Table of Contents
A specialist school in Beechwood will expand after inspectors found it well prepared to admit younger children and accommodate expanding student numbers.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Wirral Wrap plans to extend its age range from 11–16-year-olds to pupils aged seven to 16, while increasing capacity from 32 to 64 places.
An Ofsted inspection concluded the school is likely to continue meeting all required independent school standards if the changes are approved.
More classrooms have already been created in preparation with more students. The existing building and staffing have been considered to ensure more pupils are supported.
Inspectors found the school had a suitable curriculum for Key Stage 2 pupils, designed to prepare children for secondary education while helping to address any gaps in learning from earlier years.
This includes educational materials for phonics and support for pupils who may have missed key knowledge in primary school.
The experience of staff was praised in the report, noting that staff at the school have experience of teaching Key Stage 2 pupils and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs.
Safeguarding arrangements at the school were also found to be effective, with inspectors noting that leaders have appropriate policies in place, trained safeguarding staff and robust systems for recording and responding to concerns.
Health and safety measures were deemed suitable, with the school having up-to-date fire safety procedures, trained first-aiders and risk assessments that have been updated to reflect the admission of younger pupils.
Plans to support new students include separate break and lunch times for younger pupils and different teaching areas from older students.
Inspectors also judged facilities at the school and found them suitable for the proposed expansion. Washing facilities, the medical room, and outdoor play space were deemed satisfactory. A sensory room for younger pupils is also being developed.
