Path 4

School pre-registration inspection report

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Path 4 Unit 1 Ayaan Business Park, Waddington Street, Oldham OL9 6QH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g) to 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has written an appropriate curriculum policy, which clearly explains the school’s aims for the curriculum. The policy outlines a sufficiently broad range of subjects for pupils to study in key stages 3 and 4. The curriculum policies outline how the curriculum will contribute to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education and take into account the needs and previous experiences of pupils.  The curriculum policy is supported by appropriate schemes of work. The school has thought carefully about what pupils should learn and what prior knowledge they will need to be successful in new learning. The school has fully considered the significant gaps in learning that pupils are likely to have. It intends to adapt the schemes of work to meet the individual needs of pupils, some of whom may have special educational

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Main inspection findings

needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The school places sufficient importance on the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening, and mathematics. Subjects such as science and physical education (PE) are also given prominence on the school’s timetable. Pupils will study a range of other subjects that will provide them with experiences in technological, human and social and aesthetic and creative education.  Additionally, pupils will have the opportunity to gain accreditation and qualifications in a wide range of vocational courses, such as valeting and mechanics, catering, sport and art and design. The proprietor intends to further expand this offer in the longer term to include construction, hair and beauty, media and performing arts. Pupils will also have access to a range of academic qualifications according to their abilities, interests and needs. The proprietor intends to ensure that pupils who attend the

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Main inspection findings

school on a short-term placement can achieve accreditation and qualifications so that they are prepared well for the next stage of their education.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught through timetabled lessons. There is an appropriate scheme of work for PSHE education, which sets out the important knowledge that pupils will acquire in key stage 3 and 4. There is a suitable emphasis on citizenship, physical and mental health and well-being and how to stay safe on and offline. The curriculum encourages pupils’ respect for other people, including those with the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.  There are suitable arrangements in place for pupils to receive impartial careers information, advice and guidance. For example, a careers adviser from pupils’ referring schools provides up-to-date careers guidance. The school also supports

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Main inspection findings

pupils to complete application forms and takes pupils to visit a local college. Additionally, the proprietor intends to develop close links with local businesses and to arrange work experience for pupils. These activities will be tailored to the individual needs and interests of pupils. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a) to (b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(3)  The PSHE curriculum will provide pupils with age-appropriate relationships and sex education. The proposed school’s policy complies with the relevant statutory guidance. The school has considered how it will consult with parents and carers about the policy. It is also aware of its duty to ensure that the policy is shared with parents. Paragraph 3(a) to 3(g)  The proprietor is committed to ensuring that teachers have the appropriate subject knowledge and expertise to teach the curriculum well. For example, it has recruited experienced teachers from mainstream secondary schools with a broad spectrum of

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Main inspection findings

curriculum knowledge. The proprietor also intends to further support staff development by providing training, guidance and opportunities to work with other schools to help teachers to deliver the curriculum effectively.  Leaders have developed curriculum plans to ensure that they detail the important knowledge to teach and when to teach it. These plans also give teachers information about what prior knowledge pupils should have to help them to learn new knowledge. Teachers will adapt these plans in response to the needs and aptitudes of pupils. The school has an open plan space that is designated for subjects, such as English, mathematics and science. Additionally, the proprietor is developing a space that will be used as an arts café and catering kitchen. A further unit is used for teaching valeting and mechanics. These spaces are well resourced with a range of appropriate and high-quality equipment and materials.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has a clear framework for teachers to carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when pupils join the proposed school. Initial and ongoing assessments will inform what and how pupils are taught. Teachers will check that pupils are learning the intended curriculum regularly. The assessment policy sets out clearly how teachers should provide verbal and written feedback to pupils. Paragraph 3(h) to 3(j)  There is a suitable policy in place setting out the school’s expectations of pupils’ behaviour. The policy is appropriate to the needs of pupils in the proposed school and recognises the specific challenges that pupils who have been disengaged from education for some time may face.  The school has ensured that the curriculum does not undermine the fundamental British values and does not discriminate against pupils, contrary to part 6 of the Equality Act 2010. For example, pupils will learn about the protected characteristics

