Wragby School

Wragby School, 16 July 2026 1 Wragby School The Oswald Building, Wragby School, Doncaster Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF4 1QG

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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 (the standards) consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school to provide specialist education for pupils in Wakefield with social, emotional and mental health needs and autism. Leaders are working closely with the local authority to ensure that pupils receive the right provision within their locality. Through the proprietor’s network of existing academy schools, leaders have extensive knowledge and experience of specialist education. They propose to use this expertise to ensure that the proposed school will provide quality education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders have a thorough understanding of the standards and what is necessary to ensure that they are met consistently. Required policies and procedures have been carefully thought through and are already in place at the proposed school. The Wragby School, 16 July 2026 2 same quality assurance measures as used in the proprietor’s trust schools will be implemented at Wragby. These include for safeguarding, attendance, inclusion and the quality of education.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The school is situated in extensive grounds that were previously used as an independent school. The proprietor and the local authority have worked together to refurbish the building so that it is appropriate for the proposed pupils. The proprietor has also identified two additional sites located within walking distance which will accommodate a greater number of pupils. However, leaders have given careful thought to registering a smaller number of pupils on just one site initially, with the intention they will admit more pupils over time. They understand the requirement to apply to the Department for Education (DfE), for a material change when this becomes necessary. Leaders intend to focus on providing high-quality experiences and learning for a smaller number of key stage 3 pupils initially and only begin to increase the number on roll up to 84 once these pupils have settled into school life.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has established suitable processes to secure their strategic oversight of the school. They have appointed an experienced and knowledgeable principal and an assistant principal who is also a special educational needs coordinator. Senior leaders will be supported by experienced leaders from the proprietor’s trust schools. Teachers and other staff have been appointed with consideration for their existing expertise. Well-established systems, already used in the proprietor’s trust schools will be implemented so that the proposed school will be monitored and evaluated for its effectiveness in the same way. For example, pupils’ progress through the curriculum and health, safety and welfare will be checked through weekly visits and meetings with leaders and monitoring of the school’s systems remotely.

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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 proposed school is approved to be registered.

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Curriculum

Leaders have designed a detailed and ambitious curriculum for the proposed school. They have considered pupils’ SEND and how the curriculum will be organised and taught with pupils’ education, health and care plan (EHC plan) at the heart of their learning and provision. Pupils will follow one of three distinct curriculum pathways. These pathways are flexible so that pupils can move between them if necessary. Leaders have ensured that each pathway is progressively mapped to build pupils’ knowledge and skills across different curriculum subjects. Wragby School, 16 July 2026 3 Schemes of work are appropriate for the proposed ages and stages of pupils. Leaders are mindful of pupils’ different starting points. The schemes of work identified will provide suitable guidance for teachers in their lesson design and in making adaptations to learning to meet pupils’ individual needs. Leaders have gained detailed knowledge about pupils who are likely to attend the school from

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Curriculum

the autumn term if the school is approved to open. They are working closely with parents and carers, pupils’ current schools and the local authority to identify what provision pupils require and to understand pupils’ starting points when they join the school.

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Curriculum

The different curriculum pathways identify ambitious end points for pupils. The more formal and semi-formal pathways provide pupils with opportunities to gain qualifications but through different routes. The third pathway will provide more personalised learning and support for pupils with more specific needs such as speech, language and communication. All pathways place appropriate emphasis on pupils securing important foundational knowledge across curriculum subjects but particularly in English and mathematics. Reading is to be prioritised. For example, leaders have identified a suitable phonics programme for pupils in the early stages of learning to read. Staff are to receive relevant training to teach phonics with consistency.

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Curriculum

The proposed school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum which includes relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE), is suitable. Leaders intend to adapt and supplement this curriculum with additional personalised learning and specific events both within school and within the local community.

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Curriculum

Leaders are dedicated to ensuring that pupils are well prepared for life within their local community and in the wider world. They are ambitious for pupils to make a meaningful contribution to Wakefield and aspire for pupils to have career opportunities within the city. Leaders have identified how they will promote further education, training and careers education opportunities. They aim to provide pupils with the therapeutic support and meaningful learning experiences they need to enable them to develop independence and achieve their full potential.

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Teaching

The proprietor has extensive knowledge and understanding of working within the special school sector. They have worked closely with the local authority to identify precisely what provision and teaching is needed to support the pupils who will attend the proposed school. They have appointed appropriately experienced leaders and staff who will work closely with leaders and staff across the proprietor’s established trust schools. Wragby School, 16 July 2026 4 Leaders have designed a comprehensive programme of professional development for staff. This training programme is appropriate and is intended to evolve over time and in response to pupils’ emerging needs. It aims to equip staff with the necessary expertise to teach the curriculum effectively and provide pupils with personalised support.

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Teaching

The proprietor has established methods to monitor and evaluate the quality of curriculum and teaching. Leaders plan to review teaching and learning on a regular basis to ensure that it is high quality. Where staff need support, leaders intend to provide prompt advice and guidance. Leaders recognise that pupils will have very different starting points and needs. They intend to ensure that all staff understand how to use pupils’ individual EHC plans effectively to provide pupils with the right support, adapt their learning and provide opportunities to ensure they are successful.

