Thrive Education and Wellbeing

Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 1 Thrive Education and Wellbeing Greenfields, Chester Road, Sutton Weaver WA7 3EG

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

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report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider’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 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 proprietor proposes to open an independent school for pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It will primarily cater for pupils whose primary additional need is social, emotional and mental health for pupils aged 4 to 16.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor sets a clear and ambitious vision for the school and demonstrates a strong passion for improving the lives of vulnerable pupils. She understands the pastoral and academic needs of the pupils the school aims to serve. She actively develops her knowledge of the independent school standards and, as a new proprietor, has undertaken training to strengthen her understanding. This training gives her a solid foundation to ensure the school is likely to meet the standards consistently over time. She has also designed systems that enable directors to maintain effective oversight of the standards through their regular checks. Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 2 The proprietor prioritises pupils’ wellbeing throughout the proposed curriculum and planned opportunities. For example, in the school’s proposed behaviour policy, she emphasises approaches that support pupils to understand their own emotions and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

manage them effectively. In addition, the personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) reflects the context and needs which the school intends to admit. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has put in place a carefully considered curriculum policy. She has identified the range of subjects the school will offer, including academic subjects that lead to recognised qualifications, such as GCSEs. The proprietor has also considered carefully the requirements for early years. A suitable curriculum for children in early years is in place. In addition, she has also ensured that the school can provide a vocational pathway for pupils who wish to pursue this route. The curriculum policy is supported by subject overviews, including for early years. Each of the schemes are- underpinned by suitable schemes of work. These schemes set out the knowledge pupils are expected to learn so that their understanding develops securely over time.

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Curriculum

The proposed schemes of work show a secure understanding of the interests, attitudes and needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) the proprietor intends to admit. They outline clearly how teachers will adapt learning to meet these pupils’ needs effectively. This includes for pupils in early years.

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Curriculum

The proprietor places a sharp emphasis on promoting reading across the school. She has ensured that the curriculum supports pupils, who may still be in the early stages of reading, so they can develop the essential skills they need.

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Curriculum

The proposed school has developed a detailed plan for careers education that covers both primary and secondary key stages. The plans show how pupils’ careers knowledge and skills will build incrementally as they move through the school. By the time pupils leave, they will have taken part in lessons on interview techniques, employability skills and work experience across a range of settings.

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Curriculum

The proposed school has also ensured that appropriate plans are in place to deliver statutory relationships education for primary-age pupils. For secondary-age pupils, the plans set out how they will receive their entitlement to relationships Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 3 and sex education. The proprietor has carefully considered how the school will consult parents and carers about this aspect of the curriculum.

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Teaching

The proprietor intends to employ subject-specific teachers to deliver the curriculum. This ensures that teachers have the necessary subject knowledge and a secure understanding of their subject. Where teachers may deliver subjects outside their specialism, the proprietor has planned a suitable range of professional development to ensure they can teach these lessons effectively. Some of the schemes of work draw on published materials that provide appropriate resources to support high-quality delivery.

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Teaching

Pupils will have individual learning plans, which are tailored to their needs and ensure that the requirements in pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans are met overtime.

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Assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the school has a suitable assessment system in place so that staff can identify pupils’ academic and social needs when they join the school. Staff will use this information as a benchmark to identify gaps in pupils’ understanding so that teachers can address these gaps effectively. The proprietor has planned training to help teachers use their ongoing checks on pupils’ learning well. This aims to enable pupils to build a secure and increasingly detailed body of knowledge over time.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proprietor has carefully shaped the curriculum to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example, the proposed school plans to organise visits to a range of religious places of worship so that pupils can deepen their understanding of different faiths and belief systems.

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pupils

Across the curriculum, pupils will learn about important fundamental British values. For younger pupils, this will involve exploring the idea of voting through active participation in the school council. Older pupils will study public institutions, such as the police and government. Pupils will also take part in balanced and respectful Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 4 discussions about local and global issues, helping them to develop a secure sense of right and wrong.

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pupils

The proprietor also aims to strengthen pupils’ appreciation and respect for individuals protected under the Equality Act 2010 that make everyone unique. The school intends to use assemblies and carefully chosen texts within the curriculum to build this understanding.

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pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The school has a safeguarding policy that aligns with current statutory guidance. The policy sets out clearly how staff will support pupils to stay safe, both online and within the community. The proprietor has completed all required safeguarding training and has planned a comprehensive programme of professional development to ensure staff receive the training they need to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities. This training will incorporate the risks most pertinent to the school’s context.

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Safeguarding

When new staff join the school, the proprietor will provide a thorough induction, so they understand how to report any concerns about pupils to the designated safeguarding lead.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school has a clear behaviour policy in place. This policy supports pupils and staff in understanding the proprietor’s expectations for behaviour and takes careful account of the needs of the pupils who are likely to attend the school.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The policy outlines the rewards and sanctions that staff should apply to manage pupils’ behaviour. It also sets out clearly the types of behaviour that may result in a suspension. A well-defined recording system is in place to ensure that any serious sanctions are logged accurately and consistently.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has also considered the supervision of pupils during lessons, at breaktime and lunchtimes. If implemented as intended, it is likely that these supervision arrangements will be appropriate.

