Seva Education King's Cross

Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 1 Seva Education King's Cross Blessed Sacrament, Boadicea Street, London, N1 0TB

p.1

report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely 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 (the ISS) 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

In applying to open the proposed school, the proprietor has miscalculated that the capacity of the building would be suitable to accommodate the proposed number of 170 pupils. In addition to this, the building is not ready for use. For example, the premises has not been cleared of rubbish, contractors are still working on the water supply, including drinking water, and the outside area is not suitable for pupils to learn and play. The proposed school also needs a deep clean before it is ready to be operational.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The part of the building which the proprietor intends to open in the first phase of the school’s operation would be suitable for 30 pupils, subject to ongoing works being completed and the proprietor ensuring that the remainder of the ground floor and external buildings are shut off effectively and safely to pupils, staff and visitors. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 2 The proprietor and leaders have expertise in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They are focused on supporting pupils’ preparation for adult life and developing independence through a therapeutic approach. Leaders have high expectations for pupils and staff and have developed a well-planned curriculum. For example, leaders have thoughtfully considered how to blend the expectations of the national curriculum with specialist and therapeutic approaches.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has put in place clear systems for effective accountability and communication. These include, for example, systems for staff recruitment, monitoring the impact of staff training and analysing data from behaviour and attendance to better support pupils and families.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor is building leadership capacity as the group expands. There is a professional learning programme in place for leaders and staff within the school. The proprietor also appoints suitable leaders and staff from outside the group, who are aligned with the school’s values and bring different specialisms and expertise.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The ISS in this part are unlikely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.2

Curriculum

The proposed school will have a broad curriculum, and this has been based on the national curriculum. Curriculum plans across the proposed age range are in place. For example, the school intends to use some commercial schemes and specialist resources which are adapted for pupils’ specific needs. The curriculum covers all the subject areas required by the ISS.

p.2

Curriculum

The school intends to place a high priority on reading. It has ensured that a phonics programme will be in place for younger pupils. A similar scheme will be available for older pupils, which is designed to capture their interest and enthusiasm for reading with suitable activities and decodable books.

p.2

Curriculum

Leaders have ensured that there are a suitable careers policy and programme in place. They will make use of an independent careers adviser who already works across the group of schools. Leaders also have plans for educational trips and visiting speakers in school to enhance the careers programme. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 3 There is a suitable programme for teaching relationships and sex education. Pupils will learn, for example, about what makes a positive relationship, consent, and staying healthy and safe.

p.2

Teaching and Assessment

School leaders will oversee the quality of teaching. They know about effective classroom practice, including how, for instance, staff should adapt teaching to meet pupils’ specific needs. This will include specialist provision from speech and language and occupational therapists.

p.3

Teaching and Assessment

Pupils’ individual learning plans, known as pupils’ ‘adaptive provision plans’, are rich in information about pupils’ needs and the strategies that help them to learn and manage their behaviour. They are written from the child’s perspective in collaboration with the pupil and parents and carers. These plans are likely to enable staff to share information and support pupils effectively.

p.3

Teaching and Assessment

The school’s assessment plan builds effectively on information about pupils’ starting points. It is intended that pupils will be assessed against their targets and national curriculum outcomes.

p.3

Teaching and Assessment

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.3

pupils

The proposed school’s rich and well-planned curriculum is likely to provide many opportunities for pupils’ personal development, particularly in wider curriculum subjects such as art and music, personal, social and health education and religious education. The timetabled curriculum will be supplemented by visiting speakers and workshops as well as educational visits to places of worship and museums. These experiences will aim to develop pupils’ understanding of independent travel. The school will also focus on developing independence for adult life and building pupils’ confidence and skills in managing their behaviour and feelings.

p.3

pupils

Pupils will learn about the fundamental British values, equalities and respect for difference through the school’s approach to anti-bullying. They will also learn how to manage risk and keep themselves safe, including when online.

