Berrylands School

Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 1 Berrylands School Hogsmill Nature Reserve, Lower Marsh Lane, Kingston upon Thames KT1 3BW

p.1

report:

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

p.1

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.

p.1

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 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.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The evidence indicates that the proprietor has appointed leaders with appropriate experience, skills and knowledge to fulfil their roles effectively. Senior leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the independent school standards (the standards). Leaders have engaged in relevant training, including, for example, updates on how the quality of the school’s work will be evaluated on inspection. Leaders and the proprietor intend to draw on shared systems and expertise across the group to support consistent compliance with the standards.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders are likely to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. Clear leadership structures are in place, with defined roles and responsibilities. The proprietor has also established agreed approaches for leaders to review and evaluate their work, such as through regular leadership meetings. The proprietor intends to supplement this with strong central oversight of safeguarding, staffing, policies Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 2 and compliance. Leaders act on any feedback they receive. For example, during this inspection, leaders responded promptly and appropriately to feedback by refining policies and risk assessments, in turn demonstrating their capacity to ensure that standards are met consistently.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders actively plan to promote pupils’ wellbeing, as defined by the Children Act 2004, through a therapeutic and nurturing school model. High staff-to-pupil ratios, integrated therapeutic support, clear safeguarding arrangements and close partnership working with families are central to the proposed provision. Leaders’ planning and policies place a clear emphasis on pupils’ physical and mental health, emotional security, positive relationships and preparation for adulthood, indicating that pupils’ wellbeing will be a core priority from the outset.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.2

Curriculum

The proposed curriculum is broad and carefully sequenced to meet the needs of pupils aged 7 to 16. Leaders have drawn on the national curriculum to support the school’s curriculum thinking, with the aim of ensuring that learning builds knowledge and skills from Year 3 to the end of key stage 4. Leaders have developed comprehensive curriculum plans to support consistency in what pupils will be taught and when. Leaders also intend that these centrally developed curriculum plans will help to reduce staff workload, with arrangements made to ensure that school documentation is easy for staff to access.

p.2

Curriculum

The planned timetable prioritises English and mathematics alongside a wide range of other learning opportunities in the areas of education required by the standards. Support targeted to pupils’ specific needs, including reading interventions, will be built into the school day. The teaching team will include staff with expertise in phonics should pupils join who need support to catch up in this area of learning. Further training for staff in supporting pupils’ reading development is planned before the school opens.

p.2

Curriculum

The school intends to admit up to 25 pupils aged 7 to 16, all with special educational needs and/or disabilities and education, health and care plans. The proposed provision is well matched to the needs of pupils it is likely to admit, with a strong focus on individualised learning, emotional wellbeing and therapeutic support. Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 3

p.2

Teaching

A clear, therapeutic approach underpins the school’s planning. This is rooted in nurture, trust and emotional safety, and supported by staff training and reflective practice. Leaders intend to put in place an in-house multidisciplinary team, with therapy integrated into the school day and strategies applied consistently by the team of teaching staff.

p.3

Teaching

The site provides specialist accommodation in a forest setting, including spaces for small-group teaching, nurture provision, therapies and areas designed to help pupils feel calm and settled. High staffing ratios and levels of supervision are planned to support pupils of different ages to access the curriculum safely and engage positively in learning.

p.3

Teaching

The proposed school has already recruited teaching staff. Some of these staff currently work at other provision operated by the proprietor and have experience of working with pupils who may be admitted to the school. In this way, the proprietor aims to promote continuity and pupils’ readiness for learning. The proposed staffing model reflects the school’s therapeutic approach. For example, teaching will take place in very small groups, typically providing at least one-to- one support for pupils. This will be supplemented by access to an in-house multidisciplinary team, from the start of Year 3 all the way through to Year 11.

p.3

Assessment

Assessment arrangements are clear and suitably structured. For example, leaders plan to prioritise pupils’ emotional security and settling in on entry, using informal baseline assessments initially before introducing more formal tracking.

