Stafford Hall School

Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 1 Stafford Hall School Cheltenham Place, Halifax, West Yorkshire, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 0AW

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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 (ISS) 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 ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of 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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders and staff are united in their commitment to helping pupils achieve well. They work together to support the school’s priorities and improve pupils’ experiences and outcomes. The school has recruited staff with qualifications, experience and expertise relevant to their roles. Leaders provide a range of ongoing professional learning that helps to further enhance these. For example, several staff have completed national professional qualifications or enhanced child safeguarding training. Leaders have a structured development and growth plan that identifies roles that they intend to recruit to should the material change be agreed. Leaders propose to increase the number of teachers as well as widening Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 2 their expertise through recruiting to specific pastoral roles. Their aim is that this will allow the school to better support the needs of pupils and their families.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has established robust systems to oversee the work of the school. As a result, the school’s advisory board and the proprietor receive accurate information about the school. They have a well-informed view of its effectiveness and areas for further development. They use this to provide appropriate scrutiny of leaders’ work. This enables the proprietor to ensure the school’s ongoing compliance with the requirements of the independent school standards.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders are well regarded by staff in the school. Staff feel well communicated with and informed about matters that affect their roles. Consequently, they do not express concern about their workload or wellbeing and have confidence in leaders to provide support, when required.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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Safeguarding

Pupils’ welfare and wellbeing are prioritised within school. The proprietor has ensured that a high proportion of staff have completed enhanced safeguarding training, including the headteacher and other senior leaders. More generally, staff know and understand their responsibilities relating to the safeguarding of pupils. Leaders ensure that professional learning is adapted to consider pupils’ range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including how to safeguard pupils with barriers to communication. Staff know how to report concerns about pupils’ welfare. Leaders take appropriate actions in response to such concerns. They analyse records of concerns to identify any trends and implement further training where required. The proprietor maintains appropriate oversight of matters relating to safeguarding, including the management of any allegations about the conduct of adults.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have reviewed the school’s safeguarding policy since its previous standard inspection. The policy reflects updated statutory guidance. The school makes its safeguarding policy available to access via its website.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the material change is granted. Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 3

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Supervision of pupils

The school has high staff-to-pupil ratios at all times. Pupils typically work in small groups, led by a teacher and additional support staff. Staff are well trained and know individual pupils well, including their SEND and strategies to meet their needs. At social times, pupils continue to benefit from the support of staff who are familiar to them. Leaders propose to further expand the staff team if the number of pupils increases, maintaining current ratios. Leaders have a clear plan for the growth of the school and the specialist roles they intend to recruit to. Leaders plan to secure any necessary staff appointments ahead of increases to the number of pupils on roll.

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Supervision of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standard are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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Health and safety and fire

The school has developed appropriate health and safety policies and procedures that reflect current guidance. Leaders have ensured that staff receive appropriate training and implement this effectively. The proprietor is well informed about the school’s compliance with relevant legislation, including through its internal reporting platforms. Where necessary, the proprietor ensures that appropriate actions are in place to address any concerns.

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Health and safety and fire

The school has commissioned an external company to complete a comprehensive updated fire risk assessment. This reflects the changes to the site as a result of the renovations to the former residential children’s home. Leaders have acted upon recommendations made from this. The school has ensured that staff have suitable knowledge of fire safety procedures. Many staff have completed additional training, such as fire marshal training. Fire equipment is regularly tested and serviced, helping to ensure that it continues to be in good working order. When issues are identified, leaders address these swiftly.

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Health and safety and fire

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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Risk assessment

The school has an appropriate risk assessment policy in place. This is supported by a range of individual risk assessments. These cover various aspects of the school, such as specific teaching spaces, activities or individuals. Risk assessments are suitably constructed. They identify potential hazards and establish controls to mitigate these. Staff understand and implement these well. Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 4 The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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

Leaders understand the pre-employment checks that they are required to make on staff. The school has established recruitment processes that follow the requirements of statutory guidance.

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

The school has ensured that all required checks are completed in advance of staff beginning their employment. This includes relevant checks on employees, contractors and members of the proprietor body.

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

Although the school does not routinely use agency staff, leaders understand the checks that they are required to make should they choose to do so.

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

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school has established a record of the checks that it completes on staff, volunteers and those with governance roles, including the proprietor. This meets the requirements of current statutory guidance. Leaders intend to maintain the same systems and processes should the material change be approved.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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and showers

Separate pupil and staff toilets are available throughout the site. Many of these are accessible spaces. Toilet facilities are all self-contained, include a sink for handwashing, and are lockable from the inside. Water temperature does not pose a scalding risk.

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and showers

The school has multiple showering facilities. These are well maintained and provide suitable accommodation for pupils to wash and change. Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 5 Clearly labelled drinking water is available to pupils at all times.

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and showers

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The school has a purpose designed medical room. The proprietor has ensured that medicines are carefully stored in a lockable cupboard. The school maintains accurate records of any medicines and first aid administered. The medical room includes a bed, first aid supplies and washing facilities. It is located close to a toilet.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standard are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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needs of pupils

The proprietor has recently overseen a significant programme of renovation to the school site. The former residential children’s home has been repurposed to provide additional teaching areas for the school. The renovations have been completed to a high standard and with the intended use of the space in mind.

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needs of pupils

The school has established suitable protocols for the storage of controlled substances and chemicals that meet the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

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needs of pupils

Throughout the school, all areas are clean, welcoming and well-maintained. Leaders ensure that there is a programme of regular servicing and maintenance across the site. Any issues are quickly identified, reported and resolved.

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needs of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proprietor has ensured suitable lighting and acoustic conditions throughout. Across the school, classrooms are light and welcoming spaces. Leaders have installed additional external emergency lighting to ensure the safety of staff and pupils.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standard are likely to be met if the material change is granted. Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 6

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Outdoor space

The school benefits from well maintained, securely enclosed grounds. Pupils enjoy opportunities to relax in the inviting environment. The space is sufficient for pupils to play and study physical education. Some classrooms have direct access to outdoor spaces. The school has ample space to accommodate the proposed increase in pupil numbers.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standard are likely to be met if the material change is granted.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has developed a suitable accessibility plan. The proprietor has ensured that it pays regard to, and meets, the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. It is available to parents on request.

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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. 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 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 inspector spoke with the members of the proprietor body, the headteacher and other school leaders. He also spoke with staff and pupils during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

Pupils at the school all have education, health and care plans. The school primarily provides education for pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and speech, language and communication needs. Pupils’ places are commissioned by one of 5 local authorities.

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About this inspection

The school does not use any providers of alternative provision.

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About this inspection

The school currently operates from its registered address, at which it intends to provide education for a further 5 pupils. In addition to the Stafford Hall site, under Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 7 the same registration, the school has a separate site at Amisfield House, Amisfield Road, Halifax HX3 8NE. That site is not used for the education of any pupils.

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About this school

Chair of the proprietor body Mr Niall Kelly

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About this school

Type of school Other independent special school

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an education, health and care plan

Annual fees for day pupils £77,000 to £104,000

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an education, health and care plan

Email address SHSadmin@youngfoundations.com

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an education, health and care plan

Website www.staffordhallschool.com Stafford Hall School, 8 September 2026 8 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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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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