p.3

pupils

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 4

p.3

Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy meets the latest statutory requirements. Senior leaders are knowledgeable and trained to the appropriate level. They have put in place clear systems for the recording and follow up of safeguarding concerns. Leaders have expertise and experience of keeping pupils with SEND safe and understand the additional risks the pupils may face. The school has prioritised developing communication with parents and local authorities to support pupils effectively.

p.4

Safeguarding

Plans are in place to provide permanent and agency staff with the safeguarding training they need to carry out their roles effectively. The proprietor has developed robust systems for ensuring accountability and that staff remain vigilant. For example, daily staff briefings will be used to update staff on any safeguarding concerns, and weekly senior team meetings will also include safeguarding updates, which will be reported to the proprietor and governors.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The behaviour policy is well considered and thoughtfully written. It is underpinned by a therapeutic approach and is centred on pupils’ wellbeing and personal development. The policy sets high expectations of staff and pupils. Behaviour logs are in place, and there are procedures to follow up on any incidents or concerns. Staff are trained, and information about pupils’ needs is available, for example, in pupils’ personalised plans.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders have calculated and planned for the effective supervision of pupils in classrooms and at social and transition times during the school day.

p.4

Anti-bullying

The anti-bullying policy sets out clear expectations for pupils and staff.

p.4

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a health and safety policy, and a detailed schedule for health and safety checks is in operation. The proprietor oversees the fire risk assessment process effectively. At the time of the inspection, emergency lighting and adjustments to fire doors had not been completed. However, leaders have scheduled a programme of work to address these issues.

p.4

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The first-aid policy meets requirements. Staff will receive first-aid training on induction. The school also has systems in place for recording accidents and any administering of first aid or medication. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 5

p.4

Admissions and attendance

The draft admissions register includes all the required information. The attendance registers are set up ready to be populated. Leaders understand how to use absence codes accurately and to follow up on pupils’ absence.

p.5

Risk assessment

The school has a risk assessment policy, and risk assessments are in place for the building and a variety of activities that pupils will take part in. These include, for example, risk assessments for cooking, art, play equipment and educational visits. A procedure is in place for creating specific risk assessments for individual pupils, including reasonable adjustments for those pupils with a disability.

p.5

Risk assessment

Leaders understand the DfE’s guidance regarding the use of restrictive interventions and have put in place a policy that reflects this. All staff will be trained, and the policy sets clear expectations, boundaries and the procedures to be followed, including informing parents. It is also intended that information about physical intervention will be included in pupils’ personalised adaptive provision plans.

p.5

Risk assessment

The ISS in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.5

and the single central record of these checks

The required checks for staff, agency staff and members of the proprietor body are completed and recorded accurately on the single central record. Leaders and administrative staff based in the proposed school work effectively with the group’s central human resources team. They are knowledgeable, understand the safer recruitment guidance and collaborate well together to ensure that pupils are likely to be kept safe.

p.5

and the single central record of these checks

The proprietor and governors team check the single central record regularly. All senior leaders and representatives of the proprietor have completed safer recruitment training.

p.5

and the single central record of these checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 6

p.5

and showers

In the part of the ground floor which the proprietor intends to open first, the toilets and washing facilities meet requirements. There are toilets and wash basins directly off the classrooms and a separate block of toilets for older boys and girls accessed from the corridor. The temperature of the hot water meets requirements.

p.6

and showers

Drinking water is labelled, and pupils will fill their own water bottles. However, in the playground, drinking water fountains were not working at the time of the inspection. One was stuck on, one did not work, and both needed cleaning. Leaders began remedial action to address this during the inspection.

p.6

and showers

In the remainder of the school building, the toilets and sinks are old and dirty, and some taps do not work.

p.6

Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The medical room has natural light and air conditioning to support the comfort of pupils. There is a bed, a fridge for medicine storage and a nearby toilet and shower. There are well-stocked first-aid supplies on hand.

