Red Balloon Aylesbury

Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 1 Red Balloon Aylesbury Audley House, 15 Walton Terrace, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7QY

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards. It is currently operating without registration.

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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 is currently running an alternative provision at the site. The proprietor intends to cease this provision should the Department for Education register the proposed school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor runs other, similar schools. At the time of the previous pre- registration inspection, the proprietor was making changes to the central team that meant that some staff were unclear about who is responsible for what aspect and who to ask for help. These changes have now been embedded and staff demonstrated an understanding of how the organisation works.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The central team manage some of the human resources and create policies and procedures which the school then adapts for its context. Proprietor board members have appropriate knowledge of the ISS (the standards). All policies required to meet the standards are detailed and clear. Appropriate systems have been established to ensure continuous oversight and to provide support and Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 2 challenge to the school’s leaders. This includes the establishment of a governing body who bring experience and knowledge about the education sector and an understanding about local context and services.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

All leaders are committed to providing a safe and nurturing school for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They show determination to support pupils’ wellbeing alongside promoting high academic aspirations. Pupils’ social and emotional development and characteristics, such as resilience and independence, are likely to be prioritised and supported.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Curriculum

The school’s intended curriculum has appropriate breadth and ambition. It provides pupils with opportunities to achieve a range of formal qualifications across subjects. The policy and associated plans include content which covers the requirements in the school standards.

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Curriculum

The proprietor intends that the post-16 curriculum will be an extension to the school’s key stage 4. This will allow pupils additional time and tailored support so that they are ready for their next steps in education, training or employment.

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Curriculum

The school intends that pupils’ previous educational experience and learning needs will be taken into account. There is likely to be a focus on securing pupils’ English and maths learning as pupils are likely to have gaps due to previous disrupted school attendance. For example, if any pupils need additional reading support they will benefit from the school’s phonics curriculum and teaching.

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Curriculum

The programme for pupils’ personal, social and health education is comprehensive. It has the flexibility to be able to be adjusted in response to pupils’ interests and needs. It includes appropriate relationships and sex education. The proprietor intends that parents and carers will be consulted about when this content is taught and what is included.

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Curriculum

Leaders have forged links with local services and further education providers. These form part of the school’s comprehensive careers package. Pupils are likely to receive impartial advice from a careers advisor about their future options and they will have opportunities for work experience. Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 3

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Teaching

The school’s special educational needs coordinator will ensure that teachers know how to adapt curriculum materials and their teaching to meet pupils’ learning needs. Leaders intend that additional targeted support will be shaped around pupils with SEND. This support will include therapeutic and pastoral support in line with pupils’ education and health care plans.

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Teaching

Curriculum materials are appropriately sequenced to allow teachers to check pupils’ learning over time, to address any misconceptions and fill any gaps in knowledge and understanding.

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Teaching

Teaching staff have the necessary expertise to teach pupils in small groups and take their starting points into account. The proprietor intends that specialist subject leaders at this school and across the proprietor’s other schools will support teachers with their subject knowledge. School leaders and governors have clear systems to check the impact of teaching on pupils’ accumulation of knowledge and skills.

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Teaching

The proposed school has invested in appropriate resources to support teaching and learning. For example, the school library has a range of diverse and ambitious books for pupils to explore. The science laboratory is well equipped to allow pupils to carry out practical investigations and experiments. The school’s art base and music studio are well resourced to encourage pupils’ creative skills. Teaching staff show confidence in the use of these resources.

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Assessment

The proposed school has a clear assessment policy. It details clear processes to check what pupils know and remember when they are admitted to the school. This information will then be used to shape the curriculum and support that pupils need.

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Assessment

Leaders intend that assessment information will be routinely gathered to allow leaders to check how well pupils learn over time. This will be used, alongside pupils’ education, health and care plan targets, to inform reports to local authorities and parents.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met. Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 4

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pupils

The proposed school’s curriculum and pastoral support systems provide pupils with many opportunities for wider personal development. Pupils will be expected to develop an understanding of fundamental British values, equalities and diversity. The curriculum content includes teaching pupils about a range of cultures and faiths. Pupils are likely to have opportunities to learn about a range of artists and music.

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pupils

Pupils are likely to benefit from weekly mentoring sessions which will aim to develop their self-esteem, resilience and confidence. Leaders are keen to give pupils a sense of belonging through the community provision where the whole school will come together and discuss key events and contextual issues. Leaders intend that pupils will start their school day in their ‘home bases’ where they will touch base with familiar staff who will support them in being ready for the day ahead.

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pupils

Pupils are likely to be prepared for life beyond school through their use of the community kitchen and in their interactions with visitors to the school. Leaders plan to utilise the locality through enriching trips and experiences. Pupils will have opportunities to attend local tennis and boxing clubs.

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pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Safeguarding

