Include-Welby Grange

Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 1 Include-Welby Grange Welby Grange, Welby Grange Farm, Welby, Melton Mowbray LE14 3EF

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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 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 and leaders share a clear and ambitious vision for the proposed school. It is centred on helping pupils to re-engage with education, develop a sense of belonging and achieve greater independence. This ambition is evident in the design of the curriculum and the therapeutic and relational approaches the school intends to use. There is a clear emphasis on pupils’ wellbeing, safety and personal development.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school benefits from leaders who have relevant experience in education, special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), business and school improvement. Leaders demonstrate a detailed understanding of the needs and vulnerabilities of the intended pupils. Leaders demonstrate the skills, knowledge and capacity to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. External challenge and support arrangements will provide additional expertise and evaluation as the proposed school develops. Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 2 The proprietor and school leaders demonstrate a clear understanding of the standards. They have reflected carefully on lessons learned through the development of their existing school and used this experience to strengthen curriculum design, assessment arrangements, safeguarding systems and quality assurance procedures in readiness for the opening of the proposed school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Clear lines of accountability have been established across the organisation. Leaders intend to use a range of monitoring systems to evaluate the effectiveness of provision. The proprietor will receive information relating to attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, interventions and curriculum delivery, enabling it to provide both support and challenge. The information gathered through these systems will be used to identify priorities, challenge provision and inform school improvement.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Professional learning for staff will have a high profile in the proposed provision. Training will be linked directly to school priorities and the needs of the intended pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

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Curriculum

The proposed school has established a curriculum that places reading, writing and mathematics at its core. Leaders intend for the curriculum to support pupils to make progress from their individual starting points and build the knowledge and skills needed for future learning and independence.

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Curriculum

The curriculum will be informed by pupils’ education, health and care (EHC) plans and individual needs. Leaders have established systems to identify gaps in learning, monitor progress and review the impact of interventions. The curriculum will provide pupils with opportunities to access a broad range of subjects while maintaining a strong focus on communication, personal development, wellbeing and preparation for adulthood.

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Curriculum

Leaders have developed suitable arrangements for the teaching of personal, social, health and citizenship education. Pupils will learn about relationships, safeguarding and life in modern Britain through the wider curriculum. Careers education, work experience and college links will support pupils in preparing for the next stage of education, employment or training.

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Teaching

Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 3 Leaders intend to establish a consistent approach to teaching through structured lesson routines and clear expectations for staff. Teaching will be adapted to meet pupils’ individual needs, interests and EHC plan outcomes.

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Teaching

Leaders recognise that many pupils attending the proposed school may have experienced disrupted education and will require predictable routines, positive relationships and carefully planned support to engage successfully with learning. Staff will receive professional learning linked to reading, SEND and behaviour support.

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Teaching

Leaders plan to monitor the quality of teaching through established review and quality assurance processes. These arrangements are intended to ensure consistency of practice and identify any training or further professional learning needs as the school develops.

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Assessment

Leaders plan to carry out a range of checks when pupils join the school, including reading, communication and academic attainment. This information will be used to identify pupils’ starting points and inform future learning.

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Assessment

Teachers will assess how well pupils are learning and leaders will use this information to monitor progress, identify gaps in learning and review the impact of interventions. This information will also be used to ensure that pupils’ curriculum pathways remain appropriate to their needs.

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Assessment

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

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pupils

The proposed school has established a suitable programme for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders have placed preparation for adulthood and life in modern Britain at the centre of the curriculum.

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pupils

Pupils will learn about responsibility, relationships, citizenship, diversity and protected characteristics through the learning for life, our world and the personal, social and health education curriculums. Leaders have also planned opportunities for pupils to learn about fundamental British values, different faiths and beliefs, and their role in wider society.

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pupils

Leaders intend to support pupils’ personal development through careers education, educational visits and enrichment activities. Pupils will have Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 4 opportunities to achieve qualifications to help prepare them for their next stage of education, employment or training.

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pupils

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

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Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy meets statutory requirements. Appropriate safeguarding leadership arrangements are in place, and leaders are aware of the vulnerabilities and risks that may affect pupils attending the proposed school. Suitable systems have been established for recording, monitoring and responding to safeguarding concerns.

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Safeguarding

Leaders will ensure that staff receive timely safeguarding training, including through the induction arrangements. Safeguarding concerns will be reviewed through established monitoring processes and leaders intend to work closely with families, local authorities and other agencies to support pupils and keep them safe.

