The Haefen Independent Special School

The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 1 The Haefen Independent Special School Jacques Hall, Harwich Road, Bradfield, Essex CO11 2XW

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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 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 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 is Life Education Trust. The multi-academy trust runs 13 schools. This includes secondary, primary and special schools. Within the trust, they have run successfully an independent special school for over 10 years. The proprietor, trustees and governors have relevant experience of working in both state and independent sectors of education as well as with pupils with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND). The proprietor will ensure effective oversight of the school and its provision through the deployment of its central team. The proprietor proposes to have a governing body. The governing body will report on provision for standards, stakeholders, safeguarding, SEND and spirituality. They will also keep a close eye on whether the school meets consistently the independent school standards (the standards) over time. In addition, the The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 2

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

proprietor will utilise external expertise from other multi-academy trusts to provide independent review.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that leaders appointed to the school have the requisite knowledge, skills and experience. They have run successful primary schools and specially resourced provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. They also have the qualifications and experience of the role of special educational needs coordinator.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has started to appoint staff to the setting. These have relevant SEND experience. They have worked in other schools in the trust. Therefore, they know and understand the trust’s expectations and values. They have worked extensively with the trust’s systems for looking after the welfare and wellbeing of pupils.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Staff have access to a comprehensive training package from the trust. They will also take part in the trust’s networks for sharing practice across schools. The continued development of staff will ensure that they are suitably equipped to work with pupils who will be in receipt of education, health and care (EHC) plans.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if it is registered.

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Curriculum

The proposed school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. It is envisaged that pupils will have experienced trauma in their lives. It may be the case that they previously attended school intermittently. All will have EHC plans. The pupils will be taught in small class sizes.

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Curriculum

The aim is to empower pupils with the skills, confidence and resilience they need for future independence. To this end, the proposed school will run an ambitious and broad curriculum. It is based upon the expectations in the national curriculum. The intention is to equip pupils, so they know how to learn and manage their behaviour. There is a sharp focus on the basics, such as learning number. Pupils will follow a systematic synthetic phonics programme to help them to learn to read and write. This will be combined with a thematic curriculum which has a strong emphasis on outdoor education. Pupils will have access to forest school on site as well as learning at the beach.

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Curriculum

There is an appropriate and well-sequenced personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum. This includes content on relationships and sex education (RSE) and fundamental British values. The RSE policy reflects the The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 3 current government guidance. The trust will adopt a new policy in September when national changes occur. Parents and carers will be consulted on the RSE policy and curriculum as part of the induction process when their child first joins the school.

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Teaching

The proposed school’s curriculum policy outlines the expectations of delivery for staff. The SEND and inclusion policy also provides helpful guidance to staff on approaches for teaching pupils with SEND and pupils who speak English as an additional language.

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Teaching

Staff who have qualified teacher status will deliver lessons. They will also have experience of teaching primary-aged pupils and pupils with SEND. Each teacher will have an assigned class they are responsible for. They will be supported by learning support assistants who will receive training on how to support the needs of pupils.

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Teaching

Leaders will follow a programme of quality assurance activities to check on the quality of teaching. This will inform subsequent training for teachers.

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Assessment

Leaders will ascertain what pupils know and understand when they first join the setting. They will also use other information they have from commissioning local authorities. This will give them a clear picture of pupils’ starting points.

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Assessment

Leaders intend to assess pupils continually through the school year. They will log their findings in a digital platform. This will help leaders to have an overview of how well pupils progress academically and with the targets on their EHC plans.

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Assessment

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

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pupils

The trust’s spirituality policy will apply to the proposed school. The vision is for pupils to flourish, belong, achieve and contribute to society. The curriculum intends to develop pupils’ awareness of themselves and their understanding of others. This includes learning about other cultures and faiths. Pupils will be encouraged to appreciate the beauty in the natural world as well as reflect upon the meaning of life. Across the trust, there are opportunities for pupils to explore spirituality. Pupils in the proposed school will have access to these opportunities, such as visits and enrichment days. The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 4 The proposed school has a British values strategy. This outlines leaders’ intention to prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain. The curriculum will enable pupils to learn about fundamental British values. For example, they will explore democracy and how that works in the

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pupils

The proposed school will have a restorative ethos. Leaders intend pupils learn to take responsibility for their behaviour. To achieve this, pupils will have the opportunity to undertake farm duties and community projects. This will help pupils to understand how they can contribute to society.

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pupils

The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if it is registered.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy that reflects the latest statutory guidance. It is published on the school’s website. The trust’s schools will adopt a new safeguarding policy in September. This occurs annually. There is an electronic system that is in place to record safeguarding concerns. This is used across the proprietor’s other schools.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school has suitably qualified staff to undertake the role of the designated safeguarding lead. All staff will receive safeguarding training as part of their induction. They will receive daily briefings to help inform their understanding of how to help and support pupils.

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Safeguarding

Leaders will have access to advice on safeguarding matters through the central team at the trust. Staff will also benefit from the trust’s central training for safeguarding.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

There are clear and detailed policies and procedures in place for staff to follow. This is so pupils know and understand the school’s rules and routines. There is helpful guidance for staff on how to make reasonable adjustments to their approach. This also includes how to manage situations when pupils may display complex and risky behaviour. Leaders are qualified trainers for positive handling. They intend to run training so that all staff are confident in its use.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school will use the trust’s electronic system for recording behaviour incidents. The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 5

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school’s antibullying policy outlines the processes staff are to follow when there are incidents of bullying.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school will use the trust’s electronic system for recording incidents of bullying. This includes prejudicial and cyber bullying.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The policies that ensure the safety of pupils and staff comply with relevant health and safety laws. Several of the new staff are first-aid trained. This includes personnel with the first aid at work certification.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has ensured that the new school has a fire risk assessment in place. Leaders have suitably designated fire assembly points so that pupils and staff will be safe if they need to evacuate. The proprietor had the building assessed to ascertain its suitability for the purposes of a school.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

There is a comprehensive system of checks in place to ensure that the proposed school continues to meet its obligations, such as checking fire alarms and fire drill information.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Pupils will not have access to closed off areas of the school. Rooms that are not currently in use will remain locked. There are plans for high staff to pupil ratios. Staff will undertake supervision duties on a rota. There will be staggered entry to the school. The proprietor plans to admit 6 pupils in the first instance. This will build to full capacity over the space of 18 months.

