Imperial Oak School

Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 1 Imperial Oak School 134a New Kent Road, Southwark, London SE1 6TU

p.1

report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material changes relating to the school provision is implemented

p.1

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 expand its provision by adding an additional site and increase the maximum number of pupils attending.

p.1

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.

p.1

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 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.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor proposes to increase the maximum number of pupils from 24 to 40. To accommodate this increase, the proprietor proposes that 16 pupils will attend an additional site in Greenwich.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor body and school leaders have an ambitious vision for the school and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 2 The proprietor and school leaders have a secure understanding of the relevant standards relating to the proposed material changes. There are systems and processes in place to monitor and review the school’s work through regular checks. These arrangements help to ensure that the relevant standards are likely to continue to be met if the material changes are approved and implemented.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Current leaders have appropriate knowledge and experience in education and in supporting pupils with SEND. They have developed purposeful partnerships with local authorities to ensure that, if the material changes are approved, they can continue to draw on ongoing support and advice to inform the school’s work.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The school is in the process of recruiting members of the advisory board with relevant expertise in SEND. Once established, it is the proprietors’ intention that this will further strengthen the skills and knowledge of the proprietor body and school leaders.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) approves the material changes.

p.2

Safeguarding

The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is appropriate, aligns with statutory guidance and is published on the school’s website. This policy clearly sets out how staff will support pupils to stay safe within school, beyond school and online.

p.2

Safeguarding

The school has appropriate safeguarding arrangements and processes in place for reporting concerns about pupils. Staff receive regular, comprehensive training. They know how to identify and report safeguarding concerns. Staff are vigilant to signs that may indicate that a child is at risk. The induction and ongoing training programme for staff references the additional vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

p.2

Safeguarding

Leaders, including the proprietor body, have received appropriate safeguarding training and fully understand their roles and responsibilities in this area.

p.2

Safeguarding

The proprietor has established a thorough induction programme. New staff understand the contextual vulnerabilities pupils at the school may face as well as processes in place to report concerns. Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 3

p.2

Supervision of pupils

The proprietor has a clear and realistic phased approach to recruitment and plans to make use of existing staff with expertise in special educational needs, alongside the recruitment of new staff. If implemented, these actions will ensure that the school is likely to be adequately staffed if the proposed material changes are approved.

p.3

Health and safety and fire

Leaders have considered the school’s health and safety procedures in light of the proposed increase in pupil numbers and the use of an additional site. The proprietor has ensured that all health and safety policies are in place and comply with statutory requirements. Risk assessments for the proposed new site are clear and appropriate. Effective processes are in place to enable leaders to monitor health and safety across both sites, should the material changes be implemented. The additional site is well maintained, clean, safe, and suitable for its intended use.

p.3

Health and safety and fire

The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety arrangements at the proposed site are appropriate. All staff receive suitable fire training as part of their induction. This includes clear guidance on how to evacuate pupils safely from both buildings in the event of a fire. Appropriate fire safety equipment is available throughout the building. There are a sufficient number of clearly identified escape routes, supported by adequate signage. If the material changes are approved, the school will implement individual personal emergency evacuation plans for any pupils requiring additional support to exit the building safely.

p.3

Risk assessment

The proprietor has in place a thorough risk assessment policy, supported by clear processes and systems to minimise risks to pupils, staff and visitors. Risk assessments identify potential hazards and outline appropriate actions to mitigate potential risks. For example, the school has a risk assessment for the dropping off and collection of pupils to and from the school. There is a safe eating risk assessment for the early years foundation stage (EYFS), which identifies potential hazards during mealtimes and sets out specific control measures to reduce the risk of choking.

p.3

Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE approves the implementation of the material changes. Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 4

p.3

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

The proprietor has established appropriate systems and processes to ensure that safety procedures are followed when appointing staff. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training, which supports robust recruitment practice. They demonstrate a thorough understanding of the checks required for new staff, volunteers, contractors and supply staff. For example, the proprietor recognises and implements the requirement to carry out overseas checks on staff who have lived or worked abroad.

p.4

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The electronic single central register is maintained in line with statutory guidance and is regularly checked by school leaders and the proprietor. Appropriate pre-employment checks are carried out and recorded for all current staff. The proprietor has systems in place for external professionals to undertake additional checks of the single central register, providing independent assurance.

