Kimichi School

Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 1 Kimichi School Eastbourne House, 111 Yardley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, West Midlands B27 6LL

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented Residential provision The school is likely to meet the relevant national minimum standards if the material changes relating to the school provision are implemented

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report:

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 provide boarding provision.

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report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely 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 (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 has established a clear vision for the school, which is reflected in the school’s values. Staff and pupils demonstrate a commitment to this vision and Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 2 are positive about their experiences at the school. This contributes to a cohesive school community.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured robust governance arrangements are in place to ensure effective oversight of responsibilities. These include both a board of trustees and a governing body that provide support and challenge to hold leaders to account. Quality assurance processes include systematic checks. These give leaders an accurate understanding of the school. This has helped the proprietor to ensure that the standards checked during this inspection are consistently met.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has given careful consideration to the requirements and responsibilities associated with the proposed introduction of boarding provision. This has included seeking guidance from independent consultants and a professional association. Leaders have strengthened their understanding of requirements and are well informed in their strategic decision-making ahead of the planned opening of boarding at the school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards that the DfE commissioned Ofsted to check in this inspection are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved for implementation.

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Safeguarding and provision of safeguarding information

The school’s safeguarding policy is clear and up to date. The policy reflects the latest guidance from the DfE and is published on the school’s website.

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Safeguarding and provision of safeguarding information

Leaders make safeguarding a priority. The members of the school’s safeguarding team understand local risks and their role in keeping pupils safe. Staff receive regular training and know the signs that a pupil may need help. Systems for reporting any concerns are clear and well used. Leaders act quickly and appropriately to support pupils when necessary.

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Safeguarding and provision of safeguarding information

The school works well with external agencies to support families and promote pupils’ wellbeing. This includes staff providing enhanced pastoral support for some pupils. This joined-up approach helps to create an effective safeguarding culture.

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Safeguarding and provision of safeguarding information

Pupils feel safe at school. They know who to speak to if they are worried and trust staff to help them. The curriculum supports pupils to keep safe and covers a range of suitable topics, such as online safety. This helps pupils learn practical ways to manage risks in different situations. Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 3 The proprietor has carefully considered safeguarding matters associated with introducing boarding provision. It has sought advice from independent specialists and understands the additional requirements necessary to keep pupils safe. Leaders provide clear explanations and demonstrations of how safeguarding procedures will be implemented to promote pupils’ wellbeing in the proposed boarding provision.

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Safeguarding and provision of safeguarding information

The standards that the DfE commissioned Ofsted to check in this inspection are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved for implementation.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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boarding principles and practice; Inclusion, equality, and diversity

The proprietor has a broad knowledge of the requirements to ensure that national minimum boarding standards are consistently met. They have carefully considered all key areas of provision in relation to boarding. This includes identifying any potential barriers, and systems to overcome them.

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boarding principles and practice; Inclusion, equality, and diversity

The proprietor has developed various relevant policies that set out procedures and expectations. These documents reflect the school’s context and the intended arrangements for boarding provision.

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boarding principles and practice; Inclusion, equality, and diversity

The governing body will include a linked boarding governor to ensure suitable levels of oversight and accountability.

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boarding principles and practice; Inclusion, equality, and diversity

The minimum standards for boarding schools in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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and preparation of food and drinks

Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 4 The proposed boarding accommodation is a short walk away from the school site. The proprietor has carefully considered any risks to ensure that boarders are safe in their journey to and from school.

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and preparation of food and drinks

There is one boarding house that is divided into two separate wings designated for single ‑ sex accommodation. Most rooms have ensuite facilities and others have easy access to a nearby shared bathroom.

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and preparation of food and drinks

The proprietor has made accommodation ‘homely’. This includes ensuring that the boarding house is decorated and furnished with care. At the same time, the proprietor intends to encourage boarders to add their own touches so that the environment feels personal to them.

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and preparation of food and drinks

Each room has a single or double bed, a desk and chair for homework, suitable lighting, and storage for personal items.

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and preparation of food and drinks

Arrangements have been made for boarders to eat their evening meals in the house. These arrangements are well considered and offer various catering options. For example, dining tables can be joined or kept separate.

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and preparation of food and drinks

Shared spaces work well. They allow boarders room to socialise. There are also several smaller and quieter spaces.

