Fable House

Fable House, 2 June 2026 1 Fable House Building 29, Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield HD4 7NR

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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 (ISS) 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 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

The proprietor proposes to open an independent school for pupils aged 11 to 19 years old. The majority of these pupils will have pathological demand avoidance, social, emotional and mental health needs and some will also have moderate learning difficulties. 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 5 floors of a listed, former industrial building. The proprietor currently operates an alternative provision (AP), known as Fable House, in the same building as the proposed school for pupils between the age of 11 and 25. The proprietor intends that it will continue to operate the AP as a separate business on the same site for a small number of pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has appointed some staff to the proposed school already. The proprietor intends to appoint additional staff, including additional teaching and support staff. The proprietor already has systems and training in place to ensure Fable House, 2 June 2026 2 staff have a secure understanding of potential safeguarding risks. The proprietor has a clear vision for a supportive, nurturing and ambitious learning environment. Processes for reporting any safeguarding concerns about pupils or staff are clear. Leaders understand how to act on these to support the wellbeing of pupils. The proprietor understands the importance of safeguarding at all levels. The school’s oversight board is intended to provide impartial support and challenge for the proposed school. This includes checks on compliance with the ISS, safeguarding procedures and pupils’ progress. Members of this proposed board have the relevant knowledge and experiences to undertake these roles should the

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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 are in place to support the project-based learning approach the school intends to follow. The proprietor has considered the content of these projects carefully so that pupils will be able to access both vocational and academic qualifications before they leave the proposed school. Students in the sixth form will study an appropriate range of subjects so that they will be well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training if the proposed school were to open. Schemes of work take account of pupils’ different starting points and the possibility 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 life and employability skills. These are

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Curriculum and Teaching

intended to prepare pupils for independence in adulthood.

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Curriculum and Teaching

The proprietor intends that the curriculum will be taught by suitably qualified and experienced staff. The proprietor intends that staff will receive ongoing training to ensure they are confident to adapt the intended curriculum to each pupil’s individual needs. The relationships and health education curriculum covers the relevant statutory requirements set out in an age-appropriate manner. This curriculum also promotes tolerance and celebrates diversity in modern Britain. It makes pupils aware of contextual safeguarding matters to help keep them safe. Fable House, 2 June 2026 3

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Assessment

The proprietor has carefully considered how they will assess pupils’ progress through the intended curriculum. The assessment framework is intended to identify pupils’ different starting points and any specific gaps in knowledge or skills they might have. The proposed assessment model is intended to help staff put in place any additional help pupils might need, for example by providing additional literacy or numeracy support. The proprietor also has clear processes for reporting pupils’ progress to parents or carers.

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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 teach pupils about fundamental British values and the importance of tolerance and acceptance within a diverse society. The proposed curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge of their community, issues of local and national importance as well as being responsible citizens.

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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. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding will be developed through a range of learning opportunities, a planned curriculum and enrichment activities.

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pupils

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

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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 schools’ expectations for the management of pupil behaviour, use of rewards and sanctions, where necessary. The schools’ policy on exclusions is clear and meets statutory guidelines. The proprietor intends to provide care in a positive environment based on a trauma-informed approach to managing pupils’ behaviour. Appropriate supervision of pupils is planned for through suitable staffing numbers and consideration when creating a timetable for the school day. Fable House, 2 June 2026 4

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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. Risk assessments are thorough. The proprietor has a secure understanding of their responsibilities regarding the health, safety and welfare of both pupils and staff. The proposed school’s health and safety policy is appropriate. The proprietor has carefully considered the risks posed to pupils while undertaking physical activity, visiting local places of interest, undertaking technology lessons and travelling to various locations. Risk assessments set out clearly how risks will be mitigated and/or minimised. Staff are reminded to check these assessments on a regular basis to help safeguard pupils.

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Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proprietor demonstrates compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 through suitable checks and monitoring. For example, an audit by an external professional on all aspects of fire precaution has been carried out and its findings acted on. Fire evacuation drills take place and there are daily checks on equipment and the site to ensure these are safe and compliant. The proprietor intends that staff fire marshals will undertake a duty rota so that someone with relevant additional training is always available on site. 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. There is a high-quality facility for the care of sick or injured pupils should the proposed school open. There is appropriate storage of medications. The proprietor intends to provide all staff with first-aid training as part 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 located throughout the school premises. Additional specialist equipment, such as eye wash kits, is available where needed.

