Mapesbury School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Mapesbury School 228 Walm Lane, London NW2 3BS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  The proposed school has a clear policy that reflects the curriculum that pupils will follow. The school has worked with local authorities to identify the needs of pupils in the surrounding areas. As a result, the school has designed a broad curriculum, as required by the independent school standards (the standards), to meet the needs of pupils who will attend the school. For example, in addition to English, mathematics and science, pupils will also study art, design and technology, life skills, music, physical education (PE) and world studies. The school has developed schemes of work in these subjects and invested in suitable materials to support their delivery.  The school’s intended curriculum considers pupils’ different ages and abilities well. This includes provision for pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as stated in their education, health and care (EHC) plans. The school will use

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Main inspection findings

considered systems to assess pupils’ prior knowledge when they join the school. It will use this information to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of individual pupils. The school has an appropriate assessment policy and systems to check pupils’ knowledge and skills as they progress through the curriculum. Leaders plan to use these systems to update pupils’ EHC plans in annual review meetings. The school has also developed a suitable format to report pupils’ progress to parents and carers.  The school is in a strong position to deliver its planned curriculum. There is an experienced headteacher in post. In addition, a deputy headteacher and three teachers have been recruited and are due to start work in February 2025. These staff are qualified teachers and have experience of working with pupils with SEND. The school has planned a targeted training programme for all staff to complete before the

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Main inspection findings

proposed opening date of April 2025. Classrooms are well equipped to allow teachers to deliver the intended curriculum, and the school has invested in suitable resources to support learning. For example, there are specialist food, science and art classrooms and a dedicated outdoor space for PE.  The school has planned a suitable curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education. The curriculum pays due regard to fundamental British values and equality. Secondary-aged pupils will receive regular careers information, advice and guidance. The school has contracted an external careers advice service to provide unbiased and up-to-date independent information. This is likely to support pupils with their next steps in education or the world of work.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted

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Main inspection findings

permission to open. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The proposed school has a well-planned programme for personal development which includes weekly PSHE lessons for all year groups. The school plans to enhance these lessons with weekly assemblies, guest speakers and a range of educational visits. Through these activities, the school aims to encourage pupils to respect people’s differences and be prepared well for life in modern Britain.  Once open, the school intends to provide pupils with opportunities to participate in enrichment activities and clubs. For example, leaders would like to start a breakfast club for pupils.  The school is aware of its duty to ensure that teachers, guests and visitors do not present partisan political views, either in school or on educational visits. This is clearly stated in the school’s policies. The school also intends to conduct thorough checks on

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Main inspection findings

guest speakers coming to the school site.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs  The school’s safeguarding policy, which is available to parents via the school website, reflects the most up-to-date statutory guidance. Leaders have given careful consideration to the different needs and vulnerabilities of pupils joining the school from a relatively wide geographic area. The proposed processes to identify, track and manage safeguarding concerns are likely to be effective when implemented. The school has invested in an electronic system to record and monitor concerns.  The school has ensured that those who will hold the responsibility for safeguarding, have completed appropriate training. All staff will receive regular safeguarding training and updates once the school opens. There is a clear management structure, from the

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Main inspection findings

regional group, to oversee the work of the safeguarding team in school.  The school’s admission and attendance registers are likely to be compliant with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are clear and, if implemented well, are likely to be effective. Leaders have set up systems to record sanctions. The school’s plans to supervise pupils outside of lessons are likely to be appropriate. There will be high staff-to-pupil ratios.  The school’s health and safety policy is fit for purpose. The building has been fully refurbished to a very high standard. The school has put in place necessary procedures to maintain a safe environment for its pupils. There are systems in place to ensure that regular health and safety checks are undertaken. These are recorded electronically and overseen by the school and the Kedleston Group.

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Main inspection findings

 The school commissioned an independent fire risk assessment. There were no recommendations for further work to ensure the safety of the building. The school will organise practice fire drills once the school opens.  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy and written risk assessments. The policy and exemplar risk assessments are appropriately detailed and fit for purpose. There is a suitable first aid policy and appropriate staff training is scheduled before the school opening date.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  The proposed school’s single central record includes all required checks for staff working in schools. These checks have been completed on all staff already working at the school, and these are recorded accurately in the single central record.

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Main inspection findings

 Staff involved in recruitment have received appropriate training. These staff are directly involved in the recruitment of new staff and they make sure that all required checks are completed and recorded accurately on the single central record.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school’s facilities are appropriate for their intended use. The building was formerly a school and has been completely refurbished to a very high standard. Classrooms are of a good size and well resourced. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards installed and state-of-the-art lighting to meet the sensory needs of pupils. There are sufficient classrooms and toilets to accommodate the proposed number of pupils.  Drinking water is readily available throughout the building, and it is clearly marked.

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Main inspection findings

The toilet facilities have hot and cold running water, with safeguards in place to prevent scalding. There is a suitable medical room that is situated close to washing and toilet facilities.  The outside space is well maintained and is suitable for pupils to play at breaktimes and for their PE lessons.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 6. Provision of information All paragraphs  The proposed school has a website. This site includes all necessary information required by the standards, such as the names and contact details of both the headteacher and the proprietor body.  The school is aware of its statutory duties to provide relevant information to placing local authorities and parents of pupils with EHC plans.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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Main inspection findings

All paragraphs  The proposed school has a comprehensive ‘compliments and complaints’ policy that fulfils the requirements of this part. The school has prepared a log to record both informal and formal complaints.  If implemented well, leaders’ proposed procedure is likely to ensure that informal and formal complaints are managed appropriately.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  The headteacher and leaders from the Kedleston Group have substantial experience in education. Kedleston Group operates 13 other independent day schools. Both the headteacher and leaders from the group demonstrate detailed knowledge of the standards. The headteacher has documented the work of the school carefully to ensure that the standards are met consistently. Kedleston Group has put in place

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Main inspection findings

robust procedures to ensure oversight of the work of the school.  Those involved in the leadership of the proposed school also have a good understanding of their duties to promote the safety and well-being of pupils in their school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have a suitable accessibility policy and plan in place.  As such, the school would meet the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if the proposed school is given permission to open.

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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.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

School status Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Kedleston Schools (London) Ltd

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Proposed school details

Email address mapesbury@kedlestongroup.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 17 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 54 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 54

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 54

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 54

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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 Not applicable 54

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 0

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 12

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school will provide education for pupils with autism and pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils will have EHC plans and will be placed by local authorities. The school will provide education for boys and girls from seven to 17 years old.  The school is located at 228 Walm Lane, London NW2 3BS .  The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to consider the school’s request to register a new school.  This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector met with the headteacher and the regional director of Kedleston Schools. The inspector also met with the chief executive officer of Kedleston Schools.  The inspector had a tour of the premises and considered a range of evidence to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting the standards.

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Inspection team

Mark Smith, 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

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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