EdStart Schools Bolton

School pre-registration inspection report

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EdStart Schools Bolton 67 Manchester Road, Bolton BL2 1ES

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(2)(b), 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school has developed a clear curriculum policy. The proprietor intends that pupils will gain experience in linguistic, technological, human, social, aesthetic and creative subjects. The curriculum includes the full range of national curriculum subjects, including English, mathematics and science.  The schemes of work show the knowledge and skills that the proposed school intends to teach for the age range of pupils. The school intends to adapt the curriculum based on pupils’ starting points. It plans to match approaches and topics to the individual interests, aptitudes and abilities of each pupil, who will all have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). Additionally, the proposed school has arrangements in place to ensure that pupils who join the school with disrupted learning are supported to

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Main inspection findings

succeed. For example, the school has tools to assess pupils’ starting points and additional needs.  The proposed school’s ambitions are that pupils will learn to read confidently and competently. The proposed school has purchased a reading programme that will include phonics. It has identified space for a library.  The proposed school intends that fundamental British values will be taught through specific personal, social, health and economic education lessons as well as ‘drop down days’. The schemes of work set out a wide range of topics that will be covered. For example, pupils will learn about relationships, healthy lifestyles and dangers in the community. The curriculum does not undermine British values. Respect for others, including those with different faiths and from other cultures, will be taught through the curriculum.  Leaders plan to organise a range of activities, including trips and visits, to improve

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Main inspection findings

pupils’ confidence and independence. For example, the proposed school intends to take pupils to places of worship and to inter-school sporting competitions. The proposed school will have themed enrichment activities for each week to help pupils broaden their understanding of the wider world.  The proprietor has extensive experience and expertise in the areas of need that it is proposing to cater for. It has a clear understanding of its skill set and how it plans to recruit, extend and complement these skills so that both teaching and pastoral care will be equally effective. There are specialist leaders across other currently operating sites who would monitor and evaluate the delivery of the curriculum effectively. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b) to 2A(2)  The proprietor has a suitable policy in place for relationships and sex education (RSE). The school plans to consult with parents and carers about the policy and the RSE

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Main inspection findings

curriculum should the proposed school open. Paragraphs 3 to 3(j)  There are currently nine teachers, and 10 welfare staff employed at the proposed school and further appointments are in place to recruit more staff. Leaders have appointed staff with the necessary teaching skills and experience. The planning already in place reflects sound pedagogical practice. New staff will be trained to ensure that they choose activities that support the intended learning and make appropriate adaptations within lessons so that pupils can progress. The school is likely to meet the needs of the pupils that it intends to admit.  The classrooms are well equipped. Leaders have purchased a number of resources to support pupils’ learning. Paragraph 4  The proprietor has written a suitable assessment policy. The proposed assessment arrangements will enable pupils and staff to identify pupils’ strengths and gaps in knowledge. This will be monitored and evaluated closely through ‘pupil passports’.

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Main inspection findings

There are strong arrangements in place for the proposed school to review the starting points when pupils join the school so that appropriate support is put in place for these pupils.  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 Paragraphs 5 to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietor has thought carefully about how the proposed school will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The proposed school’s policies and schemes of work aim to enable pupils to understand the importance of mutual respect and tolerance. The proposed school’s policies also include references to the teaching of all protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. It is intended that pupils will take part in discussions covering a range of topics, including misogyny and gender equality.  The proposed school has a clear policy that focuses on having mechanisms in place to ensure that a balanced point of opposing views is always presented to pupils.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

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Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 7 to 7(b)  The proprietor has paid attention to the most current statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils. A suitable and up-to-date safeguarding policy is in place. The proposed school is looking to invest in online systems that will help it to monitor and record concerns.  The chair of the proprietor body, headteacher and governors have completed safer recruitment training. The designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead have up-to-date safeguarding training for their roles. The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably trained in safeguarding.  The proposed school intends to hold weekly meetings and discussions about pupils’ welfare and engage with external agencies to ensure that pupils are supported well. Paragraphs 9 to 9(c), 10  The proprietor has appropriately detailed behaviour and exclusion policies in place. There is also a suitable anti-bullying policy. These policies set out the proposed

