The Grange School

The Grange School 18-21 Church Gate, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 3PN

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inspection report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented

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inspection report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending.

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inspection report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’s likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor body is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leadership across the school and proprietor body is highly effective. The headteacher, central team and proprietor body bring significant expertise. They demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards, statutory duties and equality legislation. This ensures strong strategic oversight and rigorous attention to pupils’ welfare.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The school has already managed the expansion in pupil numbers successfully since the previous inspection. Developments for this new proposal have been carefully planned and fully resourced. With support from the proprietor body’s central team, leaders have ensured that the new additional learning spaces are prepared to a high standard. These areas are fully equipped with appropriate learning resources, furniture and safety equipment.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders ensure that staff know pupils well and provide the support they need within a nurturing setting. The established professional development programme will continue to ensure that any new staff have a secure understanding of health and safety, as well as pupils’ individual needs and how to manage them effectively.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met if the material change application is approved.

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Safeguarding

The school’s child protection and safeguarding policy is aligned with statutory requirements and is published on the school’s website. Staff receive regular and comprehensive safeguarding training. This ensures that they can identify when a pupil may be at risk of harm.

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Safeguarding

Leaders responsible for safeguarding have undertaken the additional training required to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the school’s safeguarding culture. They work well with external agencies so that pupils and their families receive appropriate and timely support. Safeguarding oversight is further strengthened through external quality assurance by the central team. This ensures compliance and consistency in practice.

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Health, safety and fire

The school has an appropriate health and safety policy in place that supports the welfare of pupils and staff. This policy is implemented consistently and is underpinned by highly effective systems. There is clear oversight from the proprietor body’s central team. Leaders ensure that regular health and safety checks, including audits, are carried out. The site is maintained to a high standard and is safe. Any identified issues are risk assessed and addressed swiftly.

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Health, safety and fire

A compliant fire safety policy that reflects the school’s context is in place. Clear escape routes are supported by ample signage. An external fire risk assessment has been completed and leaders responded promptly to the minor recommendations made by the contractor. Robust systems, including weekly checks of alarms, fire doors and emergency lighting, are in place. This ensures that the school maintains ongoing compliance with fire safety regulations.

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Risk assessment

The school has a thorough risk assessment policy, supported by clear systems and processes that are followed consistently. Risk assessments are well written and reflect the specific needs of pupils and the activities they undertake. This includes off ‑ site visits such as trips to local museums.

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Risk assessment

Each pupil has a suite of individual risk assessments that are reviewed frequently. These detailed assessments identify pupils’ vulnerabilities and associated risks. These plans clearly set out appropriate mitigating actions to reduce potential harm. This ensures that risk assessments remain responsive to pupils’ needs.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in these parts are likely to be met.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The school’s recruitment process is well structured and fully reflects safer recruitment expectations. Senior leaders involved in recruitment are appropriately trained. The central recruitment team provides effective support. They have ensured that all appointments are checked prior to commencement. Leaders have been proactive in preparing for the proposed expansion. They have appointed the additional staff required to meet the needs of the increased pupil numbers. This includes primary and secondary subject specialists.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record (SCR) is accurately maintained, kept up to date and includes all staff. The proprietor body and school leaders check the SCR regularly to ensure that it reflects the most recent statutory guidance. All required checks, including those for individuals in leadership and management roles, are completed and recorded appropriately.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met.

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and showers

There are enough toilets and washing facilities for the proposed increase in pupil numbers, including disabled facilities. These are all separate from staff amenities. Separate handwashing facilities are appropriate. Additional facilities include a wet room and shower for pupils’ requirements.

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and showers

Hot water is set at a safe temperature and is regularly checked. Pupils have access to drinking water throughout the school day and this is clearly labelled.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

There are two suitable medical rooms for pupils to use. These rooms both contain a sink and are both located next to a toilet. Each room contains a bed and suitable first-aid provisions. Medication is stored securely in locked facilities.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The school provides a range of spaces to support its therapeutic services. These include a sensory area, rooms used for speech and language work, and halls designed for sensory circuits. Outside, pupils access sensory play equipment such as swings and a sunken trampoline to support their needs.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises provide a safe, well ‑ resourced environment. Leaders have developed the large, attractive site into four distinct learning areas. The new accommodation is fully prepared and has enough space for the planned increase in pupils.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Staffing levels are appropriate. Well ‑ trained staff supervise pupils effectively throughout the day. The school has recruited additional teachers and therapeutic staff to meet the needs of the proposed increased capacity. A robust induction and training programme ensures that all new staff can support pupils safely and confidently.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The site is secure. Leaders have designed drop ‑ off and collection arrangements to prioritise pupil safety and keep the school day running smoothly.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Learning spaces, including communal areas, have appropriate acoustic conditions and suitable internal lighting that support effective teaching and learning. External lighting is also appropriate and contributes to a safe and sufficiently illuminated environment.

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Outdoor space

The external school grounds are well maintained and provide adequate space for physical education. Leaders have ensured that the outdoor areas allow pupils to socialise safely during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Pupils have access to a range of outdoor spaces, including football, sensory and outdoor learning areas. These are managed well so that pupils can use them safely.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor body has an appropriate accessibility policy and plan in place. The plan covers the curriculum, the physical environment and written information for the proposed age range. The school’s three ‑ year strategy seeks to reduce barriers to learning and participation. It fosters a caring and inclusive environment and ensures that resources promote independence. The plan promotes positive attitudes and awareness of disability across the school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor has ensured that Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 is likely to be met.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The proprietor body has requested a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll to 60.

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About this inspection

The Department for Education commissioned the inspectors to inspect the suitability of the school s provision in relation to the welfare, health and safety of pupils the suitability of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management. The inspector checked the suitability of the new premises during their site check. They met with the headteacher and a range of other staff. The inspector also met with the representatives of the proprietor body.

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About this inspection

The inspector visited lessons and spoke with pupils and staff. They also reviewed documents in relation to health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.

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About this inspection

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.

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About this school

Proprietor Phoenix Schools (South) Ltd Headteacher Mrs Rebecca Shaw Type of school Other Independent Special School Capacity 40 Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Number of part-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Age range of pupils 7 to 16 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £69,230 Email address rshaw@phoenixschools.org.uk providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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About this school

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About this school

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About this school

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

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