East Street Farm

East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 1 East Street Farm Pitmore Lane, Lymington, Sway, Hampshire SO41 6BX

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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 (the 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 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 demonstrates a clear ambition to provide high-quality education for pupils with autism, communication and language and social emotional and mental health needs.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders and staff who have been appointed bring substantial expertise in special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have extensive experience of teaching pupils with complex needs and physical disabilities. Some specialist staff, including therapists, currently work in an alternative provision (AP) which is operated by the proprietor. The AP is based at a different location.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has a well-considered approach to safeguarding. This is enhanced by a curriculum for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) that reflects the context of the pupils that the proposed school serves. Through these East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 2 aspects, the proprietor and leaders demonstrate a commitment to pupils’ safety and wellbeing.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor intends to establish an advisory governing body with a range of relevant expertise, including safeguarding. Governors will be independent of the proposed school and are intended to provide objective challenge and oversight of leaders’ work. The proprietor has also appointed an improvement partner who will provide external oversight and support leaders’ development.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders’ work to ensure full compliance with the standards is rigorous. They demonstrate capacity to sustain the expectations required to meet the standards consistently and securely in all parts.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the 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 school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has produced a suitable curriculum policy. It is aligned to the values and ethos of the proposed school. The policy describes an ambitious and broad curriculum. It outlines how the proposed school will support pupils to develop and embed important skills and knowledge across subjects. The curriculum has been designed to support older pupils to access a range of suitable qualifications.

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Curriculum

The proposed school will admit pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All pupils will have and education and health care (EHC) plan for autism and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Leaders have carefully considered how schemes of work will be adapted to meet pupils’ individual starting points and their EHC plan targets. This includes access to a range of appropriate interventions and therapies, which will run alongside the academic curriculum.

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Curriculum

The curriculum has been designed to ensure that pupils study a broad range of subjects, including artistic, sporting, creative and technical areas. Schemes of work outline clear progression in speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy, ensuring that pupils develop secure foundational knowledge and skills. Leaders have selected a systematic phonics programme to enable weaker readers to read with increasing accuracy and confidence. The mathematics curriculum is detailed and precisely sequenced, drawing on well-considered resources that support pupils’ conceptual understanding and fluency. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 3 The wider curriculum has been designed to support pupils’ personal development and physical health. The personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum is structured with clear, age-appropriate content to ensure that pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to keep themselves safe, healthy and well. The PSHE

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Curriculum

curriculum also includes age-appropriate teaching about the protected characteristics.

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Curriculum

The physical education curriculum demonstrates a knowledgeable approach to the development of pupils’ physical health, motor skills and understanding of active lifestyles.

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Curriculum

Leaders have ensured that at each stage, pupils will learn a well-planned programme of relationships education. The policy provides clear guidance for parents and carers on how to withdraw their children, in specific permitted circumstances, if they so wish.

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Curriculum

The proposed school has a detailed policy and plans for careers education. These plans include younger pupils and build incrementally as pupils move through the school, focusing on employability skills as they get older.

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Teaching

Leaders and staff who are already in post are experts in teaching pupils with SEND, SEMH and complex needs. They know how to adapt teaching to meet pupils’ individual needs and EHC plans.

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Teaching

The proprietor intends for all staff to be trained in therapeutic interventions so that they can provide both academic and therapeutic support. This approach is likely to help pupils access learning in a way that responds to their individual circumstances and supports their wellbeing. Leaders have invested in a range of appropriate resources, for example sensory resources and calm spaces for pupils who require them.

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Teaching

Pupils will have many opportunities to revisit prior learning. This will support them to remember what they have learned over time. The proposed curriculum will support pupils’ personal and emotional development alongside academic learning. Pupils’ individualised plans will contribute to pupils achieving the targets outlined in their EHC plans.

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Teaching

The proprietor has developed a detailed induction process for new staff. This includes training staff on the proposed school’s curriculum, and the specific teaching approaches the school intends to implement. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 4

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Assessment

The proprietor has put in place clear assessment arrangements to identify what pupils know and can do when they join the proposed school. This initial information will shape each pupil’s curriculum pathway so that teaching is closely matched to their starting points. Leaders have built assessment checkpoints throughout the curriculum to ensure that pupils secure essential knowledge before moving on to more complex learning.

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Assessment

The proprietor has also designed monitoring procedures to check how well pupils are learning over time. These systems include reviewing how effectively pupils’ EHC plan targets are being met, ensuring that provision remains closely aligned to individual starting points and development.

