AJ and Friends

AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 1 AJ and Friends The Centenary Building, 6 Carlton Lane, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside CH47 3DB

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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 (the 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 has not ensured that the proposed school is ready to open. It has not given due care and consideration to how the proposed school will operate. For instance, most of the proposed policies and systems are underdeveloped and too generalised. The proprietor lacks sufficient regard for current statutory guidance and fails to show how the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) of its proposed pupils have been considered. The proprietor has also adopted some policies that are designed for care services that are ill-suited to the school’s context.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has not gained sufficient insight into its role and range of responsibilities. It does not have the knowledge and understanding necessary to maintain ongoing compliance with the standards. At present, the proprietor demonstrates limited capacity to recognise and rectify some of the issues in its proposals to open an independent special school. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 2 The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has not developed a suitable curriculum policy. The policy is too vague and does not adequately outline the details of what the proprietor intends the proposed pupils will learn. Furthermore, the policy does not adequately consider the wide range of complex needs and aptitudes that the proposed pupils will likely have.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has developed some curriculum materials, including curriculum plans and schemes of work, that broadly reflect the range of subjects it intends to offer. Nonetheless, most of these materials are too generalised. The proprietor has not suitably broken down and sequenced the intended learning for each subject and year group. The proprietor has not sufficiently outlined the specific curriculum content that would be appropriate to meet the range of SEND needs of the proposed pupils.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has identified an external partner, who will provide impartial careers advice. The proposed curriculum schemes contain some lessons that aim to develop pupils’ understanding of different employment options.

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Teaching

The proprietor has not given sufficient thought to the way that the curriculum will be taught. It has not developed the level of guidance that will be needed to support teachers to deliver the curriculum effectively.

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Teaching

The proprietor has invested in a range of specialised resources and equipment to cater for some of the specific needs that the proposed pupils will likely have. This includes a well-resourced sensory room and a dedicated space to provide specific forms of physical therapy. However, the proprietor has not fully considered the wider range of curriculum resources and teaching materials that will also be needed to deliver the intended curriculum in full. In the main, this is because the curriculum itself is underdeveloped.

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Teaching

The proprietor has suitable plans in place to recruit qualified teachers with previous experience in special school settings. It also intends to recruit an appropriate number of additional staff and care workers to support the delivery of the curriculum. It has outlined general plans for a programme of professional development for new staff once recruited. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 3

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Assessment

The proprietor has not given enough consideration to the strategies it intends to use to check on pupils’ learning. In part, this is because it has not suitably mapped out and sequenced precise ambitions for what pupils will learn and at what point. The proprietor’s ambitions for what pupils will learn and when are not specifically identified and sequenced. This means that the proprietor will not be able to recognise the smaller steps of progress that some pupils are more likely to make. Consequently, the proprietor is ill-equipped to carry out precise assessments of pupils’ learning and establish whether pupils make enough progress from their individual starting points.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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pupils

The proprietor has outlined some curriculum intentions that will promote fundamental British values and introduce pupils to different cultures and beliefs. However, most of the policies, schemes of work and broader experiences that will underpin this proposed learning are too brief or vague. Furthermore, the proprietor has not considered how it will adapt this content to cater for the intended pupils’ aptitudes and SEND. Consequently, the proprietor’s proposals for how it will support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are unlikely to meet the needs of most pupils it intends to admit.

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pupils

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has not developed adequate safeguarding policies and procedures to keep pupils safe, particularly given the additional vulnerabilities the intended pupils will have. The proposed school’s intended safeguarding protocols lack clarity to enable staff to be clear and understand what is expected of them. The proprietor’s safeguarding documentation and proposed procedures do not provide sufficient assurances that safeguarding concerns would be dealt with effectively if the proposed school were to open.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has designed a programme of safeguarding induction training for new staff that includes training on the ‘Prevent’ duty, among others. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 4

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Although the proprietor has developed a behaviour policy, it is unsuitable for the school’s context. The policy does not provide clarity on leaders’ expectations of staff and pupils, and how strategies might be adapted to cater for the intended pupils’ needs. It is unclear what sanctions and rewards might be used, including how suspensions and exclusions might be applied.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has adopted a separate policy on physical restraint practices. However, this policy is not fit for purpose because it is not designed for use in a school setting.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor intends to recruit enough staff to provide adequate supervision of pupils.

