The Registry

The Registry 2 Cemetery Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DL

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inspection report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material changes relating to the school provision are 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 its premises and 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 (the standards) first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the 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

The proprietor provides effective oversight and ensures that the standards are consistently met. Safeguarding is prioritised. Policies are up to date and implemented well. Leaders monitor the premises closely through regular checks. They ensure that staff understand their responsibilities. Leaders’ decision-making is careful and risk-aware, contributing to a calm, orderly and safe environment. They demonstrate the capacity and commitment needed to sustain compliance and promote pupils’ welfare. Leaders have ensured that the proposed premises are well planned, safe and fully aligned with the standards. Staffing levels have been considered in line with the increasing number of pupils on roll and additional training implemented by leaders. Leaders have put in place measures that would appropriately manage the move to the new premises and the effects of increasing the number of pupils on roll.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standard in this part is likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding arrangements are effective. The proprietor ensures that the safeguarding policy is fully compliant with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)’ and that staff understand and follow it. Several members of staff are trained to level 3, providing strong capacity. Induction processes are thorough. All new staff complete safeguarding training before working with pupils. Staff receive regular updates on safeguarding themes. Training records show a consistent and well ‑ organised approach.

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Safeguarding

Leaders ensure that concerns are recorded promptly and consistently. There is a secure system for record-keeping. Case files demonstrate clear chronology, timely action and effective multi ‑ agency working. Leaders take appropriate action when concerns escalate. They maintain strong communication with families and external professionals. Staff understand the whistleblowing and low ‑ level concerns procedures. Leaders are aware of their duty to refer staff to the Disclosure and Barring Service where necessary. The culture of safeguarding is strong, and pupils are kept safe.

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Supervision of pupils

Supervision arrangements ensure that pupils are safe throughout the school day. Leaders ensure that pupils are supervised well, with adequate ratios of staff to pupils in place. Off ‑ site activities are supported by detailed risk assessments and clear procedures. This includes physical education (PE) at a local sports hall and minibus transport. Leaders’ approach to supervision reflects a strong understanding of pupils’ needs.

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Health and safety and fire

Health and safety arrangements are comprehensive and well implemented. The health and safety policy is detailed and regularly reviewed, covering all statutory areas. Routine checks across the site are completed and recorded systematically. The current arrangements remain appropriate for the proposed changes. Fire safety is particularly thorough. A detailed fire risk assessment identified a small number of actions, all of which were addressed promptly through a robust remedy plan. Weekly checks of alarms, call points, extinguishers and escape routes are recorded, and fire drills take place regularly. Staff are appropriately trained and external assurance confirms compliance with fire safety requirements. The premises are safe, well maintained and compliant with statutory expectations.

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Risk assessment

Risk assessment practice is embedded across the school. The risk assessment policy is comprehensive. It emphasises the use of trained, competent staff to complete assessments. A wide range of risk assessments are in place. These are detailed, regularly reviewed and tailored to the specific context of the school. Leaders take swift and effective action to reduce identified risks. This is demonstrated by the immediate implementation of fire safety improvements and the systematic checks across the premises. Risk management is proactive, thorough and contributes significantly to pupils’ safety and wellbeing.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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

The proprietor ensures that safer recruitment procedures are rigorous and fully compliant with the standards. All required pre ‑ employment checks are completed before staff begin work at the school. Leaders carry out the required recruitment checks to ensure that staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children. Personnel files sampled during the inspection contained complete and well ‑ organised documentation. Leaders ensure that medical checks are completed and references are sought for new employees.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record is maintained to a high standard. It is accurate, complete and reviewed regularly by leaders and the proprietor. All required categories are present and clearly recorded. The single central record reflects the school’s vigilant safeguarding culture and leaders’ meticulous approach to ensuring that only suitable adults work with pupils.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Toilet and washing facilities and water supply

Toilet and washing facilities meet the requirements of the standards. Separate toilets are provided for boys and girls, and are clean, well maintained and appropriate for pupils’ use. Washing facilities have a reliable supply of hot and cold water. Checks confirm that hot water temperatures do not pose a scalding risk. Drinking water is clearly marked and readily accessible throughout the day. The school’s approach to monitoring water hygiene is systematic, with regular flushing, temperature checks and a current water hygiene risk assessment in place.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The school provides suitable accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils. The medical room includes washing facilities and is located close to a toilet. This ensures it is practical for short ‑ term care of pupils who are unwell or injured. The room is kept clean, organised and ready for immediate use. Although no pupils currently require therapy or specialist medical care, leaders have ensured that the space and systems in place would support such needs if required. Medicines are stored securely in a locked cabinet, and procedures for administering medication are clear and compliant with statutory guidance.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises are maintained to a high standard, ensuring that pupils’ health, safety and welfare are promoted effectively. Leaders implement a comprehensive health and safety policy that covers all statutory areas. Routine checks across the site are completed and recorded systematically. Staff training records show that leaders ensure staff understand their responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment. The overall condition of the premises is in a reasonable state of repair.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Lighting and acoustic conditions across the school are suitable for the activities that will take place. Internal lighting is bright and consistent, supporting effective teaching and learning. External lighting ensures that pupils, staff and visitors can enter and leave the premises safely. Acoustic conditions in classrooms and other learning spaces are appropriate. Leaders monitor these aspects as part of their regular premises checks, ensuring that standards are maintained.

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Outdoor space

The school provides suitable outdoor space for pupils. Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor area for recreation. PE will be delivered at a local sports hall, with pupils transported safely by school staff. Risk assessments for off-site PE are thorough. The outdoor provision meets requirements and supports pupils’ physical development and wellbeing. These grounds allow sufficient space to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met by the school if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has a current accessibility plan which meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector 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 renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the proprietor, headteacher and the quality of education director.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

The material changes the school requests are to increase its capacity from 30 pupils to 32, and a change in site. The school currently operates from 2 Cemetery Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 2DL. The proposed site is at Unit E, Metro Business Park, Clough Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, ST1 4AF.

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About this inspection

The school does not use any alternative provision.

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About this school

Proprietors Shelley Jamieson and Neil Jamieson Headteacher Ms Claire Malhi Type of school Other independent school Capacity 30 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 11 to 16 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £23,750 to £43,250 Email address sjamieson@phoenixlearning.co.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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