Thrive Independent School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Thrive Independent School 240–242 Plumstead High Street, Plumstead SE18 1JL

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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)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i), 2A(1) to 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The proposed school has developed a curriculum policy which outlines the range of subjects and courses that pupils will study, including anticipated qualifications. The teaching and learning policy clearly details the school’s expectations for the delivery of the curriculum. This includes how they intend to assure themselves of the quality of provision. The assessment policy outlines how teachers will closely check the gaps pupils may have in their knowledge when they start at the school.  The school has given sufficient thought to the curriculum for pupils in Years 7 to 11. Schemes of work and plans are in place for all the areas of learning required by the independent school standards (the standards). Schemes of work suit the ages, skills and needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Main inspection findings

However, the curriculum for students in Years 12 and 13 has not been as well thought through. The curriculum offer is limited and requires specialist resources, such as specialist vocational teachers and industry placements which are not yet in place.  The school is currently operating with one pupil on role. Lessons are clearly structured. There are opportunities for pupils to recall and practise what they know and can do. Teachers check understanding routinely.  The requirements for relationships and sex education (RSE) are likely to be met. The school has the necessary policy relating to RSE. There are plans to consult with parents and carers on this policy when pupils start at the school. RSE will be delivered as part of pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  There are suitable plans in place for PSHE. The school intends for pupils in all year groups to study this subject at least four times a week.

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Main inspection findings

 The school plans to provide pupils with impartial careers advice and guidance. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j),4  The proprietor plans to be the headteacher of this school. The school already has in place an inclusion manager and intends to recruit a number of new staff, including school leaders. The proprietor has extensive experience as a headteacher, having previously been the headteacher of maintained secondary schools. The school expects all leaders will have a teaching responsibility. The proprietor has considered a recruitment plan to support the school as it grows. However, the proposed school is unlikely to be appropriately resourced to teach all aspects of the intended curriculum by January 2026. This is because the school has not carefully thought through the requirements needed to successfully deliver all aspects of the intended curriculum.  The proposed school has an assessment policy which details appropriate processes to

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Main inspection findings

monitor and assess pupils’ progress. Leaders intend to assess pupils’ needs when they arrive at the school. They plan to use this information to ensure pupils are supported to build on what they already know and can do.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proposed school’s planned personal development programme will focus on developing pupils’ confidence and self-esteem. The aim is for pupils to re-engage with education and be ready to succeed in their next steps in education or employment. The school has considered how interventions and support will be used to develop pupils’ social, communication and behaviour skills.  Pupils will receive daily timetabled lessons in PSHE, as well as assemblies, visits and

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Main inspection findings

guest speakers to teach pupils about fundamental British values, including British institutions, equality and democracy. The school has considered how it will give due regard to all of the protected characteristics, as identified in the Equality Act 2010.  The proposed school’s curriculum does not promote any partisan political views. School leaders intend to carefully check that pupils receive balanced viewpoints in all aspects of their work, including external visitors and through enrichment activities.  The independent school standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7 to 7(b), 32(1)(c)  The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. It is available online on the proposed school’s website.  The school’s safeguarding policy clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of staff. Leaders have set out plans to ensure that all staff receive regular and up-to-date

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding training. There will be an appropriate system in place to identify and document safeguarding concerns, including referrals and any action staff may take.  The proposed school has identified systems to support the effective management of negative behaviour, which includes robust pastoral support. Paragraphs 9 and 10  The proposed school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policy outlines clear expectations. The school plans to use the curriculum as well as mentoring to support pupils to manage and regulate their own behaviour.  School leaders have identified clear procedures for the recording and logging of incidents, including imposed sanctions. They have also set out systems for recording pupils’ attendance. Leaders intend to promote the importance of regular attendance. They propose to monitor any absences closely. Paragraphs 11 to 16  The proposed school does not have a written risk assessment policy, although it does

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Main inspection findings

have procedures for how to write a risk assessment within the health and safety policy. One example of a risk assessment was sampled, and this did identify potential hazards and lower risks for the general use of the teaching and learning spaces. The proprietor has commissioned a facilities management company to conduct regular health and safety checks.  The proprietor does not have appropriate knowledge of the Regulatory Fire Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005. For example, a fire risk assessment has not been completed. Leaders are in the process of arranging a competent assessor to complete this. At the time of the inspection this was not in place. The inspectors were not assured that fire safety procedures and risk management were well understood by school leaders.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 18(2) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(5) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record is in place and contains the required information. The required pre-employment checks, for example on staff and the proprietor, have been completed in line with requirements.  Leaders, including those responsible for the single central record, have completed safer recruitment training. Should the school require the use of agency teachers there are appropriate procedures to ensure that supply staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 24(1) to 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25 to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school premises are bright and welcoming and learning spaces are conducive to learning. Classrooms are spacious, they have suitable light and acoustics.

