SENDSCOPE

Ofsted carried out a material change inspection at SENDSCOPE, an independent special school in Crosby, Liverpool, in July 2026. The inspection was requested by the Department for Education because the school wants to increase its maximum number of pupils from 32 to 40. SENDSCOPE educates pupils aged 11 to 16 with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other special educational needs and/or disabilities, including speech, language and communication difficulties; most pupils have an education, health and care plan. This was the school's third material change inspection, following earlier inspections in June and July 2025. The overall outcome is that the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the proposed change goes ahead. Inspectors found strong leadership and governance, with a governing body whose members bring relevant expertise and a proprietor that checks compliance and uses external quality assurance. Safeguarding is a high priority, health and safety arrangements are robust, recruitment checks are rigorous, and the single central record is well maintained. The premises are suitable, with additional classrooms leased to accommodate more pupils and access to facilities at the neighbouring high school. No areas of concern were identified in the report. The school's plans for staffing, induction and supervision are well considered, and inspectors concluded that the standards checked in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

Strengths

• Strong governance with governors' skills matched to their roles
• Proprietor uses internal and external quality assurance to monitor school effectiveness
• Leaders and proprietor are committed to improvement and engage well with other agencies
• Safeguarding is a high priority with an up-to-date policy and frequent staff updates
• Thorough risk assessments supported by a comprehensive risk assessment policy
• Health and safety maintained through regular checks and a good state of repair
• Suitable fire risk assessment and routine checks of fire equipment and emergency lighting
• High staff-to-pupil ratio with well-thought-out supervision at breaktimes
• Rigorous recruitment checks for staff, supply staff and proprietors
• Well-maintained and frequently reviewed single central record
• Adequate premises with additional classrooms leased for the proposed increase
• Suitable toilets, medical area, changing and shower access, and outdoor spaces
• Access to the neighbouring high school's playing fields and facilities

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at SENDSCOPE were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 100.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is SENDSCOPE's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for SENDSCOPE is Good, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was SENDSCOPE last inspected by Ofsted?

SENDSCOPE was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does SENDSCOPE have?

SENDSCOPE has 21 pupils on roll.

What age range does SENDSCOPE cover?

SENDSCOPE for pupils aged 11 to 15.

Where is SENDSCOPE?

SENDSCOPE is at Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 5TF.