OFSTED PRE-REGISTRATION INSPECTION
January 2026
Earley Springs judged ‘Likely to meet all Independent School Standards’
Earley Springs was inspected by Ofsted in January 2026 as part of the Department for Education’s pre-registration process. At this stage, new schools are not given graded judgements. Instead, inspectors determine whether the school is likely to meet the Independent School Standards required for registration.
Following a full inspection of our curriculum, safeguarding, leadership, policies and premises, Ofsted concluded that Earley Springs is likely to meet all the Independent School Standards. This is the highest possible outcome for a school at pre-registration stage.
Ofsted will return to carry out a full inspection once the school is operating with pupils on roll.
The full Ofsted Report can be accessed by click here
What Ofsted Recognised
Inspectors evaluated every aspect of the proposed school, including the curriculum, safeguarding arrangements, leadership, governance, staff recruitment, welfare systems and the quality of the learning environment. The report highlights the ambition behind the school’s vision, the strength of safeguarding arrangements and the care taken in designing both the curriculum and the physical environment to meet pupils’ needs.
Selected extracts from the report include:
“The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards.”
“The intended curriculum demonstrates ambition as well as an understanding of pupils’ likely needs and starting points.”
“The proprietor is ambitious about what pupils can achieve given the right conditions and support.”
“Interactions between adults and pupils are of a high quality.”
“Renovations throughout are finished to a high standard. The environment is warm, inviting, attractive and functional.”
“The proprietor has a clear and convincing vision for the proposed school.”
Quality of Education
The inspection recognised the strength and ambition of our curriculum design. The curriculum is structured to meet the anticipated range of pupils’ special educational needs and disabilities, with personalised pathways that support communication, independence and preparation for adulthood.
Inspectors noted the strong reading culture already established within the environment and the careful planning in place to support pupils at all stages of reading development. Assessment systems were found to align closely with curriculum intent and to support tracking of progress against pupils’ Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan outcomes.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Safeguarding was examined in detail during the inspection. Ofsted confirmed that suitable safeguarding policies are in place and that responsibilities are clearly defined and understood.
The report recognised the strong safeguarding knowledge of leaders and the deliberate steps taken to ensure transparency, accountability and external oversight. Clear reporting systems, appropriate staff training and structured governance arrangements are embedded within the school’s framework.
Safeguarding underpins daily practice at Earley Springs and is central to our commitment to ensuring that every pupil feels safe, supported and valued.
Purpose-Built Specialist Environment
Earley Springs has been carefully designed to provide a calm, structured and supportive environment for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The inspection recognised the high standard of renovation and the thoughtful design of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Facilities include:
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Six large classrooms
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A dedicated dining hall
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Breakout rooms and offices
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A sensory room
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A large soft-play room
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An immersive sensory learning room
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Purpose-designed outdoor learning and recreational space
Inspectors described the environment as warm, inviting, attractive and functional, reflecting the school’s commitment to creating a space where pupils can thrive.
Leadership and Governance
The report highlights the clear and convincing vision of the proprietor and headteacher, alongside the breadth of relevant leadership experience. Inspectors recognised the additional layer of governance provided through the formation of an executive board, offering external oversight and challenge.
Policies, systems and documentation demonstrate strong knowledge of the Independent School Standards and a firm commitment to meeting these consistently.
What Happens Next
This inspection confirms that Earley Springs meets the rigorous standards required by the Department for Education to operate as an independent special school.
As a newly registered school, Ofsted will return for a full inspection once the school is fully operational with pupils on roll.
We remain committed to continuous reflection, improvement and ensuring that every pupil receives a high-quality, ambitious and personalised education.