Southwell Education Ltd

Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 1 Southwell Education Ltd G8 the Offices, Walter Nash Road West, Kidderminster, DY11 7QY

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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 (the standards) and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership 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 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 and management of schools

The proprietor has established a clear and coherent vision for the school. This focuses on meeting the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. This is reflected consistently across policies, curriculum and pastoral arrangements.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership and management of schools

Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. The proprietor has ensured that these are distributed across staff, including designated safeguarding leads and oversight of pupils’ provision. This indicates that systems are not reliant on a single individual.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership and management of schools

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements for oversight, including external safeguarding support, links with local authorities and clear whistleblowing procedures. There are plans to draw on external professional input to review Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 2 practice and identify areas for development. These provide structured routes for challenge and review.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership and management of schools

Processes are in place to monitor the school’s work, including policy review and safeguarding oversight. These arrangements indicate that the proprietor will check that systems are implemented effectively.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership and management of schools

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has established a structured and coherent curriculum aligned to the needs of the intended cohort. Documentation sets out clear sequencing of knowledge, from foundational learning through to application and next steps.

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Curriculum

The curriculum is designed for pupils with additional needs. Literacy, numeracy and communication are integrated across subjects. Planned approaches, such as retrieval practice and scaffolded learning, indicate how pupils will build knowledge over time. For example, subject planning identifies key vocabulary and revisits prior learning to support retention.

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Curriculum

The curriculum is broad and includes pathways to qualifications. These arrangements provide appropriate assurance that pupils will access learning and make progress.

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Curriculum

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Teaching

The proprietor has established clear expectations for teaching. These include structured approaches such as ‘I do, we do, you do’, alongside scaffolded tasks and retrieval practice.

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Teaching

Teaching is designed to respond to pupils’ needs. Planning includes differentiated entry points, supported by assessment information and individual learning plans. This provides a clear framework for adapting learning. Strategies such as small- group teaching and structured routines are intended to support engagement.

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Teaching

Taken together, teaching is aligned with the curriculum and is likely to support pupils’ engagement. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 3 On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Assessment

The proprietor has established appropriate systems to assess pupils’ attainment and progress. These include baseline assessment, ongoing tracking and regular review.

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Assessment

Assessment is intended to inform teaching. Individual learning plans identify targets and barriers, supporting a structured approach to monitoring progress. On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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pupils

The proprietor has established a coherent approach to promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is integrated across the curriculum, assemblies and wider provision.

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pupils

Planned content addresses themes such as respect, relationships and diversity. A structured programme enables pupils to revisit key concepts over time, including opportunities to learn about different cultures and ways of life.

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pupils

Moral development is supported through restorative approaches. Social development is promoted through structured interaction and opportunities for pupil voice. Cultural development is supported through curriculum content and planned enrichment, including visits and, where appropriate, themed activities.

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pupils

The proprietor has established arrangements to review this area.

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pupils

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Clear roles, procedures and systems indicate how concerns will be identified, recorded and acted upon. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 4 Designated safeguarding leads are in place. Staff are expected to complete training and follow clear reporting procedures. Systems are established to record and review concerns, including the use of electronic recording systems.

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Safeguarding

External oversight provides additional assurance. Arrangements for supervision and monitoring are clearly defined.

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Safeguarding

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements to promote good behaviour and ensure effective supervision. Expectations are set out in policy and supported by consistent processes, including a focus on restorative approaches.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Staff deployment, supervision areas and risk-based adjustments are clearly planned. Behaviour, safeguarding and risk assessment systems are aligned.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Anti-bullying

The proprietor has established a clear approach to preventing bullying. Policies define bullying and set out procedures for identifying and responding to incidents.

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Anti-bullying

Systems are in place to record concerns and identify patterns. The curriculum supports pupils to develop their understanding of respect and relationships.

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Anti-bullying

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements for health and safety, including fire safety and first-aid provision.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Systems for maintenance, fire safety and medical provision are clearly defined and supported by record-keeping, including scheduled checks and servicing of equipment.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 5

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements for admissions and attendance. Systems are in place to collect key information about pupils and to monitor attendance.

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Admissions and attendance

Procedures are clearly defined for following up on absence and responding to concerns that arise. These are linked to safeguarding systems.

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Admissions and attendance

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has established a structured approach to risk assessment. Systems identify and manage risks across activities, premises and individual pupils.

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Risk assessment

Risk assessments are tailored and reviewed regularly. These inform safeguarding, behaviour and supervision.

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Risk assessment

On this basis, the standards in this part are 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 established appropriate arrangements for carrying out recruitment checks on staff, supply staff and the proprietor. These are set out clearly within recruitment procedures and identify all required pre-employment checks. These include identity checks, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, references, employment history and medical fitness, alongside checks relating to prohibition from teaching and Section 128 where required.

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

Arrangements extend to those who may work at the school on a temporary or supply basis. Leaders have established expectations that appropriate assurances will be obtained in these circumstances. Systems are also in place to store recruitment records securely and manage access to this information.

