The Manor School

The Manor School, 22 April 2026 1 The Manor School Manor House, High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7JQ

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 (ISS) 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 ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the ISS 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 proprietor and leaders have a clear rationale for establishing the proposed school. They articulate a clear vision for providing a safe and nurturing environment for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The leadership team collectively has relevant and extensive experience in meeting the needs of pupils with SEND, particularly those with social, emotional and mental health needs.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and leaders have established a staffing structure and appropriate systems that are likely to enable accurate and effective oversight of the provision. A director of education will provide regular quality assurance of the school and the impact of leaders’ actions, including how consistently they meet the standards.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and leaders have planned an ambitious and comprehensive curriculum to meet the likely range of needs for their intended pupils. They have The Manor School, 22 April 2026 2 recruited appropriately skilled and experienced staff to lead the school and designed a thorough and rich induction programme to support staff in implementing the school’s approach.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that all the required policies and processes to run an independent school are in place. The building is a suitable and inviting environment.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and leaders are knowledgeable about how to keep children safe in education. They have established robust recruitment practices.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent special school.

p.2

Curriculum

The proprietor and leaders intend for the proposed school to provide education for pupils with SEND. It is likely that most pupils will have an education, health and care plan. Leaders intend to provide an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum that is likely to enable pupils to work towards achieving a suitable range of academic qualifications and prepare them well for adulthood. There will be 3 potential pathways to follow. These have been carefully sequenced to enable pupils to build knowledge and progress within and across the pathways.

p.2

Curriculum

The proposed curriculum includes an appropriate emphasis on addressing and securing gaps in pupils’ foundational knowledge. This is likely to help pupils access learning more successfully over time. It includes a range of opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills. There is an explicit emphasis on developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of language, reflecting the needs of pupils the school is likely to admit. Leaders intend to support pupils at the early stages of reading with a phonics scheme appropriate for older pupils. This is likely to help pupils secure the essential knowledge needed to read with increasing confidence.

p.2

Curriculum

For pupils following the formal pathway, the curriculum on offer is in line with the national curriculum. At key stage 4, pupils will access a range of externally accredited courses, including entry level, functional skills, AQA awards and GCSE. A curriculum policy and appropriate schemes of work are in place to facilitate this range of study. The Manor School, 22 April 2026 3 All pupils, regardless of their pathway, will be taught appropriate relationships and sex education content. Leaders understand the additional vulnerabilities pupils may have and how the content should be delivered to meet their needs. Leaders intend to prepare pupils for adulthood and the world of work from the very start of their time at the school. Each pupil will have an individual learning plan that will include information about pupils’ hopes, interests and aspirations. Dedicated time during the school day will focus on pupils’ individual needs and target the skills

p.2

Curriculum

they need to develop to enable them to follow their aspirations and reach their potential. This includes providing pupils with a range of skills required for the world of work. The plans include opportunities for pupils to have impartial careers guidance, as well as work placements in businesses owned by the proprietor and visits to potential colleges.

p.3

Teaching

The proprietor has employed a suitably qualified and experienced leader as executive headteacher. She is ably supported by a headteacher with relevant experience and understanding of working with pupils with SEND. The proposed school intends to employ teaching staff with a range of relevant subject specialisms as well as extensive experience working with pupils with SEND. All teaching staff will have experience of teaching phonics, including using the scheme the school intends to use.

p.3

Teaching

As part of their induction, new staff will undertake a comprehensive programme of professional development. It includes a focus on understanding the likely range of needs of the potential pupils and students at the school, including how to manage behaviour effectively and support wellbeing.

p.3

Teaching

Leaders have appropriate systems set up to monitor the effectiveness of teaching, which are likely to support them in maintaining an accurate oversight of the quality of provision. Leaders intend to work alongside new staff to model expectations and provide coaching and support so that teaching is implemented as intended.

p.3

Assessment

Leaders have set out how teachers will assess and review pupils’ progress over time. Regular reflections on pupil progress and monitoring by leaders will ensure that adaptations to provision can be made in response to pupils’ changing needs.

p.3

Assessment

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. The Manor School, 22 April 2026 4

p.3

pupils

Leaders have developed a personal, social, health and economic curriculum that links with key texts across the curriculum. This will enable pupils to explore diversity within British society. It is also intended to encourage pupils to develop both tolerance and respect for others, paying regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.

p.4

pupils

Through participation in a national scheme, leaders intend for pupils to regularly discuss current issues to supplement the curriculum. An awareness calendar of events will enhance pupils’ cultural capital, and this will include community events. A citizenship programme will also ensure that pupils understand the role of public services and develop a respect for them. These wider opportunities will help to ensure that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

p.4

pupils

The proposed curriculum and wider opportunities are intended to embed fundamental British values appropriately. Nothing in the school’s documentation suggests that these values would be undermined.

