Ripplevale School

Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 1 Ripplevale School Chapel Lane, Ripple, Deal, Kent CT14 8JG

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Overall outcome

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 the age range of pupils and change the maximum number of pupils attending.

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Overall outcome

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's 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 first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards (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 leadership team is experienced in the special educational needs provision sector. Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) at a primary school site in Broadstairs and the secondary school site in Deal. Leaders’ proposals for the material changes are well-reasoned regarding both school sites. Leaders are committed to making the school’s high standard of provision available to greater numbers of pupils from key stage 2 to key stage 5. When it is in pupils’ best interests, leaders would like them to benefit from an additional year at the secondary site, until they are 19 years old. Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 2 The proprietor has planned the implementation of the proposed changes thoroughly. They have developed a coherent strategy for increasing pupil numbers, alongside an increase in suitable staff at both the primary and secondary school sites. The increase in pupil numbers will be accommodated within the

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

school’s existing premises. At both sites, the buildings contain sufficient classroom spaces and resources needed. They are compliant with all health, safety and fire regulations.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has thorough arrangements in place to support staff with implementing the proposed material changes. Staff training will include safeguarding, teaching and learning, fire safety and risk assessment. Any new staff will undergo specific induction training for their roles.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has implemented effective reporting systems to monitor the effectiveness of the school and hold the headteacher to account. There is a governing body made up of headteachers from the company’s other schools. This group provides knowledgeable support and challenge for the school. The proprietor commissions independent external audits to ensure that the school is making the intended difference to pupils’ education and wellbeing and meeting the standards consistently.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Curriculum

Leaders have developed an ambitious and logically sequenced curriculum which covers the same scope as the national curriculum. Leaders review how well the curriculum meets pupils’ needs and make well considered decisions to meet pupils’ needs and aspirations.

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Curriculum

The school provides effective training to develop staff subject expertise. Staff know pupils well and understand their needs. Leaders work with pupils and their families to identify the right curriculum pathways for them. They ensure that the subjects that interest and motivate pupils are available and plan strategically for pupils’ future studies. Leaders are highly ambitious that pupils will achieve the best academic outcomes and balance this with building their resilience and self-care.

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Curriculum

Teaching is expertly adapted to help pupils with barriers to learning and/or wellbeing and SEND learn the curriculum. The school has both educational and therapeutic provision in place. Important curriculum foundational knowledge such as language and communication forms the basis of pupils’ learning. Pupils with gaps in their understanding of reading are given targeted help. For example, Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 3 leaders provide bespoke support to pupils in key stages 3 and 4 who need to catch up with reading, providing materials and books which closely match pupils’ interests.

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Curriculum

The school’s programme for the teaching of careers and relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education meet statutory guidance. Leaders plan to extend this curriculum so that any students attending key stage 5 for extended periods of time develop an appropriate understanding of RSE for adulthood and independent living.

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Teaching

Staff deliver the intended curriculum well. They have secure subject knowledge and explain new ideas expertly to pupils. Staff provide regular opportunities for pupils to revisit previous learning, for example practising technical vocabulary during discussions.

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Teaching

Appropriate teaching methods and well-resourced lessons are used to meet the diverse needs of all pupils. Staff have a secure understanding of pupils and what motivates them. They use this insight to design learning that supports and promotes their progress through the curriculum. Staff demonstrate the necessary expertise and subject knowledge to meet the increase in pupil numbers and age range appropriately.

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Assessment

Leaders carry out more formal, regular checks on learning to monitor pupils’ progress through the curriculum. Staff check pupils’ understanding during lessons and adapt their teaching, the curriculum and pastoral care so that pupils get precisely the support they need. The school’s current assessment procedures are suitable for the proposed material changes.

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Assessment

The standards are likely to be met if the material changes are approved.

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pupils

The school’s curriculum and wider enrichment programme enable pupils to develop as happy, safe and confident individuals, who respect others and who want to look after themselves. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education in the past. Staff tailor the curriculum and wider opportunities to individual needs so that pupils can further their interests and feel a sense of belonging within the school community. Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 4 Leaders afford equalities and fundamental British values an appropriate level of priority. For example, pupils learn about different faiths and their traditions through the curriculum and visits to places of worship. The school introduces pupils to different cultures and concepts such as respect and tolerance. Pupils consider different ideas and make decisions about the school democratically, through their roles in the school council.

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pupils

Pupils are given many opportunities to contribute to the wider community. For example, they play an active role in the local community through serving customers in the school’s high street coffee shop, where pupils’ art work is also exhibited.

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pupils

There is a well-organised curriculum for personal, social and health education which actively promotes pupils’ wellbeing. This includes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Additional whole-school programmes and enrichment opportunities provide many active experiences for pupils, linked closely to the curriculum and their individual personal development needs.

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pupils

The standards are likely to be met if the material changes are approved.

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Safeguarding

The school has appropriate policies, written guidance and procedures in place to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff. Its child protection and safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website, and aligns with current statutory guidance. The school has suitable procedures to report and record concerns about pupils’ welfare.

