Hilden Park

School material change inspection report

p.1

Hilden Park Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8ND

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 4  The proprietor wishes to extend the age range of the school to include pupils and students in key stages 1 and 5. This is partly in response to demand from pupils, parents and carers who wish to continue their post-16 schooling at Hilden Park. At key stage 1, there is a locally identified need for specialist provision at a younger age.  The school has established a highly effective education offer for pupils across the existing age range. A recent full standard inspection of the school found the curriculum to be ambitious, well organised and expertly adapted to meet pupils’ specific special educational needs and/or disabilities.  The proposed curriculum for the additional key stages maps out what pupils should learn across a suitably broad range of subjects. The content links closely with the existing curriculum and is likely to provide effectively for building pupils’ knowledge

p.1

Main inspection findings

and skills across the full age range.  For younger pupils, the curriculum places appropriate emphasis on establishing strong foundations in spoken language, reading, writing and mathematics. Staff are already well trained in teaching early reading and phonics. The school has the necessary resources to ensure that pupils have reading books according to their phonics knowledge and needs.  At key stage 5, students will likely benefit from opportunities to obtain valuable qualifications and accreditations. Many pupils who attend have experienced disruptions to their schooling. This has resulted in gaps in their previous learning. Consequently, sometimes, pupils are not ready to take public examinations at the usually expected times and obtain the results that fairly reflect their capabilities. The school is ambitious in what it believes pupils can achieve if given the right support and time. It also conveys commitment to moving students on to higher-level studies

p.1

Main inspection findings

beyond GCSEs as appropriate.  The school usually employs qualified teachers. The targeted recruitment of more subject-specialist teachers as the school grows is already underway. There is a strong culture around the continuing professional development of staff.  The curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education covers all key stages. It includes age-appropriate learning about a wide range of topics, including relationships and sex education. Other areas range from personal safety and physical and mental health right through to how to manage your money.  A ‘Futures’ programme, which incorporates the school’s careers offer, is well established. This aims to develop life skills, teach pupils about possible careers and promote skills and attributes to enhance their employability. Pupils are introduced to diverse visiting speakers from the world of work, such as the emergency services,

p.1

Main inspection findings

construction and local entrepreneurs. A suitable emphasis on preparation for adulthood will be extended through key stage 5.  The school’s existing assessment arrangements are likely to continue to be fit for purpose. These systems and approaches either already cover the extended age range or can be easily expanded. Informed by pupils’ education, health and care plans (EHC plan), the school works closely with families and other professionals to ensure that provision meets pupils’ individual needs.  The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to continue to be met for an expanded age range.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The school sees promoting pupils’ personal and wider development as central to its work. There is a strong focus on building trusting relationships in order to increase academic demand. The recent full inspection judged the promotion of pupils’ personal development to be outstanding. This important work has continued apace since then.  The school’s structured programme of PSHE education is a core part of this work. Even academically accomplished pupils who attend this school often need longer to develop the personal skills to place them well to flourish in their future lives.  Pupils learn that they have a voice and a valuable contribution to make. The school’s personal development programme aims to help pupils develop the knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves. Through the school council, pupils engage in

p.2

Main inspection findings

reviewing different aspects of the school’s work and raising issues that matter to them.  A thoughtful ‘Team Time’ programme (often called assemblies in other schools) introduces pupils to important topics. These include learning about fundamental British values and protected characteristics. The underlying theme of helping pupils access and navigate the wider world and see their potential place in it threads reliably through. Pupils develop a sense of their rights and responsibilities. Older pupils felt sure that they would look out for younger pupils should they be admitted to the school.  The school offers extensive and rich opportunities to develop and extend pupils’ experiences. There is a packed calendar of thoughtful and purposeful enrichment activities. Recent examples include a visiting Manga artist, a whole-school trip to a farm, a visit to Bodiam Castle and a service at the local church. Leaders keep close

p.2

Main inspection findings

oversight of which activities pupils engage in to maximise opportunities for all.  Pupils feel safe and well cared for. Relaying their own journeys, they signpost the transformative difference that this school has made for them. Pupils who have sometimes previously had very negative experiences of school now convey very positive attitudes. Older pupils understand the importance of school and qualifications. They are very keen to stay on to learn more that will prepare them for their future lives.  The proprietor has ensured that the requirements in this part are likely to continue to be met.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proposed changes have been part of a long-term strategy. The proprietor has tried and tested this approach to establishing and growing schools elsewhere, making adaptations for the specific context as necessary.  The intended change is well planned. Recruitment, policies, systems and approaches have all been developed in anticipation of this change happening at the right moment. This readiness is supported by the strong leadership in the school as well as through the wider proprietor body.  The school’s provision is adapted according to pupils’ carefully assessed individual needs rather than simply age. Consequently, many of the school’s existing arrangements can be easily extended. Established policies already make appropriate provision for the proposed expansion of the age range.  The proprietor’s board oversees the work of the school and ensures that standards

p.3

Main inspection findings

are consistently met. The board is alert in considering any potential risks associated with the proposed change, ensuring plans are in place to support a smooth transition. Together, leaders make excellent use of the school’s monitoring systems and checks to strive for constant improvement.  The proprietor has ensured that the standard in this part is likely to be met should the school’s registration be extended.

p.3

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.

p.4

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.

p.5

School details

Type of school Other independent special school

p.5

School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £90,000 to £104,614

p.5

School details

Website www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/our- locations/our-schools/hilden-park-school Email address Hilden-park@witherslackgroup.co.uk

p.5

School details

Date of previous standard inspection 25 to 27 February 2025

p.5

recommendation

Age range of pupils 8 to 16 6 to 18 Not applicable

p.5

recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 25 Not applicable Not applicable

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 25 Not applicable

p.5

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils None Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 25 Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 25 Not applicable

p.6

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 25 Not applicable

p.6

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 8.8 10.8

p.6

Information about this school

 Hilden Park school is a special school for pupils aged eight to 16 years who have a diagnosis of autism or social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an EHC plan.  The school’s previous full standard inspection took place from 25 to 27 February 2025.  The school does not use alternative provision.

p.6

Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education because the proprietor has applied to make changes to the school’s registration. The proprietor wishes to expand the age range of pupils that the school is registered to admit. Specifically, the school wishes to extend the lowest starting age from eight to six and increase the upper-age limit from 16 to 18.  The purpose of the inspection was to see if the school would be likely to meet the relevant standards if the requested change was implemented.  This was the first inspection regarding this change. The inspector considered the school’s proposed plans and reviewed documents about the intended curriculum for the extended age range.  The inspector met with the headteacher and other school leaders, including those responsible for safeguarding. He met with the proprietor’s regional director and spoke online with the chair of the school’s board. The inspector also met with a group of

p.7

Information about this inspection

pupils.  The inspector visited lessons and observed breaktimes, talking to pupils and staff.  The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the independent school standards are met.

p.7

Inspection team

Clive Dunn, 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 .

p.7

Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

p.8

Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

p.8

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.

p.8

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8