THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL

THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL, 15 July 2026 1 THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL Shustoke Hall, Moat House Lane, Shustoke, Shustoke B46 2RJ

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented

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report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending.

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report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards (the standards) that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school's likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards (the standards) first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of 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 supports the school’s leaders through a systematic approach to gathering, reviewing and evaluating information. This approach is proving successful and the proprietor has an accurate view of the effectiveness of provision. Clear leadership structures are in place that have helped ensure that the standards have been maintained over time. THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL, 15 July 2026 2 The proprietor has considered the impact of increasing pupil numbers and opening an additional school site. They have carefully planned how the school will operate across both sites. These plans have included the introduction of a range of quality assurance checks to oversee the effectiveness of provision.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders intend to increase the number of pupils on roll gradually over time. They have a well-considered plan to manage this growth while ensuring that the school’s provision remains effective. For example, they plan to increase the size of the staff team in line with pupil numbers.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards that the DfE commissioned Ofsted to check in this inspection are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved for implementation.

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Safeguarding, health and safety, fire and risk assessment

Leaders have established effective safeguarding arrangements that are well matched to pupils’ needs. Staff receive regular training and updates, enabling them to report concerns promptly. Leaders maintain accurate records and take appropriate action to support and help pupils when necessary. They have reviewed safeguarding arrangements in preparation for the proposed changes, including matters regarding staffing, communication and systems of oversight. Leaders’ planned arrangements suggest that safeguarding is likely to remain effective as the school expands across two sites.

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Safeguarding, health and safety, fire and risk assessment

The proprietor has ensured that effective systems are in place to manage health and safety arrangements. Staff have clear roles and responsibilities to ensure that the school is safe. They carry out regular checks, maintain accurate records and act promptly when required. Leaders have adapted their procedures to reflect the proposed increase in the number of pupils. A range of health and safety checks have already been completed at the proposed additional site.

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Safeguarding, health and safety, fire and risk assessment

Leaders give appropriate priority to fire safety and ensure that fire risk assessments are reviewed regularly. Clear procedures are in place to check on fire safety equipment. Staff are clear about their roles in fire evacuation routines. The school’s established approach has been extended to include the proposed. additional site. It is likely that fire safety arrangements will remain effective.

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Safeguarding, health and safety, fire and risk assessment

Pupils are supervised well throughout the school day. They are taught in small groups and many receive one-to-one support. This allows staff to supervise pupils closely. Staff build positive relationships with pupils and support their wellbeing. Leaders have planned staffing carefully as the school expands. Effective supervision is likely to be maintained if the material change is granted. THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL, 15 July 2026 3 The proprietor has established an organised approach to risk assessment. Leaders identify risks in a systematic way and assess measures to manage these risks. Existing records demonstrate that these procedures are implemented consistently well. The proprietor has extended these processes to cover the proposed additional site and planned increase in pupil numbers.

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Safeguarding, health and safety, fire and risk assessment

The standards that the DfE commissioned Ofsted to check in this inspection are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved for implementation.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

Leaders have begun to recruit additional staff in preparation for the proposed change. Leaders understand the needs of pupils who attend and carefully consider the qualifications, experience and suitability of prospective staff. They complete all required pre-employment checks before staff join the school, in line with the guidance of the DfE.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

Checks on the suitability of staff and members of the proprietor body are recorded accurately on the school’s single central record.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards that the DfE commissioned Ofsted to check in this inspection are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved for implementation.

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needs

The school provides suitable toilet and washing facilities, as well as convenient access to drinking water. Pupils access showering facilities when needed. The school’s medical room is well equipped with necessary resources for administering first aid.

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needs

The proposed additional site has been refurbished to a high standard. Suitable toilet and washing facilities are available on each floor. A well-equipped medical room includes secure medicine storage. In addition, dedicated therapy rooms have been designed to support the school in meeting the needs of pupils who are likely to attend. THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL, 15 July 2026 4

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conditions, outdoor space

The existing premises are maintained to a high standard and provide a safe environment for pupils. Leaders make regular checks to ensure the safety of the premises. The proposed additional site has been refurbished to a similar standard. The site includes a range of safety features such as well-maintained equipment and clear signage in case of fire evacuation.

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conditions, outdoor space

Classrooms provide suitable spaces for learning, with appropriate lighting and conditions that support pupils’ needs. The proposed additional site provides spacious, well-ventilated classrooms with good acoustic conditions. The rooms are designed to accommodate small groups and there is sufficient space for educating the proposed increase in capacity.

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conditions, outdoor space

The school benefits from extensive, well-resourced outside areas that support pupils’ play, learning and physical development. The proposed additional site also provides ample outdoor space that is likely to be utilised well.

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conditions, outdoor space

The standards that the DfE commissioned Ofsted to check in this inspection are likely to continue to be met if the material change is approved for implementation.

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The school's accessibility plan

The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, 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 inspectors spoke with representatives of the proprietor board, the headteacher and other members of staff. The lead inspector also spoke with pupils. THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL, 15 July 2026 5 Since the previous inspection, there has been a change of proprietor. The school has been part of the Witherslack Group Ltd since September 2025.

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About this inspection

All pupils who attend the school have education, health and care plans. The school admits pupils with communication and interaction needs. Some pupils also have social, emotional and mental health needs.

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About this inspection

The school does not use any alternative provision.

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Lead inspector

Jonathan Leonard His Majesty's Inspector

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Chair of the proprietor body

Witherslack Group Ltd Richard Wilkins Headteacher Mrs Elle Guest Type of school Other independent school Capacity 76

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 6 to 19 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £74,000 to £125,000 Email address elle.guest@witherslackgroup.co.uk THE SECRET GARDEN SCHOOL, 15 July 2026 6 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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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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