the requirements of the independent school standards (the standards).

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has carefully considered how to increase the number of pupils on the school’s roll in a way that is manageable and sustainable. Leaders have considered the importance of having the right number of skilled staff in place to support pupils’ needs. For example, in addition to increasing the number of teaching staff, leaders recognise that they will need more capacity to support administration and building management. Therefore, leaders plan to employ additional staff in the office and in the maintenance team, as well as teaching staff, to support the increase in pupil numbers.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders prioritise the safety, wellbeing and best interests of all pupils. They are committed to ensuring that any increase in capacity continues to meet the needs of the current pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Safeguarding

The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. It is published on the school’s website. There is a clear culture of safeguarding across the school. Leaders ensure that all staff are well trained to be alert to any signs that pupils may be at risk. Staff training is both well considered and responsive to emerging issues. Reporting and recording systems are established and used effectively. The school has a clear understanding of contextual safeguarding risks, including the additional vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school has established strong working relationships with the various local authorities’ children’s services and safeguarding teams.

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Health, safety and fire

The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire documentation takes account of the specific needs of the pupils, for example pupils have ‘pupil emergency evacuation plans’ if appropriate. A fire safety logbook is in place detailing the testing, fire drills and equipment. There is a detailed site map that shows the positions of fire equipment, fire exits and assembly points.

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Health, safety and fire

The school has ensured that a suitable health and safety policy is in place to support staff’s and pupils’ welfare. The proprietor ensures that the policy is implemented consistently and effectively.

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Risk assessment and supervision of pupils

Detailed risk assessments are in place for the overall provision, off-site activities and individual pupils. All risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated appropriately. Leaders ensure that all staff have appropriate training in identifying and managing risk.

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Risk assessment and supervision of pupils

Leaders have considered the ratio of pupils to staff related to the proposed increase in numbers. Currently, pupils are well supervised throughout the school day by well-trained staff. The school will recruit additional staff to ensure that pupils are supervised and supported effectively.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The school’s recruitment process is detailed and follows the guidance set out by the Secretary of State. Leaders know the checks they must complete to be sure that the staff they recruit are suitable to work with pupils. The human resources team provides effective support and guidance. These checks are carried out before a new staff member starts in the school.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The electronic single central record is up to date. The proprietor regularly checks the single central record for compliance. Appropriate staff have completed suitable training in safer recruitment procedures.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school does not use supply staff but is aware of the checks leaders would need to complete, should it choose to in the future.

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and showers

Pupils have suitable access to toilets and washing facilities. Showering facilities are also available. The water temperature is appropriate and does not pose a scalding risk. Suitable facilities for pupils to access drinking water are provided throughout the school. Facilities will adequately cater to an increased number of pupils if the material change is to be implemented.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room is appropriately equipped. It includes a medical bed and access to running water and is in close proximity to a toilet. There are well-stocked first- aid boxes in suitable locations around the school site. The contents of these are checked and logged regularly.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school site is well presented and tidy. There are rooms suitable for classrooms that could accommodate the additional pupils. Leaders have thought about the additional pupils and have taken this into account when managing social times and lunchtimes. Staffing levels are appropriate. Well ‑ trained staff supervise pupils effectively throughout the day.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Classrooms, the school hall and other spaces around the school have appropriate acoustics and suitable lighting that support effective teaching and learning. External lighting is also appropriate and is situated around the school site.

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Outdoor space

The external school grounds are well maintained and provide adequate space for physical education and social play. Outside, there is a large playground, a small allotment, a trim trail and a woodland area that are accessible to the pupils.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has an appropriate accessibility policy and plan in place. The plan contains details about adaptations to the curriculum and the physical environment.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor has ensured that schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 is likely to be met.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The DfE commissioned the inspectors to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to: the welfare, health and safety of pupils; the suitability of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.

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About this inspection

The proprietor body has requested a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 70 to 90.

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About this inspection

The inspector checked the suitability of the premises during their site check. They met with the headteacher and a range of other staff. The inspector also met with the representatives of the proprietor body.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with pupils and staff. They also reviewed documents in relation to health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.

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About this inspection

The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the independent school standards are met.

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About this school

Proprietor ALP Schools Ltd Headteacher Bradley Rowley Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 70 Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Number of part-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Age range of pupils 6 to 19 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £50,408 to £87,945 Email address nuneaton@alpschools.org providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.

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About this school

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About this school

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About this school

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

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