Aspire and Achieve

Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication Aspire and Achieve Fieldhead Carr Community Centre, Naburn Approach, Whinmoor, Leeds, LS14 2EG

p.1

report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

p.1

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.

p.1

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.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor proposes to open an independent school for pupils aged 11 to 16 years old. Most of these pupils will have social, emotional and mental health needs, an autism spectrum diagnosis and some may have moderate learning difficulties. The proprietor has prior experience working with pupils with these specific special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school occupies part of a building that is also used by a local rugby club. The proprietor currently operates a separate alternative provision (AP), known as Aspire and Achieve, in the same building as the proposed school for pupils between the age of 11 and 16.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has appointed some staff to the proposed school already. The proprietor intends to appoint additional staff and make use of visiting specialists to provide targeted therapeutic support, for example. Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication The proprietor already has ensured there are systems and training in place to provide staff with a secure understanding of potential safeguarding risks. The proprietor understands the importance of aligning staff training with the risks that are particularly relevant to pupils who attend the setting and those that exist in the local area around the school and where pupils may attend from. The proposed school has a clear safeguarding policy that outlines how to report concerns about a pupil and what might constitute a concern. Leaders can clearly articulate the systems and processes that will help to safeguard pupils thoroughly. Leaders

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

understand which external agencies or individuals to speak to for advice and guidance if needed.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school will utilise external professionals who work in the sector to support and advise leaders independently. This work would include checking on compliance with the independent schools’ standards, safeguarding processes and staff wellbeing. Members of the proprietary body have the knowledge and experiences to undertake these roles should the Department for Education (DfE) decide to register it.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is registered.

p.2

Curriculum and Teaching

The proposed school has a suitable curriculum in place that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of pupils who may attend the school. The curriculum policy clearly details how pupils will be supported to make progress in a range of subjects. These include subjects such as English and mathematics, history and physical education as well as a range of vocational subjects. The intended curriculum is ambitious and would allow pupils to obtain appropriate formal qualifications should the Department for Education (DfE) decide to register the school. Schemes of work are in place to support the teaching of the curriculum and clearly set out what pupils will learn at each stage of their education. Leaders can articulate how the curriculum will be adapted for pupil’s different starting points and for those with SEND.

p.2

Curriculum and Teaching

The proprietor intends that the curriculum will be taught by staff with relevant experience working with pupils with SEND. Ongoing professional learning will be provided to ensure all staff have the knowledge and skills required to provide a high-quality curriculum experience for pupils. The relationships and health education curriculum covers the relevant statutory requirements in an age- appropriate manner. This curriculum also promotes tolerance and will help pupils Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication to understand what it means to live in a diverse British society. The personal, social and health education that leaders have planned covers a wide range of relevant topics including mental health, wellbeing, financial awareness and personal safety.

p.2

Assessment

The proprietor understands that pupils who will attend the proposed school may have significant gaps in their knowledge and/or additional barriers to learning. The proposed school’s assessment systems take account of this and leaders propose that pupils will be closely monitored at each stage of their education to ensure gaps are quickly closing. The proprietor intends to utilise their experience of running an alternative provision to ensure that the checks staff complete allow them to accurately identify pupil’s starting points to help staff build upon these. Further checks will be used to help adults understand how well pupils are learning the intended curriculum.

p.3

Assessment

The proposed school’s curriculum takes account of pupil’s varied starting points. Staff will adaptations to what is taught and in what order where this is necessary. If staff identify significant skills gaps, for example in pupil’s literacy or numeracy, leaders have suitable plans to address these. Leaders have an appropriate reporting process to keep parents informed of pupils’ progress throughout their time at school.

p.3

Assessment

The proposed school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.3

pupils

Suitable plans are in place to teach pupils about fundamental British values and the importance of tolerance and acceptance within a diverse society. The proposed curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge by placing it in context so that pupils can develop an appreciation of those who are different from themselves. Leaders intend that this curriculum will be enhanced by visiting speakers and a programme of educational trips and visits.

p.3

pupils

The proprietor is committed to enhancing pupil’s cultural and social awareness. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding will be developed through a range of learning opportunities, a planned curriculum and enrichment activities.

p.3

pupils

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part of the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication

p.3

Safeguarding and supervision of pupils

The proprietor understands their statutory duties in relation to safeguarding. Their intended systems and processes are based upon a sound knowledge of safeguarding practice. The proprietor has refined their approach to safeguarding by building on the experience gained while operating their existing alternative provision. Training for staff will take place at regular intervals throughout the year. Leaders have considered how to check on staff knowledge of different safeguarding matters. They have a clear strategy for addressing any gaps in this knowledge. Leaders who will have responsibility for safeguarding at the proposed school have the requisite knowledge and expertise to undertake their roles. They partake in regular training provided by external specialists. This enables them to maintain a secure understanding of contextual safeguarding matters.