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Assessment

Parents and carers will be kept informed about their child’s progress through regular reports and consultation events, enabling them to understand how well their child is learning and how they are being supported.

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Assessment

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

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pupils

Leaders and staff will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the planned curriculum. By prioritising positive and trusting relationships, leaders aim to help pupils develop an understanding of themselves and the world around them.

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pupils

The PSHE curriculum includes appropriate coverage of citizenship and the values of modern Britain. Pupils will also gain a deeper understanding of diversity and how this enriches their experiences and the world in which they live. Well-planned lessons will teach pupils to respect differences, including those relating to different religions and cultures. Pupils will also develop their emotional and physical health, as well as their overall wellbeing, through PSHE lessons and the wider curriculum.

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pupils

Leaders intend to provide pupils with meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding of both their local and national heritage. Visits, external visitors and planned activities will enhance pupils’ learning and support the development of their social skills. These experiences will be complemented by opportunities for outdoor learning and cooking activities, which are designed to help pupils develop practical and independent life skills. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 5 The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent proposed school.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school’s safeguarding arrangements are well considered and align with statutory guidance. The written safeguarding policy reflects current requirements, is published on the school’s website and is available to parents and carers on request. The proprietor has appointed a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and two deputy DSLs, who are suitably knowledgeable and have completed the necessary training.

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Safeguarding

Key staff, including the interim head of education, have already been appointed and have undertaken a broad range of safeguarding training, including training to understand the risks pupils may face in the local community and beyond, as well as professional learning to support their roles as designated safeguarding leads. This ensures that they understand the specific risks pupils may face, including those linked to online safety. Well-established recruitment processes are in place to ensure that the right staff are appointed to work at the proposed school.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has set up rigorous systems to safeguard pupils effectively. They demonstrate a secure understanding of their responsibilities and have established clear systems and processes to ensure that concerns are identified and acted on without delay. Policies and procedures relating to pupils’ welfare, health and safety are fit for purpose and available to parents.

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Safeguarding

All staff will receive annual safeguarding training and regular updates. The DSL and deputy DSLs will undertake enhanced training so they can maintain close oversight of safeguarding practice and ensure that pupils are protected consistently and effectively.

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Safeguarding

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

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school’s behaviour policy takes full account of the needs of pupils with SEND and reflects current guidance. Staff training includes autism-appropriate behaviour strategies and the safe use of physical intervention, ensuring that staff are well prepared to support pupils safely and effectively. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 6 Behaviour record-keeping arrangements are suitably detailed and fit for purpose. Clear systems are in place so that leaders can identify emerging issues swiftly and respond appropriately, helping to maintain pupils’ safety and support.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has planned a high staff-to-pupil ratio to ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised at all times, including during off-site activities.

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Anti-bullying

The anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose and sets out clear expectations for preventing and responding to bullying. Staff are trained to identify emerging concerns promptly and to provide timely and appropriate interventions.

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Anti-bullying

Record-keeping processes are robust and ensure that any issues are monitored and addressed promptly and appropriately.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school’s health and safety policy meets all relevant legislation. The building is clean, well maintained and suitably furnished. Leaders demonstrate a detailed knowledge of how to implement all aspects of the policy, for example by ensuring that water quality and temperature checks are carried out in line with requirements.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has ensured full compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and evacuation procedures have been externally certified, and suitable staff have been trained as fire marshals. Leaders have planned routine fire drills and identified appropriate assembly points, supported by annual external audits of fire safety arrangements.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school’s first-aid policy is appropriate and ensures that all staff are suitably trained. First-aid equipment is readily accessible in the medical room and at key points across the site.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Policies and written guidance relating to pupils’ welfare and safety are fit for purpose, suitably detailed and available to parents on request, supporting a safe and well-managed environment for pupils and staff.

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Admissions and attendance

There is a suitable admissions policy in place. Leaders expect to admit pupils from Hampshire and neighbouring local authorities. They already work closely with these commissioning local authorities through the proprietor’s AP at a different East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 7 site. Leaders and staff are knowledgeable and experienced in working with schools to ensure a smooth transition for pupils into placements.