p.4

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school has suitable procedures in place for the use of agency staff. School leaders ensure that all supply staff have undergone the required statutory recruitment checks and check their identity when they arrive at the school.

p.4

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE approves the implementation of the material changes.

p.4

Toilet and washing facilities and water supply

There are an adequate number of toilets and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils, which are lockable from the inside. These facilities provide both hot and cold water, with hot water regulated to negate the risk of scolding. Drinking water is easily accessible and clearly labelled.

p.4

Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

Leaders intend to use a multi-functional room, located close to toilet and handwashing facilities, as a short-term medical area for pupils to use if they feel unwell. Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 5 The proposed additional site has an adequately sized therapy room, which is suitable for its intended use. Leaders intend to acquire further resources based on the therapy needs of prospective pupils.

p.4

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school has the capacity to increase pupil numbers if the material changes are approved. Currently, the school operates from one building at 134a New Kent Road, Southwark, London, SE1 6TU. The proprietor proposes to use the lower floor of the building located at 141 Greenwich High Road, West Greenwich, SE10 8JA. Pupils do not currently use the proposed additional site.

p.5

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The 2 classrooms at the proposed additional site are suitable for their intended use. Each classroom will accommodate up to 8 pupils. The building provides sufficient space to support high staff-to-pupil ratios. In addition to the classrooms, it includes an intervention space, a sensory room and a further area that leaders intend to use as a multi-functional space. There is sufficient storage space for any additional resources required for both the early years and special educational needs and/or disabilities provision.

p.5

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proposed site has a single point of access to the school, which will be for the sole use of pupils and staff. Pupils will enter under staff supervision. Leaders are currently implementing additional control measures to ensure that visitors to the main community building cannot access the school.

p.5

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The standards in this part are likely to continue be met by the school if the DfE approves the implementation of the material changes.

p.5

Lighting and acoustic conditions

Classrooms and therapeutic areas have suitable lighting and acoustics for their intended use. External lighting is sufficient and provides adequate lighting to the main entry point into the school and the playground.

p.5

Outdoor space

The outdoor space is suitable for pupils to play, socialise, and take part in some sporting activities and physical education. The playground provides sufficient space to accommodate pupils and staff if the proposed material changes are implemented.

p.5

Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE approves the implementation of the material changes. Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 6

p.5

The school's accessibility plan

The school has an appropriate written accessibility plan in place, and this is likely to ensure that the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 continue to be met should the DfE approve the proposed material changes.

p.6

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.

p.6

About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

p.6

About this inspection

The proprietor has applied for a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils on role from 24 to 40. The school operates from 134a New Kent Road, London, SE1 6TU. The proprietor proposes to also operate from the lower floor of the building located at 141 Greenwich High Road, West Greenwich, SE10 8JA.

p.6

About this inspection

The DfE commissioned Ofsted to conduct this material change inspection and to report against the school’s compliance with the independent school standards in part 3, paragraphs 7 (a) & (b), 11, 12, 14, and 16 (a) & (b), parts 4, 5 and 8. This inspection was announced with 2 days’ notice.

p.6

About this inspection

Inspectors spoke with members of the proprietor body, school leaders including the headteacher and the director of operations during the inspection.

p.6

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.

p.6

About this inspection

The proprietor body is made up of two individuals: Chizzy Chukwukere and Collins Chukwukere.

p.6

About this inspection

The school's email address is: info@imperialoakschool.co.uk . Imperial Oak School, 4 June 2026 7 The school caters for pupils with a range of special educational needs. All pupils have an education, health and care plan.

p.6

About this inspection

The school does not currently use any alternative provision.

p.7

About this inspection

The school was registered with the DfE on 20 September 2023.

p.7

About this inspection

This is the school’s second material change inspection.

p.7

About this school

Proprietor Imperial Oak Preparatory School Limited Headteacher Mrs Chizzy Chukwukere Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 24

p.7

compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 4 to 11 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £68,000 Email address info@imperialoakschool.co.uk Imperial Oak School, 4 June 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

p.7

compulsory school age on roll

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

compulsory school age on roll

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

compulsory school age on roll

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8