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Anti-bullying

The proprietor demonstrates a commitment to tackling any forms of discrimination. It has developed a policy that identifies the likely signs of bullying and harassment. This policy also gives some consideration to the additional vulnerabilities of intended pupils. However, aspects of this policy remain underdeveloped, and some procedures are not as clear as they need to be.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has not ensured full compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2025. For instance, some mandatory fire signage has been left blank. Some external lighting to illuminate evacuation routes were not in good working order at the time of the inspection. The proprietor was unable to provide sufficient records of ongoing checks on these.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has arranged external fire safety risk assessment audits of the premises. However, these do not show whether explicit consideration has been given to the intended pupils’ likely significant physical difficulties, and the specialised equipment that they will likely need to use. Consequently, there is limited assurance that the current fire safety arrangements would be suitable for the intended pupils.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor ensures routine maintenance of fire safety equipment and carries out regular checks on the fire alarm to ensure that it remains operational. However, the proprietor was unable to provide records of other routine internal checks, such as on water safety, including regulation of water temperature and water storage. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 5 The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has a suitable stock of first- aid equipment and implemented a clear recording system for injuries and incidents. It has a high level of expertise in providing intimate care and administering medicines.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has not ensured that relevant policies reflect the expectations set out in School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024. Consequently, its intended procedures are likely to result in leaders and staff recording some pupil absences incorrectly.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has not developed a sufficient admissions policy and systems to maintain a compliant admissions register. Its intentions for processing admissions are insufficient in detail. The proprietor does not show a suitable understanding of its obligations as a proposed special school under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014 nor why their proposed systems are likely to undermine its lawful duties.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has developed risk assessments that identify the general risks in the school, including those relating to equipment and cleaning products. It has outlined appropriate controls to reduce the risk of incidents. However, the proprietor has not given enough consideration to the curriculum activities, extra- curricular opportunities and wraparound care clubs that it intends to provide. Consequently, they have not fully developed suitable risk assessments for these likely activities.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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

The proprietor has conducted appropriate pre-employment checks on staff. These include checks on medical fitness, qualifications, where necessary, and suitability to work with children. However, at the time of the inspection, there were some minor discrepancies in these checks, such as missing dates of when these were carried out. Furthermore, the proprietor’s intended recruitment procedures, as outlined in the safer recruitment policy, are too brief. They do not make clear how pre-employment checks will be systematically done over time. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 6 The proprietor was unclear on the requirements of some aspects of safer recruitment and had not carried out section 128 checks on governors and some proposed leaders. These checks were not completed by the end of the inspection.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has not maintained an appropriate single central record (SCR) of their recruitment checks. For instance, the SCR does not indicate when certain statutory checks on staff had been completed.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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and showers

There are dedicated male and female toilet spaces, as well as a dedicated toilet room for disabled people. There is an appropriate number to cater for the proposed number of staff and pupils. However, one cubicle contained loose wall tiles that pose an overhead injury risk until remedial works are carried out. There are washing facilities; however, a recent external water safety check highlighted that urgent works to water storage equipment were required to ensure that water will be safe to use. By the end of the inspection, no confirmed arrangements were in place for this work to be carried out. Additionally, some further signage is required to indicate if water sources are either hot or designated for drinking water.

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and showers

There are suitable changing facilities in a separate building that is part of the premises, known as ‘The Cottage’. This building contains several shower cubicles, one of which has appropriate adaptations for the physical needs of the intended pupils.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

There are designated spaces that would likely be suitable for the medical care of pupils. These include beds with nearby toilets and drinking water. There is well- stocked first-aid equipment on hand in these spaces. Lockable medicine cabinets are also installed in these areas.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proprietor has created dedicated spaces for the proposed pupils’ significant therapy needs. This includes a trampoline as part of the school’s planned sensory and physical development provision. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 7

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor commissions routine health and safety checks of the specialised equipment it uses. For instance, it ensures hoisting equipment is checked on a quarter-annual basis. The proprietor also ensures that electrical equipment is checked annually.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The main building of the proposed school has 3 large rooms on the ground floor that could suitably be used as classrooms and learning spaces. Additionally, there are several well-sized classrooms on the first floor that can be accessed by a staircase. These would also be suitable for teaching and learning activities but may require further accessibility arrangements for some proposed pupils to access the first floor. The proprietor has the capacity to adapt The Cottage building to create additional learning spaces should they be required.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The internal spaces of both buildings at the premises are well lit. They are bright and inviting. The acoustic conditions in the proposed classrooms are of an appropriate standard. Neither is likely to cause any impediments to pupils’ education.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has designated a large outdoor area at the front of the school that would likely be suitable for pupils to socialise in and for some physical education activities to take place.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school’s website is not compliant. Many policies, while available, are not fit for purpose. They often do not contain the necessary detail or are inappropriate for use in the proposed school’s context, which makes them unsuitable for publication.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has not adequately outlined the particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with education, health and care plans. The proprietor is not clear on how it might provide an annual account of this support, including related income and expenditure, to the local authority. Consequently, the proprietor has not given sufficient consideration to the likely annual fees for day pupils.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 8

