Broadlands Hall

Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 1 Broadlands Hall Little Wratting, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7UA

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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 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 has a clear rationale for requesting this material change. This is because the local need for specialist provision is high. This is a small material change. However, it is part of larger growth in the number of pupils over recent years. The proprietor and leaders have managed this longer-term change well. They have clarified the type of needs the school best meets. This has created successful provision for pupils. The proprietor has the knowledge required to continue this success should the material change be implemented. Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 2 The proprietor has ensured that as the school grows it has well-considered and robust leadership systems. For instance, the recent introduction of more digital platforms enables leaders to monitor patterns and trends. The proprietor has enhanced the capacity of leadership to develop the school. An example is a leader for behaviour and a discrete behaviour support team. This has helped create a

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

calm and positive culture. For instance, the use of physical interventions has dropped significantly.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders have established clear processes for checking on the quality of provision. These are regular and rigorous, and suitable to a larger school. The proprietor and leaders have reviewed curriculum pathways, so that they are more clearly defined. This is likely to ensure pupils’ learning continues to meet their needs as the school grows.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor keeps close and routine oversight of leaders’ work. There is appropriate support and challenge, given the size and growth of the school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet the standards if the DfE grants the material change.

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Safeguarding

There is a vigilant culture of safeguarding. Leaders have suitable safeguarding knowledge and experience. Staff training is wide ranging, well monitored and adapted to the needs of the pupils. For example, staff are taught to identify what pupils are communicating by their behaviours. This helps staff to spot any safeguarding concerns. Leaders create a culture where any low-level concerns staff have about colleagues are raised and addressed.

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Safeguarding

Leaders are alert to the risks pupils face, given their high vulnerability. Where there are safeguarding incidents, leaders act quickly and carefully. They liaise with agencies when they should. Leaders work closely in partnership with parents and carers to keep children safe. Pupils who need it receive extra pastoral support, such as counselling. Leaders are diligent in monitoring pupils’ online behaviour. This means they typically know when to put additional safeguards in place to protect vulnerable pupils from harm.

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Safeguarding

There is an up-to-date and comprehensive safeguarding policy in place. This is published on the school’s website. Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 3

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Supervision of pupils

The current level of staffing is sufficient for the proprietor to implement the material change. The proprietor and leaders ensure there is regular and helpful training for new and current staff. For example, a lot of recent training has taught staff how to help pupils identify and manage their emotions. This has helped develop orderly behaviour in the school.

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Health and safety, and fire

There is a comprehensive health and safety policy. The proprietor ensures there are routine health and safety checks on the site and provision. Staff receive the training they should in health and safety, including fire safety. There are appropriate processes for reporting and reviewing any incidents.

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Health and safety, and fire

The proprietor ensures that the school has rigorous fire safety protocols. The fire risk assessment is up to date. The proprietor resolves any issues it raises. Evacuation plans are well-defined. Where needed, these are bespoke to pupils. Fire equipment and signage are suitable.

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Risk assessment

Risks are assessed routinely and carefully. For example, risk assessments cover important aspects of provision, including trips and design technology lessons. If members of staff should live on the premises, this is risk assessed. The rigour in assessing and managing risks gives assurance that the school will remain safe if it continues to grow.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE grants the material change.

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The recruitment checks made on staff and supply staff

The proprietor ensures that the school makes the required checks on new and current staff. These are thorough. An example is conducting prohibition from teaching checks on any staff doing teaching activity, not just teachers. Diligent checks are made on any staff who have previously worked overseas. If any risk assessments are needed during the induction process, these are put in place appropriately. Safer recruitment processes are embedded.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 4 The single central record shows all needed recruitment checks are in place. Leaders monitor this routinely. The proprietor makes sure it is up to date and compliant with the statutory requirements in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE grants the material change.

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and showers

The space and facilities are ample for the requested material change. Drinking water is available and marked for pupils. Water from the taps does not scald. Boys have access to suitable toilets. There are showers and changing accommodation should boys need these for physical education (PE).

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

There is a well-stocked medical room. It has a sink with running water, and it is next to a toilet.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

There are routine health and safety checks on the site and provision. This ensures the site remains safe.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Pupils’ welfare is supported by the range of social spaces. These are appropriately adapted for different ages, such as separate study and social spaces for post-16 students. The room layout meets pupils’ various needs. For example, many one-to- one spaces give pupils privacy and a safe place when they first join the school.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Lighting and acoustics are suitable. This includes emergency lighting. The classroom spaces are sufficient for the proposed material change. They are well kitted out and maintained. Classrooms have suitable subject-specific resources and equipment, such as in science and textiles.

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Outdoor space

The site is set up excellently for PE, with large and well-resourced areas for football and other outdoor sports. There is also a super play area, with play equipment that is safe and looks fun and motivational. Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 5 The proprietor has ensured that the school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE grants the material change.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector 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 proprietor requests to increase the number of pupils from 65 to 70. In September 2025, the DfE agreed to a previous request to increase the number of pupils from 50 to 65. In March 2023, the DfE agreed to the proprietor’s request to increase numbers from 25 to 50. The proprietor is currently putting up a new building on the site. He intends to request a further material change in the near future to increase the number of pupils to 80.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the headteacher, other senior members of staff and the proprietor.

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About this inspection

There were no pupils on site during this inspection, because it was the summer holidays.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

All pupils have an education, health and care plan. The school primarily caters for pupils with autism. Many pupils also have a range of other needs.

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About this inspection

Pupils are referred to the school by their local authority.

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About this inspection

The school does not currently use any alternative provision.

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Lead inspector

Charlie Fordham His Majesty’s Inspector Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 6

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About this school

Proprietor Keith Boulter Headteacher Christopher James-Roll Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 65

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 9 to 20 Gender of pupils Boys Annual fees for day pupils £86,268 Email address head@broadlandshall.co.uk Broadlands Hall, 6 August 2026 7 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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