Independent School Standards

Part 1

2(1)

The standard in this paragraph is met if –

2(1)(a)

the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and

2(1)(b)(i)

the written policy, plans and schemes of work – take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and

2(1)(b)(ii)

do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

2(2)

(d) personal, social, health and economic education which –

 

(i) reflects the school's aim and ethos; and

 

(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act

2A(1)

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor:

2A(1)(a)

ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with primary education at the school is provided with relationships education

2A(1)(b)

ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)

2A(1)(d)

in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools

2A(1)(e)

makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b)

2A(1)(f)

consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and

2A(1)(g)

publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one

2A(2)(2)

Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub- paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil’s parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the headteacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused

2A(3)

Sub-paragraph (1)(a) and (c) do not apply to a pupil who is under compulsory school age

Part 2

5

The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor:

5(b)

ensures that principles are actively promoted which -

5(b)(i)

enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence

Part 3

9

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour amongst pupils by ensuring that -

9(a)

a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, amongst other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupils’ misbehaviour

9(b)

the policy is implemented effectively; and

9(c)

a record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour

10

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy

11

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy

12

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

13

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy

14

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through appropriate deployment of school staff

15

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006

Part 5

22

The standards about the premises of and accommodation at the school are those contained in this Part

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

23(1)(c)

suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education

23(2)

Where separate facilities are provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) for pupils who are disabled, they may also be used by other pupils, staff, supply staff, volunteers and visitors, whether or not they are disabled

24(1)

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including –

24(1)(a)

accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils

24(b)

accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and

24(c)

where a school caters for pupils with complex needs, additional medical accommodation which caters for those needs

24(2)

The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b)

24(3)

For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(c), a pupil has ‘complex needs’ if the pupil has profound and multiple learning difficulties in addition to other significant difficulties, such as a physical disability or sensory impairment, which require provision which is additional to or different from that generally required by children of the same age in other schools other than special schools or by children with special requirements

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

26

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein

27

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that –

27(a)

the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and

27(b)

external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises

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 facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water

28(1)(c)

cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and

28(1)(d)

the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users

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

28(2)(b)

they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities

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

30

The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that, where the school provides accommodation, regard is had to Standard 4 of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools or, where applicable, Standard 9 of the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools

31

For the purposes of this Part –

31(a)

'physical education' includes the playing of games

31(b)

any requirement that anything provided under this Part must be ‘suitable’ means that it must be suitable for the pupils in respect of whom it is provided, having regard to their ages, numbers and sex and any special requirements they may have; and

31(c)

a pupil has 'special requirements' if the pupil has any needs arising from physical, medical, sensory, learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties which require provision which is additional to or different from that generally required by children of the same age in schools other than special schools

National Minimum Standards

NMS 4 (Boarding accommodation)
NMS 5 (Boarders' possessions)
NMS 6 (Food and drink)
NMS 7 (Boarders’ health and wellbeing)
NMS 9.1, 9.2 (Health and safety)
NMS 10 (Fire safety)
NMS 11.1 – 11.3 (Induction, travel and staff support)
NMS 12 (Contact with parents)
NMS 13 (Securing boarders' views)
NMS 15 (Behaviour)
NMS 16 (Bullying)
NMS 17 (Promoting good relationships)
NMS 20 (Staffing and supervision)
NMS 21 (Prefects)
NMS 22.3 (Guardianship promotes boarders’ wellbeing)