Holme Court School Hampshire

Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 1 Holme Court School Hampshire 51 Reading Road, Yateley, Hampshire GU46 7UQ

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report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely 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 7 to 13 who have social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), communication and interaction needs, sensory and physical needs and other related conditions. The proprietor, chair of governors and leadership team demonstrate a shared commitment to providing high-quality education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor has considerable experience of providing education for pupils with similar needs to those likely to attend the proposed school. The proprietor has appointed a headteacher with experience in teaching pupils with SEND.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and leadership team demonstrate a secure knowledge of the independent school standards (the standards). Nevertheless, the proprietor has not given sufficient attention to ensuring that the proposed school is ready to open. As a result, aspects of the school fall short of the requirements to keep Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 2 pupils and staff safe. For example, some important checks have not been completed, such as Legionella testing and a fire risk assessment. The systems of checks and oversight described by leaders have not ensured that the school is ready to admit pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register this provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The proposed school has a suitable written curriculum policy. The policy indicates a curriculum of sufficient breadth and balance of subjects to comply with the requirements of the standards. Schemes of work are in place which cover all areas of learning required to comply with the standards, including English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE), art, music and design technology. The content of the curriculum is planned and sequenced appropriately in each subject. The proposed school’s curriculum plans and schemes of work are likely to provide a firm framework for teaching.

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Curriculum

The curriculum aims to ensure that pupils are equipped with secure foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. Phonics assessments will be completed on entry to identify those pupils who have gaps in their phonics knowledge. Leaders have identified a validated phonics programme which they intend to use to support pupils at an early stage of reading. Staff appointed so far have experience of teaching this phonics programme. Leaders will provide additional staff training in the teaching of phonics, as well as other subjects, as required.

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Curriculum

The school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum includes a suitable range of themes and topics. Promotion of fundamental British values will be embedded in the curriculum. For instance, pupils will be encouraged to be kind and to respect each other. Leaders intend teaching relationships and sex education through the school’s PSHE programme and the everyday life of the school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has appropriate plans in place to deliver careers education. The proposed school will build pupils’ knowledge and awareness of career options progressively as pupils move up through the school. Leaders intend establishing links with local businesses and enterprises to support the careers programme and the development of employability skills.

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Curriculum

All pupils at the proposed school will have SEND and are likely to have an education and health care (EHC) plan. Leaders intend to use pupils’ EHC plan targets, along with the school’s own assessments and the views of parents and Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 3 carers, to identify pupils’ needs and starting points when they join the school. Curriculum content and the way it is implemented will be continuously adjusted to ensure that all pupils access the curriculum successfully and make progress in their learning.

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Teaching

The proprietor intends to employ suitably qualified and experienced staff. Newly appointed staff will complete a robust induction and professional development programme. This programme has been designed to promote a consistent approach to teaching in the school which is in line with its aims and values.

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Teaching

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Assessment

The proposed school’s assessment policy is appropriate. It is likely that some pupils will have experienced extended periods of time outside formal education. Leaders intend to use a range of assessments to identify pupils’ starting points. Assessments will be used to identify any gaps in pupils’ knowledge. Leaders intend using this information to make any changes necessary to the content of the curriculum, or the way in which it is delivered, to support pupils’ learning. They will monitor pupils’ progress regularly so that they can respond to any emerging needs.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proposed school will focus on developing pupils’ independence, confidence and self-respect. The school’s PSHE programme includes a broad range of themes to help pupils prepare for life beyond school and in modern Britain. It will be supplemented by a range of visits, such as visits to the local shops and use of public transport, to support the development of life skills and to strengthen pupils’ sense of social responsibility. The curriculum will be reviewed regularly, adapted according to pupils’ contexts and needs and taught sequentially over time.

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pupils

The proprietor has considered how the school will support pupils to take responsibility for their actions. The school will promote tolerance and respect with due attention paid to the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 4 Leaders intend pupils to have opportunities to consider and discuss topical issues through the planned curriculum and a range of appropriate resources. Tolerance and understanding will be central to the school’s values. Pupils will be encouraged to explore the concept of identity and to respect people from different contexts, backgrounds and religions. They will learn about different beliefs through regular religious education lessons and exploration of festivals and celebrations.

