Westbury School

School material change inspection report

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Westbury School School Lane, Westbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 9QZ

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 7 to 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The proprietor has fully implemented a suitable safeguarding policy that reflects the most up-to-date guidance from the Secretary of State. The policy is available to parents and carers on the school’s website.  Staff receive comprehensive safeguarding training. Leaders have successfully cultivated a transparent and proactive safeguarding culture which is embraced across the school. All staff demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities in protecting pupils and promoting their welfare. Paragraphs 11, 12, 14 and 16 to 16(b)  The school has a well established and effectively implemented health and safety policy. Routine checks of the school site are made to ensure pupils and staff work in a safe and tidy environment.  An embedded written risk assessments policy ensures risk assessments are thorough

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Main inspection findings

and cover site-specific areas, educational visits and individual pupils’ needs. The individual risk assessments for pupils are particularly strong. They are meticulously compiled when pupils first join the school, using information from professionals, parents and pupils. These risk assessments are treated as live documents and are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect pupils’ evolving needs.  Fire safety procedures are in place and audited regularly. Routine checks are made of the school’s fire alarm system and emergency lighting. Regular fire drills ensure the building can be evacuated quickly in the event of fire. The proprietor ensures that the school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Staffing levels are appropriate for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Staff are well qualified, trained and experienced. The school’s detailed admissions and induction processes identify whether additional staff are needed when a pupil joins the school.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b) and 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii)  The school adopts a rigorous and thorough approach to the safe recruitment of staff. Both the proprietor and headteacher have completed accredited safer recruitment training and ensure that all procedures are followed diligently, resulting in the appointment of suitably qualified and vetted personnel.  The single central record contains all the required information for appointed staff in line with guidance set out in ‘Keeping children safe in education’ 2025.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22 to 24(1)(b), 24(2) and 28(1) to 28(2)(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The school has suitable washing, changing and toileting facilities for the current and proposed number of pupils. All toilets provide hand washing facilities and water temperature is checked regularly to ensure that it does not pose a scalding risk.  A well-equipped medical room is available which has hand washing and nearby toileting facilities. The medical room is suitable for the short-term treatment and examination of pupils. It also provides lockable cabinets for medication.  Pupils have ready access to drinking water taps which are clearly labelled and are separate to hand-washing facilities. Drinking water is available throughout the school day for all pupils. Paragraphs 25 to 27(b)  The school provides an inviting and well-maintained educational environment that contributes to a positive, calm atmosphere. Pupils benefit from classrooms that are bright with natural light and offer excellent acoustic conditions, supporting focused

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Main inspection findings

and effective learning. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school occupies an enviable position in its rural setting. It provides suitable outdoor space for pupils to spend breaktimes and take part in physical education.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and school leaders are well informed. Governance structures are in place, with termly meetings and scrutiny of compliance with the independent school standards. The school has recently made effective use of external quality assurance to further improve oversight. Planning for the material change is well considered, with no immediate staffing changes required due to existing capacity and flexible staffing arrangements.  The proprietor has ensured that these standards are likely to be met if the material

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Main inspection findings

change is approved. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan is suitable. It outlines how the school ensures that the physical environment, curriculum and information are accessible to all.  The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part if the material change is approved.

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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

Email address nadia.chelpa@uniquecaregroup.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 3 to 5 June 2025

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proposal

Number of pupils on the school roll 17 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 17 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 17 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 17 25

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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 17 25

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 10

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Information about this school

 This school opened in February 2021 and is registered for 20 pupils. It is located at School Lane, Westbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 9QZ. There is also an off-site woodland area which is sited at Lower Fenemere Court, Fenemere, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 2JF.  The school has applied to increase its registered capacity from 20 pupils to 25 pupils.  All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Pupils are referred to the school by local authorities. The school caters for pupils who struggle to cope with mainstream education by providing them with a small, nurturing learning environment.  The school provides education for pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with social, emotional and mental health needs. Many pupils have experienced emotionally based school avoidance prior to joining.  The school’s last standard inspection was in June 2025, when it was judged to be

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Information about this school

good for overall effectiveness.  The school does not use any alternative provision. Pupils access off-site activity at the school’s own woodland provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education in response to the proprietor’s request to make a material change to the school.  This was the school’s first material change inspection. The proposed change involves an increase in pupil capacity from 20 to 25.  In evaluating whether the school would meet the relevant standards, the inspector considered a range of documentation provided by the school and discussed the proposed changes with the proprietor and school leaders. He carried out a tour of the premises and spoke formally with pupils.  To evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding, the inspector reviewed the single central record; took account of the views of leaders, staff and pupils; and considered the extent to which the school has created an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils’ interests first.

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Inspection team

Gareth Morgan, 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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