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Admissions and attendance

There is a system in place to record admissions and attendance. Leaders intend to use an electronic system to record and monitor attendance trends and patterns. These arrangements, if implemented effectively, are likely to comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has developed a suitable risk assessment policy, which is available on the proposed school’s website. This takes account of a range of risks that pupils and staff may encounter and how these risks will be managed effectively. There are several risk assessments that underpin the policy, including those for the building and outdoor play spaces. These risk assessments include details of daily site checks to ensure that the environment remains safe for pupils.

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Risk assessment

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

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

Appropriate safer recruitment checks have been completed for all leaders, the proprietor and staff before they take up their roles.

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

Leaders, including the proprietor, have ensured that all required vetting checks are carried out prior to any appointment. These thorough procedures demonstrate a secure understanding of statutory safeguarding responsibilities and help ensure that only suitable adults work with pupils.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record (SCR) contains all required vetting checks for staff connected to the proposed school. The proprietor routinely reviews the SCR to ensure it remains accurate and compliant. The record is maintained with diligence, reflecting leaders’ secure understanding of safer recruitment expectations and their commitment to keeping pupils safe.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 8

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and showers

There are sufficient toilets and washing facilities for pupils and staff. The temperature of the hot water is regulated and checked regularly to avoid potential scalding.

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and showers

Pupils have ready access to drinking water, which is clearly labelled.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proposed school provides a range of well-furnished spaces to support pupils’ different needs, including outdoor breakout areas that help pupils regulate their behaviour and manage their sensory needs. There is a well-maintained teaching kitchen area, where pupils will develop their culinary skills.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room is well resourced, equipped with a bed, first-aid provisions, washing facilities, a lockable medicine cabinet and access to a nearby toilet. These arrangements ensure that pupils’ health needs can be met safely and effectively.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school building is suitably adapted and resourced to meet pupils’ SEND needs and ensure their physical safety. The perimeter fencing is secure.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Accommodation across the site is fit for purpose and appropriate for the intended age range and pupil numbers. Classrooms are spacious and well furnished. The proposed school provides breakout spaces and offices, creating an environment that supports pupils’ learning, self-regulation and wellbeing.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proprietor has ensured that classrooms are light, airy and well maintained. There are also appropriate outdoor spaces available for learning, for example the courtyard area and the forest school provision for the proposed school.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Across the site, lighting, heating and acoustics are of an appropriate standard. External lighting is sufficient to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 9

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Outdoor space

The outdoor area is extensive, well maintained and provides an appropriate space for exercise and social interaction. Pupils will also access a dedicated area with wildlife features, enabling them to learn about the natural world through practical, hands-on experiences.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet all the standards in this part 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 provides parents, carers and other stakeholders with clear information about the school, its staff and its values, including the proprietor’s contact details. Leaders have ensured that all documentation required under Part 6 of the standards is available, either electronically or on request.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Systems to monitor the progress of pupils with SEND are robust. Leaders have established clear processes for annual reviews of pupils with EHC plans. They understand their responsibility to publish future inspection reports and to provide paper copies of policies and documents when requested.

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Part 6. Provision of information

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

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school’s complaints policy and procedures are fit for purpose. They set out clear timescales for the management of any complaint and identify who will consider them.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The complaints policy allows for complaints to be resolved informally wherever possible. When necessary, procedures for escalating complaints to more formal processes are clearly set out.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school has an accessibility plan that demonstrates a clear commitment to removing barriers for disabled pupils. The site has been adapted so that wheelchair users can access classrooms and all key areas without obstruction, ensuring that the environment is inclusive, accessible and safe for all pupils. East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 10

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About this inspection

The inspector 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

The inspector 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

The DfE commissioned this pre-registration inspection. Its purpose was to judge whether the proposed school is likely to meet the independent school standards before opening as a registered school. This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.

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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 inspector met with a director, the chair of the proprietor body, the school business manager and the interim head of education.

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About this inspection

The inspector reviewed a range of documents and policies linked to the independent school standards.

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About this inspection

The inspector toured the school premises with two directors and the interim head of education.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is located at Pitmore Lane, Lymington, Sway, Hampshire SO41 6BX.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with SEND, including those with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils a likely to have an ECH plan. Some pupils may be in the care of the local authority.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to make use of alternative provision.

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Lead inspector

Shazia Akram His Majesty’s Inspector East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 11

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About the proposed school

Proprietor MindSenseAbility Ltd Headteacher Pete Stuart (interim head of education) Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 40

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 8 to 16

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 7 Annual fees for day pupils £85,000 Email address information@mindsenseability.co.uk East Street Farm, 21 April 2026 12 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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