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pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. The policy will be posted on the school’s website. The policy identifies roles and responsibilities and provides key contact information should any safeguarding concerns arise. The identities of the designated safeguarding lead and deputy designated safeguarding lead will be added once staff recruitment has been finalised.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding training will represent an important element of staff induction. Leaders will provide regular safeguarding training for staff.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have completed appropriate safeguarding training. They demonstrate a secure knowledge of safeguarding matters, including safer recruitment procedures. However, the proprietor has not taken suitable action to promote pupils’ welfare. For instance, required checks on the school’s ability to keep pupils and staff safe have not been completed, such as water safety checks and an external fire risk assessment. As a result, some aspects of the proposed school currently present a risk to pupils’ welfare.

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Safeguarding

The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register this provider as an independent school

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has developed an approach to behaviour management which is used across schools operated by the Inspired Learning (UK) Group. The approach is designed to ensure consistency in routines and expectations, with a focus on developing pupils’ understanding of the implications of the choices they make. The proposed school’s behaviour policy follows the group’s behaviour management policy, which is adapted according to school’s contexts and pupils’ needs. Leaders Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 5 intend using training to ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills needed to implement the school’s behaviour policy effectively.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The school’s approach to behaviour management will be supplemented by its PSHE programme. Pupils will be supported to develop the skills needed to manage and regulate their own behaviour.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

All staff will be trained in the use of positive handling, which leaders intend to be used as last resort. The focus will be on providing support for pupils at an early stage to avoid the potential for any difficulties to escalate.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed staffing structure will ensure that pupils are adequately supervised. The proprietor plans for staff to supervise pupils closely, including at arrival and departure times.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school has clearly set out its approach to anti-bullying. This includes actions to be taken where a concern about bullying arises. The proposed school’s PSHE programme includes content to support pupils’ social development, such as friendship, respect for others and how to resolve disagreements.

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Anti-bullying

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school’s health and safety policy sets out how it will comply with relevant health and safety legislation. However, at the time of the inspection, the proprietor had not made suitable arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. This is because required checks on the school’s ability to keep pupils and staff safe have not been completed.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has completed several required premises and safety checks, such as an asbestos survey and tree survey and new fire extinguishers have been installed. However, some checks, such as a fixed wire test, emergency lighting tests, water safety checks and an external fire risk assessment, have not yet been carried out. This means that the school does not currently comply with health and safety legislation or the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 6 The proposed school has a suitable first-aid policy in place which details procedures for administering first aid. Leaders intend that medicines will be stored securely. The proprietor intends to provide all staff with first-aid training.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Admissions and attendance

The school has an admissions policy in place that is likely to meet the standard and complies with relevant legislation. The proposed school has clear admission procedures.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor intends using the same format and procedures for registering pupils’ attendance which are currently used in other schools in the Inspired Learning (UK) Group and which comply with statutory requirements.

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Admissions and attendance

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Risk assessment

The proposed school has an appropriate risk assessment policy. This provides clear information about risk management relating to aspects of the proposed school’s work, including behaviour, health, safety and welfare. However, at the time of this inspection, the proprietor had not implemented the school’s risk assessment policy and had not taken appropriate action to identify or reduce risk.

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Risk assessment

The standard in this part is unlikely to be met 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

Leaders, including those responsible for maintaining the single central record, have undertaken safer-recruitment training. The proposed school does not intend to employ agency staff. However, the proprietor understands the procedures required to check the suitability of supply staff should this become necessary.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has put in place an electronic single central record. This record includes all required checks and indicates that these have been completed appropriately, including for staff already recruited. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 7 The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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and showers

The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils and staff, including a shower. Toilets can be secured from the inside.

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and showers

Thermostats are used to limit the temperature of hot water. However, while this is successful most of the time, the temperature of the hot water in one classroom was too high.

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and showers

The proposed school has adequate drinking water supply although this is not labelled as such.

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and showers

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The proprietor intends locating the medical room in the staff kitchen. This arrangement is unsuitable because of health and safety implications, including the risk of pupils’ potential access to electrical appliances and unlockable cupboards. There is currently no medical bed or other equipment relevant to medical room use.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises are not maintained to a suitable standard to accommodate the proposed school. Several issues present health and safety risks. For example, there is a broken window in the shower room. The staff kitchen has not been fully equipped and is not ready for use. The installation of a perimeter fence and secure gate at the entrance to the school building has not been completed and there are trip hazards where the gate and part of the fencing has been removed. Planned works to the drive to facilitate pupils’ arrival and departure by car have not been completed. A heating thermostat located in one of the toilets is accessible to pupils. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 8 The interior of the building has been redecorated throughout. This contributes well to the sense of light and space. The proposed school has some furniture, including suitable tables and chairs, whiteboards and shelving. Leaders intend providing

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

further furniture and resources in the future.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Large windows admit plenty of natural light throughout the building. Classrooms are bright, spacious and airy, with appropriate acoustics. External lighting ensures that people can enter and exit the premises safely.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Outdoor space

Ther proposed school has a suitable outdoor space for pupils to take part in PE and active play. The area includes a lawned area with several mature trees and a patio area equipped with picnic tables.

