Philpots Manor School is an independent day and residential special school which caters for up to 60 boys and girls between the ages of seven and 19 years. The school is located on the outskirts of West Hoathly village in a rural part of West Sussex. The school caters for pupils who have a range of social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Many also have specific learning difficulties. All pupils have an education, Inspection report: Philpots Manor School, 21–23 May 2019 Page 9 of 12 health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs. All pupils have been placed in the school by a local authority. There are currently 48 pupils on roll, including 12 students in the school’s sixth form. The school’s ethos, values and curriculum are underpinned by the educational principles of Rudolf Steiner. The school does not use alternative provision. However, a number of pupils attend registered colleges on a part-time basis, including Brinsbury College and East Surrey College. Most members of staff have been appointed since the previous inspection. The headteacher was not present at the time of the inspection due to ill health. An interim headteacher was appointed in February 2019. The proprietor is also the company director. The school does not have a governing body. An advisory panel was established very recently. The school’s website was in the process of being updated at the time of the inspection. The previous standard inspection took place in September 2017. The school provides optional boarding provision for pupils on the school site. The boarding provision was not included in this inspection. A social care inspection of the boarding provision took place in February 2018, when the boarding provision was judged good.