Skip to content

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Schools & FE · Independent school inspection

TILT Education

Inspected 29 May 2025 · published 24 Jun 2025 · URN 151616

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Original PDF ↗

Summary

No overall grade in this framework

Amina Modan

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Inspection date verified

    29 May 2025

  • Inspectors verified

    Amina Modan

  • Postcode verified

    ST7 2UX

  • Name on report verified

    TILT Education

  • URN verified

    151616

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+44Positivemore positive than 55% of reports of this type

In line with other reports of this type.

Praiseindependentclearstrengthseffectivelyclearlysafesecure
Criticismpoor

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsWhat needs to improveAbout the inspection positive critical
  • Findings1857w+34
  • What needs to improve158w+50

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

No standout praise found.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Next steps

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
10
Words of findings
1,939
about usual (typical 1813)
Reading level
Fairly hard
Flesch 52, typical 49
Average sentence
14 words
Next steps
8
typical 8
Hedged sentences
1%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 72%What needs to improve 6%About the inspection 22%

Full report text

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

TILT Education The Bungalow, Cardway Business Park, Linley Lane, Alsager, Stoke-on- Trent ST7 2UX

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2) to 2(2)(b)  There is a clear curriculum policy in place. The proprietors intend that pupils will gain experience in linguistic, technological, human, social, aesthetic and creative subjects. The proposed school intends pupils to learn a broad range of subjects, including English, mathematics, information technology and science. A range of resources are in place to support the teaching of phonics through an established reading programme.  The schemes of work show the knowledge and skills that the school intends to teach for the proposed age range of pupils. The proposed school intends to personalise the curriculum. It plans to match approaches and topics to the individual interests, aptitudes and abilities of each pupil, who may all have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The curriculum and scheme of work is mapped out for each subject across key stages

p.1

Main inspection findings

3 and 4.  The proposed school intends that fundamental British values will be taught through timetabled personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education lessons, assemblies and during form time. The schemes of work set out a wide range of topics that will be covered. The curriculum does not undermine fundamental British values. Respect for others, including those with different faiths and from other cultures, will be taught through the curriculum.  The proposed school plans to organise a range of activities, including trips and visits, to improve pupils’ confidence and independence. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)2(h) to 2(2)(i)  The proposed school intends to offer pupils courses linked to employability. It intends to arrange visits to local colleges and organisations. There is a clear careers and information guidance programme which includes impartial careers advice for older pupils. The school has considered how it will prepare pupils for adulthood.

p.1

Main inspection findings

Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d) to 2A(2)  The proprietors have 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 curriculum should the proposed school open. The school has ensured that the RSE policy is placed on the school’s website. Paragraphs 3, 3(a) to 3(j)  The proprietors have suitable recruitment procedures in place. They intend to appoint further staff with the necessary teaching skills and experience. The planning already in place reflects sound pedagogical practice. It is likely to meet the needs of the pupils that the proposed school intends to admit.  The classrooms are well equipped. The proprietors have purchased a number of resources to support pupils’ learning, including new computing facilities. Paragraph 4  The proprietors have written a suitable assessment policy. The proposed assessment

p.2

Main inspection findings

arrangements will enable pupils and staff to identify pupils’ strengths and areas for development.  The proposed school has arrangements for pupils to be assessed upon their arrival at the school. Teachers will check that pupils’ starting points are used to inform their teaching and curriculum delivery.  All of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5, 5(a) to 5(d)(iii)  The proprietors have developed an appropriate policy for promoting 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 the 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, such as health and welfare.  The proposed school’s policies demonstrate the proprietors’ commitment to a non- partisan approach to the teaching of political views.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.2

Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietors have completed safer recruitment training. The head of centre will be the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and the headteacher will be the deputy DSL. Both have up-to-date safeguarding training for the role. The proprietors have ensured that all staff are suitably trained in safeguarding.  The proprietors have a suitable safeguarding policy in place. It meets all current statutory requirements. Paragraphs 9, 9(a) to 9(c), 10  The proprietors have ensured that the proposed school’s behaviour policy is supported by a well-developed anti-bullying policy and exclusion policy. These policies set out the proposed school’s approach to the rewards and sanctions that will be used to support pupils’ behaviour. It is intended that any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded appropriately. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietors have ensured that suitable policies have been prepared for all the

