Wharfedale Montessori School

Wharfedale Montessori School is a small independent Montessori school for pupils aged 2 to 11. This was a no-notice progress monitoring inspection and the school’s second such inspection after it was previously judged not to meet all independent school standards. Inspectors found that the school now meets all of the standards checked, covering leadership and management, welfare/health/safety, and provision of information. The previous non-compliance in safeguarding and admissions/attendance has been addressed. Leaders have strengthened their strategic oversight and now monitor compliance with greater rigour. Safeguarding arrangements are suitable: the policy reflects statutory guidance, staff are trained, several staff are trained to designated safeguarding lead standard, concerns are recorded through an appropriate online system, safer recruitment procedures have been revised, the single central record shows required checks, and risks relating to the director living on site have been assessed and mitigated. The admissions register now records the required information and is managed in line with statutory guidance. Leaders know the school well and provide support and challenge to staff. The report also notes that the DfE rejected the school’s action plan in May 2026 and that the chair of the proprietor body is changing, subject to DfE checks.

Strengths

• Leaders have strengthened strategic oversight and monitor compliance with increasing rigour and precision
• Safeguarding policy reflects current statutory guidance and is published on the school website
• Staff receive pertinent safeguarding training and understand recording procedures
• Several staff are trained to designated safeguarding lead standard, ensuring cover across the site
• An appropriate online system is used to record safeguarding concerns clearly and consistently
• Safer recruitment procedures have been revised and tightened for future appointments
• The single central record shows required suitability checks are undertaken
• Required checks on the director living on site are complete and risks are mitigated
• The admissions register now contains required information and is managed in line with statutory guidance
• Leaders know the school well and provide continued support and challenge to staff
• Pupils learn how to stay safe, including online and in the school grounds

In 2025–26, 25.0% of pupils at Wharfedale Montessori School were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 0.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Skipton · North Yorkshire local authority: places and applications

What is Wharfedale Montessori School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Wharfedale Montessori School is Requires Improvement, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was Wharfedale Montessori School last inspected by Ofsted?

Wharfedale Montessori School was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does Wharfedale Montessori School have?

Wharfedale Montessori School has 28 pupils on roll.

What age range does Wharfedale Montessori School cover?

Wharfedale Montessori School for pupils aged 2 to 11.

Where is Wharfedale Montessori School?

Wharfedale Montessori School is at Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AN.