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Main inspection findings

There is a family room, which has a kitchenette, which can be used for teaching and preparing meals. There is drinking water which is available to pupils throughout the day.  A medical room has been identified and will be suitable for the care and examination of pupils who require medical attention.  The school building currently has no external lighting in and around the school’s main entrance.  The school currently occupies the lower ground and ground floor of a residential block. The school intends to operate the school from the ground floor only and use the lower ground solely for storage. The ground floor has been decorated to a high standard and has appropriate facilities. The lower ground floor, however, requires further attention to mitigate potential health and safety risks. Paragraph 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The school intends to use the local park so that pupils have access to an outside space to socialise and play.

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Main inspection findings

 The school premises do not currently include on-site changing or shower facilities. However, leaders are in the process of formalising an agreement with a local leisure centre. This will have the facilities to provide access to showers for both boys and girls. In addition, this will further enhance the teaching of physical education.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(c) to 32(4)(c)  The proposed school’s leaders understand which information and policies are required to be made available to parents, inspectors and local authorities.  The proposed school has the necessary policies and information required by the standards available in digital and printed formats. The school has published many of these on the school’s website. Others are available on request.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have in place a structure to track the progress of pupils across different aspects of the curriculum. The school will provide parents with bi-annual written reports of their children’s progress.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proposed school’s complaints policy sets out defined procedures and timescales for addressing concerns. For example, procedures include plans to ensure that complaints are appropriately recorded and retained, enabling leaders to monitor patterns over time. These arrangements provide assurances that complaints will be taken seriously and managed effectively. This is published on the school’s website.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  Leaders are ambitious and have high aspirations. They want to provide a high-quality

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Main inspection findings

education for all pupils. However, some aspects of their work are not yet ready to be realised in practice.  The proprietor and school leaders do not have secure knowledge of all of the standards. As a result, it is not likely that these will be met consistently.  The proprietor is keen to establish quality assurance processes. They have built relationships with the local authority and have begun working alongside other maintained and independent alternative provisions.  Leaders have plans in place to actively promote the well-being of pupils.  Based on the evidence gathered during this inspection, the standards in this part are unlikely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have written an appropriate accessibility plan, which is likely to comply with schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 1 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 30

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 30

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 11 to 18 11 to 18 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll 1 30 Not applicable

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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 1 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 1 30

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 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 0 15

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 3 5

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Information about this proposed school

 The intended new school is located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The school’s address is 240–242 Plumstead High Street, Plumstead, SE18 1JL.  The school is operating as an unregistered alternative provision. At the time of the inspection there was one pupil on role.  The proprietor of this proposed school is Razwan Hussain. They will also be the headteacher.  The school plans to cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This will include pupils with an education, health and care plan. Pupils are likely to have SEND related to their social, emotional and mental health needs and speech and language and cognitive learning needs. This may also include pupils with autism.  The school plans to open in January 2026, with a maximum of 30 pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 The 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 standards that are required for registration as an independent school.  The proposed school is currently operating as an unregistered alternative provision. At the time of the inspection, there was one pupil recorded on the school’s admissions register. They joined the school in October 2025. The inspectors observed the pupil in lessons and during their free time.  This is the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The inspectors checked all relevant standards, including parts 1 to 8.  The inspectors met with the headteacher, who is the proprietor. The inspectors also met with other members of staff.  The inspectors considered a wide range of evidence to check the likelihood of the

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Information about this inspection

school meeting all of the relevant standards. This included having a tour of the premises, reviewing key documents and policies and considering the school’s proposed curriculum.

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Inspection team

Kieran Bird, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- - 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively;  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph 2(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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