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

These arrangements provide appropriate assurance that the proprietor has established effective systems to ensure that only suitable individuals are appointed to work at the school. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 6

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has established a single central record which is structured to include all required recruitment and vetting checks for staff, supply staff and the proprietor. The record includes key information, such as identity checks, Disclosure and Barring Service checks, references and other statutory requirements, alongside the dates these checks are completed.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The record is clearly organised, enabling information to be recorded consistently and reviewed easily. Leaders have established processes to support the ongoing maintenance of the record, including expectations that it will be updated as staffing changes occur. This provides a clear framework for maintaining accuracy.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Taken together, these arrangements provide appropriate assurance that the proprietor has established an organised system for recording recruitment checks and maintaining oversight of staff suitability. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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and showers

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements for toilet and washing facilities and the water supply. Facilities are suitable for the intended number and age range of pupils and are appropriately located across the site.

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and showers

A potable water supply is available, ensuring that drinking water can be accessed throughout the school day. These arrangements indicate that pupils’ basic needs will be met appropriately.

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and showers

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements for medical provision, including a designated space for pupils who are unwell. This area is separate from teaching spaces and is suitable for short-term care.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The proprietor has also identified spaces intended for therapeutic and pastoral support. These include areas that can be used to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 7 On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pupils. These are supported by safeguarding, behaviour and risk assessment systems.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Procedures are in place to manage risks and respond to incidents. These are supported by record-keeping and oversight arrangements, enabling the proprietor to monitor practice.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements to ensure suitable lighting and acoustic conditions across the school.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Teaching spaces benefit from appropriate lighting and are arranged to support learning. Acoustic conditions are suitable and are intended to support pupils to engage without unnecessary distraction.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has established arrangements for outdoor space, with plans in place to provide a suitable area for pupils. The current provision includes identified outdoor space within the school site. Planned works are in place to secure and develop this area, including the installation of appropriate fencing. These arrangements provide a clear plan to ensure the space is safe and suitable for pupils’ use.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has also identified a local sports centre to support physical education. Arrangements for off-site use are supported by risk assessment processes. This provides a framework for pupils to access suitable outdoor and physical activities.

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Outdoor space

Taken together, these arrangements provide appropriate assurance that the proprietor has identified suitable provision for outdoor space. On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 8

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has established appropriate arrangements for providing information to parents, carers and other stakeholders. Documentation explains key aspects of the school’s work.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Information will be accessible, including through a planned website and on request. Communication arrangements include reporting on pupils’ progress and regular updates, including opportunities for parents to discuss their child’s learning.

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Part 6. Provision of information

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has established a clear and structured approach to handling complaints. This includes staged procedures from informal resolution to formal review.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

Systems are in place to record complaints and enable oversight. Provision is made for an independent panel at the final stage.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

On this basis, the standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

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The school's accessibility plan

The proprietor has established an accessibility plan which sets out how access to the curriculum, the physical environment and information will be improved for pupils with disabilities.

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The school's accessibility plan

The plan is aligned with wider arrangements, including individual learning plans and risk assessment systems. These indicate how provision will be adapted to meet pupils’ needs.

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The school's accessibility plan

On this basis, the relevant requirements are likely to be met if the school is registered. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 9

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

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

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About this inspection

This was the second pre-registration inspection of the proposed school. At the first pre-registration inspection, carried out in November 2025, the school was judged unlikely to meet all the independent school standards. Standards were not met in part 1 (Quality of education provided), part 3 (Welfare, health and safety of pupils), part 5 (Premises of and accommodation at schools) and part 8 (Quality of leadership and management). During this inspection, the proprietor demonstrated that the weaknesses identified in parts 1, 3 and 8 had been addressed through the refinement of curriculum plans, strengthened safeguarding and, health and safety arrangements and clearer leadership and management structures. The proprietor has also taken steps to address the concerns identified in part 5. Planned works remain in place to secure and develop the outdoor area, including the installation of appropriate fencing, and these works are necessary for the standards relating to

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About this inspection

outdoor space to be met if the school is registered.

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About this inspection

The inspector visited the proposed school site. The proposed school will operate from a former college building located on a business park on the outskirts of Kidderminster. The inspector considered whether the premises are suitable for the intended use.

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About this inspection

During the inspection, the inspector met with the proprietor and those responsible for leadership and management.

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About this inspection

The inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including policies relating to safeguarding, behaviour, curriculum, staffing, risk assessment, health and safety and premises. The inspector also reviewed the school’s single central record of recruitment checks and considered documentation relating to admissions and attendance.

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About this inspection

The inspector toured the premises and reviewed facilities, including classrooms, welfare spaces and outdoor provision. Checks were carried out to establish whether the premises are likely to be safe and suitable for the intended use. Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 10 At the time of the inspection, no pupils were on roll. It was therefore not possible to evaluate the implementation of systems in practice. The inspection focused on whether the proprietor’s proposed arrangements are likely to meet the independent school standards if the school is registered.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is seeking registration as an independent special school. The school intends to admit pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those with social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils are expected to have an education, health and care plan and to be placed by local authorities.

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About this proposed school

Proprietor Vickie Russon Headteacher Not Known Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 35

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 11-16 Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: Mixed

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per week

Provider's proposal: 20 hours 50 minutes

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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 £45,000 to £65,000

Email address vickie.russon@yahoo.com Southwell Education Ltd, 18 June 2026 11 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000 to £65,000

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000 to £65,000

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000 to £65,000

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

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