Liberty School

Liberty School, 6 May 2026 1 Liberty School Toucan Education, Crow Trees Ground, Hexham Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE16 3BN

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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 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 proposes to open an independent school for pupils aged 4 to 11 years old with moderate learning difficulties, specifically dyslexia and/or social, emotional and mental health needs. The proprietor has prior experience working with pupils with these specific special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school occupies both floors in a 2-storey building. The proprietor currently operates an alternative provision (AP), known as Toucan Education, in the same building as the proposed school for pupils between the age of 4 and 11. The proprietor intends that it will continue to operate the AP as a separate business on the same site for a short period of time until the proposed school reaches its full capacity. Liberty School, 6 May 2026 2 The proprietor has appointed one member of staff to the proposed school. The proprietor intends to appoint additional staff, including a headteacher, special educational needs and disabilities coordinator, and several teaching and support staff. The proprietor already has systems and training in place to ensure staff have a secure understanding of potential safeguarding risks. The proprietor has a clear vision to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment. Processes for

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

recording any safeguarding concerns about pupils or staff are robust. The proprietor has an effective understanding of how to develop a culture of safeguarding at the proposed school. The proprietor intends to develop a governing body to provide impartial support and challenge for the proposed school should the Department for Education (DfE) decide to register it.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is registered.

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Curriculum and Teaching

The curriculum policy that is in place clearly sets out how the proprietor intends the curriculum to be taught with due regard to the age and needs of pupils at the proposed school. Schemes of work clearly outline what pupils will learn and in what order. The proprietor has considered the breadth and ambition of the curriculum so that pupils will be well prepared for their next stage of education if the proposed school were to open. Schemes of work take account of pupils’ different starting points and/or that they may have gaps in their knowledge and skills from previous school absence. The proprietor has developed a specific curriculum for the teaching of phonics and reading to ensure pupils have the foundational knowledge they need to understand later learning.

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Curriculum and Teaching

The proprietor intends that the curriculum will be taught by suitably qualified and experienced staff. Some leaders and/or staff will have specific oversight of different subjects to monitor and manage their implementation. The proprietor intends that staff will receive ongoing training to ensure they are confident to implement the intended curriculum. The relationships and health education curriculum contains the relevant statutory requirements set out in an age- appropriate manner.

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Assessment

The proprietor has created a clear assessment process and policy to complement the intended curriculum. The assessment framework is intended to identify pupils’ different starting points and any specific gaps in knowledge or skills. The proposed assessment model is intended to track pupils’ progress and help staff to put in place any additional support that pupils might need. The proprietor has a secure Liberty School, 6 May 2026 3 understanding of how assessment will be used if the proposed school were to open.

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Assessment

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

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pupils

Suitable plans are in place to provide effective preparation for pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society. This includes teaching them about fundamental British values and the importance of tolerance and acceptance within a diverse society. The proposed curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge of different public institutions and encourages them to contribute positively to society.

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pupils

The proprietor intends that the proposed curriculum will develop pupils’ understanding and appreciation of those who are different from themselves, including those who may display a protected characteristic as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The proprietor has created a curriculum that promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding. This will be enhanced through the assembly programme or visits into the local community.

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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.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor understands their statutory duties in relation to safeguarding. Their intended systems and processes are based upon a sound knowledge of safeguarding practice. Training for staff is precisely planned to respond to the needs of pupils and contextual safeguarding risks. A robust system for recording concerns about pupils, and responding to them, is in place. Leaders who will have responsibility for safeguarding at the proposed school have the requisite qualifications, knowledge and expertise to maintain an effective culture of safeguarding.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has a thorough staff induction process in place. This is intended to help staff at the proposed school understand potential signs of harm among pupils and the importance of reporting these swiftly and accurately. The proprietor has clear policies in place for raising concerns about adults. The proprietor Liberty School, 6 May 2026 4 understands their legal obligations in relation to passing on concerns about any member of staff to the local authority designated officer if needed.

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Behaviour, anti-bullying and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has drawn up appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policies. These set out the school’s high expectations of pupils’ conduct, how pupils will be sanctioned if necessary and rewarded wherever possible. The school’s policy on exclusions is clear and meets statutory guidelines. The proprietor has a clear understanding of how to monitor and manage pupils’ behaviour so as to create a positive and welcoming school culture. Appropriate supervision of pupils is planned for through suitable staffing numbers and specific training.

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Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proprietor has produced an appropriate health and safety policy. The proprietor understands how to implement this effectively should the proposed school be registered. Likewise, an effective risk assessment policy is supported by thorough risk assessments for activities undertaken on, and off, the school site. For example, the proprietor has carefully considered the risks posed to pupils while undertaking physical activity on site, cookery lessons, travelling in the school minibus or visiting the local swimming pool. Risks assessments set out clearly how risks will be mitigated and/or minimised. During the course of the inspection, the proprietor demonstrated the ability to reflect on the risks outlined in the assessments and has made suitable adaptations over time as necessary.

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Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proprietor demonstrated compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 through suitable checks and monitoring. For example, a fire risk assessment is in place, regular checks on firefighting equipment are undertaken and fire evacuation drills take place. The outcomes of any fire safety inspections and evacuation drills are recorded and acted upon as necessary. Fire doors were clear from obstructions and emergency lighting was in order at the time of the pre-registration inspection. A fire evacuation plan is clearly displayed around the building and accurately depicts exits and the location of firefighting equipment.

