Include-West Bars, Chesterfield

Special

Other independent special school

Mixed

Ages 11–18

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

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Key Information

DfE GIAS

Head:Ms Lucy Strawson

LA:Derbyshire

Phone:07884075533

Address:23 West Bars, Chesterfield, S40 1AB

Area:Schools in S40

Status:open

Opened:4 August 2026

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 2 months ago

Overall

Inspected 15 July 2026View full report

URN:152430

Diocese:Not applicable

Constituency:Chesterfield

Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

The school is specifically designed to help pupils who have struggled with school attendance and anxiety, with an experienced leadership team ready to support them. It offers a broad curriculum with a strong focus on reading and English, combined with therapeutic support and pastoral care to help pupils re-engage with education. The school plans to create a caring, structured environment with clear routines and an emphasis on helping pupils regulate their behaviour and build confidence.

Key Strengths

Experienced leadership team with prior knowledge of independent special schools and clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
Well-designed curriculum tailored to pupils with SEND, including bespoke provision for anxiety-related non-attendance
Strong emphasis on reading development with phonics-based catch-up programmes
Comprehensive safeguarding arrangements with trained designated leaders and robust electronic recording systems
Planned enrichment activities including charity work and cultural celebrations

Safeguarding

Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a comprehensive policy reflecting current guidance, trained designated safeguarding leaders, and clear procedures for staff to report concerns through an electronic system.

Extracurricular Activities

Charity work, cultural event celebrations (Chinese New Year), physical education, enrichment activities

Include-West Bars is a proposed independent special school in Chesterfield designed to support pupils with additional needs and anxiety-related non-attendance. The school is likely to meet all independent school standards if registered.