La Chouette School

La Chouette School, 11 August 2026 1 La Chouette School 37-38 the Mall, London, W5 3TJ

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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 its premises.

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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 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 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

Leadership is effective. The headteacher, who is also a member of the proprietor body, brings relevant expertise to her role. She is highly knowledgeable and demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil their roles and responsibilities well. Clear lines of accountability between different roles in the school enable the independent school standards (the standards) to be met consistently. The proprietor understands the standards well. They effectively apply this knowledge to ensure that the standards are consistently met. The proprietor’s La Chouette School, 11 August 2026 2 effectiveness in meeting the standards overtime impacts positively on the proposed material change request. This includes robust oversight of safeguarding.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The new premises proposed as part of this request is likely to enable the school to continue to fulfil its aspirations. These premises are appropriately designed, furnished and safe and are well maintained. The school site is well resourced to provide an appropriate breadth of educational opportunities for pupils, including designated spaces for physical activity and a school library space.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Leaders have put in place appropriate health and safety and first aid policies that support the welfare of pupils and staff. Leaders make regular and pertinent checks on the school’s current premises. These includes daily checks on the building and its safety as well as more formal maintenance checks.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has numerous rooms suitable for classrooms. In addition, leaders plan to develop a sensory room and additional outdoor space for physical activity and play. The site is maintained to a high standard.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The proprietor commissions an external agency to conduct detailed fire risk assessments of the school premises. Clear escape routes are supported by ample signage. Robust systems and frequent checks ensure fire safety equipment is well maintained. These processes ensure the school maintains ongoing compliance with fire safety regulations.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has an adequate number of trained first aiders.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The work of the proprietor and school leaders linked to health and safety ensures pupils are safe.

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Risk assessment

A thorough risk assessment policy is in place, supported by clear systems and processes that are carefully followed. The proprietor ensures the new school site has a range of comprehensive risk assessments. Risk assessments identify potential hazards and outline appropriate actions to mitigate potential risks. For example, the school has a risk assessment for the dropping off and collection of La Chouette School, 11 August 2026 3 pupils to and from the school. In all risk assessments seen, including for educational visits, risks are well identified and well mitigated.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE approves the implementation of the material changes.

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Toilet and washing facilities and water supply

The school site has appropriate toilets and handwashing facilities for pupils which are separate from staff amenities. The new premises toilets are being fitted and refurbished to a high standard. These facilities provide both hot and cold water, with hot water regulated to negate the risk of scolding. Drinking water is easily accessible and clearly labelled. Facilities will be appropriate to the material change, should it be approved.

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Medical room

The medical room is appropriately equipped; it includes a fold-out bed and suitable first-aid provisions. Running water and a toilet are in close proximity. Medication is stored securely in locked facilities.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school has numerous rooms suitable for classrooms. The site is clean, safe and well-maintained. Leaders ensure that health and safety checks, including fire safety, are made regularly. Risk assessments are comprehensive.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Lighting throughout the site contribute to a bright and pleasant environment for pupils to learn. The classrooms are suitably refurbished to ensure that pupils can focus on learning without audible disruption. External lighting is appropriate, ensuring that the school is a safe and sufficiently illuminated environment.

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Outdoor space

The outdoor space is suitable for pupils to play, socialise, and take part in some sporting activities and physical education. This includes an area at the back of the school which the proprietor is refurbishing as well as a small internal courtyard. There are the appropriate risk assessments in place and pupils will be supervised by school staff. La Chouette School, 11 August 2026 4 Leaders have ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met were the material change to be approved.

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The school's accessibility plan

The school has a suitable accessibility plan in place.

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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 inspector spoke with the headteacher, who is also the proprietor.

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About this inspection

The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the independent school standards are met.

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About this inspection

La Chouette School offers a bilingual education to children aged two to six. The curriculum combines the early years foundation stage with the French national curriculum for early years. Each classroom has both a French teacher and an English teacher.

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About this inspection

The school provides for two-year-olds and currently has three classes. The ‘toute petite’ section, for children aged two to three years, is based in one classroom. The other two classrooms comprise the ‘petite’ section, for children aged three to four years and the ‘moyenne’ section, for children aged four to five years. There are currently no children aged five to six in the ‘grande’ section.

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About this inspection

The school provides before- and after-school childcare for children who attend the school.

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About this inspection

The school does not currently use any alternative provision.

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About this inspection

The proprietor also runs a provision for children aged 12 to 18 months at the same setting. This has a separate registration and was, therefore, not considered as part of this inspection. La Chouette School, 11 August 2026 5

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About this school

Proprietor Mrs Magali Amar Headteacher Mrs Magali Amar Type of school Other independent school Capacity 60

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 2 to 6 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £14,655 Email address admin@lachouetteschool.co.uk La Chouette School, 11 August 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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