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor intends to open only part of the ground floor, sufficient for 30 pupils. These 3 refurbished classrooms are fit for purpose. There is a range of suitable floor coverings, and the rooms are newly painted. Classrooms have a whiteboard, new furniture and resources, book corners and displays. Other small rooms to be used on the ground floor, such as the library, are also suitable.

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The spaces in the remainder of the ground floor, upstairs and the classroom in the playground are not suitable for pupils. These areas are untidy and pose a risk to pupils. For example, they contain piles of textbooks, stationery, and broken furniture left over from when the premises was in use previously. There are also missing ceiling tiles, ripped curtains, and trailing wires.

p.6

Lighting and acoustic conditions

All spaces in refurbished areas and elsewhere have good natural light and additional ceiling lighting is in working order. Acoustic conditions meet requirements. There are a range of different flooring surfaces, including carpet. Soft easy chairs and sofas have been delivered to further support positive acoustics. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 7

p.6

Outdoor space

The playground has potential to provide a suitable outside space for games, sports and recreation. It is large, organised in various zones and includes many trees to provide shade. There is a secure fence along the border with a neighbouring school and a public park.

p.7

Outdoor space

However, at present, no part of the outdoor space is suitable for pupils. The playground surface is broken in places, and in softer areas by some play equipment, the surface has split away from the surrounds. Broken play equipment and external storage have not been cleared; some areas are overgrown with vegetation and there are sharp edges on damaged sandpit covers. The proprietor has not made suitable arrangements to ensure that pupils are unable to access any areas that the school does not intend to use.

p.7

Outdoor space

The proprietor has started work on the outside space. For example, some tree surgery is underway, and a professional survey of the fixed play equipment has been completed. Nevertheless, there is much work still to do to ensure that outdoor areas are suitable for pupils.

p.7

Outdoor space

The ISS in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school website is part of the proprietor’s website for Seva Education. It includes all the required information for parents, including the contact details for the headteacher and proprietor.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

All the required policies, including for safeguarding, are available for parents. They give useful information and are up to date. A wide range of policies and information beyond that required by the standards are also available on request, and these cover all aspects of school life.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.7

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The school’s complaints policy is written in a simple and clear style, which is likely to support parents to understand the process. Time scales are appropriate, which is likely to ensure that any parental concerns are followed up quickly. Leaders also have a log for recording parental complaints, which they intend to use in this Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 8 school alongside systems for ensuring that all parties are kept informed. The complaints policy meets requirements.

p.7

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The ISS in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

p.8

The school's accessibility plan

The school has an accessibility plan in place which meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools.

p.8

About this inspection

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.

p.8

About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

p.8

About this inspection

During the inspection, the inspector spoke with the executive headteacher, the head of school, the chair of the proprietor body and other senior leaders. The inspector had a tour of the premises and considered a range of documentary evidence.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

p.8

About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with a range of SEND, including autism, speech and language difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils are likely to have experienced disruptive schooling prior to admission. All pupils will have an education, health and care plan.

p.8

About this inspection

The proposed school will use the premises of a former school, located at Blessed Sacrament, Boadicea Street, London, N1 0TB. The school does not intend to make use of any additional premises.

p.8

About this inspection

The school does not intend to use alternative provision. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 9

p.8

body

Seva Education, Health and Care Ltd/Peter Behan Headteacher Not Known Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 170

p.9

Number of full-time pupils of

compulsory school age on roll Provider's proposal: 170

p.9

Number of part-time pupils of

compulsory school age on roll Provider's proposal: 0

p.9

authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 5 to 16 Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: Mixed

p.9

teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 70 Annual fees for day pupils £48,000 to £85,000 Email address andre@sevaeducation.com Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 10

p.9

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

p.10

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing

p.10

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water;  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

p.10

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- Seva Education King's Cross, 9 July 2026 11 – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. Seva Education King's Cross, 9 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

p.10

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.12

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

p.12