p.2

Main inspection findings

required aspects of health and safety including for fire safety. Gas and electrical safety checks on equipment in the building have been carried out. Fire extinguishers are regularly serviced to ensure that they are suitable. Classrooms and other parts of the school building have appropriate signage to ensure that clear fire escape routes are arranged for pupils and staff.  The school has an e-safety policy and procedures in place to ensure that the school’s computer network has appropriate monitoring and filtering arrangements in place. Paragraph 13  The proprietors have put a suitable first-aid policy in place and have ensured that all staff are suitably qualified to administer first aid. Suitable first-aid resources are easily accessible. Paragraph 14  The proprietors have set out an intended staffing structure that will enable a suitable level of supervision for pupils. The proprietors intend that there will be no more than

p.3

Main inspection findings

five pupils in each class. Pupils are likely to be supervised effectively throughout the school day and during any visits and trips outside of school. Paragraph 15  The proprietors have ensured that appropriate registers for recording admissions and attendance are in place. They intend that these will be maintained in accordance with the relevant statutory regulations. The proposed school intends that any pupil absences will be followed up. Paragraphs 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The proprietors have risk assessments for potential incidents in the school building. These identify the risks and the potential actions needed to mitigate any hazards when taking pupils on trips, including visits to the local sports centre.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(2), 18(2)(a) to 18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a) 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. Leaders understand 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 employees and obtaining satisfactory professional references prior to employment.  All of the required checks for the proprietors and staff at the proposed school have been completed. The proprietors’ plans for the recruitment of additional staff are under way. There is a clear plan for staff to complete safeguarding training following their appointment.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.3

Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1) to 23(1)(c), 28(1) to 28(2)(b)  The proposed school is located in a former nursery building. There are four classrooms as well as a sensory room, medical room, break room, well-being garden, eating area, an office and a kitchen. The accommodation is likely to be suitable for the education of the proposed age range and number of pupils.  There are suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils. There are individual toilet cubicles for pupils which are lockable from the inside. There is an adequate supply of cold and hot water for handwashing. The temperature of the hot water is unlikely to pose a scalding risk to pupils.  Pupils will have access to drinking-water at all times from clearly marked taps. Paragraphs 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b) and 24(2)  A medical room has been set aside with suitable washing facilities in the room. There

p.4

Main inspection findings

is easy access to a toilet. A foldable bed, a lockable medicine cupboard and first-aid kit were in the medical room at the time of the inspection. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b)  The premises are safe, secure and well maintained. The acoustic features and sound insulation, together with internal and external lighting, are suitable throughout the building. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The proposed school has a small outside playing field for pupils to play. The space is suitable for the proposed number of pupils and their age range.  The proposed school intends to use the playing field for some of the physical education (PE) activities. However, pupils will receive the majority of their PE lessons at a local leisure centre. The proposed school has risk assessments in place to ensure pupils’ safety when travelling to and from this facility and when using this site.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.4

Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1) to 32(3)(g)  Leaders have set up a website which includes the school’s contact details and gives prospective parents access to its policies, including those relating to the safeguarding of pupils. The proposed school has also put all required information into the prospectus which is on its website. This includes the school’s name and address; the headteacher’s name and contact details; policies and procedures, including those relating to admissions, curriculum and behaviour.  The proposed school intends to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress and attainment to parents.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.4

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 steps as well as timelines for the handling of complaints. The proposed school has ensured that copies of any findings and recommendations will be shared as required.  This policy is published on the school’s website and includes all the relevant information.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.5

Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1) to 34(1)(c)  The proprietors have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that the standards are met. They have ensured that the standards related to the welfare, health and safety of pupils are likely to be met. For example, the school’s DSLs are appropriately qualified. In addition, suitable risk assessments for the hazards around the proposed school’s site have been completed.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

p.5

Main inspection findings

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

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

Type of school Independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

p.7

Proposed school details

Proprietors Ryan Goodwin and Debbie Goode

p.7

Proposed school details

Email address ryan.goodwin@tilt-education.co.uk

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 11 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 12 12

p.7

School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 12

p.7

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 12

p.7

School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 12

p.8

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 12

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 6

p.8

School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in a former day nursery at The Bungalow, Cardway Business Park, Linley Lane, Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2UX.  It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils in key stage 3 and key stage 4 who have been excluded from, or are at risk of exclusion from, mainstream schools.  Pupils who attend this proposed school will have special educational needs and/or disa- bilities, including social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietors do not intend to use alternative providers.

p.8

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 is the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the joint proprietors and the headteacher.  The inspector completed a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. The inspector also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those related to the curriculum, behaviour, and health and safety. The inspector checked documents related to safeguarding.

p.9

Inspection team

Amina Modan, 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 .

p.9

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.

p.10

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 .

p.10

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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.10

Discuss this inspection

Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.

Join the discussion