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Outdoor space

The standard in this part is likely to be met 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 is still under construction. During the inspection, the proprietor demonstrated understanding of the key information the website must include. This will include the school’s safeguarding policy.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The school has suitable plans in place to share information with parents about their child’s learning and development.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standard in this part is likely to be met 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 sets out clearly the timescales and procedures for managing any concerns raised. It includes suitable systems for recording complaints so that they can be retained and reviewed over time. The Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 9 number of complaints received in the preceding year will be published on the school’s website.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school's accessibility plan

The proprietor has an accessibility plan which makes suitable reference to the Equality Act 2010. The plan identifies planned developments to the fabric of the school to support accessibility. However, the school does not have a toilet suitable for people with physical disabilities and so does not comply with the Equality Act 2010. Furthermore, the school's accessibility plan makes no reference to plans to introduce suitable facilities in the future, indicating that the proprietor has not given sufficient thought to ensuring the school premises comply with the Equality Act 2010.

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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.

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About this inspection

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

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 inspectors spoke with the inclusion lead and the director of education for Inspired Learning (UK) Group, the chair of governors and the headteacher of Yateley Manor School. They also spoke with one of the directors and the chief operating officer.

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About this inspection

The proposed school will cater for pupils with SEMH, communication and interaction needs, sensory and physical needs and other related conditions. All pupils will have an EHC plan.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to make use of alternative provision.

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About this inspection

The location of the proposed school will be 51 Yateley Road, Hampshire, GU46 7UQ. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 10 The proposed school shares the same site as Yateley Manor School, which is operated by the same proprietor.

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About this inspection

The proposed school will operate from a two-storey building which was previously used as a children’s nursery. The accommodation comprises of a range of classrooms, a staff kitchen, a dining area and toilet and shower facilities. The proposed school has a garden area.

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About this proposed school

Proprietor body Inspired Learning Group Ltd Headteacher Natalie Moffat Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 36

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 7 to 13 Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 2 Annual fees for day pupils £58,500 Email address head@holmecourthampshire.co.uk Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 11

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 12

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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Equality Act 2010

3(1) The responsible body of a school in England and Wales must prepare— (a) an accessibility plan; (b) further such plans at such times as may be prescribed. (2) An accessibility plan is a plan for, over a prescribed period— (a) increasing the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the school's curriculum, (b) improving the physical environment of the school for the purpose of increasing the extent to which disabled pupils are able to take advantage of education and benefits, facilities or services provided or offered by the school, and (c) improving the delivery to disabled pupils of information which is readily accessible to pupils who are not disabled. (3) The delivery in sub-paragraph (2)(c) must be— (a) within a reasonable time; (b) in ways which are determined after taking account of the pupils' disabilities and any preferences expressed by them or their parents. (4) An accessibility plan must be in writing.

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Equality Act 2010

(5) The responsible body must keep its accessibility plan under review during the period to which it relates and, if necessary, revise it. (6) The responsible body must implement its accessibility plan. (7) A relevant inspection may extend to the performance by the responsible body of its functions in relation to the preparation, publication, review, revision and implementation of its accessibility plan. (8) A relevant inspection is an inspection under— Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 13 (a) Part 1 of the Education Act 2005, or (b) Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 (regulation and inspection of independent education provision in England). 4(1) In preparing an accessibility plan, the responsible body must have regard to the need to allocate adequate resources for implementing the plan. (2) The proprietor of an independent educational institution (other than an Academy) must, if asked, make a copy of the school's accessibility plan available

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Equality Act 2010

for inspection at such reasonable times as the proprietor decides. (3) The proprietor of an independent educational institution in England (other than an Academy) must, if asked by a Minister of the Crown, give the Minister a copy of the school's accessibility plan. (4) The proprietor of an independent school in Wales (other than an Academy) must, if asked by the Welsh Ministers, give them a copy of the school's accessibility plan. Holme Court School Hampshire, 27 May 2026 14 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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Equality Act 2010

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Equality Act 2010

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Equality Act 2010

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