The Grove PartnershipOfsted inspection, 16 Mar 2006

Inspection Report Oldham Pupil Referral Unit

p.1

134759 Unique Reference Number Oldham LEA 282678 Inspection number 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006 Inspection dates Mrs Kath Halifax CfBT Lead Inspector Reporting inspector

p.1

This inspection was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Broadbent Road School address Pupil referral unit Type of school Watersheddings Pupil referral unit School category Oldham OL1 4HU 10 to 16 Age range of pupils 0161 911 3185 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 0161 911 3186 Fax number 165 Number on roll NA Chair of governors The governing body Appropriate authority Ms Nikki Shaw Headteacher Not applicable Date of previous inspection

p.1

Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 282678 15 March 2006 - 10 to 16 16 March 2006 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied.

p.2

Introduction

The inspection was carried out by two additional inspectors.

p.3

Description of the school

The Oldham Pupil Referral Unit opened in April 2004 and serves the whole of the Oldham Authority. The unit is based on two main sites, with vocational and personal development activities taking place on several other sites. The Pupil Support Centre (PSC) is for pupils in Years 7 to 11 who have been excluded, or who are at risk of exclusion, from mainstream schools. In addition, the PSC offers a 'pick and mix' provision for Pupils at Risk of Exclusion (PARE), where pupils remain on the role of their neighbourhood school but attend the unit between two and nine half days each week. The Specialist Learning Centre (SLC) is for girls who are pregnant or young mothers. In addition the SLC provides home tuition to sick children, including those with mental illness. Of the 165 pupils on roll, only 35 are girls. The majority of pupils are of white British heritage with some Asian and a few mixed race pupils. All speak English as their main

p.3

Description of the school

language. The percentage of pupils entitled to free school meals is average. Some pupils have learning difficulties and/or disabilities with 45 having statements for social, emotional and behavioural needs. A number of pupils are offenders. Nineteen pupils are in the care of the local authority. Most pupils have a negative attitude to education and many have been out of school for long periods of time. Attainment on entry is well below that expected of pupils of this age. The unit is in a period of transition. Following the closure of the secondary school for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs, Year 10 and 11 pupils and their staff were transferred to the PSC. A building programme is now underway and due for completion in the early summer. The local authority is currently reviewing it provision for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs. A child care inspection of the before and after school clubs in the PSC building took place at the same time.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: Oldham Pupil Referral Unit, 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006

p.3

Grade: 2

Managers are accurate in their judgement that this is a good unit with some outstanding features. Overall, achievement is good. As a result of consistently good teaching, pupils who attend regularly make good, and sometimes very good, progress. Excellent links with other professionals, together with outstanding support and guidance, result in very good improvement in pupils' attitudes, behaviour and career prospects. Pupils who have been in custody have been helped to rehabilitate and gain qualifications. All Year 11 pupils leave with nationally recognised awards. This enables them to go on to further education, training or employment. Most pupils make good improvement in their attendance. However, the sporadic attendance of some affects their achievement. In the time the unit has been operating, thirteen pupils have successfully returned to mainstream education. Leadership and management are good overall, but,

p.4

Grade: 2

because so much change has been thrust upon the unit in a very short time, managers have not had chance to monitor and evaluate all aspects of its work. In addition, because pupils with statements of special educational need have only been on roll for a few months, the documents have not been amended to ensure the provision meets the needs identified. Nevertheless, under the outstanding leadership of the headteacher, much has been accomplished in a very short time. With the skill and enthusiasm of staff, the unfailing support of the management committee and greatly enhanced accommodation, the unit is in a strong position to continue to improve at a very good rate. Parents, pupils and other professionals speak highly of it. Furthermore, it is held in high regard by mainstream schools, particularly the preventative work done through PARE. Value for money is good.

p.4

What the school should do to improve further

• Further improve pupils' rate of attendance. • Establish systems to keep a check on all aspects of the unit's work. • Ensure statements of special educational need are amended to reflect the curriculum pupils need and receive.

p.4

Grade: 2

Achievement is good. Standards are very low but pupils who attend regularly make good progress academically and in their behaviour. Pupils on home tuition make good progress towards their targets. Skilful and sensitive teaching enables those with degenerative conditions to maintain their skills. By Year 11, higher attaining pupils in all sectors of the unit make good progress and achieve general certificate of secondary education (GCSE) in up to six subjects. High achievers are identified and stretched through, for example, a link with a science college. Lower attaining pupils suitably earn units through the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) and the Award Scheme Development Accreditation Network (ASDAN). Pupils make very good progress in personal, social and health education and citizenship (PSHCE) because of a good 2 Inspection Report: Oldham Pupil Referral Unit, 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006

p.4

Grade: 2

programme, daily routines and work towards the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. In addition, pupils achieve a range of vocational awards. Pupils of all ages who have difficulties with literacy make good progress because of individual and small group work and daily reading for all pupils. Pupils of all capabilities achieve highly in art and design with standards equal to those in mainstream schools.