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Main inspection findings

school’s approach to manage behaviour. It is intended that any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded appropriately using an online system. Paragraph 11  The proprietor has ensured that suitable policies have been prepared for health and safety. For example, gas and electrical safety checks on equipment have been carried out across the three proposed school sites.  The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that the proposed school’s computer network has appropriate monitoring and filtering arrangements in place. The health and safety policy is supported by some of the evidence seen, for example there is storage of hazardous materials and location of first-aid boxes. The fire evacuation plan was being developed during the inspection. Paragraph 12  For two of the three proposed school sites, clear steps have been taken to ensure that the premises are well maintained and safe. Classrooms contain accurate signage

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Main inspection findings

indicating what to do in case of fire. However, at the Manchester Road site, some of the evacuation procedures notices were not accurate.  The proprietor addressed some fire safety issues during the inspection. For example, the school amended their evacuation plan for pupils in the event of a fire. Nonetheless, at the time of the inspection the proprietor had not ensured that the recommended fire door survey had been completed and had not undertaken a fire drill to check evacuation arrangements before admitting pupils. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has put a suitable first-aid policy in place and has ensured that there will be qualified staff to administer first aid. Suitable first-aid resources are easily accessible at all three sites. Paragraph 14  The proprietor has set out an intended staffing structure that will enable a suitable level of supervision for pupils across the three sites. The proprietor intends that there

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Main inspection findings

will be no more than eight pupils in each class. Pupils are likely to be supervised effectively throughout the school day. Paragraph 15  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate registers for recording admissions and attendance are in place. During the inspection, the school made some changes to ensure that the admission register is maintained in accordance with the relevant statutory regulations. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietor has risk assessments for potential incidents in the proposed school building. The proprietor has ensured that it has suitable risk assessments in place for the hazards posed by the location of the proposed school’s premise, as well as visits to other sites or school trips.  There are suitable fire risk assessments completed for all of the three premises. However, the proprietor could not provide a suitable fire door survey assessment that reflects the potential risks that pupils might face at the Manchester Road site (as

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Main inspection findings

advised by fire professionals in October 2024).  Some standards in this part are unlikely 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) to 18(2)(d), 18(3), 19(2), 20(6) to 20(6)(c), 21(1) to 21(3)(b), 21(6)  The single central record is in place and meets the requirements for the information it must contain. The proprietor understands that the required checks on the suitability of staff must be completed before staff take up their appointment. These checks include establishing the medical fitness of prospective employees and obtaining satisfactory professional references prior to employment.  All of the required checks for the chair of the proprietor body, the chair of governors, the headteacher, the executive headteacher, the director of education and staff at the proposed school have been completed. Plans to recruit additional teachers and support staff are in place. There is a clear plan for staff to complete safeguarding training following their appointment. Some senior staff have already completed

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Main inspection findings

safeguarding training.  Leaders are aware of the procedures that they should follow in the event of employing supply 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 Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(2)  The proposed school is housed across three premises. Two of the premises, Castle Hill and Horwich, were previously operated under EdStart Salford school, which is led and managed by the same proprietor and senior leaders. The new Manchester Road site is located in a two-storey building that has been refurbished to a high standard. The accommodation includes multiple teaching rooms, recreational space, a library, outdoor space, adequate toilets and washing facilities, a kitchen, a medical room, a reception area and offices. All three sites are sufficient to accommodate up to 83 pupils. The new accommodation is likely to be suitable for the education of the proposed age range and number of pupils.  Across each site, there are suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. There are individual toilet cubicles for both male and female pupils that are lockable from the

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Main inspection findings

inside. Each site also has accessible toilets. There is an adequate supply of cold and hot water for handwashing. The temperature of the hot water is unlikely to pose a scald risk to pupils.  Pupils will have access to drinking-water at all times from clearly marked taps.  There are no separate changing facilities for boys and girls at two of the three sites, and there are no shower facilities at the Horwich school site. However, the proposed school intends to make use of the Castlehill site for their weekly physical education sessions. This site has suitable changing and showering facilities. The proposed school will have risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety when travelling to and from these facilities and when using this site. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2)  On each of the proposed school’s premises, a medical room has been set aside with washing facilities nearby. There is easy access to a toilet. A bed and first-aid kit were

