Oversands School

Oversands School, 22 September 2026 1 Oversands School Witherslack, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 6SD

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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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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 80 to 90.

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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 (ISS) 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 ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the ISS 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

The proprietor has secure oversight of the school. Members of the governing board have the skills and knowledge they need to support and challenge leaders. They make sure that pupils receive the necessary support to behave, flourish and achieve as well as they can. For example, those responsible for governance have backgrounds in school leadership, behaviour analysis, safeguarding and social and health care. Oversands School, 22 September 2026 2 Leaders at all levels have a secure understanding of pupils’ differing needs. This includes their wellbeing. Pupils’ best interests are at the heart of all decisions. The governing board includes members of the proprietor body, school leaders and parent and carer representatives. This helps the proprietor to understands pupils’ needs as a result. It also supports its understanding of pupils’ safety and welfare.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor recruits well-qualified staff who are suitable for their role in supporting pupils at the school. It has thought carefully about this in its plans to increase the number of pupils on roll. The proprietor makes sure that staff access regular and high-quality professional development. It has efficient procedures that provide leaders with appropriate support and challenge. This helps to ensure that all of the ISS are maintained.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the standards checked in this part are likely to continue to be met should the material change be granted.

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Safeguarding

The school’s policy for safeguarding reflects the most recent guidance published by the Secretary of State. It is published on the school’s website.

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Safeguarding

Staff are well trained. They know how to keep pupils safe. Leaders work closely with other agencies to provide additional support when this is needed.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders ensure that all staff know how to manage pupils’ behaviour. Staff deal with pupils who struggle to regulate their emotions calmly. Staff follow agreed protocols. Pupils build up positive relationships with their allocated trusted adult. They know that these members of staff will listen to them and support them to overcome worries. Pupils respond well when given time to reflect on how they could deal with challenging situations better.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders make sure that appropriate pupil-to-staff ratios are in place throughout the school day and will remain the case should the material change be approved. Pupils typically interact and cooperate well with staff during lessons and at social times. Pupils learn how to interact with others successfully. They find out how to make amends when things go wrong.

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Anti-bullying

Incidents of name-calling or other derogatory language are rare. Despite this, leaders take all episodes seriously. They deal with bullying or other unpleasantness Oversands School, 22 September 2026 3 quickly and well. They ensure that records of any incidents are clear and accurate. Leaders take appropriate action when unacceptable behaviour occurs. They ensure that teachers develop pupils’ social awareness. Pupils learn about the importance of equality. They refine personal safety strategies. Pupils develop their understanding of social conventions to avoid further conflict.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Leaders have effective systems and protocols for health and safety, fire risk management and first aid. Staff are clear about these and follow them diligently.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Leaders carry out regular health and safety checks on site. They apply the school’s policy efficiently. They make effective use of suitably qualified contractors, such as ensuring that fire-fighting equipment is compliant. Staff access external training for first aid and allergy awareness. This ensures that they know what action to take if a pupil becomes unwell or is injured.

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Admissions and attendance

Leaders keep suitable records of pupils’ personal information, admissions information and their attendance. They keep in close contact with parents if pupils are absent from school.

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Risk assessment

Leaders carefully assess and manage risks. Leaders and other staff follow the school’s risk assessment policy well. Leaders provide useful risk assessments for staff. These include those for onsite or off-site activities. Leaders also provide helpful information for staff about strategies to use to manage individual pupils’ medical or emotional needs.

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Use of restrictive interventions

Staff follow the school’s clear protocols for the use of restrictive physical intervention when this is necessary. They record incidents carefully. Leaders inform parents promptly. Leaders analyse these records. They adapt the school’s timetable or procedures to reduce the chance of further occurrences.

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Use of restrictive interventions

The proprietor has ensured that the standards checked in this part are likely to continue to be met should the material change be granted.

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

Oversands School, 22 September 2026 4 Recruitment procedures at the school are robust. Leaders are well trained in safer recruitment practices. They ensure that only appropriate and well-qualified personnel are involved in supporting pupils. Leaders provide effective induction and useful information for staff so that they understand their role in keeping pupils safe.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school’s single central record of staff meets the requirements set out by the Secretary of State. Leaders record checks made on all staff and store them securely.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the standards checked in this part are likely to continue to be met should the material change be granted.

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and showers

Leaders provide ample washing, changing, showering and toileting facilities for pupils. This will continue to be the case should the material change be approved. These are kept clean and in good working order. These amenities support pupils to maintain their dignity. For example, toilets can be locked from the inside when needed. Pupils access drinking-water from clearly marked stations. Staff encourage pupils to stay hydrated throughout the school day.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy need

The school has an appropriate medical room for pupils, should they feel unwell while at school. There is a toilet and sink for their use available in this area.

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needs of pupils

Leaders have established and efficient systems to ensure pupils’ health, safety and welfare. For example, leaders make sure that the site is well maintained. The school buildings are conducive to learning and ample to accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils. Leaders consider pupils’ needs in allocating classrooms, clinical workspaces or places where pupils receive emotional support. They provide carefully chosen additional resources for pupils, when needed, to help overcome sensory, emotional or medical need. Oversands School, 22 September 2026 5

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The school is clean, well-lit and inviting. Leaders consider the appropriateness of lighting and acoustics of each room in relation to its use and pupils’ needs. Leaders adapt lighting levels or acoustics where needed to help pupils focus.

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Outdoor space

The school has extensive grounds and outbuildings. The outdoor space is suitable to accommodate the proposed increase in the number of pupils. Leaders make effective use of these to support pupils’ learning. These also strengthen pupils’ social development and growing independence and resilience. Pupils enjoy exploring the outdoor areas. They learn about nature, grow fruit and vegetables and develop bushcraft skills. Leaders ensure that these areas are well maintained. Pupils access them safely, supported by well-trained staff.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has ensured that the standards checked in this part are likely to continue to be met should the material change be granted.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school’s accessibility plan meets requirements. It identifies where the school premises need further development to meet the increasing diversity of pupils’ needs. It also describes how staff might benefit from specific professional development.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor has ensured that this requirement is likely to continue to be met should the material change be granted.

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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

This inspection was focused on whether the school would be able to accommodate an increased number of pupils should the material change be approved. The school has applied to the DfE to change the number of pupils that it is registered to admit from 80 to 90.

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About this inspection

The school proposes to continue to admit pupils who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties and other special educational needs and/or disabilities. This includes pupils with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Most pupils have an education, health and care plan. Oversands School, 22 September 2026 6 The inspector spoke with members of the proprietor body, the chair of the governing board, the headteacher, the designated safeguarding lead and other leaders at the school.

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About this inspection

This is the second material change inspection for this school. A previous material change inspection took place on 29 September 2023.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following with leaders:

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About this inspection

The school does not use any alternative provision.

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About this school

Chair of the proprietor body Liam Sutcliffe

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About this school

Type of school Other independent special school

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an education, health and care plan

Email address oversands@witherslackgroup.co.uk Oversands School, 22 September 2026 7 Telephone 01539 552397

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an education, health and care plan

Website www.witherslackgroup.co.uk Oversands School, 22 September 2026 8 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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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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