Caelum House School

School material change inspection report

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Caelum House School Kent House, Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1BX

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h) to 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(d) to 2(A)(2) and 3 to 4  The school proposes an increase in the age range of pupils from four to seven to four to 11. It also proposes an increase in the number of pupils on roll from 10 to 20. Both these material change requests were considered during this inspection.  The proprietor’s existing curriculum and assessment policies have been extended thoughtfully to show how the school intends to meet the needs of pupils aged up to 11 years old. The proposed curriculum provides appropriately for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and takes full account of their different ages and interests. The proposed curriculum for pupils aged seven to 11 covers all the areas of learning as specified in section 8 of the Education Act 1996.  The proposed curriculums for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education

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Main inspection findings

and relationships education have been developed further to ensure that proper account is taken of pupils aged seven to 11. The development of pupils’ social and communication skills is a key element of these programmes. Fundamental British values are covered securely and there is a clear focus on online safety. The proprietor has ensured that these programmes are likely to comply with the relevant statutory requirements.  Arrangements to assess pupils’ performance are strong and are likely to be suitable for the proposed age range. For example, baseline assessments are carried out when pupils start at the school. These are used to set individual targets. These are checked weekly to help staff identify pupils’ progress towards achieving the targets.  The recruitment of additional staff means that the school is likely to be suitably staffed and resourced for the increase in age range and numbers on roll. The school is

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Main inspection findings

in a strong position to provide a high-quality education for pupils with SEND.  The independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the material changes to increase the age range of pupils and the number on roll are implemented. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school has set out clearly how it intends to extend its provision for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development for pupils aged seven to 11. The school uses a commercial programme for PSHE that is adapted appropriately to meet the specific needs of pupils. It focuses clearly on developing pupils’ social skills and helping them to regulate their behaviour. The programme, which is based on research about developing children’s friendship skills, is likely to ensure that important issues, such as respect for different cultures, are dealt with in an age-appropriate manner. The

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Main inspection findings

proposed curriculum is likely to promote British values effectively, including respect and tolerance.  The staff handbook’s code of conduct continues to make clear that no member of staff may promote partisan views and that balanced points of view must always be presented in the teaching of any political topic.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material changes relating to the school provision are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b); 31(1)(c)  The proprietor’s safeguarding policy is suitably detailed and takes full account of the government’s current guidance. The policy sets out clearly the arrangements for keeping pupils safe, including those aged seven to 11. The role of the designated safeguarding lead and of staff are clearly defined as is the guidance about recording and reporting information and concerns. The policy is available on the school’s website.  These standards are likely to be met if the material changes relating to the school provision are implemented. Paragraphs 9 to 15  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies set out clearly the school’s expectations and procedures. These are focused specifically on pupils with SEND, particularly those with social and communication needs. They promote positive approaches to managing behaviour, as part of the school’s approach to developing

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ social skills. The policies are likely to be suitable for pupils aged seven to 11.  The proprietor has drawn up a suitable health and safety policy that reflects the relevant legislation. A separate first-aid policy provides guidance to staff, including administering medication. Together, these policies are likely to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils aged seven to 11.  The school’s landlord has carried out an independent fire risk assessment for the premises, including for the rooms used by the school. A separate risk assessment is carried out by the school’s proprietor. Appropriate remedial action is taken where necessary. Fire procedures are up to date and comply with statutory requirements.  The deployment of staff is managed effectively. Children and pupils are supervised throughout their time at school. The same procedures for supervision are proposed for the additional pupils aged seven to 11 and are likely to be suitable.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor maintains an admission and attendance register that reflects the required regulations. Leaders liaise closely with the relevant local authorities.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in these paragraphs are likely to be met if the material changes to the school are implemented. Paragraphs 16 to 16(b)  There is a clear risk assessment policy that identifies hazards and how to mitigate risks. Checks of the premises are carried out each day. The school prepares an individual risk assessment for each pupil. This provides advice to staff about actions that they need to take to minimise any risks to pupils’ health, safety or welfare.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 21(8)  The school has effective procedures to ensure the suitability of staff appointed to the school. It maintains an up-to-date single central record (SCR) that reflects the current guidance. The SCR includes records of all the required vetting checks, including an enhanced criminal record check, proof of identity, overseas checks, prohibition checks and the right to work in the UK. It is up to date and available for scrutiny.  The SCR includes vetting checks required for members of the governing body and volunteers. The school does not use supply staff. Nevertheless, the school’s procedures are suitable for ensuring the suitability of temporary staff, should they be used.  The proprietor has ensured that the standards in Part 4 are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c); 24(1) to 24(2); 25 to 29(1)(b)  The school’s premises and accommodation are suitable for up to 20 pupils aged seven to 11. Currently, there are unused classrooms available that can accommodate an increase in the number of pupils on roll by 10. Lighting and ventilation are suitable, including lighting in the outside areas and at the entrance to the school.  There are separate toilet facilities with lockable cubicles for boys and girls. These are always available and include hot and cold water for washing. The hot water does not pose a risk of scalding. Drinking water is available through dedicated taps in the kitchen area.  The accommodation is maintained to a standard that ensures pupils’ health, safety and welfare. Staff take responsibility for cleaning classrooms at the end of each day.  There is suitable provision to cater for pupils’ medical needs. The medical room has

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Main inspection findings

direct access to water and is close to the toilet facilities.  The proprietor has ensured that the relevant requirements in Part 5 are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and leaders have planned appropriately to extend the school’s age range and the number on roll. Leaders have extended the curriculum to take account of the ages, needs and interests of pupils with SEND aged seven to 11. The school promotes the well-being of pupils effectively.  The proprietor and leadership in the school demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the independent school standards are consistently met.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the material changes relating to the school are implemented.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan is detailed. It includes a three-year action plan for improving accessibility to the environment, the curriculum and information. For example, in the first year, the school intends to develop its numeracy resources to take account of the increase in the age range of pupils. Improvements to the environment include adaptations to classrooms to enhance acoustics.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 are likely to be met if the proposed material changes are implemented.

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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

School status Independent special school

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £13,500 to £18,000

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School details

Dates of previous standard inspection 25 to 27 February 2025

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 7 4 to 11 4 to 11

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 5 20 20

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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 5 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 5 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 5 15

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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 5 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 6 8

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Information about this school

 Caelum House School is a small independent day school in the London Borough of Westminster. The school opened in September 2024.  The school caters for pupils with SEND, including those with the following needs: cognitive and learning needs; speech, language and communication needs; autism; moderate learning difficulties; and specific learning difficulties. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The proprietors run two existing nursery schools. These are Play2Talk Pimlico, 55 Moreton Street, London SW1V 2NY (URN 2740300) and Play2Talk Kent House, Westminster Synagogue, Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX (URN 2749082).  The school makes no use of alternative provision.  The school’s previous inspection was in February 2025, when it was judged to be good.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education.  Meetings were held with the chief executive officer, headteacher, the assessment manager and therapy manager.  The inspector toured the premises with the headteacher. He also reviewed the single central record and other relevant documents, including those for the curriculum, safeguarding and health and safety.

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Inspection team

Brian Oppenheim, lead inspector Ofsted 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 looked-after children, 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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