Progression 2 Work

This was a material change inspection commissioned by the Department for Education to assess whether Progression 2 Work is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if it changes its maximum number of pupils. Inspectors found that leaders have planned well for the change and have suitable capacity to ensure the standards are met across both the existing site and the proposed second site. The school is an independent special school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, including autism spectrum disorder and behavioural, emotional, social and communication needs; some pupils have education, health and care plans or are dual registered. It currently uses Progression 4 Work, an unregistered alternative provision owned by the proprietor, which will cease if the material change is approved. Safeguarding remains effective, with robust follow-up of concerns, regular staff training and a policy aligned to national guidance. Health and safety, fire risk assessment, risk assessment, recruitment checks, premises, toilet and washing facilities, medical rooms, lighting, outdoor space and accessibility planning were all found to be suitable. Leaders also have appropriate plans to appoint extra staff and increase toilets at the existing site, and have commissioned an independent fire risk assessment for both premises. One compliance concern was identified: the school is operating beyond its registration agreement by admitting pupils above its registered age range. Leaders said they had notified the DfE of this, but they were unable to provide evidence to substantiate this during the inspection.

Strengths

• Leaders have planned well for the material change and have suitable capacity to meet the independent school standards.
• Safeguarding procedures are effective, with robust follow-up of concerns.
• Staff receive regular safeguarding training and leaders understand pupils' added vulnerabilities.
• The safeguarding policy is updated annually, shared with parents and aligned with national guidance.
• The school plans sufficient additional staff to supervise and support pupils' education and wellbeing.
• Health and safety procedures are suitable, with systematic checks covering fire, electricity, water and asbestos.
• Detailed annual fire risk assessments are completed for the existing site and the proposed site.
• Leaders respond swiftly to fire safety action points and have commissioned an independent fire risk assessment.
• A suitable risk assessment policy and a broad suite of risk assessments are in place, including regularly updated pupil-specific assessments.
• Recruitment procedures are appropriate, with a secure understanding of the required checks.
• Relevant recruitment checks are complete for existing staff and proprietors, and the single central record is up to date.
• Robust checks are carried out on staff who have lived or worked overseas.
• Suitable separate toilet and washing facilities are provided at both sites.
• Both buildings have suitably equipped medical rooms located near toilets.
• Both buildings are suitable and do not pose health and safety risks, with appropriate lighting.
• The existing site has suitable outdoor space for PE and play, and an appropriate accessibility plan is in place.

Areas for Improvement

• The school is operating beyond its registration agreement by admitting pupils above its registered age range.
• Leaders could not provide evidence during the inspection to substantiate that they had notified the DfE of the age-range issue.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Progression 2 Work's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Progression 2 Work is Requires Improvement, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was Progression 2 Work last inspected by Ofsted?

Progression 2 Work was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does Progression 2 Work have?

Progression 2 Work has 10 pupils on roll.

What age range does Progression 2 Work cover?

Progression 2 Work for pupils aged 11 to 16.

Where is Progression 2 Work?

Progression 2 Work is at Old Beauvale School, Beauvale, Newthorpe, Nottinghamshire, NG16 2EZ.