The Pace Centre

The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 1 The Pace Centre Coventon Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 9JL

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school 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 change the maximum number of pupils attending.

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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 (ISS) 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 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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

School leaders and the proprietor have a robust understanding of the ISS. They apply this knowledge effectively to ensure that the ISS are likely to continue to be met securely and consistently. For example, leaders use their skills and expertise to ensure the school’s statutory requirements are fulfilled to a high standard. Leaders, staff and the proprietor know pupils and their individual needs well. Leaders ensure there are effective arrangements in place to promote and secure pupils’ welfare and safety. The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 2 The proprietor has diligently considered relevant health and safety arrangements to ensure that the school is likely to continue to meet the ISS. Leaders have completed thorough checks to ensure that the accommodation on both the Wendover Road and the Coventon Road sites is in good order to accommodate the material change increase in pupil numbers from 43 to 49.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Safeguarding

The school has a vigilant culture of safeguarding. The proprietor has ensured that there are a suitable number of well-trained staff with responsibility for safeguarding.

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Safeguarding

Checks on the suitability of staff are carried out in accordance with the statutory guidance. Leaders, staff, the proprietor and governors receive relevant and up-to- date safeguarding training. This ensures they know the signs to look out for that a child may be at risk of harm and they understand the procedure to follow if needed.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have reviewed the school’s safeguarding procedures and carefully considered any potential risks that additional pupils may face. They have put measures in place to mitigate these. For example, entry and exit to the Wendover Road and Coventon Road sites are closely managed by members of staff. There are clear procedures in place to supervise pupils when moving between different areas on both sites and when on trips and visits.

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Safeguarding

Staff receive relevant ongoing training to help them understand the additional vulnerabilities of pupils in the setting. They are vigilant and quickly report any concerns they have about pupils. Actions to support pupils who may be at risk of harm are prompt and well considered.

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Safeguarding

Leaders consistently act in the best interests of pupils. They already make effective use of local arrangements with external agencies to support working together to safeguard pupils. Parents and carers are involved in decision-making where appropriate.

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Health and safety, and fire

The proprietor and leaders maintain a strong commitment to meeting all statutory duties relating to health and safety, and fire safety. Leaders check carefully to ensure that the policy is in line with legislative changes. They ensure that safe The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 3 practice is embedded across the 2 sites that the school operates from (the Wendover Road and the Coverton Road sites). Leaders carry out regular checks of both premises and oversee a well-planned programme of maintenance so that the environment remains safe, clean and fit for purpose.

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Health and safety, and fire

The proprietor also commissions qualified external specialists to review and maintain key safety systems, including fire detection equipment, water hygiene controls and other regulated areas of both the Wendover Road and Coverton Road sites. They respond promptly to any recommendations arising from these professional audits, ensuring that improvements are implemented without delay.

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Health and safety, and fire

Staff receive regular health and safety training so they can carry out their responsibilities confidently and safely.

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Supervision of pupils

Levels of supervision are high across both sites. Much of the teaching is carried out on a two-to-one basis or in very small groups. Leaders have also thought carefully about how pupils currently attending the school will be affected by the proposed increase in numbers. They intend to increase pupil numbers gradually.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has established a clear and comprehensive risk assessment policy. It is supported by detailed guidance that enables staff to complete in-depth assessments for a wide range of activities and tailor them to pupils’ individual needs, including personalised emergency evacuation plans. These documents also reflect specialist medical advice and information about pupils’ education and health care plans.

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Risk assessment

Staff carry out risk evaluations for all tasks, including those involving physical support, and consistently uphold pupils’ personal dignity throughout. They monitor individual assessments closely, updating them whenever needed. Leaders plan to use these established procedures to reduce risks for new staff and pupils across both sites.

