Ellen House Secondary

Overview

This material change inspection assessed whether the school would meet independent school standards if its pupil capacity increased from 80 to 180. The report concludes the school is "likely to meet the relevant independent school standards" if the proposed change is implemented, noting that leadership has "carefully planned" for the expansion.

Strengths

• The proprietor demonstrates "appropriate knowledge of the independent school standards" and has ensured "sufficient number of additional classrooms have been furnished to a high standard."
• Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," with staff receiving "appropriate safeguarding training" and having a "secure understanding of localised safeguarding risks."
• Premises are "clean, tidy and maintained to a high standard," with "appropriate acoustics, lighting and heating" that help pupils focus.
• Recruitment processes are robust, with a "single central record" containing up-to-date logs of all necessary pre-employment checks.
• The school has established a "suitable and secure outdoor space" with staggered breaktimes to accommodate increased pupil numbers safely.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that the proprietor has followed current statutory guidance, with a "suitable and up-to-date safeguarding policy" and "effective arrangements to keep pupils safe and to promote their welfare."