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Anti-bullying

Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 5 The proposed school has developed a suitable anti-bullying policy. The policy explains how pupils will learn about bullying, including through the PSHE curriculum, where they will explore different forms of bullying. The school also sets out clear procedures for pupils to report any concerns. The proprietor intends to ensure that all incidents are analysed carefully so that any emerging patterns can be identified so that the school’s response can be as effective as possible.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has several health and safety policies that set out how it will comply with relevant legislation. The proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There is clear guidance about how pupils and staff will evacuate in the event of a fire. Also, for example, the proprietor has ensured that a comprehensive fire risk assessment has been completed. Where actions were identified, these have been addressed swiftly to secure full compliance. This includes ensuring that all fire doors meet the required standards.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has a comprehensive first-aid policy. The proprietor has ensured that clear reporting procedures are in place for any incidents, where first aid is administered. The proprietor has ensured that there are enough trained first-aid staff to meet pupils’ needs. Careful consideration has also been given to the placement of first-aid boxes, so they are located where they are most likely to be needed.

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Admissions and attendance

The school has a system in place to record admissions and attendance. If implemented effectively, these arrangements are likely to comply with the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2024. The proprietor understands the Department for Education’s register codes, which means attendance is likely to be recorded accurately.

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Risk assessment

The school has a risk assessment policy in place. Several individual risk assessments underpin this policy. These identify potential risks effectively and set out the control measures the school will implement to minimise them as far as possible. For example, the proposed school has risk assessments for educational visits and for different classrooms.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

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

The proprietor has ensured that enough staff are trained in safer recruitment procedures, and at least one trained member of staff will take part in each recruitment process. Leaders understand the checks that must be completed for new staff, volunteers, contractors and supply staff. For example, the proprietor recognises the requirement to verify the medical fitness of staff as part of the school’s recruitment procedures.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school has organised the required checks into a single central record. The single central record is kept electronically but is able to be reproduced as required. All appropriate checks have been made on current staff.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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accommodation and showers

The school has an adequate number of toilet and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils. These facilities provide both hot and cold water, and the water temperature is regulated so that it does not pose a scalding risk. The toilets are for pupils’ sole use. The school also has a designated space, where pupils can change if needed, although pupils are expected to attend school in their physical education kit. For pupils who require shower facilities, these will be provided at the local leisure centre, where pupils aged 11 and over will have their physical education lessons.

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accommodation and showers

The school has sufficient outdoor space for physical education and play. The proposed school has carefully considered how pupils across the proposed age range will access this area safely and appropriately.

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accommodation and showers

The school will provide pupils with filtered drinking water, available throughout the school day.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proposed school has a medical room with washing facilities for short-term use by pupils. The room has a bed, blankets and a pillow to provide comfort for pupils who feel unwell. This is located near the toilet faciltiies. Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 7

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school building is well maintained and provides a suitable environment for pupils across the full age range. Risks have been minimised so that pupils and staff can use the building safely and without undue hazard. For example, the proprietor has thought about how pupils will safely use the stairs to access the upstairs classrooms. The proprietor has ensured that all fire fighting equipment and electrical equipment are routinely checked, including inspections carried out by external agencies.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proposed school building has ample natural light for its intended purpose. Classrooms are bright and well lit, with appropriate acoustics. Each classroom has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the age group that will use it. For example, there is space for pupils to work individually if they need to or break out spaces, where pupils can go if they need some time away from the classroom. The school also includes separate rooms, where younger or older pupils can go if they need support to regulate their emotions. Both spaces are suitable for the pupils who may use them.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school’s website includes links to the key policies required by the standards. For example, it publishes the safeguarding and child protection policy, the anti-bullying policy, the behaviour management policy and the curriculum policy. The proprietor intends to upload additional policies to the website if the school is approved for registration.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has suitable plans for reporting how funding for pupils with an EHC plan, and for children in care, is used. She has also considered how this information will contribute to pupils’ annual reviews.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has ensured that her contact details are available on the school website, including information on how she can be reached during term time and during school holidays.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor understands the requirement to publish inspection reports online. She was able to demonstrate where these reports will be placed on the website.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 8

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school has a complaints policy, which sets out clear timescales for managing complaints. It also gives the option for complaints to be dealt with informally before any formal process begins. The policy also indicates that parents will have the option for a panel hearing with independent members.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor is aware of the need to record the number of complaints in the current and proceeding academic year. There are systems in place to ensure that complaints will be recorded and stored correctly.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has a written accessibility plan. The accessibility plan reflects how the proposed school will fulfil its statutory responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools.

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About this inspection

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

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the proprietor, who is currently acting as the head of school, deputy headteacher and special educational needs coordinator.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with a range of SEND. The proposed school will primarily cater for pupils whose primary additional need is social, emotional and mental health. Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 9 The school will operate from a single storey building located at Greenfields, Chester Road, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire West and Chester WA7 3EG.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Chair of the proprietor body

Thrive Wirral CIC Joanne Henshaw Headteacher Joanne Henshaw

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Chair of the proprietor body

Type of school Other independent special school

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 4-16 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 3 Annual fees for day pupils £19,000 - £104,000

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teaching staff

Email address jo@thrivewirral.co.uk Thrive Education and Wellbeing, 1 April 2026 10 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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