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Safeguarding

Procedures for managing safeguarding concerns, attendance issues and allegations against staff are appropriate.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders intend that the school will adopt a relational and therapeutic approach to behaviour that promotes and rewards positive behaviour. Staff will receive training to ensure that this approach is implemented consistently. Expectations for staff will have a clear emphasis on developing positive relationships and supporting pupils to take responsibility for their actions.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Behaviour incidents will be recorded electronically and reviewed often to identify patterns, trends and any emerging concerns. High staffing levels and supervision arrangements are planned to support pupils to engage positively with learning and remain safe throughout the school day.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school has established an anti-bullying policy which outlines how concerns will be identified, recorded and addressed, including any incidents online. Leaders intend to educate pupils about bullying, respectful relationships, equality and protected characteristics through the curriculum and wider personal development programme. These incidents will be monitored and reviewed to Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 5 identify any emerging concerns and ensure that appropriate support is provided to pupils.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor and school leaders have established systems to monitor health and safety through a programme of checks and oversight activities.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Appropriate arrangements are in place for fire safety. Leaders have also established suitable first-aid arrangements, including procedures for recording incidents and administering medication.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Leaders are clear about how information from accidents, incidents and monitoring activities will be used to review practice and inform future actions. These arrangements will support the health, safety and welfare of pupils.

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Admissions and attendance

Leaders have established a detailed admissions process that will help them understand pupils’ needs and plan appropriate support before admission.

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Admissions and attendance

Attendance will be monitored through electronic systems and leaders are clear about the actions they will take when attendance is a concern. They intend to work closely with families and external agencies to support pupils’ engagement with education.

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Risk assessment

The school’s risk assessment policy is comprehensive and detailed. Risk assessments will be used to support pupils’ safety across a range of situations. Individual risk assessments will be completed for pupils where required and reviewed often to identify any changing needs and circumstances. Safeguarding, behaviour and attendance information will be used to identify and manage risks.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (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 and school leaders understand the recruitment processes that need to be completed before staff begin to work at the proposed school. Appropriate checks are in place for currently appointed staff and leaders are aware of the additional checks required for agency staff and those in leadership positions. Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 6 Suitable procedures are in place to verify checks completed by supply agencies when required.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

An electronic single central record is in place and provides clear oversight of recruitment and vetting checks across the organisation. Leaders will undertake monitoring and audit activities to ensure that records remain complete and up to date. Leaders have a clear understanding of their responsibilities for maintaining and monitoring the single central record.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

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

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and showers

The proposed premises provide suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. Appropriate washing facilities are available, including hot and cold running water. Drinking water is clearly identified and available at all times. An accessible toilet is located on the ground floor with suitable changing and shower facilities.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

Suitable accommodation is available for pupils who become unwell or require medical examination and treatment. There is a fold-down, portable bed that can be housed close to washing facilities and a nearby toilet.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proposed premises are suitable for its intended use. The building has been refurbished and adapted appropriately. The accommodation was previously used as a workshop and farmhouse and is situated in a wider industrial estate. Leaders have given careful consideration to site security and pupil safety. The school will use a separate access route from that used by commercial vehicles operating in the estate. Several outbuildings are located on the site; however, these do not form part of the current registration application. The site provides a calm and rural environment which supports pupils’ emotional and mental health.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 7 Lighting is appropriate both indoors and outdoors. Most teaching rooms benefit from natural daylight. The school intends to use the room without natural light as a sensory and regulation space. Acoustics in the building are suitable for learning.

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Outdoor space

The school benefits from extensive outdoor space, including a secure garden area and access to surrounding fields. These spaces will be used for recreation, outdoor learning, regulation activities and evacuation procedures. The outdoor provision is suitable for the proposed age range and number of pupils the school intends to admit.

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Outdoor space

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

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has established a website containing the information required by the standards. This includes key policies and information relating to safeguarding, behaviour, complaints, attendance and the curriculum.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders have established suitable arrangements for reporting pupils’ progress to parents and carers. Information relating to attendance, behaviour, attainment and wider pupil outcomes will be shared through appropriate reporting processes.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders understand their responsibility to make necessary information available to parents, carers, local authorities and other stakeholders.

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Part 6. Provision of information

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

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The school has arrangements in place to receive, record and monitor complaints and any actions taken in response. The complaints policy sets out clear timescales and procedures for managing concerns. Leaders have identified an independent person to participate in complaints panel hearings when required.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school. Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 8

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school’s accessibility plan aligns with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school is likely to meet the regulation in this part.

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

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About this inspection

The inspector met members of the proprietor body, the headteacher and the executive leadership team. The inspector conducted a tour of the proposed site to check the suitability of the premises and considered a wide range of documentation including policies and information related to the school’s proposed curriculum. Safeguarding arrangements, information relating to the proposed school’s leadership and admissions arrangements were also considered.

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About this inspection

This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the proposed school:

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About this inspection

The proposed school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to provide full-time education for up to 30 pupils from 11 to 16 years old.

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About this inspection

The school is proposing to be a special school providing for pupils with speech, language and communication needs, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and those with social, emotional and mental health needs. The proprietor expects that all pupils that attend this school will have an EHC plan. Most pupils are likely to be placed at the school by a local authority.

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Lead inspector

Shaheen Hussain His Majesty’s Inspector Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 9

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About this proposed school

Chair of the proprietor body Damian Belshaw

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About this proposed school

Type of school Other independent special school

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 11 to 16

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Provider’s current position: 4 Provider’s proposal: 14

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teaching staff

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

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teaching staff

Annual fees for day pupils £44,000 Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 2026 10 Email address info@welbygrange@include- eductaion.group.co.uk Include-Welby Grange, 9 July 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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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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