p.3

Assessment

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

p.3

pupils

The school has planned a wide range of opportunities in the curriculum for pupils’ personal development. This includes a suitable programme for personal, social and health education (PSHE). In all subject areas, the school has identified in its plans how the subject contributes to pupils’ understanding and respect for different cultural traditions and religions. The school aims to promote pupils’ development of healthy relationships, respect and managing their feelings, with appropriate consideration of how staff should put this into practice for pupils aged 7 to 16.

p.3

pupils

The proposed school intends to focus on giving pupils experience of the outdoors, and in turn, provide opportunities for pupils to develop creativity, leadership and Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 4 teamwork. There will be a range of enrichment opportunities, including visiting speakers, to complement the taught curriculum. Pupils will also take part in extra- curricular activities, ranging from camping trips to team participation experiences.

p.3

pupils

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

p.4

Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy meets requirements. The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) has been appointed and is undergoing appropriate training. The headteacher (the deputy DSL) and the proprietor are trained appropriately and are knowledgeable about safeguarding practice. They can identify risks and know how to use expertise in local authorities, the police and other agencies to support and help pupils and ensure their safety.

p.4

Safeguarding

Leaders make expectations of staff clear through the staff conduct policy. Induction training for newly appointed staff is already underway. In-depth safeguarding training planned for September 2026 will be followed by online training modules to supplement staff’s awareness and understanding. The school intends to adopt suitable approaches to recording and responding to any safeguarding concerns, including, for example, recording any concerns on the school’s management information system.

p.4

Safeguarding

Information about safeguarding is available for pupils and parents in the school’s welcome pack. During PSHE lessons, pupils will learn how to keep safe and manage risk for themselves, including in relation to online safety. The proposed school also has a suitable health and safety policy.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school has devised a suitable behaviour policy for pupils aged 7 to 16. This includes appropriate arrangements for recording concerns as well as any sanctions and rewards given in relation to behaviour.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed anti-bullying policy is also appropriate. The intended approaches have been informed by the school’s values of kindness and respect.

p.4

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has a suitable first-aid policy. The school intends for all staff to have first-aid training. Arrangements to supervise pupils around the school are likely to be appropriate. This includes, for example, the drawing up of supervision rotas for key times during the day, including the start and end of school, breaktimes and Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 5 lunchtimes. These rotas also make appropriate arrangements for the supervision of pupils when the weather is wet.

p.4

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor oversees the fire risk assessment process effectively, ensuring that all necessary actions have been completed and any identified issues resolved.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has devised a clear schedule of health and safety checks at daily, weekly and termly intervals. This includes for different aspects of health and safety, including, for example, water, fire safety systems, internal and external lighting and the general condition of the site.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

The school’s admission and attendance registers are likely to meet the regulatory requirements. The school has drawn up suitable approaches to support this.

p.5

Risk assessment

The school’s risk assessment policy is comprehensive and detailed, with useful precision about the range and type of risk assessments required. Risk assessments for the school’s building, proposed use of spaces and activities inside the school and in the local community, including fire risk assessments, are comprehensive and suitable, with appropriate consideration of pupils’ likely needs.

p.5

Risk assessment

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

p.5

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

The proposed school has established robust systems to check the suitability of staff, with all required pre-employment checks completed in line with statutory expectations. Sampling of recently appointed staff shows that approaches to conducting these checks are thorough. These cover, for example, verification of identity, original qualifications, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, right to work documentation and 2 references, including from the most recent employer. Additional overseas checks are completed where relevant, including police checks for staff who have lived or worked overseas. Section 128 checks are in place for all staff in leadership and management roles. Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 6

p.5

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record (SCR) is already set up and clearly structured for staff, governors and agency staff. All members of the proprietor’s central team are also included on the SCR. The proposed school has considered arrangements for checking that the SCR is maintained in accordance with requirements. For example, the headteacher and the scrutiny committee intend to check the SCR at least half termly.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

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

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school building is well suited to the proposed capacity of up to 25 pupils. All renovation work has been completed to a high standard, with facilities that are appropriate for a specialist school.