p.4

pupils

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.4

Safeguarding

There is an appropriate set of policies in place that reflect the most recent statutory guidance. The safeguarding policy is published on the school website. Leaders are suitably trained to know how to keep pupils safe. They are knowledgeable about the risks their potential pupils face in relation to their specific SEND needs and the risks in the local area. Leaders understand how to create a vigilant culture of safeguarding. There are suitable procedures in place to help keep pupils safe. These include appropriate systems for staff to record any concerns they have about a pupil’s welfare or concerns about adults working at the school.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor and leaders have written a behaviour policy that takes into account the likely needs of the potential pupils. The policy outlines clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour and includes an appropriate focus on supporting pupils to understand and manage their emotions. There are clear procedures for the use of The Manor School, 22 April 2026 5 any physical intervention, and all staff will undergo the appropriate training as part of their induction.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The high staff-to-pupil ratios and the security within the building will ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised throughout the day. Risk assessments for taking pupils off site are comprehensive and demonstrate that leaders have considered potential risks appropriately.

p.5

Anti-bullying

The proprietor and leaders have written an appropriate anti-bullying policy. The policy outlines clear expectations and aligns with the school’s intended ethos.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has ensured there is an appropriate health and safety policy in place. All the required checks on the property relating to health and safety have been carried out. This includes recent checks on electrics, water supplies and emergency lighting.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The premises have undergone a recent fire risk assessment, and appropriate equipment is in place and maintained in line with requirements. Leaders have ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

There is a suitable first-aid policy in place, and staff have had appropriate training to administer first aid.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

The proprietor and leaders have ensured that the admissions and attendance register have all the necessary information. Staff understand the requirements for recording attendance accurately in accordance with the statutory guidance.

p.5

Risk assessment

There is an appropriate policy in place that outlines how risks will be assessed and managed. Several risk assessments have been created to cover a range of activities pupils will take part in. Leaders have a good understanding of the risk management process, which is likely to support them in identifying and mitigating potential risks appropriately.

p.5

Risk assessment

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. The Manor School, 22 April 2026 6

p.5

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

The proprietor has rigorous procedures in place for recruiting staff that go beyond the expectations outlined in keeping children safe in education. All the appropriate checks on new staff are made prior to them commencing their employment. In addition, references are sought from all previous employers where staff have worked with children or vulnerable adults.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record is complete and up to date. It records all the appropriate checks as it should.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.6

and showers

The premises include suitable toilets and washing facilities for the age and number of pupils the school intends to admit. The temperature of the water in these facilities does not pose a risk of scalding. There is a suitable changing space with a shower available on the site. Drinking water is available throughout the day and is labelled appropriately.

p.6

Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The designated medical room is suitable for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. The space is adequately equipped and includes access to toilet and washing facilities. There are separate spaces available to support pupils who may have therapy needs.

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises are clean, safe and ready for pupils. The building has been prepared to a high standard. A property maintenance team is employed directly by the proprietor to ensure these standards are maintained. Leaders have used external companies to carry out appropriate building safety checks. They have taken remedial action to address any minor issues identified. The Manor School, 22 April 2026 7

p.6

Lighting and acoustic conditions

The classrooms and shared spaces have appropriate lighting and acoustics to support learning. The outside of the building includes appropriate lighting to ensure safe entry and exit.

p.7

Outdoor space

There is a suitably sized outdoor space comprising of a grassed area and a hard surfaced space. Picnic benches provide inviting areas for pupils to socialise together. The school intends that pupils will attend the local leisure centre situated within walking distance for some aspects of their physical education, such as swimming, racquet sports and team games. There is an appropriate agreement in place with the leisure centre supported by a comprehensive risk assessment.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has developed an informative school website. It provides prospective parents with access to all the information required by the ISS. This includes information about the curriculum, complaints, safeguarding, behaviour and how the school plans to support pupils with SEND. The documents provided during the inspection reflect the school’s intended approach.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders were able to provide the required information promptly when asked, including details about admissions, attendance and safeguarding arrangements.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.7

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

There is a written complaints policy available on the school website. It clearly outlines the different stages for making a complaint. It gives clear timescales for the consideration and management of the complaint. This includes an informal stage in the first instance and a panel with an independent member in the final stage. Leaders have appropriate systems in place to record complaints, including the stage at which they were resolved.

p.7

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. The Manor School, 22 April 2026 8

p.7

The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor has ensured that they have a suitable accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 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. Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the ISS. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

p.8

About this inspection

Following our updated 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

During this inspection, the lead inspector spoke with the proprietor and leaders and reviewed a wide range of documentation, including policies on safeguarding, behaviour, curriculum, staffing, risk assessments, premises safety and the school’s proposed early years provision. The lead inspector also reviewed the school’s single central record of staff checks and examined attendance and admissions records.

p.8

About this inspection

The lead inspector visited the proposed school’s premises and considered the likelihood of the site meeting the standards. The inspection included checks on the suitability and safety of the site, including doors, fire safety equipment and a range of health and safety documentation.

p.8

About this inspection

The proposed school, The Manor School, is located at Manor House, High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7JQ. It is applying to register as an independent special school for pupils aged 7 to 18, with a planned capacity of 64 pupils. The proprietor is Bayleaf Care Limited.

p.8

About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with SEND, including pupils with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.

p.8

About this inspection

The proposed school is unlikely to use alternative provision.

p.8

Lead inspector

Helen Forrest His Majesty’s Inspector The Manor School, 22 April 2026 9

p.8

About this proposed school

Proprietor Bayleaf Care Limited Headteacher Stephanie Sale Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 64

p.9

authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 7 to 18 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

p.9

teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £86,000 Email address themanorschool@bayleafeducation.co.u k The Manor School, 22 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

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