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Assessment

Leaders have implemented a suitable assessment system that has proved effective in the proprietor’s specialist trust schools. It is designed to support teachers in assessing and tracking pupils’ progress through the curriculum and against their EHC plan targets. It identifies the small steps in learning across all subjects and will support teachers to identify what to teach next, allocate extra support and set appropriate future targets for pupils. Leaders intend that pupils’ achievements will be monitored closely, used to inform annual reviews of pupils’ EHC plans, and reported to parents regularly.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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pupils

Leaders have thought carefully about the PSHE curriculum that the proposed school will provide. It is supported by a suitable scheme of work that includes statutory content. The school’s personal development programme focuses on supporting pupils to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. There are detailed policies including for RSHE. Leaders intend that the school’s curriculum drivers of ‘communication, regulation, independence, relationships and aspirations’, will help pupils to develop confidence, resilience and readiness for adulthood. Pupils will be taught about fundamental British values, equality and diversity. Opportunities for pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding are woven throughout the curriculum, through specific aspects of the PSHE curriculum and through wider enrichment opportunities and focused assemblies. Pupils will learn

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pupils

Wragby School, 16 July 2026 5 about a range of different faiths and cultures. They will develop their understanding of responsibility through leadership roles such as school councillors.

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pupils

Leaders have appropriate plans to ensure that pupils are active members of the local community to prepare them for life beyond school. Pupils will take part in local community events, enrichment opportunities, work experience and volunteer activities.

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pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has put in place a relevant safeguarding policy that is in line with the latest statutory guidance. It is published on the school’s website. Leaders are aware of the forthcoming updates to this guidance in September 2026 and have appropriate plans to amend the policy to reflect these changes.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have rigorous procedures to monitor, record and follow up any safeguarding concerns. They have a secure understanding of their responsibilities and the likely vulnerabilities of pupils. The same effective procedures used in the proprietors’ trust schools will be established at Wragby including for staff training. Leaders have suitably robust plans for the induction of new staff and intend to maintain regular safeguarding audits of the effectiveness of safeguarding. Pupils will be taught about how to keep themselves safe, including when online.

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Behaviour, anti-bullying and supervision of pupils

Leaders have designed appropriate policies and procedures for behaviour and anti- bullying. These policies focus on utilising the same successful practice that has been established in the proprietor’s academy special school settings. The policies outline the intended strategies which consider pupils social, emotional and mental health needs carefully. Positive behaviour management approaches are advocated. Leaders aim to, ‘foster a culture rooted in shared values such as respect, responsibility, resilience, and ambition’.

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Behaviour, anti-bullying and supervision of pupils

All staff will receive training in how to manage behaviour issues effectively, understand the reasons for pupils’ behaviour and provide pupils with sensitive support. The school environment including large open outdoor areas are designed to help pupils develop ways to manage their own behaviour, ease their anxiety and maintain positive mental and physical health. When necessary, pupils will have individual risk assessments to keep them safe. Therapeutic support will be provided for pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs. Wragby School, 16 July 2026 6 Systems to report and log any incidents of unacceptable behaviour are in place. Leaders intend to scrutinise these systems regularly to ensure that the welfare of pupils is high priority.

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Behaviour, anti-bullying and supervision of pupils

The proprietor understands the requirements stated in the DfE’s guidance regarding the use of restrictive interventions. Suitable staff training and procedures including for recording and reporting the use of these strategies, have been identified.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a comprehensive health and safety policy. The proprietor has implemented effective health and safety systems overseen by the proprietor’s estates management team. Relevant policies and procedures for health and safety including fire safety and first aid, are suitable to ensure staff and pupils are kept safe.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

A pertinent fire risk assessment has been completed and identified actions have been addressed. Leaders plan to update the fire risk assessment on a regular basis. Relevant checks on water quality and suitability of the building are carried out. Fire-safety equipment and signage have been fitted. Fire-fighting equipment has been checked and renewed where needed. These and other checks such as on fire alarms and electrical equipment are planned to take place on a regular basis.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school’s first-aid policy is suitably detailed. There is clear guidance for the storage and administration of medication. First-aid boxes are in place around the school site including in the medical room. Staff will receive relevant first-aid training.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has suitable admission and attendance registers. These contain the necessary information. The registers are stored securely using electronic systems. Leaders understand the requirements to record attendance accurately and will follow the DfE’s guidance when completing attendance registers. Leaders intend to promote the importance of regular attendance and work closely with families to support any pupils who struggle to attend.

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Risk assessment

The proposed school has a clear and suitably detailed risk assessment policy. Risk assessments completed for different aspects of the school’s provision follow the guidance outlined in the policy. They highlight potential risks, existing measures to Wragby School, 16 July 2026 7 control them and actions to be taken to mitigate risks further. For example, risks when using the school’s outside spaces and from planned off-site activities.