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Main inspection findings

and how to be respectful and tolerant of people who may be different to themselves. Paragraph 4  The proprietor has written a suitable assessment policy. This policy outlines how pupils’ performance will be monitored and shared with parents. The school intends to report to parents every half term and to provide them with information about their child’s progress, attainment and attendance.  All of the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)(iii)  The school has given consideration to pupils’ SMSC development through the PSHE curriculum and the wider curriculum. Pupils will learn about fundamental British values, such as the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy. Pupils will also learn about other faiths and cultures and how to be respectful and tolerant of people who have different views and beliefs to their own. The school’s policies include positive references to all of the protected characteristics as set out in legislation.  Weekly enrichment activities will incorporate frequent trips and visits. These provide an opportunity for pupils to develop and nurture talents and interests. Additionally, the proprietor organises ‘social action’ initiatives in which pupils plan and deliver community projects to raise money for the school and for the local community. These

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Main inspection findings

wide-ranging activities give pupils the opportunity to be active and responsible citizens and to develop self-esteem and confidence.  Pupils will learn how to keep themselves safe and mentally well. For example, they are taught about knife crime, county lines, self-harm and body image. The school intends that this will help pupils to make responsible and safe choices in their future lives. Additionally, the school intends that pupils will have weekly sessions with a learning mentor who will provide individual support and guidance for pupils’ social and moral development.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has put in place the necessary arrangements to safeguard pupils and to promote their welfare at the proposed school. There is a suitable and up-to-date safeguarding policy in place, which gives consideration to current statutory guidance.  The operations manager is the designated safeguarding lead in the school. The head of centre, who deputises for the designated safeguarding lead, is trained to the same level. Leaders who are responsible for safeguarding have appropriate knowledge, expertise and experience in this area.  The proprietor has ensured that all new staff will receive an appropriate induction into the school, including suitable safeguarding training. Staff receive ongoing training so that they can identify pupils who may be at risk of harm. The proprietor has established a clear system for staff to report and record any concerns that they may

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Main inspection findings

have. These are shared with pupils’ home schools. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  The proprietor has a suitable behaviour policy in place. There is also an appropriate anti-bullying policy. Both of these policies pay particular regard to the needs of pupils in the proposed school. The behaviour policy outlines clearly how pupils are expected to behave and sets out examples of unacceptable behaviour and how these will be addressed.  The school has established a system for staff to record and report any incidents of poor behaviour or bullying. Staff will use the same recording system to report and record any safeguarding concerns that they may have. The proprietor has oversight of any incidents that have been recorded and will complete regular analysis of this information. Any incidents are shared with pupils’ home schools. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has a suitable health and safety policy. It complies with all relevant

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Main inspection findings

laws. The proprietor has appointed an operations manager, who has a thorough oversight of all aspects of health and safety.  The proprietor has made suitable arrangements to ensure that the school’s computer network will have appropriate monitoring and filtering systems in place. This provides reassurance that pupils will be safe when they are using electronic devices in school.  The proprietor has ensured that there are a range of measures in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, there are fire extinguishers which will be checked regularly, there is appropriate signage around the building identifying ample emergency routes and exits. There are regular fire drills which are logged and any actions required are noted. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has written a first-aid policy and has made arrangements to ensure that all staff are suitably qualified to administer first aid. The school has ensured that

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Main inspection findings

there are fully stocked first-aid kits. Paragraph 14  The proposed number of staff is more than adequate to ensure that pupils will be appropriately supervised throughout the school day. The proprietor intends to have a staff to pupil ratio of 1to5 to ensure that pupils have the support that they need. Pupils will always be supervised, including at breaktimes and when undertaking visits off site. Paragraph 15  The school has a suitable admissions procedure. The proprietor has established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.  There is an appropriate, electronic system in place to register pupils’ attendance each day. The school monitors any absences effectively and takes swift and appropriate action to follow up on any pupil absence. The school notifies pupils’ home schools of any absence. Parents will receive information about pupils’ attendance in school

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Main inspection findings

reports. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The risk assessments that have already been completed show how leaders plan to take appropriate actions to minimise risks to pupils. These include risk assessments for staff vehicles and driving and ensuring that the school building remains safe.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a) to 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The single central record is in place and meets the requirements for the information it must contain. Leaders understand that the required checks on the suitability of staff must be completed before staff take up appointment. These include the enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, identification checks, checks on staff’s right to work in the UK, and those checks relating to the suitability for leadership and management of a school.  All of the required checks for the proprietor, leaders and some staff at the proposed school have been completed. Plans for the recruitment of additional staff and governors are underway. There is a clear and detailed plan for the induction of new