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The buildings are well maintained and welcoming. Classrooms are light, spacious and organised appropriately. For example, the school intends to provide each pupil with their own work area in order to support and meet their individual needs. Furniture has already been purchased and is suitable for pupils’ ages and needs, helping to create calm, orderly learning spaces.

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The site includes breakout, nurture and therapy spaces as well as appropriate spaces for small-group and individual work. The layout has been designed to support the culture of safeguarding. Arrangements are in place to ensure appropriate separation between different areas of the school. This includes making sure that access to each area is overseen and checked so that pupils of different ages are supervised appropriately. For example, classrooms and key areas will be accessed using staff-controlled keys and fobs, supporting leaders and staff to supervise pupils and ensure their safety around the site.

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Health and safety arrangements within the building are likely to be robust. Fire safety equipment is in place and is regularly checked. Fire exits are clearly marked and well lit, with further improvements to the lighting of the entrance area planned. Door systems are designed to release automatically in the event of a fire alarm. Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 7

p.6

and showers

The school has an appropriate number of toilets for pupils, which are new, clean and well maintained. Separate facilities for staff are to be provided. Safe handwashing arrangements are in place, with warm water at appropriate temperatures and clearly marked drinking water points. Further improvements to the hot water supply are also planned.

p.7

and showers

The school has made temporary arrangements to provide showers for pupils aged 11 years or over. It will install permanent showers ready for September 2026 for pupils aged 11 years or over who receive physical education.

p.7

and showers

Overall, the premises are well planned and are likely to provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for pupils aged 7 to 16 if the school opens.

p.7

Outdoor space

The school benefits from suitable outdoor space to support pupils’ learning, wellbeing and wider development, including for the teaching of physical education and for pupils to enjoy social times together.

p.7

Outdoor space

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

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school has a website, which includes all the information required by the standards. School policies, including the safeguarding policy, are up to date and available to parents on the website. There are also contact details for the headteacher, governors and the proprietor so that parents can contact them should they wish to.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

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

p.7

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The complaints policy clearly sets out the process to be followed if anyone wishes to make a complaint about the school. The policy includes suitable timescales and how complaints and outcomes will be considered, recorded and communicated. The complaints policy meets requirements.

p.7

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 8

p.7

The school’s accessibility plan

The accessibility plan aligns with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspector met with a group of senior leaders, including the proposed school’s headteacher and senior staff.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspector toured the premises and considered a range of evidence to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting all the standards.

p.8

About this inspection

This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspection was conducted with 2 days’ notice.

p.8

About this proposed school

Berrylands School intends to register as an independent school in Kingston upon Thames. The site is at Hogsmill Nature Reserve, Lower Marsh Lane, Kingston upon Thames KT1 3BW.Leaders intend to open the school in September 2026, admitting pupils with education, health and care plans for their special educational needs and/or disabilities. The needs catered for include cognitive and learning needs, moderate learning difficulty and specific learning difficulty. The proposed school intends to incorporate a focus on providing pupils with learning and experiences outdoors. Berrylands School, 11 February 2026 9 The school proposes to admit pupils aged 7 to 16.

p.8

About this proposed school

The proposed school will not have a religious character.

p.9

About this proposed school

The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provision.

p.9

About this proposed school

The chair of the proprietor body is Stephen Simpson-Shave.

p.9

About this proposed school

Type of school Other independent special school

p.9

authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 7 to 16

p.9

authority

Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal : Mixed

p.9

teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0

p.9

teaching staff

Email address stephen@forestschooling.co.uk Berrylands School, 11 February 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

p.9

teaching staff

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

teaching staff

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

teaching staff

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

p.10