Mill House School

School material change inspection report

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Mill House School Old Hall Farm, Whitestitch Lane, Meriden, Warwickshire CV7 7JE

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b) and 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy adheres to current government guidance, as issued by the Secretary of State. It gives all relevant information about what actions staff should take if they are concerned about a pupil. The policy is published on the school’s website. The school provides parents and carers with a copy of the policy upon request.  The headteacher is the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). She and other staff in the safeguarding team are suitably trained and knowledgeable in all safeguarding matters. They have a strong understanding of their pupils and their families. Staff seek useful information about all pupils and their potential barriers to learning and/or wellbeing before they start at the school. This ensures that staff can act quickly to provide help where needed.  The proprietor ensures that protocols in place for staff recruitment and staff induction

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Main inspection findings

are effective. The school completes all relevant checks to ensure that adults are safe to work in the school.  The proprietor and school leaders have a secure understanding of how to keep pupils safe within their context. Staff record any concerns they may have in a timely manner. Leaders respond swiftly when concerns are raised. They refer any issues to external agencies when appropriate. Staff collaborate well with outside agencies to ensure that pupils and their families are given appropriate support. Paragraph 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  A health and safety policy is in place and implemented effectively. It is suitable and fit for purpose. The school liaises well with external consultants to help them carry out required safety checks. Appropriate fire risk assessments for the premises have been completed and recommendations acted upon.  The school’s written risk assessment policy is implemented effectively. The school has

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Main inspection findings

carried out several risk assessments to ensure that risks to pupils and staff are reduced. For example, there are detailed risk assessments completed for all pupils attending the school.  The school has arranged appropriate supervision of all pupils. The proprietor has employed new staff to ensure that the needs of the pupils the school wishes to additionally admit are adequately met.  The independent school standards (the standards) in these paragraphs are likely to be met by the school if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(1) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6) to 20(6)(c) and 21(5) to 21(6)  The proprietor completes the required pre-employment checks on all new staff. They make sure that staff are suitable to work with children and young people. Appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure that leaders have not been barred from running a school.  The school knows how to complete relevant overseas checks on any staff that have worked or lived outside of the United Kingdom.  The school has a clear understanding of the documentation required and checks they must complete when they use supply teachers.  All checks are all completed before an individual begins working at the school. Paragraphs 21(1) to 21(3)(b)  The school operates an electronic single central record. The register meets the requirements of the standards. It includes staff, senior leaders and supply staff, for

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Main inspection findings

example. The register is regularly checked by external professionals to ensure it remains accurate.  These standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 25, 26, 27(a), 27(b), 29(1), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The proprietor has acquired an additional building in the form of an adjacent barn conversion to accommodate the additional pupils they wish to admit.  The premises now consist of two two-storey buildings and two mobile classrooms. The school occupies an extensive and impressive plot in the rural countryside. There is ample space outside for pupils to play and for pupils to be physically active. Additionally, the school uses a local leisure centre for their provision of physical education.  The outside space also includes a small farm with sheep, ponies and chickens. There are ample green spaces for pupils to use.  The new premises are of high quality and in a good state of repair. The site provides suitable accommodation for the extra pupils the school wishes to admit.  The new barn includes two classrooms, breakout spaces, common areas and suitable

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Main inspection findings

toilet and washing facilities. All teaching rooms have adequate lighting and acoustics. There is appropriate external lighting.  The site benefits from shower and changing facilities. They are sufficient to accommodate the proposed extra pupils. Paragraphs 24(1), to 24(1)(b), 24(2)  The premises has a dedicated medical room. It has running water and is located near to a toilet facility. It includes a bed and appropriate first-aid equipment. Paragraphs 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  Pupils have access to drinking water in the two kitchens: one in each building. Additionally, the school provides bottled water for its pupils. Food is not prepared on site. Pupils bring their own lunch to school.  The toilet facilities are appropriate. There is safe access to hot water which does not pose a scalding risk.  These standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor, who is also the headteacher, has a secure understanding and knowledge of the standards and how to meet them consistently and continually over time. She has used her skills and expertise to propose this expansion to increase the number of admitted pupils.  The proprietor has devised clear plans and policies for this expansion. She has ensured that the premises are appropriate and increased staffing to ensure the adequate supervision and education of pupils.  The proprietor demonstrates suitable knowledge, skills and expertise as well as high ambitions for every pupil. She is committed to providing a high quality of education and pastoral care to vulnerable pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities.  Leaders at all levels and staff demonstrate a strong commitment to actively promote

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ wellbeing and welfare as well as their safety.  These standards are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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School details

Proprietor Special Educational Services Ltd

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £63,000 - £120,000

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School details

Email address c.fyfe@millhouseschool.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 24 to 26 June 2025

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 19 11 to 19 11 to 19

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 40 60 60

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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 40 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 40 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 40 60

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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 40 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 2 5

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 7 14

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Information about this school

 The school is located on Old Hall Farm, Whitestitch Lane, Meriden, Warwickshire CV7 7JE. It occupies an old farmhouse and a converted barn.  The school caters for pupils with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school does not use any alternative provision.  The school’s last standard inspection was in June 2025 where the overall effectiveness was judged to be good.  The school is registered to admit pupils up to the age of 19. However, pupils of above- compulsory school age do not access a sixth-form curriculum. Therefore, the sixth form has not been reported on.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to establish whether the school would be likely to meet all of the relevant independent school standards if the proposed material change to increase the number of pupils on roll from 40 to 60 was to be implemented.  This was the first material change inspection since the school’s previous standard inspection.  The inspector met with the proprietor who is also the headteacher, other leaders and the office manager.  The inspector toured the school premises with the headteacher and office manager.  The inspector scrutinised documents relating to the welfare, health and safety of pupils.  The inspector reviewed safeguarding documents.

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Inspection team

Bianka Zemke, 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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