King's House Moorlands

School material change inspection report

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King's House Moorlands King's House, High Street Leagrave, Luton LU4 9JY

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1) – 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) – 2(2)(f) and 2(2)(h) – 2(A)(2)  The school has created appropriate curriculum plans and schemes of work for key stage 4 that build on what pupils have learned in previous years.  The school has carefully considered the qualifications pupils will be expected to achieve by the end of key stage 4. Discussions have begun with parents and pupils in Year 9 to decide on the GCSE options pupils will take should the material change be approved.  The school has carefully considered the content of the personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum for Year 10 and Year 11. Within this, leaders, have identified appropriate content they will teach around relationships and sex education.  Leaders have been proactive in identifying how the careers curriculum will build on what is already in place in school. They have sought expert advice and planned staff

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Main inspection findings

training to ensure pupils receive high-quality careers guidance.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 3 – 3(j)  The school has appointed staff who have relevant experience and expertise in teaching key stage 4. For staff newer to this age group, leaders have provided ongoing coaching and training to support with staff with their own subject and pedagogical knowledge.  Leaders plan to add capacity to the teaching team through the appointment of a business studies teacher.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 4  The school has secure systems in place to check how well pupils are learning the planned curriculum. Leaders have concrete plans in place to develop this further for pupils in Year 10 and Year 11.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the

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Main inspection findings

material change is approved. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 – 5(d)(iii)  The school places a high priority on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. It is threaded through all aspects of the curriculum. Leaders plan to have protected time each week for the teaching of PSHE for example. This curriculum covers important content such as appropriate teaching of protected characteristics.  The curriculum is enhanced through trips and themed events at school. Pupils appreciate visits to universities for example. This helps to raise pupils’ aspirations for their futures.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school provides staff with regular and relevant training so that they understand

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Main inspection findings

how to identify the signs a pupil may be at risk of harm.  Staff log concerns using the school’s agreed procedures. Leaders responsible for safeguarding take appropriate action in response to concerns raised.  The school has appropriate plans in place to ensure that the new curriculum for key stage 4 teaches pupils about important topics to keep them safe such as when they are accessing content online.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 11  The school has suitable policies and procedures relating to health and safety.  The school completes regular checks relating to health and safety to ensure the site is safe.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 12  There is an appropriate fire risk assessment in place. The school uses external

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Main inspection findings

expertise to support them in updating, and acting upon, the risk assessment at appropriate intervals.  The school completes regular checks on the fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers.  There are clear procedures in place for safely evacuating the building. Regular fire drills ensure pupils understand what to do in the event of an emergency.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Paragraph 14  There are sufficient staffing numbers in place. Staff supervise pupils well during the school day. This includes within lessons and during pupils’ free time.  The current staffing structure should provide appropriate levels of supervision for this increase in pupils. However, the school plans to appoint one additional teacher should the material change be approved.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the

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Main inspection findings

material change is approved. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The school’s policies and procedures relating to risk assessments are appropriate. Risk assessments identify possible risks and the measures staff should take to reduce them. Staff implement these risk assessments effectively.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1)–18(3), 19(2) – 19(3), 20(6)–20(6)(b)(iii) and 21(1)–(21)(8)  The school has clear procedures in place for the safer recruitment of staff.  Leaders responsible for recruitment have the required knowledge to complete the necessary pre-employment checks on new staff.  The school accurately records information on the checks it has completed onto the single central record.  The school undertakes appropriate checks on the rare occasions they use supply staff.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1)–23(2), 24(1)–(24)(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1)–28(2)(b) and 29(1)–29(1)(b)  The school site is well maintained and suitable should the material change be granted.  There is suitable access to toilets and washing facilities.  Pupils have access to clearly labelled drinking water throughout the school day in various parts of the school.  There is a readily available medical room for pupils to use should they require it. This includes suitable supplies and bed for the treatment of sick and injured pupils. It is close to a toilet and washing facility.  Classrooms are well lit and conducive to learning. There is additional classroom space available. For example, in the existing science laboratory. However, leaders have

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Main inspection findings

concrete plans to further develop the school site to build on the improvements they have already made.  There is enough outside space for pupils’ free time and physical education lessons.  The school intends to use local sports facilities to enhance the teaching of physical education for pupils in key stage 4.  These standards were met at the previous inspection and are likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy reflects relevant statutory guidance and is available on the school’s website.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  Leaders have systems in place to quality assure the work of the school. These systems provide assurances to leaders that the school consistently meets the

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Main inspection findings

independent school standards.  There has been careful consideration given by leaders to the gradual increase of size and age range over several years. This approach has enabled leaders to improve the site, build staff expertise and create a curriculum that is appropriate for secondary age pupils. This considered approach includes the plan to admit pupils in Year 10 in September 2024 with Year 11 starting in September 2025.  Leaders are proactive at commissioning external support to help them identify ways to improve the practice in school. They have developed effective partnerships with local schools to support with curriculum development for example.  This standard was met at the previous inspection and is likely to remain met if the material change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  There are appropriate policies to ensure that schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 is likely to still be met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Proprietor Moorlands Grammar School Limited

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School details

Email address enquiries@kingshouseschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 8 to 10 March 2022

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 14 4 to 16 4 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 170 194 194

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 170 194

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 9 Case by case basis

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Case by case basis

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 0 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 11 12

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 0 0

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Information about this school

 The school is an independent day school. There is a trustee board which is responsible for the governance of the school.  The school is owned by Moorlands Grammar School Limited. In December 2023, the Department for Education (DfE) approved a change from the previous proprietor, The King’s House Moorlands Trust. The chair of the proprietor body has not changed since the previous inspection.  The proprietor body is also responsible for a nursery provision, Tots Academy, located at 140 High Street, Leagrave, Luton LU4 9LJ. The nursery is separately registered and inspected by Ofsted.  The school does not currently use any alternative provision.  In July 2023, Ofsted conducted a material change inspection as the school requested to increase its upper age range to 14 years. The inspection judged that the school was likely to meet the relevant independent school standards should the change be granted. The material change was subsequently approved.

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Information about this school

 In May 2021, Ofsted conducted a material change inspection as the school requested to increase its upper age range to 13 years. The inspection judged that the school was likely to meet the relevant independent school standards should the change be granted. The material change was subsequently approved.  The schools’ most recent standard inspection was in March 2022 where it was judged to be good overall. At this inspection the school also met all of the independent school standards.  The DfE commissioned a monitoring inspection of the school in February 2019. This was to consider the progress the school had made regarding previously unmet standards judged at its previously Independent Schools Inspectorate Regulatory Compliance Inspection in June 2018. All standards checked during the monitoring inspection were judged to be met.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE in response to a request from the proprietor for a material change to be considered.  The school is currently registered for up to 170 pupils. The proprietor has requested that the DfE increase its capacity to 194 pupils. This is the first time that the proprietor has requested this change.  The proprietor also requested that the DfE increase its upper age range from 14 to 16 years. This is the first time the proprietor has requested this change.  The inspector met with the chief executive officer, headteacher, senior administrator, the chair of the trustees and members of staff. The inspector checked the school’s single central record of background checks for adults working at the school. A range of documents relating to the curriculum, safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety and school development were scrutinised.  The inspector visited lessons, spoke with some pupils about their learning and toured

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Inspection team

Michael Williams, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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