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Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a first aid policy which clearly outlines how the short- term medical care of sick or injured pupils will be handled. There is appropriate storage of medications. The proprietor intends to provide all staff with first aid training a spart of the induction process. The proprietor understands how to record any accidents and their duty to share these with parents or carers of pupils. First aid boxes are well stocked and located throughout the school premises. Liberty School, 6 May 2026 5

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Admissions and attendance

The admissions policy reflects statutory guidance. The proprietor understands their duties regarding what should be recorded on the admissions register and where this information might be obtained. The proposed school will admit pupils from several local authorities and already works closely with some of these. A system to record and monitor pupils’ attendance is in place. Suitably trained staff oversee these records and understand what information they should contain, for example accurate register codes.

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Admissions and attendance

The proposed school is likely to meet 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

The proprietor understands their statutory duty to carry out the relevant pre- employment checks on all staff working at the school. The proprietor has already undertaken the relevant checks on one member of staff who they intend to work at the proposed school. These checks include the person’s right to work in the UK, any criminal convictions, relevant qualifications and references from previous employers. The proprietor understands how to carry out additional checks that may be required, for example if a member of staff has worked overseas. These checks are carried out in a timely manner before the member of staff begins employment at the proposed school.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor understands how to record the relevant information pertaining to staff recruitment in a single central record. For the one member of staff already appointed, this information is held electronically and securely. The proprietor has ensured all relevant checks are accurately recorded and checked by a third party on a regular basis.

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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.

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Toilet and washing facilities, water supply and medical room

The proprietor has ensured there are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils should the provider be registered as an independent school. An accessible toilet is provided on the ground floor of the premises. A Liberty School, 6 May 2026 6 separate toilet is available for staff to use. These facilities are maintained to a high standard and contain adequate supplies of hot and cold running water. Drinking water is available to pupils and clearly marked as such. It is provided in a space away from toilet facilities.

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space

The proprietor has ensured the health and safety as well as the risk assessment policy are enacted at the proposed school. Regular checks are made on the facilities, for example water temperature and electrical safety. The school buildings are maintained to a high standard. Suitable adaptations have been made in light of the building’s intended use. For example, windows to the upper floors have limiters to keep pupils safe. One room is well equipped with facilities for use during art and cookery lessons. The outdoor space is suitable for both the education of pupils and for them to socialise. The site is secure and well laid out. Suitable provision for indoor physical education is available to pupils. There is a suitable amount of space on the premises for the proposed number of pupils to be educated.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Rooms in the building are typically well lit by natural light; they are bright and airy. Acoustic conditions are appropriate. Rooms with less natural light have adequate artificial light. Consideration has been given as to how these rooms will be used, for how many pupils and for how long, if the proposed school were to be registered.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

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.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school did not have a website at the time of the inspection. The proprietor is aware of the information which must be published on the website should the proposed school be registered. The relevant information, such as details of the proprietor, statutory policies and a complaints procedure were all made available to inspectors.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor understands their duty to publish the number of complaints received during the previous year when the proposed school has a functioning website. The proprietor intends to work alongside several local authorities, some of whom may commission places at the proposed school. The proprietor understands their legal duties in regard to funding and the provision of annual Liberty School, 6 May 2026 7 reports. A clear process for reporting to both local authorities and parents is in place. This reporting will provide a clear indication of pupils’ progress over time.

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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.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has produced a suitable complaints policy. This policy is in writing. It sets out clearly how complaints will be handled. Timescales for the handling of complaints are contained within the policy. It also gives due regard to the complainant’s rights, for example by making provision for complaints to be heard by a panel, including an impartial member. The proprietor is aware of their duty to publish the number of complaints from the previous academic year on their website.

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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.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school has a suitable accessibility plan in place. The school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens.

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Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage

The proposed school is likely to meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage if it opens.

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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 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

This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. A previous pre-registration inspection took place on 19 June 2025.

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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. Liberty School, 6 May 2026 8 Inspectors spoke with the proprietor and other staff who are proposed to work at the school if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Inspectors toured the premises and reviewed documentation pertaining to the proposed school. The lead inspector spoke with a representative of the local authority within which the school is located.

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About this inspection

At the time of the inspection, there were 30 pupils on roll at the AP that operates on the intended site of the proposed school. This AP has been operating without registration since September 2023 and operates from the proposed site for this independent school, as well as at other locations.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for a small number of pupils with education, health and care plans. It is anticipated that most pupils who will attend the school will have social, emotional and mental health needs and/or moderate learning needs, including dyslexia.

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About this inspection

Teaching will take place on the proposed school site. The proposed school will be at Crow Trees Ground, Hexham Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE16 3BN.

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Chair

Catherine Thompson Philippa Vince Type of school Other independent school Capacity 55

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 55

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s current position: 30 Provider’s proposal: 0

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disabilities on roll

Provider’s current position: 41 Provider’s proposal: 55

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an education, health and care plan,

Provider’s current position: 5 Provider’s proposal: 7 Liberty School, 6 May 2026 9

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s current position: 4–11 Provider’s proposal: 4–11

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider’s current position: Mixed Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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per week

Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 39

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per week

Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 32

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teaching staff

Provider’s current position: 1 Provider’s proposal: 10 Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 0

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Annual fees for day pupils £13,500

Email address philippa@libertyschool.co.uk Liberty School, 6 May 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

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Annual fees for day pupils £13,500

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Annual fees for day pupils £13,500

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Annual fees for day pupils £13,500

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