p.5

Grade: 2

While provision for pupils' personal development is good overall, it is outstanding for their moral and social development. Pupils join the unit at a time of major disruption in their lives. Nevertheless, staff have very successfully helped most manage their aggression, control their behaviour and modify their language. Behaviour and attitudes are good overall. Pupils recognise the importance of abiding by rules, allowing others to speak, and showing respect for all. They understand the need to live a healthy lifestyle and to be safe. As a result, reported instances of substance misuse have significantly reduced and a considerable number of pupils have been helped to stop smoking through a successful cessation programme. Most pupils have a much improved attitude to education. The majority show good improvement in their attendance. Useful systems are being introduced, but managers recognise attendance is unsatisfactory

p.5

Grade: 2

and an area for development. Pupils are proud of their contribution to the community, speaking enthusiastically of the work undertaken to refurbish parks and clear gardens; and of the artwork exhibited in the Civic Hall, hospital and art gallery. Most pupils have little time for things spiritual, but they have been greatly affected by the untimely accidental death of one of their peers and appreciate the quiet seating area and carving dedicated to his memory.

p.5

Grade: 2

The quality of teaching and learning is consistently good in all parts of the unit. Pupils learn at a good rate because teachers have a good knowledge of the subjects they teach and of working with pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs. Staff have worked particularly hard on managing pupils' behaviour, with the result that interruptions to learning are few. Pupils who only a few months ago would assault staff and storm out of lessons are now showing good levels of concentration, applying themselves to their work and, overall, wanting to succeed. Teachers and support staff work together very effectively and are skilled at creating a calm purposeful atmosphere and giving pupils confidence in themselves. Information and communication technology (ICT) is used effectively to gain pupils' interest and to make lessons lively. In Years 10 and 11, assessment meets the criteria of the examination boards and national tests.

p.5

Grade: 2

While informal assessment takes place and is used well to plan further work, managers recognise the need to make this use consistent and to link it to National Curriculum 3 Inspection Report: Oldham Pupil Referral Unit, 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006 levels. Staff work hard to involve parents and carers in their child's learning through weekly workshops, for example, about managing behaviour.

p.5

Grade: 2

The curriculum is good and meets the requirements for a pupil referral unit. Managers endeavour to ensure that it reflects the curriculum of mainstream schools to allow for smooth transfer. All pupils have a personalised learning programme, including those admitted from the school for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs, and who have special educational needs. They are achieving well, particularly in English, mathematics and PSHCE, but no check has been made to ensure they are receiving their full entitlement as required in their statement. Provision for pregnant schoolgirls and young mothers is good, providing them with qualifications as well as preparing them for parenthood, although girls within the specialist learning centre do not have the opportunity to take part in physical education activities. Home tuition is good and enables pupils with medical conditions to keep pace with their

p.6

Grade: 2

work. Work related learning is good, but pupils do not have the opportunity to take part in enterprise projects. Alongside the wide range of nationally recognised awards and very good PSHCE, the programme prepares pupils very effectively for the next stage of their lives. Though a pupil who has a sporting talent has been placed on a sport leadership course, there is no system to identify and provide for the gifted and talented. Very good use is made of the community to enrich learning.

p.6

Grade: 1

Staff are committed to providing high quality care. They know pupils' personal circumstances exceptionally well, working closely with parents to enhance learning and behaviour. Pupils appreciate the support they receive from their teachers and named learning mentors. Health and safety arrangements, and those for the protection of pupils and staff, are clear and understood by all. Links with numerous voluntary agencies and community support groups are outstanding. This is particularly so for pupils who are especially vulnerable, such as those in the care of the local authority, pregnant schoolgirls, those who are offenders and those who are anxious or phobic. Arrangements for new pupils moving into the unit are carefully thought-out and ensure these pupils are well prepared for change. Suitable plans are in place for pupils who return to their neighbourhood school. Older pupils receive very good advice when

p.6

Grade: 1

choosing options and career choices. The work of the unit prepares pupils extremely well for life after school.

