Belgrave School

Belgrave School, located in Withywood, Bristol, is an independent coeducational day school that caters to pupils with dyslexia and related learning difficulties. Established in 1993, the school moved to its current site in 2020 and currently serves 52 students aged between six and sixteen. The school is owned and overseen by a sole proprietor, Mrs. Pat Jones, with Mrs. Lynette Brown serving as the headteacher. The school has a structured environment with five mixed-age classes divided into junior and senior sections, accommodating nine junior pupils and 43 seniors.

In May 2023, an unannounced progress monitoring inspection was conducted at the request of the Department for Education to assess the implementation of the action plan submitted after a focused compliance and educational quality inspection in October 2022. The inspection focused on the school's adherence to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection team evaluated various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, safeguarding measures, health and safety protocols, and the suitability of staff.

The inspection findings indicated that Belgrave School meets the required standards across all evaluated areas. The school has established a suitable framework for assessing pupils' performance, maintaining detailed individual records that track progress against targets set in individual education plans. The implementation of termly summative assessments for core subjects has been successful, providing a clear overview of performance across the curriculum. The academic expectations set for pupils, including those preparing for GCSEs, are deemed appropriate, ensuring that all students are sufficiently challenged. The headteacher and proprietor closely monitor academic outcomes, recognizing the need for consistent oversight to maintain effectiveness.

In terms of safeguarding, the school has an appropriate policy in place that outlines suitable arrangements to promote the welfare of pupils. The implementation of safeguarding procedures is effective, with staff demonstrating a confident understanding of their responsibilities. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns, including child-on-child abuse and issues related to pupils with protected characteristics. The school maintains effective communication with parents regarding safeguarding matters, and pupils report feeling safe and supported within the school environment.

Health and safety measures at Belgrave School are robust, with the proprietor ensuring compliance with relevant laws through the development and implementation of a written health and safety policy. An external contractor oversees health and safety procedures, and regular testing of utilities is conducted to mitigate risks. Staff receive appropriate training, including those responsible for driving the school minibus. The school has established clear responsibilities for health and safety among senior staff, and systematic records are maintained to identify and address any trends in health and safety issues.

Fire safety protocols are also well-established, with a comprehensive fire risk prevention policy in place. The school engages a competent external contractor to oversee fire safety measures, and all actions required from the most recent fire risk assessment have been completed satisfactorily. Staff are trained in fire procedures, and regular fire drills are conducted to ensure that pupils are familiar with emergency protocols.

The school maintains appropriate supervision of pupils, ensuring that staff-to-pupil ratios are adequate during off-site activities. Risk assessments are conducted to identify and mitigate potential hazards, with a clear policy outlining responsibilities and procedures for managing risks. The school demonstrates a culture of assessing risks related to pupil welfare and safeguarding, taking into account the specific needs of its students.

Regarding the suitability of staff, the school has implemented effective recruitment procedures, ensuring that all necessary checks are completed before staff commence employment. The school maintains an accurate single central register of appointments, documenting the dates of all checks. Staff responsible for recruitment are knowledgeable about the procedures, and training for those with specific safeguarding responsibilities is up to date.

The quality of leadership and management at Belgrave School is strong, with the proprietor and senior leaders possessing the necessary support, training, and skills to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. The school has fully implemented its action plan and monitors compliance with regulations appropriately. An advisory board is being established to further support the governance of the school.

Overall, the inspection concluded that Belgrave School meets all the requirements of the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and no further action is required as a result of this inspection. The school demonstrates a commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for its pupils, ensuring that their educational needs are met effectively. The positive findings reflect the dedication of the staff and leadership in fostering an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere conducive to learning.