Leaders understand their statutory responsibilities in terms of safeguarding. They recognise the additional vulnerabilities and risks their pupils may face. The designated safeguarding lead ensures that staff have suitable training and show confidence in reporting any concerns. Leaders work with other agencies to understand contextual risks. Safeguarding leaders know how and when to make referrals to other services. The governing body and proprietor understand their responsibilities. They have appropriate systems in place to assure themselves about the effectiveness of the school’s safeguarding procedures.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school’s behaviour policy and associated systems take into account the needs of pupils with SEND. There is likely to be an emphasis on nurture and promoting pupils’ wellbeing. The proprietor intends that staff will receive ongoing training to support them in the delivery of the school’s behaviour management approach. Leaders will be able to have oversight of any behaviour incidents through an online recording system. This will allow them to identify and address any themes and individual needs. Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 5 The school’s restrictive intervention policy details the circumstances and subsequent procedures when seclusion or restraint may be used. Staff have already received training in how to carry out and report any such incidents to leaders and parents and carers. The school’s exclusion policy is appropriate.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders have clear plans for the deployment of staff to ensure that pupils are well supervised. They have contingency plans in the event of staff absence and sufficient capacity across the staff team.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school has an appropriate anti-bullying strategy. The curriculum includes content about how to identify bullying, including online incidents, and report to school staff. Record-keeping will allow leaders oversight of any patterns and themes.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The health and safety policy meets requirements. It is clear about the key roles and responsibilities. The policy is adapted for the school site with appropriate risk assessments and routine checks in place. The site is checked daily and there are regular routines in place to check fire procedures, water temperature and quality and electrical equipment. Upstairs windows now have the required restrictors in place to prevent them opening widely. This has addressed issues identified at the previous inspection whereby some checks on electrical equipment had not been caried out.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The fire safety risk assessment is up to date. All issues identified in the previous pre-registration inspection have been addressed. For example, fire doors operate properly and exits are clearly signed and free from obstructions. Fire safety equipment is appropriate, and several staff have been trained as fire marshals. Leaders demonstrated an understanding of how to check if pupils need personal evacuation plans. Furniture and flooring meets fire safety requirements.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The procedures for first aid are detailed in the school’s policy. All current staff have received appropriate first-aid training. This has addressed issues with training identified at the previous pre-registration inspection. Medical kits are available across the school site and contain suitable materials.

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Admissions and attendance

There is a suitable admissions policy in place. Leaders expect to admit pupils from a range of local authorities. They have established relationships with many of these authorities through their current offer of alternative provision. Appropriate Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 6 transition procedures have been carefully created, considering the proposed pupils’ needs and past educational experiences.

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Admissions and attendance

The school has suitable systems to record pupils’ admissions and attendance. Leaders intend to use online systems to record and analyse pupils’ attendance and absence levels. Following bespoke induction and transition procedures, leaders have the expectation for all pupils to attend school full time.

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Risk assessment

The proposed school has a risk assessment policy which is adapted for the school site and the proposed users. It provides clarity about roles and responsibilities. At the previous pre-registration inspection, leaders lacked understanding about the requirements for risk assessments. This has been suitably addressed through additional training. Leaders were able to demonstrate their understanding of the requirements of the policy. Risk assessments for individuals, the site and specific events were understood, and appropriately identify and mitigate risks.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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

Appropriate recruitment checks have been completed for proprietors, governors, school leaders and staff. This includes checks in terms of medical fitness. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding about their statutory responsibilities in terms of ‘safer recruitment’ principles. The school does not intend to use supply staff or have any voluntary positions. However, leaders know the checks that would be required should this situation change.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school will continue to use the electronic single central record they have implemented for the current alternative provision. This is used to record the necessary checks that have been completed on staff appointed to date. The single central record is routinely checked by the proprietor and the governing body.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met. Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 7

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and showers

Toilets and washing facilities are appropriate for the proposed age range of pupils who will attend this school. Drinking water is clearly labelled. Hot and cold water supplies are maintained at suitable temperatures and appropriately labelled.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The school has a medical room which has appropriate equipment and resources. It includes access to a sink, toilet and a bed for pupils who may need medical attention.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proposed school is located in a large, two-story building and an additional unit of three rooms. The school building is maintained to a high standard. Teaching spaces are appropriate for the intended number of pupils. Pupils will have access to comfortable seating and work desks to complete their learning. Specialist learning areas are suitably equipped for art, music, science and food technology.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school site is secure with surrounding walls and fencing. Leaders intend that pupils will be dropped off at the rear car park and enter the school site through a door controlled by an electronic entrance system. Pupils will not have access to the front of the site which leads to a main road.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Leaders ensure that healthy and safety checks are routinely conducted. These include fire and evacuation procedures. All windows on the first floor have restrictors fitted which prevent them from being fully opened.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The school building has appropriate lighting and acoustics. Rooms are airy and spacious with windows and doors which allow natural light.

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Outdoor space

The school grounds are well maintained. There are routes through the grounds which support pupils, staff and visitors who have mobility needs. The grounds have a gardening area, comfortable seating and equipment for pupils to use during their social times.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met. Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 8

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor and leaders know what information must be made available to parents and published on the school’s website. The website contains policies in line with the standards. Leaders have considered how this information will be shared with those who do not speak English as their first language.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders understand the information which must be shared with local authorities. They have established relationships with many of the likely commissioning authorities. Leaders have created a format for sharing information with parents through annual reports about their child’s learning and wellbeing.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The complaints policy is appropriate and accessible to parents on the school’s website. It details clear procedures with associated timescales for each stage. Leaders have given due consideration to the makeup of a complaints panel, should they need to hold a stage 3 hearing.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has a suitable accessibility plan which meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

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

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About this inspection

Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs. Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 9 This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. The first inspection took place on 20 August 2025.

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About this inspection

The inspectors spoke with members of the proprietor body, the governing body and senior leaders during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The inspectors reviewed a range of documentation and policies.

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About this inspection

The inspectors toured the school site with the headteacher and the school’s business manager.

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About this inspection

The chair of the proprietor body is Caroline Herbert.

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About this inspection

The inspectors confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for up to 20 pupils aged 11 to 18 years. Pupils will have educational and health care plans which reflect their social, emotional and mental health needs.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is located at Audley House, 15 Walton Terrace, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7QY.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Team inspector

Simon Graydon His Majesty’s Inspector Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 2026 10

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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 18

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 10

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teaching staff

Email address aylesbury-admin@rbet.ac Red Balloon Aylesbury, 5 August 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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