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Risk assessment

Risk assessments will be checked and rated regularly to ensure that they are precise and all possible risks identified to keep pupils safe. Staff will receive training to complete risk assessments so that there is a consistent approach. Leaders intend to consider the needs of the pupils when they are admitted to the school and when needed, put relevant risk assessments in place for individual pupils.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has a comprehensive understanding of the importance of thoroughly checking the suitability of staff to work with children. Leaders have suitable procedures in place to ensure that all relevant checks are completed in a timely way and before staff commence their employment at the proposed school. The school does not intend to use supply staff, but leaders know what to do if this becomes necessary in the future. The completed checks, including for the proprietor body are recorded securely on the school’s single central record. The proprietor intends to monitor this record regularly to ensure it is compliant with statutory guidance and the standards.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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and showers

The proposed school building has 2 floors. There are appropriate toilet and washing facilities for pupils, including an accessible toilet. All are equipped with hot and cold running water at the required temperature. Water suitable for drinking is clearly labelled. Pupils will be provided with individual water bottles that they can refill throughout the school day. Wragby School, 16 July 2026 8 The school has large outside spaces for breaktimes, socialising and sports. A separate pavilion is provided with several showers, toileting facilities and single- sex changing rooms. Leaders also intend to utilise local amenities for sports such as swimming.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proposed school has a well-equipped medical room with suitable washing and toilet facilities. The room is equipped with an appropriate bed and first-aid equipment for the short-term care of pupils.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises have been refurbished to a high standard. Most of the equipment and furniture in the proposed school are new and in good working order. Classrooms are of suitable size and are light and airy. They are sensitively designed to consider pupils’ potential sensory requirements.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Leaders have undertaken appropriate health and safety checks to ensure that the school is suitable for pupils. The proprietor maintains a schedule of routine monitoring to ensure that health and safety measures are effective and meet the requirements of the standards. When action is identified, leaders act swiftly to ensure concerns are addressed.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor originally proposed for the school to be registered to admit up to 120 pupils across 3 separate school buildings. However, the proprietor intends to start with one school site initially and a smaller number of pupils. Leaders understand that this site is only suitable for up to 84 pupils.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Classrooms are well lit, calm spaces for pupils to learn. Leaders have thought carefully about the size of classrooms and the type of resources required to meet pupils’ needs well. The school is thoughtfully decorated to help pupils to concentrate and reduce their anxiety. Classrooms are equipped with suitable resources to support pupils with SEND. Leaders have made appropriate plans to extend these resources in the coming weeks when they have more information about pupils’ individual needs and learning requirements.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Internal and external lighting is suitable across the school site. Leaders have adjusted the ceilings in some classrooms to ensure that the acoustics in all classrooms are appropriate. Wragby School, 16 July 2026 9

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Outdoor space

The proposed school site has extensive outside space which is suitable. This includes a large playing field, separate playground and sports area. Leaders intend to enhance these spaces further with outdoor gym equipment. They have identified a designated area for pupils to grow plants and vegetables. The proprietor has secured the entire school perimeter with fencing. Within the school, there is a small dining area which will also serve as an area for indoor sports when necessary. On occasions, the school may also use local leisure centre facilities.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has created a website for the proposed school. This includes all the required information including relevant policies and procedures. These will also be made available to parents on request from the school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Appropriate provision is in place on the school’s website to report pupil’s achievements. Leaders have identified a suitable template for annual reports to parents. The proprietor has prepared a pertinent document to adequately report income and expenditure to the local authority for the commissioning of places. Leaders have the necessary systems in place to provide information about annual review processes for pupils’ EHC plans.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has created an appropriate complaints policy. The policy is published on the school’s website and contains the necessary information such as about the different stages of the complaints procedure. There are clear timescales stated. The proprietor understands the requirements to report and record any complaints against the school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is approved to be registered.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school has a relevant accessibility plan that outlines leaders’ approach to ensure that the school fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the Wragby School, 16 July 2026 10 Equality Act 2010. Leaders plan to review this regularly to reflect pupils’ needs as the number on roll increases.

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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.

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About this inspection

The inspector discussed arrangements for the proposed school, reviewed relevant documentation and had a tour of the school site. The inspector met with the chair of the proprietary board, the principal of the proposed school, the chief executive officer (CEO) and deputy CEO of the Venn Academy Trust, the regional director and various other leaders for the trust who will be responsible for the oversight of the proposed school.

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About this inspection

The school proposes to admit pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, speech, language and communication needs and severe learning difficulties. All pupils will have an EHC plan.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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Lead inspector

Stephanie Innes-Taylor His Majesty’s Inspector

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About this proposed school

Proprietor Venn Education Group Headteacher Rachael Law Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 84

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Number of full-time pupils of

compulsory school age on roll Provider’s proposal: 84

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s proposal: 0 Wragby School, 16 July 2026 11

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 8 - 16 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

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

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teaching staff

Email address wra-admin@vennacademy.org Wragby School, 16 July 2026 12 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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