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Risk assessment

Pupils receive close supervision throughout the day. Staff take great care to ensure that each pupil’s position is safe and comfortable. This is an essential aspect of practice in this setting. Staff are vigilant for any signs of discomfort, particularly among pupils with limited communication skills. Leaders maintain detailed accident and incident records and share even minor concerns promptly with parents and carers. The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 4 The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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

Leaders carry out appropriate pre-employment checks to ensure the suitability of recruited staff. They ensure that all required checks are completed before new staff start employment.

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

All necessary checks for supply staff are completed and verified to ensure their suitability to work with pupils. The identity of supply staff is checked. No supply staff start work before these checks have been completed.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record meets statutory requirements. Robust procedures ensure that recruitment and suitability checks are completed appropriately.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Leaders, governors and the proprietor have completed relevant training in safer recruitment procedures. Records of recruitment processes to date are meticulous. They complete appropriate checks on agency staff and any contractors.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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and showers

Leaders ensure that the school’s premises and accommodation on both sites are maintained to a high standard. Toilet and washing facilities are provided for both pupils and staff and these are well maintained. Suitable changing accommodation and shower facilities are available. The proprietor ensures that the premises and accommodation provide a safe and healthy environment for pupils and staff.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

Medical facilities on both sites are well maintained and appropriate to the needs of pupils. The facilities and resources on both sites are well maintained and equipped to meet the needs of pupils and staff. The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 5

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Across both sites, spaces that are used for learning are well lit and adjusted suitably to cater for pupils’ sensory needs. Acoustic conditions are appropriate for the intended use of each space. There are suitable breakout areas for any practical activities that are undertaken that may cause significant noise for some pupils.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Leaders have suitable measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils, for example when using the changing and toilet facilities or when working in the outdoor sensory areas.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

On both the Wendover Road and Coventon Road sites, the learning environments are exceptionally spacious. This includes 6 highly specialised classrooms that comfortably accommodate the complex needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. For example, each classroom offers large, purpose-built areas that integrate specialist facilities, including dedicated breakout spaces, on- site physiotherapy zones, accessible toilets, and flexible learning areas that support both therapeutic and physical therapy and educational provision. Each classroom also has an additional breakout area and spaces for physiotherapy and exercise.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The layout of each classroom ensures ample manoeuvring space for adapted wheelchairs, supportive seating systems and specialist equipment, allowing pupils to engage safely and fully in all activities. This means that on both sites, classrooms provide more than sufficient capacity to accommodate an increase in pupil numbers from 43 to 49. Additionally, there is a well-equipped and suitably furnished large breakout room at the Coventon site. If required, this space is readily available to use as an extra classroom.

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Outdoor space

The outdoor space for pupils to play as well as take part in physical education on both sites is extensive and well maintained. Outdoor spaces are clear of obstructions and well organised. The current facilities are likely to be suitable to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers.

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Outdoor space

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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Part 6: Provision of information

There is a suitable safeguarding policy in place that is published on the school’s website. The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 6 The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to approve the implementation of the material change.

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The school’s accessibility plan

Leaders have a suitable accessibility policy in place. As a result, the school meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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 ISS. 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

This inspection focused on paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b), 11, 12, 14 and 16 in Part 3, and all paragraphs in Parts 4, 5 and 8 of the ISS in relation to the proprietor requesting a material change to increase the number of pupils from 43 to 49 that may be admitted on to the school roll. This was the school’s first application for this material change.

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About this inspection

Inspectors spoke with the proprietor, senior leaders, the chief executive officer, the head of operation, the chair of the proprietor, who is also the chair of governors, the school business partner and the designated safeguarding lead during the inspection. An inspector also spoke with members of staff and pupils throughout the course of the inspection.

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About this inspection

Inspectors toured the Wendover Road and the Coverton Road sites.

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About this inspection

Inspectors also 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 ISS are met. The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 7

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About this school

Type of school Other independent special school

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compulsory school age on roll

Annual fees for day pupils £49,617 to £99,235

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compulsory school age on roll

Email address info@thepacecentre.org The Pace Centre, 29 April 2026 8 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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