p.6

Grade: 2

While leadership and management are good overall, the outstanding leadership of the headteacher and excellent support of key members of staff have helped the unit to 4 Inspection Report: Oldham Pupil Referral Unit, 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006 function effectively despite massive upheavals over the past few months. The admission of 40 pupils all at once from a closing school has been achieved efficiently while maintaining the quality of provision for both new and existing pupils. In addition, during this time, the headteacher has overseen the refurbishment of the second site, which is being accomplished with minimum disruption. The passion, vision and dedication of the headteacher have resulted in a quality service, not only for pupils in the unit, but also a significant number who have been helped to stay in their neighbourhood schools. Managers have coped exceptionally well with the speed of change. They are tracking pupils' progress and well-being effectively, but recognise

p.6

Grade: 2

they have not spent time analysing the information or checking the effectiveness of other aspects of the unit's work, such as the curriculum. The work of the unit's leadership and management contributes very significantly to its capacity to improve further. Parents, carers and pupils have been consulted during the changes. Events have overtaken the development plan, which is constantly under review. Nevertheless, the focus is still firmly on raising standards and ensuring the well-being of pupils and staff. Following all the changes and the promotion of the deputy head, the senior management team has been re-organised and extended. Though some are new to post, all are clear about their roles, very enthusiastic and make useful contributions to discussions. While formed only a year ago, the management committee has helped steer the unit through very demanding times. As individuals they provide very good

p.7

Grade: 2

professional support. The sub-committee structure is working well and the headteacher is held to account particularly on standards and attendance. 5 Inspection Report: Oldham Pupil Referral Unit, 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006 .

p.7

set out in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s

website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 Inspection Report: Oldham Pupil Referral Unit, 15 March 2006 to 16 March 2006

p.8

Overall

Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate

p.9

learners?

NA 1 How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well-being? NA NA The quality and standards in foundation stage NA 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation NA Yes The capacity to make any necessary improvements NA NA Effective steps have been taken to promote improvement since the last inspection

p.9

Achievement and standards

NA 2 How well do learners achieve? NA 4 The standards 1 reached by learners

p.9

Achievement and standards

NA 2 How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners NA 2 How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

p.9

learners?

NA 2 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development NA 2 The behaviour of learners NA 4 The attendance of learners NA 2 How well learners enjoy their education NA 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices NA 2 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles NA 2 The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community NA 2 How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

p.9

needs and interests of learners?

NA 1 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

p.9

needs and interests of learners?

Grade 1 - Exceptionally and consistently high; Grade 2 - Generally above average with none significantly below average; Grade 3 - Broadly average; Grade 4 - Exceptionally low.

p.9

and supporting all learners?

NA 2 How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education NA 3 How effectively performance is monitored, evaluated and improved to meet challenging targets, through quality assurance and self-review NA 2 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination tackled so that all learners achieve as well as they can NA 1 How effectively and efficiently resources are deployed to achieve value for money NA 2 The extent to which governors and other supervisory boards discharge their responsibilities NA Yes The adequacy and suitability of staff to ensure that learners are protected

p.10

The extent to which schools enable learners to be healthy

Yes Learners are encouraged and enabled to eat and drink healthily Yes Learners are encouraged and enabled to take regular exercise Yes Learners are discouraged from smoking and substance abuse Yes Learners are educated about sexual health

p.10

The extent to which providers ensure that learners stay safe

Yes Procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements Yes Risk assessment procedures and related staff training are in place Yes Action is taken to reduce anti-social behaviour, such as bullying and racism Yes Learners are taught about key risks and how to deal with them

p.10

The extent to which learners make a positive contribution

Yes Learners are helped to develop stable, positive relationships Yes Learners, individually and collectively, participate in making decisions that affect them Yes Learners are encouraged to initiate, participate in and manage activities in school and the wider community

p.10

The extent to which schools enable learners to achieve economic well-being

Yes There is provision to promote learners’ basic skills Yes Learners have opportunities to develop enterprise skills and work in teams Yes Careers education and guidance is provided to all learners in key stage 3 and 4 and the sixth form Yes Education for all learners aged 14–19 provides an understanding of employment and the economy

p.10

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

As you know, we met a number of you during the recent inspection of the PRU. Thank you for talking to us and helping us in our work. What we liked most about the PRU - Many of you make good improvement in your behaviour and attendance and achieve well. - Staff work hard to support you and help you succeed. - Your lessons and links with community groups prepare you well for life after school. - Mrs Shaw is a very good headteacher and is working hard to make the PRU even better. What we have asked your teachers and the management committee to do now - Further improve attendance rates. - Keep a closer check on what is happening in all aspects of the work of the unit. - Make sure pupils with statements receive the provision they are entitled to. We enjoyed our short time with you and wish you well for the future.

p.11