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has not adopted a suitable complaints policy. It initially submitted several complaint policies as part of its application to open the proposed school, which meant that its intended complaints procedures were unclear. The proprietor later published a fully revised version on its website that was reviewed on the day of the inspection. This version was designed for the care sector, not for use in schools. Consequently, it did not contain the relevant information required of a proposed independent school. For instance, it did not adequately confirm a complainant’s right to request a panel hearing or explain how one might be formed by the proprietor. These discrepancies were not suitably resolved by the conclusion of the inspection.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the school is registered.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor did not produce a sufficient accessibility plan or a suitable strategy during the inspection. Similarly, it has not published either of these on its website. Therefore, the proprietor has not suitably detailed how it intends to reduce accessibility barriers over time to meet its duties under paragraph 3 of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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The school’s accessibility plan

Despite shortcomings in documentation and strategic thinking, the proprietor nonetheless demonstrates a broad commitment to promote equality and inclusion. For instance, it has developed an equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and has published this on the proposed school’s website.

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About this inspection

This is the second pre-registration of the proposed school. It was previously inspected in April 2024. The proposed school has been assigned a new unique reference number since then.

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About this inspection

The inspector 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

The inspector 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. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 9 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

During the inspection, the inspector spoke with the sole director of the proprietor body, who is currently also serving as the headteacher. The inspector spoke with the deputy manager, who is also proposed to be the designated safeguarding lead, the chair of the governing body, and another governor, who has also supported the development of the school’s curriculum.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with a wide range of SEND. This includes pupils with the following needs: sensory and/or physical needs, such as multi-sensory impairment or physical disabilities; profound and multiple learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health difficulties; speech, language and communication needs and pupils with autism. Many pupils are expected to have a combination of these needs.

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About this inspection

The proprietor intends to offer wraparound care through breakfast, after-school and holiday club provision.

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About this inspection

The sole director of the proprietor body currently uses the proposed school’s premises to provide some therapeutic care services through another company to which they are also linked.

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Chair of the proprietor body

Headteacher Beverley Williams Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 10

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s proposal: 0 AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 10

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 7 - 18 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0

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Annual fees for day pupils £49,000

Email address beverleywilliams@ajandfriends.co.uk

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan. – 2(1)(b)(ii) do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 11  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; – 2(2)(g) where the school has pupils above compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs; – 2(2)(h) that all pupils have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(a) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with primary education at the school is provided with relationships education, – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e).  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 12 – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress; – 3(h) utilises effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging pupils to act responsibly.  4 The standard in this paragraph is met where the proprietor ensures that a framework for pupil performance to be evaluated, by reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- – 5(b)(i) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self- confidence; – 5(b)(ii) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England; – 5(b)(iii) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely; – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and – 5(b)(vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England; – 5(c) precludes the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school; and AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 13 – 5(d) takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils- – 5(d)(i) while they are in attendance at the school, – 5(d)(ii) while they are taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised by or on behalf of the school, or

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

– 5(d)(iii) in the promotion at the school, including through the distribution of promotional material, of extra-curricular activities taking place at the school or elsewhere.

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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 – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that- – 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively.  10 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy.  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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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.  13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 14 – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 15

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether- – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 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.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 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

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 16 – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate; – 32(1)(h) where a pupil wholly or partly funded by a local authority (except where funding is solely for free of charge early years provision in accordance with the duty contained in section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006) is registered at the school, an annual account of income received and expenditure incurred by the school in respect of that pupil is provided to the local authority and, on

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Part 6. Provision of information

request, to the Secretary of State; – 32(1)(i) where a pupil with an EHC plan wholly or partly funded by a local authority or other body through public funds is registered at the school, such information as may reasonably be required for the purpose of the annual review of the EHC plan is provided to the responsible local authority.  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(a) the school’s address and telephone number and the name of the head teacher; – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its Chair.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(a) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, misbehaviour and exclusions; – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language; – 32(3)(d) particulars of arrangements for meeting the standards contained in

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

 33 The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which- – 33(c) sets out clear time scales for the management of a complaint; – 33(f) where the parent is not satisfied with the response to the complaint made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e), makes provision for a hearing before a panel appointed by or on behalf of the proprietor and consisting of at AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 17 least three people who were not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint; – 33(g) ensures that, where there is a panel hearing of a complaint, one panel member is independent of the management and running of the school; – 33(h) allows for a parent to attend and be accompanied at a panel hearing if they wish; – 33(i) provides for the panel to make findings and recommendations and

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

stipulates that a copy of those findings and recommendations is- – 33(i)(i) provided to the complainant and, where relevant, the person complained about; and – 33(i)(ii) available for inspection on the school premises by the proprietor and the head teacher; – 33(j)(i) whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing.

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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.

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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 AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 18 – (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.

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Equality Act 2010

 (4) An accessibility plan must be in writing.  (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— – (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

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Equality Act 2010

Academy) must, if asked, make a copy of the school’s accessibility plan available 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. AJ and Friends, 6 May 2026 19 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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Equality Act 2010

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