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Main inspection findings

in the medical rooms at the time of the inspection. At the new Manchester Road site, the school relocated its medical room during the inspection. This was to ensure that the accommodation was suitable to cater for sick or injured pupils. Paragraph 25  The Castlehill and Horwich site meet the requirements for health, safety and welfare of pupils. However, several aspects of the new Manchester Road premises were not in a suitable state when the inspector arrived. For example, the proprietor has not ensured that all of the fire risk management actions for the Manchester Road site were completed to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils in the event of a fire. Paragraphs 26 to 28(2)(b)  The three premises are clean, secure and well maintained. The acoustic features and sound insulation, together with internal and external lighting, are suitable throughout the buildings. There is external lighting at the entrances and exits to each proposed

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Main inspection findings

school building so that pupils, staff and visitors can safely arrive and leave during the hours of darkness. Paragraphs 29(1) to 29(1)(b)  The Manchester Road and Horwich school site have a small outside space for pupils to play. The proprietor has ensured that suitable fencing is in place to keep pupils safe.  Some standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(i) to 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)(ii) to 32(3)(g)  At the time of the inspection, the school did not have a website for the Bolton schools cluster group. However, leaders intend to make all parents aware of the proposed school’s contact details and to give them access to its policies, including those relating to the safeguarding of pupils. The proposed school intends to publish all the required information on its website. This includes the school’s name and address; the

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Main inspection findings

headteacher’s name and contact details; policies; and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. Reports will include reflections on pupils’ EHC plans.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33 to 33(k)  The complaints policy is comprehensive. The policy sets out all the necessary stages as well as timelines for the effective handling of complaints. The proposed school has ensured that copies of any findings and recommendations will be shared as required.  The standards in this part are 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 Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietor and senior leaders already run similar schools successfully. As part of an expansion, they are looking to split the Salford group and reallocate two Bolton sites to this new Bolton group with an additional site on Manchester Road. As such, two of the three sites are fully set up and ready to run as part of this independent school.  The proprietor and senior leaders seem to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that are needed to ensure that most of the standards are met. For instance, the proprietor and the school are aware of their duties and responsibilities around safeguarding. However, the proprietor has been slow to act on addressing some aspects of the standards linked to fire safety at the Manchester Road site. This means that some aspects of fire safety and welfare of pupils have not been fully considered at the time

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Main inspection findings

of inspection.  The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school’s accessibility plan fully reflects the statutory requirements.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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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

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £16,800 to £65,000

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recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 83 83

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 83

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 83

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 83

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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 Not applicable 83

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 10 13

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Information about this proposed school

 This proposed independent special school is located in premises on three separate sites. These premises are at 67 Manchester Road, Bolton, BL2 1ES, Castle Hill Young Peoples’ Centre, Castleton Street, Tonge Moor, Bolton, BL2 2JW and Horwich Young People’s Centre, Fox Street, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 5NZ.  EdStart Bolton will use the Horwich and Castle Hill premises that were previously registered at EdStart Salford (which is led and managed by the same proprietor and senior leaders) and the new site at Manchester Road, Bolton.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 83 mixed-gender pupils, aged between 11 and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities by providing them with a small, nurturing learning environment.  The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with cognitive learning needs, visual

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Information about this proposed school

impairment, speech, language and communication, autism, hearing impairment, social, emotional and mental health needs, multi-sensory impairment, moderate learning difficulty and specific learning difficulty. It is expected that all pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor is EdStart Schools Ltd. This company is registered at Companies House. There are two directors. One of the directors is the chair of the proprietor body.  The proprietor intends that there will be a governing body. The chair of the governing body has been appointed.  The proprietor does not intend to use alternative provisions.

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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 standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This is the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and executive headteacher. She spoke with the chair of the proprietor body and a local authority representative.  The inspector made a tour of three sites that are intended to be used by the proposed school. This included checks to evaluate the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those relating to the curriculum, behaviour, health and safety and safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Amina Modan, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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