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Admissions and attendance

The school has an appropriate admissions register, and electronic attendance register in place. Leaders know how to maintain these registers in accordance with statutory regulations.

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Risk assessment

The proposed school has a suitable risk assessment policy which sets out how risks will be measured and mitigated for. Leaders intend to adjust the generic risk assessments they currently have in place once they know pupils’ EHC plans and the behaviours they exhibit. They intend to review and update pupils’ individual risk assessments on a regular basis, including if any incidents happen.

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Risk assessment

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered. The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 6

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

The proprietor has ensured that safer recruitment processes have been followed for the appointment of new staff. All pre-employment checks have been completed for the newly appointed staff. Checks on the members of the proprietor body and the governing body have been completed.

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

Leaders know and understand the checks they need to make should they decide to use supply staff. They know they must receive written confirmation that relevant checks have been made on supply staff.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has put in place an electronic single central record of all the pre- employment checks on staff. This includes those staff that have started to work at the school as well as members of the proprietor body and governors.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

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and showers

Pupils have access to fresh drinking water throughout the site. This includes in some classrooms. These areas are clearly labelled so pupils know the water is safe to drink.

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and showers

The proposed school does not have to provide showering facilities for the age range of the pupils it will serve. However, there is access to showering facilities on the ground and first floors should pupils have the need for this. The water runs hot and cold. It does not present a scalding risk.

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and showers

There are toilets for pupils to use on each of the floors of the building. These are clearly demarcated according to gender.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The medical room is situated on the ground floor of the building. It has ample space to cater for the medical needs of pupils. It contains the requisite medical bed, lockable cabinet for medicines, first-aid kits and sink with hot and cold water. It is located adjacent to a row of toilets. The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 7

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school building has been carefully restored and reflects the historical period in which it was built. It is well maintained. The proprietor has ensured that it suits the purposes of the pupils it will serve. For example, there is double entry at the front of the building should pupils pose a flight risk. The roof garden is fully enclosed and is inaccessible. The banister of the sweeping staircase has been enclosed. There is panelling and safety glass to the ceiling.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The classrooms have been adapted for the needs of the pupils. They contain desks at which to study but also soft furnishings. There are multiple breakout rooms to facilitate one-to-one tuition, counselling and spaces to reset when need be. These are all equipped with the needs of the pupils in mind.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proposed school has a site manager who will undertake the schedule of maintenance checks. These will help to ensure the site is maintained to a high standard.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The site has large windows which let in natural light. While some windows do not open for safety reasons, all rooms have some windows that open. The proprietor looked closely at ventilation to ensure a comfortable environment for pupils and staff.

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Outdoor space

The school is situated in large grounds with adjacent fields. There is a nearby private footpath which the school can use to take the pupils to the nearby beach. There is an appropriate risk assessment in place for this.

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Outdoor space

The grounds of the school are clearly demarcated with high fencing that pupils will not be able to climb. Leaders have ensured that the landscaping of the grounds is such that pupils do not feel enclosed. The sweeping views over farmland and the estuary will help pupils’ sense of wellbeing. There is plenty of space in which to play. The school has a woodland area to run forest school activities.

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Outdoor space

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school has a website which has the required information for parents. The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 8 There is a centralised system in place to ensure that local authorities receive the information they need about children who are looked after and pupils with EHC plans. This includes financial information. The proposed school has a template for reporting to parents about pupils’ progress.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

A policy for handling complaints is in place. The policy provides clear guidance on the procedures, timescales, composition of the panel where required, representation and confidentiality.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has a centralised system for the collation and retention of complaints information.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

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The school's accessibility plan

The proposed school has an accessibility plan in place. The plan details how the school will ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum, information and the physical environment.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools.

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About this inspection

Inspectors checked the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

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

This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 9 The proposed school is located on one site. There is one school building which has multiple floors. The school will be based on the ground floor and the first floor. The second floor will be for administration and staffrooms for staff who work at the school.

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About this inspection

The proposed school plans to cater for pupils with EHC plans for social, emotional and mental health needs.

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About this inspection

There are no plans to use alternative provision. Inspectors met with the chair of the proprietor body, the chief executive officer for the trust who is also a member of the proprietor body, members of the governing body including the chair, the operations director for the trust, the executive headteacher, the head of school and the deputy head of school.

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About this inspection

Inspectors discussed the proposed school’s curriculum with leaders and looked at curriculum plans. They also discussed safeguarding arrangements and looked at the documentation and systems for this. This included scrutiny of the single central record.

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About this inspection

Inspectors toured the school site and considered a wide range of documentary evidence to check on the statutory requirements of the independent school standards.

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Team inspector

Caroline Crozier His Majesty's Inspector

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About this proposed school

Proprietor body Life Education Trust Chair of the proprietor body Louise Douglas Headteacher Nicky Patrick Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 50

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disabilities on roll

Provider's proposal: 50 The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 July 2026 10

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 5 to 11 Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £60,000 Email address office@thehaefenschool.co.uk The Haefen Independent Special School, 22 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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