Bright Minds Creative Academy

Bright Minds Creative Academy 106-108 Park Lane, Croydon CR0 1JB

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inspection report:

Overall outcome The school meets all of the independent school standards that were checked during this inspection

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inspection report:

At its most recent inspection, the school was judged to not meet all of the independent school standards and associated requirements.

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inspection report:

The purpose of this inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out progress monitoring 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 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

The previous inspection found weaknesses in the leadership of the school and the progress monitoring inspection in July 2025 found that although effective actions were being taken to address previously unmet independent school standards (the standards), some standards remained unmet.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

At this progress monitoring inspection, leaders and the proprietor demonstrated a secure understanding of the standards and their responsibilities. In line with the school’s action plan, leaders have taken effective steps to improve the quality of pupils’ learning and school experience. They have also ensured that suitable arrangements are in place to promote the safety and welfare of pupils. For example, a robust and well-considered professional learning programme provides staff with the expertise needed to fulfil their roles and rise to leaders’ expectations. The previously unmet standards in this part are now met.

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Teaching

At the previous progress monitoring inspection in July 2025, the inspection found that the school has taken effective action to address weaknesses in the quality of education. However, variability in the implementation of the curriculum and the quality of the delivery remained, limiting the impact of these actions.

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Teaching

This progress monitoring inspection found that the school has made effective progress and reduced the variability in how well the curriculum delivered. Staff generally teach the curriculum well, using their clear understanding of pupils’ starting points. They focus on building pupils’ basic skills and knowledge in each subject. Leaders have reviewed and improved the planning of lessons. This further contributes to greater consistency of implementation. Lessons have clear learning intentions and support pupils to make secure progress through identified skills and key knowledge. This is evident in pupils’ work. Learning activities are adapted for each pupil’s specific needs and support staff are deployed effectively in response to these needs. Support for pupils, academically, emotionally and socially, is highly targeted.

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Teaching

The proprietor has ensured that the previously unmet standards in this part are now met.

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Safeguarding

The previous progress monitoring inspection found that the school had taken effective action regarding safeguarding to ensure the welfare of pupils. This continues to be the case. The school’s safeguarding policy is up to date, reflects statutory guidance and is available on its website. The school places a high priority on safeguarding and there is a vigilant culture to keep pupils safe. Regular training helps staff to know the signs to look out for that may indicate a pupil is at risk of harm. The school responds quickly when concerns are raised and referrals to relevant agencies are swift and appropriate. Record keeping and processes are clear and thorough.

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Risk assessment

The school has a risk assessment policy in place that is implemented effectively. Risk assessments identify general and specific risks and the actions needed to reduce these effectively. The site is well maintained. Appropriate checks on site safety and suitability are regularly completed. These ensure that the site is suited to the needs of pupils.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the school continues to meet the standards checked in this part.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The school has a clear complaints procedure in place. It implements this effectively. The complaints policy is available on the school’s website and sets out the process to be followed and timescales for this. Leaders keep a log of any complaints. This includes all relevant information required, such as actions taken and lessons learned from incidents.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has ensured that the school continues to meet the standards checked in this part.

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The school’s accessibility plan

Leaders have a suitable accessibility policy in place. As a result, the school meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under sections 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school’s compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. 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

Inspectors spoke with the proprietor, school leaders and pupils during the inspection. Inspectors 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 inspection

At the school’s previous standard inspection in December 2024, the school did not meet the standards. Following this, the Department for Education required the school to compose a statutory action plan. Ofsted reviewed the action plan in April 2025. Subsequently, the Department for Education deemed the action plan unacceptable. This is the second progress monitoring inspection of the school. The first progress monitoring inspection took place in July 2025. This inspection was conducted without notice.

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About this inspection

The inspectors confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

This day school caters for pupils aged 11 to 19 with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils’ primary needs are social, emotional and mental health.

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About this inspection

The school is registered to provide education for 65 pupils. Currently, there are 28 pupils on roll, of which no pupils are aged between 16 and 19 years.

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About this inspection

The school operates from two sites. The main site is located at 106–108 Park Lane, CR0 1JB. The second site is 92 Park Lane, Croydon CR0 1JF.

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About this inspection

The school is currently in a consultation period regarding possible school closure.

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About this inspection

The school makes use of one unregistered alternative provision.

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About this school

Proprietor Horizon Education (South London) Limited Headteacher Ms Bianca Greenhalgh Type of school Other Independent Special School Capacity 65 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 19 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £52,431 to £105,000 Email address bianca.greenhalgh@horizoncare.co.uk 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

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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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