p.4

Safeguarding and supervision of pupils

The proprietor understands their legal obligations in relation to passing on concerns about any member of staff to the local authority designated officer if needed. The proposed school has established informal partnerships with relevant specialists to support their oversight of safeguarding. The proposed school is a small setting and suitable supervision of pupils has been arranged to maintain their wellbeing and safety whilst on site.

p.4

Safeguarding and supervision of pupils

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part of the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.4

Behaviour and anti-bullying

The proprietor has an appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policy in place to support the conduct and wellbeing of pupils at the intended school. These policies set out the schools’ expectations for the management of pupil behaviour and how to address any incidents of bullying. The schools’ policy on exclusions is clear and meets statutory guidelines. The proprietor understands their duties regarding the use of physical restraint and has trained staff in relational approaches to behaviour to maintain a positive ethos at the proposed school. Staff training connected to pupil’s individual behavioural needs will be provided to staff at the proposed school. Leaders intend to enhance this training with input from experts in a range of behavioural needs.

p.4

Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proprietor has produced an appropriate health and safety policy as well as one pertaining to risk assessments. The proprietor understands how to implement Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication these policies effectively should the proposed school be registered. The building is maintained well so as to support a safe environment for staff and pupils. The proprietor understands their responsibilities regarding the health, safety and welfare of both pupils and staff. The proprietor has carefully considered the risks posed to pupils while undertaking physical activity, visiting local places of interest and taking part in cookery or dance lessons. Risk assessments set out clearly how risks will be mitigated and/or minimised if the proposed school were to open. Leaders intend to update these assessments on a regular basis to help safeguard pupils.

p.4

Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proprietor demonstrates compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 through suitable checks and monitoring. For example, an audit by an external professional on all aspect of fire precaution has been carried out and its findings acted upon. Monthly fire evacuation drills take place and there are daily checks on equipment and the site. External professionals check and service fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and alarm systems. Staff fire marshals are trained and available to support this work. Fire doors were clear from obstructions and emergency lighting was in order at the time of the pre-registration inspection. A fire evacuation plan was provided during the course of the inspection. A fire assembly point is located well away from the building to minimise the risk to pupils and staff in the case of a fire.

p.5

Health and safety, risk assessment, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a first aid policy. There is temporary accommodation for the care of sick or injured pupils should the proposed school open. This is located near a toilet and includes a washing facility. There is appropriate storage of medications. The proprietor has ensured staff will have suitable first aid training. Leaders know how to record accidents and incidents accurately. First aid boxes are available and the contents is well maintained. Suitable toilet and shower facilities are available to pupils at the proposed school site. Supplies of hot and cold running water, including drinking water, are available where needed. To keep pupils safe, the proprietor understands their duty to label water that is not intended for drinking.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

The admissions policy for the proposed school is appropriate. The proprietor understands their duties regarding the information that should be recorded on the admissions register. They can articulate how this information will be stored so it is easily accessible when.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

Leaders understand their duty to report a pupil missing in education to the local authority. Leaders continue to develop their understanding of different codes that might be used on the proposed school’s attendance register. The proprietor has high expectations of pupil’s attendance. Their policy sets out the rewards that might be available to encourage high rates of attendance at the proposed school. Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication Rates of absence are already monitored and reported upon at the proprietor’s current alternative provision setting. Leaders have the capacity to directly support pupils who might struggle to attend through a range of well-considered strategies.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

The proposed school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.6

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

The proprietor understands their statutory duty to carry out the relevant pre- employment checks on all staff working at the school. The proprietor has already undertaken the relevant checks on members of staff working at the alternative provision at the same address as the proposed school. These checks include the person’s right to work in the UK, any criminal convictions, medical fitness and references from previous employers. The proprietor understands the need to accurately record the relevant information on the single central record. The proprietor intends to carry out regular quality assurance of this record should the prosed school open. A checklist of recruitment checks is in place to ensure consistency of process. Existing staff at the proprietor’s alternative provision have recruitment files that demonstrate the relevant checks have been undertaken.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor understands what information a single central record should contain. This information will be held electronically and securely. It will be regularly checked by leaders and triangulated with personnel files. Leaders with responsibility for overseeing this work have the relevant safer recruitment training.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.6