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Admissions and attendance

The admissions policy meets statutory guidance. The proprietor understands their duties regarding what should be recorded on the admissions register and how to obtain the relevant level of detail for each pupil. The proprietor already maintains an appropriate admission register for the pupils who attend its existing alternative provision. This is accompanied by a system to record and monitor pupil attendance. Staff continue to develop their understanding of different codes that might be used on the proposed school’s attendance register. The proprietor has high expectations of pupils’ attendance. Ambitious targets are in place if the proposed school were to open. Fable House, 2 June 2026 5 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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Safeguarding

The proprietor understands their statutory duties in relation to safeguarding. Their intended systems and processes are based on a sound knowledge of safeguarding practice. Their existing alternative provision has allowed them to develop their skills and knowledge over time. Training for staff is carefully considered. It is intended to give staff a sound understanding of contextual safeguarding risks. Leaders who will have responsibility for safeguarding at the proposed school have the requisite qualifications, knowledge and expertise to undertake their roles diligently. Evidence collected at the pre-registration inspection identified a growing culture of safeguarding where all stakeholders are involved.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor understands their legal obligations in relation to passing on concerns about any member of staff to the local authority designated officer if needed. The proposed school’s induction process prioritises safeguarding training for all new staff. This is intended to develop the school’s culture of safeguarding over time. A member of the oversight board will have responsibility for monitoring aspects of leaders’ work should the proposed school open.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part of 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 members of staff working at the alternative provision at the same address as the proposed school. These checks include the person’s right to work in the UK, any criminal convictions, medical fitness and references from previous employers. The proprietor understands the need to put in place a risk assessment should certain checks be difficult to carry out, for example if a member of staff has worked overseas a long time ago. A checklist of recruitment checks is in place to ensure consistency of process if the proposed school were to open.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor understands what information a single central record should contain. This information will be held electronically and securely. It will be Fable House, 2 June 2026 6 regularly checked by leaders and members of the oversight board to maintain compliance with relevant legislation.

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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 each floor of the premises. A separate toilet is available for staff to use. An accessible shower is provided for the use of all pupils. Suitable, separate changing facilities are available should pupils require them. These facilities are maintained to a high standard and regularly checked, for example for legionella and for safe operating temperatures. Drinking water is available for pupils on each floor and is away from any toilet facilities. The medical room is well equipped and provides for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils. It contains safe storage for regulated medication and is close to a toilet. Medical equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is in a good condition.

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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 fire and electrical safety. A clear schedule of weekly, monthly and annual checks is set out. The school buildings have been recently renovated and are maintained to a high standard. Suitable adaptations have been made in light of the building’s intended use. For example, a lift is fitted and a large open area on the ground floor is available for physical activity. Specific rooms for pupils to undertake art, cookery and technology lessons have been built. These are provided with high-quality equipment. The outdoor space is suitable for both the physical education of pupils and for them to socialise. The site is secure and well laid out. The buildings and outdoor areas provide ample space for the intended number of pupils to be educated.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Rooms in the building are very well lit by natural light. Stairwells allow for the safe movement of pupils and staff even if the school reaches its intended capacity. Acoustic conditions are appropriate. Rooms designated for the use of pupils who Fable House, 2 June 2026 7 might need to regulate their behaviour or emotions are lit more gently. They are away from busy areas so that noise from lessons does not disrupt their use.

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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 has a website which is easy to navigate and contains all relevant statutory information. One item that was required was swiftly added by the proprietor. All other relevant information, such as the reporting process for parents, funding reports and minutes of meetings of the oversight board, were provided to inspectors on request.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor understands their legal duty in regard to funding for pupils with education and health care plans. Leaders at the school could provide examples of how funding will be allocated and reported back to the local authority. A clear process for reporting on pupils’ academic achievement, attendance and attitude to learning 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 clear. The policy makes provision for a complainant to be accompanied at a panel hearing if they so wish. The proprietor is aware of their duty to publish the number of complaints from the previous academic year on their website should be they open as a registered school. The complaints policy is easily accessible on the proposed school’s 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. This takes account of the building, the nature of pupils it is intended to accommodate and the proprietor’s legal responsibilities. The school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens. Fable House, 2 June 2026 8

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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

This is the second pre-registration inspection for this proposed school, following a previous pre-registration inspection on the 18 March 2025. 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

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 representatives of the proposed school’s oversight board.

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About this inspection

At the time of the inspection, there were 25 pupils on roll at the AP that operates on the intended site of the proposed school. This AP has been operating without registration since April 2020 and currently operates from the proposed site for this independent school.

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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 pathological demand avoidance syndrome, social, emotional and mental health needs, autism and/or moderate learning needs.

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About this inspection

Teaching will take place on the proposed school site. The proposed school will be housed within Building 29, Brooke’s Mill, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield HD4 7NR.

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Team inspector

Lynda Florence Ofsted Inspector Fable House, 2 June 2026 9

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proprietor body

Fable House CIC Sonia King Headteacher Sonia King Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 15

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 15

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compulsory school age on roll

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

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disabilities on roll

Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 15

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authority

Provider’s current position : 0 Provider’s proposal: 15

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s current position: n/a Provider’s proposal: 11 to 19 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: 42.5

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per week

Provider’s current position : 0 Provider’s proposal: 26.5

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teaching staff

Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 15 Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 2 Annual fees for day pupils £55,000 to £79,000 Email address s.king@fablehouse.org Fable House, 2 June 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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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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