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and preparation of food and drinks

The proprietor plans to build boarders’ independence. With family agreement, boarders will learn key skills, such as making simple meals and doing their own laundry.

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and preparation of food and drinks

The proprietor has a suitable understanding of the needs and aptitudes of the intended group of boarders. As a specialist music school, leaders aim to develop and enhance boarders’ opportunities to promote their musical talents. Leaders also have plans in place for free-time activities and pastimes to stimulate boarders’ interests.

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and preparation of food and drinks

The minimum standards for boarding schools in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has robust safeguarding systems in place to keep children safe when boarding. Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 5 Leaders have arranged suitable safeguarding training for staff. These arrangements include boarding staff taking part in whole-school safeguarding training. A comprehensive induction package has been arranged to ensure boarding staff understand leaders’ expectations for keeping children safe.

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Safeguarding

There are clear staffing arrangements for the boarding provision. These include a head of boarding, two house parents and relief staff, with occasional support from teaching staff. Robust arrangements are in place to recruit staff in preparedness for opening the provision if the material change is approved.

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drills

Leaders have carefully considered the location of the sick room. This is located conveniently on the ground floor, providing easy access when required. The proprietor has made arrangements to use local services, such as clinics and hospitals, to ensure that children’s health needs are met.

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drills

The proprietor has procedures in place to form positive relationships with the families of children who board. These procedures include systems for information- sharing about matters such as health concerns and medication.

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drills

There are detailed and clear plans for fire precautions. Leaders have carried out a fire risk assessment and have arrangements in place for a competent person to complete regular assessments.

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drills

The proprietor has arranged for various other health and safety assessments to take place in the boarding accommodation. These checks include on legionella, asbestos and portable appliance testing. Suitable checks have also been completed on electrical installation and gas systems.

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drills

The minimum standards for boarding schools in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Views; Contact with parents/carers; Complaints

The proprietor has arranged clear procedures for maintaining oversight of the provision. These procedures include regular visits by governors and an independent consultant. Leaders also have plans in place to draw on the expertise of local professionals with experience in boarding schools. Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 6 Leaders have a complaints policy in place which includes clear procedures and timescales for making complaints. Recording systems are already established to ensure that all complaints are tracked and acted on.

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Views; Contact with parents/carers; Complaints

The proprietor has a policy in place for considering children’s opinions. They intend for regular boarder meetings to take place so that boarders have regular opportunities to share their thoughts.

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Views; Contact with parents/carers; Complaints

The minimum standards for boarding schools in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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relationships

The proprietor has a policy in place to manage any incidents of bullying. The policy provides clear guidance for staff to ensure that they respond quickly and appropriately. Boarders will also be provided with the opportunity to engage in restorative work with peers to build relationships when necessary.

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relationships

The minimum standards for boarding schools in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved.

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Part I: Staffing, guardians, and prefects

There are suitable arrangements for guardians to be appointed. This will ensure that where children’s families live at distance, adequate support will be provided.

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Part I: Staffing, guardians, and prefects

The proprietor has made plans to assign boarding captains. This will enable them to contribute to the operation of boarding. Boarding captains will also represent the boarding house in school council meetings. This will bridge the gap between boarding and school.

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Part I: Staffing, guardians, and prefects

The proprietor has created safe systems to ensure that all necessary pre- employment checks are complete. There is a suitable central system in place, which highlights staff suitability to work in boarding. This includes teaching staff.

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Part I: Staffing, guardians, and prefects

The minimum standards for boarding schools in this part are likely to be met if the material change is approved. Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 7

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About this inspection

The inspector 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

The inspection of residential provision was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for boarding schools.

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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.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the proprietor, headteacher and deputy headteacher during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The inspector conformed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

The school does not use any alternative provisions.

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About this inspection

The school operates from Eastbourne House, 111 Yardley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, West Midlands B27 6LL.

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Lead inspector

Jonathan Leonard His Majesty’s Inspector

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About this school

Proprietor Sally Alexander MBE Headteacher Chris Passey Type of school Other independent school Capacity 70

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compulsory school age on roll

Number of residential pupils on roll 0 Kimichi School, 22 April 2026 8 Age range of pupils 9 to 18 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £9,000 Annual fees for residential pupils £33,600

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Email address hello@kimichischool.co.uk Kimichi 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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