Toilet and washing facilities, changing accommodation and medical

The proprietor has ensured there are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils should the provider be registered as an independent school. An accessible toilet is provided separately to other toilet facilities. A separate toilet is available for staff to use. Showers and separate changing facilities are available for the use of all pupils. These facilities are regularly checked for legionella and for safe operating temperatures. Maintenance records Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication demonstrate leaders are very vigilant in this regard. Drinking water is available for pupils to access as needed. A room is provided with a foldaway bed for the short- term care of sick or injured pupils. It has suitable washing facilities and and is close to a toilet. Medical equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is in a good condition. Secure storage for regulated medication is available.

p.6

Toilet and washing facilities, changing accommodation and medical

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils.

p.7

Toilet and washing facilities, changing accommodation and medical

The proprietor has ensured the health and safety as well as the risk assessment policy are enacted at the proposed school. The proprietor intends to carry out regular health and safety training with staff to enhance their knowledge of potential risks if the proposed school were to open. Regular checks are made on the facilities, for example, fire and electrical safety. A clear schedule of weekly, monthly and annual checks is set out. External specialists carry out audits to support the proprietor in this regard. Any identified actions are undertaken promptly so as to maintain the building to a high standard. The proposed school buildings are well maintained generally. The buildings and outdoor areas provide ample space for the intended number of pupils to be educated.

p.7

Toilet and washing facilities, changing accommodation and medical

Lighting and acoustic conditions, indoor and outdoor space.

p.7

Toilet and washing facilities, changing accommodation and medical

The proposed school is bright and airy. Suitable lighting is provided in each space to accommodate its intended use. Acoustic conditions are suitable for the proposed school’s intended use. Indoor and outdoor space are provided to cater for pupils’ needs in line with the intended curriculum. Pupils also have access to specialist facilities during off-site enrichment activities.

p.7

Toilet and washing facilities, changing accommodation and medical

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school has a website which contains all relevant statutory information. The proprietor is aware of their statutory duties in terms of what is published on this website. Documentation includes a range of relevant policies, the contact details of the proprietor and complaints process.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor understands their legal duty relating to funding for pupils with education and health care plans. Leaders at the school could provide examples of how funding will be monitored and reported back to the local authority if the proposed school were to open. A clear process for monitoring on pupil’s academic achievement, attendance and attitude to learning is in place. The system leaders intend to use allows them to track pupil’s progress over time as well as patterns of attendance so this may be accurately shared with parents. The proprietor is Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication committed to fostering positive relationships with external agencies through the accurate provision of information.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has published a suitable complaints policy. This policy is in writing. It sets out clearly how complaints will be handled. Timescales for the handling of complaints are identified and suitable at each stage of the process. The policy makes provision for a complainant to be supported during any part of the process. The proprietor is aware of their duty to publish the number of complaints from the previous academic year on their website should be they open as a registered school. The complaints policy is easily accessible on the proposed school’s website.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.8

The school's accessibility plan

The proposed school has a suitable accessibility plan in place. This sets out clearly how the proprietor will advance equality and accessibility to the proposed school. It takes account of the needs of pupils who might attend the proposed school and the nature of the building. The proprietor is committed to providing equality training for all staff should the school become registered. The school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if it opens.

p.8

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. This was the third pre- registration inspection for this proposed school, following two previous pre- registration inspections on the 2 February 2024 and 16 July 2025.

p.8

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. Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication 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.

p.8

About this inspection

Inspectors spoke with the proprietor and other staff who are proposed to work at the school if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Inspectors toured the premises and reviewed documentation pertaining to the proposed school. The inspector spoke with representatives of proprietary body.

p.9

About this inspection

At the time of the inspection, there were 8 pupils on roll at the alternative provision (AP) that operates on the intended site of the proposed school. This AP has been operating without registration since 2016 and currently operates from the proposed site for this independent school.

p.9

About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for a small number of pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans. It is anticipated that most pupils who will attend the school will have autism spectrum disorder, social, emotional and mental health needs and moderate learning needs.

p.9

About this inspection

Teaching will take place on the proposed school site. The proposed school will be based at Fieldhead Carr Community Centre, Naburn Approach, Whinmoor, Leeds, LS14 2EG.

p.9

Chairs of the proprietor body

Aspire & Achieve Ltd Donna Wheelhouse and John Wheelhouse Headteacher Dawn Joseph Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 15

p.9

Number of full-time pupils of

compulsory school age on roll Provider's proposal: 15

p.9

an education, health and care plan,

Provider's proposal: 10 Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication

p.9

authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 11-16 Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: Mixed

p.10

teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £63,000 Email address dawn@aspire-achieve.com Aspire and Achieve, 24 June 2026 Draft and confidential - Not for disclosure or publication providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

p.10

teaching staff

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.11

teaching staff

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

teaching staff

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.11