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Main inspection findings

staff. This includes staff completing safeguarding and other appropriate training on appointment.  The proprietor is aware of the procedures that it should follow should it employ agency staff to ensure that these staff are suitable to work with pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school is housed in an industrial unit, which is also used as an indoor community football facility outside of the school day. The layout of the building has been carefully considered to ensure that there is a separate space for lessons, in addition to pupils making use of the football facilities for PE and for social times. For example, there is a spacious, open-plan classroom on the first floor, which is divided into sections to provide space for different groups and for one-to-one support. There is also a kitchen area for staff and pupils to use and storage spaces. Additionally, the proprietor is developing an arts café in an adjacent unit and there is a second, adjacent unit for teaching mechanics and valeting cars. The proprietor intends to develop a mezzanine level in the second unit to provide space for teaching vocational

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Main inspection findings

courses, such as hair and beauty, media and performing arts. The proprietor has refurbished the building to a very high standard. It is bright, spacious and clean. It is particularly inviting for pupils who have had previous negative experiences of education. Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  There are toilet and washing facilities provided in two separate rooms, intended for use by one pupil at a time and secured from the inside to provide privacy. The proprietor intends to provide additional toilet cubicles as pupil numbers increase. The proprietor has ensured that there is a shower and changing accommodation available for pupils to use. There is also an accessible toilet for the use of pupils, staff and visitors. There is a supply of hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scalding risk.  The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that pupils have access to drinking

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Main inspection findings

water throughout the day. This is clearly marked. Paragraph 24(1) to 24(1)(c)  There is suitable accommodation provided for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. This designated space is close to the toilet and washing facilities. There is a sink in this space as well as a bed and pillow. There is also a well-stocked first-aid kit. Paragraphs 26, 27 to 27(b), 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  Pupils have access to an outdoor space. There is also ample space in the indoor football facility for them to use at breaktimes. Pupils will also have timetabled PE lessons in accordance with the school’s curriculum. The school also accesses other local sporting venues. It has risk assessments in place to ensure the safety of pupils when travelling to and from these sites, and when using these facilities.  The teaching spaces are light, bright and airy. They have suitable heating, lighting and acoustics. There is appropriate external lighting so that pupils, staff and visitors can

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Main inspection findings

enter or exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(d), 32(1)(f) to 32(1)(i) to 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3) to 32(3)(g)  The school’s website provides parents with all of the information that the school is required to provide. A wide range of policies are in place and available on the school’s website. These include the curriculum, behaviour, health and safety and safeguarding policies.  The school intends to provide the necessary information to the responsible local authorities for those pupils with an EHC plan and looked-after children.  The school plans to provide half termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress, attainment and attendance to parents. The proprietor is aware that following any inspection, copies of the report must be provided to parents.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33 to 33(k)  The proprietor has an appropriate complaints policy. This sets out suitable timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for making a complaint is transparent.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor demonstrates a secure understanding and knowledge of the standards. This is likely to enable the proprietor to set up and run this independent school successfully. It has also ensured that those with responsibility for leadership and management have the knowledge and expertise they need to carry out their roles effectively. Leaders are committed to providing a high quality of education for pupils. The proprietor and other leaders make a significant contribution to the local community and are committed to, and likely to fulfil their responsibilities, promote the well-being of pupils.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £39,000 to £55,000

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 4 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week 14

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 14

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n

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll 4 60 60

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 0 Unknown

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 0 Unknown

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 0 Unknown

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 0 Unknown

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 0 Unknown

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 7

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in premises at Unit 1 Ayaan Business Park, Waddington Street, Oldham OL9 6QH.  It is proposed that the school will provide full or part-time education for up to 60 mixed-gender pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years old. It is intended that the proposed school will provide short-term placements for pupils who are disengaged from education or at risk of exclusion from education. Some of these pupils may have SEND and/or an EHC plan, including for social, emotional and mental health needs and/or cognition and learning.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The proprietor body is Path 4 Outa Skool Limited. The chair of the proprietor body is also the head of the provision.  The proposed school is already operating. There are currently four pupils on the school’s admissions register who attend the school on a part-time basis. The date of the first admission was 6 September 2024.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body and the operations manager.  The inspector made a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. During the tour, the inspector observed pupils’ breaktime and walked through a lesson being taught in the open-plan

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Information about this inspection

classroom. They also spoke with some members of staff and a representative from a referring school. The inspector also received information from the local authority about its recent quality assurance visit to the school. The inspector looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those related to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. They also checked documents relating to safeguarding, including the single central record.

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Inspection team

Sally Timmons, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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