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Safeguarding

Leaders responsible for safeguarding receive the additional training required to ensure that the school’s safeguarding culture protects pupils from harm. They make sure that staff receive regular safeguarding training that reflects both statutory responsibilities and the school’s specific context. The proprietor, governors and school leaders routinely review safeguarding procedures and practices.

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Health, safety and fire

The school has a robust health and safety policy which is published on the school’s website. The policy is applied reliably and with care. Leaders make sure that appropriate monitoring, including formal audits, take place on a regular basis. Any actions identified through these reviews are dealt with swiftly. These processes support the continued wellbeing of pupils and staff throughout the school day and Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 5 are likely to contribute to maintaining a secure environment for everyone on site, including the proposed increase in pupil numbers.

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Health, safety and fire

The school teaches pupils how to look after their health, safety and wellbeing throughout the curriculum. For example, pupils learn about safety at the beach and when travelling on public transport.

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Health, safety and fire

Fire safety arrangements are thorough and effectively overseen by leaders. An external fire risk assessment has been completed, and recommendations carried out. Routine weekly checks of fire alarms, fire doors and emergency lighting ensure the school remains compliant with fire safety requirements. Fire extinguishers are checked and serviced regularly.

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Health, safety and fire

Current staff-to-pupil ratios are high and ensure pupils’ safety and welfare. The school intends to employ further staff according to pupils’ needs as more pupils join the school. Leaders have carefully considered how new pupils will be successfully integrated into existing classes.

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Risk assessment

Leaders have put in place effective risk assessment procedures that cover a broad range of school activities. This includes assessments for off-site events and equipment on site such as machine tools used in the curriculum. Individual pupils have personalised risk assessments that are reviewed routinely. These clearly outline each pupil’s specific vulnerabilities and associated risks, along with appropriate measures to minimise potential harm. The school’s existing policy and procedures are likely to be effective when considering the proposed increase in pupil numbers.

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Risk assessment

The standards checked in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are approved.

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

The school implements safer-recruitment practices effectively. The proprietor ensures that rigorous and well-structured procedures are in place for the safe recruitment and induction of new staff and governors. Leaders ensure that all necessary checks are completed before any members of staff take up their posts. Leaders involved in recruitment have received safer recruitment training. They understand the safeguarding requirements which they apply throughout the recruitment process. Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 6

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Leaders ensure that the single central record is maintained accurately and that it fully complies with statutory requirements. All pre-employment checks for the proprietor, governors and staff are held on the single central record.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are approved.

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and showers

The proprietor ensures that the spacious premises are maintained to a high standard. There are sufficient toilets and washing facilities to meet the needs of the proposed increased pupil numbers at both school sites. All toilets are in individual cubicles which lock from the inside to provide privacy. The school has separate changing facilities and showers for boys and girls aged 11 years and over. Checks are carried out regularly to ensure that hot water is regulated to a safe temperature. Drinking water is clearly labelled at taps which are positioned for ease of pupils’ access.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

There are suitable medical rooms on both school sites. Each room consists of a discrete space for pupils to rest, with a toilet and washing facilities nearby.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

Both sites have adequate accommodation for therapeutic work to be carried out. This includes large gymnasium spaces and several rooms which are suitable for small-group sessions or individual therapeutic work.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Leaders have ensured that pupils’ health, safety and welfare are prioritised on both school sites. Both sites comply with regulations, and the health, safety and fire equipment is subject to regular maintenance checks.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The number and size of classrooms and additional spaces at both sites provide sufficient learning accommodation for the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Specialist learning spaces such as the trade skills room, science and art rooms all meet the required health and safety standards. Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 7

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Across the school, all areas have safe windows which open for ventilation, lighting and acoustic conditions. Lighting indoors and outdoors is suitable and the acoustics are conducive to learning.

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Outdoor space

At both the primary and secondary school sites, leaders have carefully developed the extensive outdoor spaces to extend pupils’ learning and meet their personal, social and emotional needs. For example, pupils benefit from observing wildlife in the school pond and growing vegetables in the kitchen garden at the primary site. They enjoy learning outdoors in the woodland area or exercising in the school’s multi-use games areas and on the trampolines at the secondary site.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the material changes are approved.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. 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 by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The proprietor has requested a material change to extend the age range to include pupils up to the age of 19 years and to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 200 to 250 across both school sites.

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About this inspection

The Department for Education commissioned the inspectors to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to the quality of education; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; the welfare, health and safety of pupils; the suitability of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.

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About this inspection

The inspector checked the suitability of the premises at both sites. The inspector met with the headteacher, deputy headteachers, a range of staff and a director representing the proprietor body.

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About this inspection

The inspector visited lessons, spoke with some pupils and reviewed the school’s policies and procedures relating to the proposed material changes. Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 8 The inspector 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

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

The secondary phase of the school currently operates from Chapel Lane, Ripple, Deal CT14 8JG and the primary phase operates from 57 Gladstone Road, Broadstairs CT10 2HY.

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About this inspection

The school caters for pupils who have autism and associated conditions. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.

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About this inspection

The school does not use alternative provision.

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About this school

Chair of the proprietor body Aatif Hassan Headteacher Jane Norris Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 200

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 6 to 18 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £39,140 – £60,000 Email address info@ripplevaleschool.co.uk Ripplevale School, 22 April 2026 9 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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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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