Thornycroft School

Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 1 Thornycroft School Newport Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL8 1RE

p.1

report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

p.1

report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider’s likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards (the standards) first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor body has a clear, well-informed vision for the school. It has used its extensive knowledge of operating other independent schools to ensure that the proposed school will be likely to meet the standards consistently over time. The proprietor has used this knowledge to ensure that there are clear systems for oversight of safeguarding, behaviour and the quality of the education that the proposed school will provide. The proprietor and school leaders have a clear plan for admissions, with the school increasing the number of pupils on roll over time. This steady increase will allow leaders time to focus on ensuring that pupils are receiving a high-quality education.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has put in place appropriate governance of the school. Alongside school leaders, those responsible for governance are knowledgeable about compliance regulation and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The proposed meeting structure, alongside the different reports which various Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 2 leaders provide, would allow both the proprietor body and governors to provide support and challenge. Safeguarding will be a regular item on the agenda for meetings and within the school’s reports.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and school leaders have carefully considered how they will promote pupils’ wellbeing effectively. Each pupil will have a nominated key worker who greets them in the morning and at the end of the school day. This is to identify any pastoral support which the pupil may need swiftly. The aim is for each pupil to receive a rich personal development offer. When pupils join or leave the school, a well-thought-out transition package should support pupils with this.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.2

Curriculum

The curriculum policy sets out clearly what the curriculum offer will be for pupils and how the school intends to implement it. Leaders have given sufficient thought to the range of pupils’ needs that they intend to admit. The proposed curriculum is broad and ambitious. For example, older pupils will have the opportunity to gain a range of qualifications such as GCSEs.

p.2

Curriculum

All subject areas have clear and well-considered schemes of work in place. The curriculum schemes of work set out the knowledge and skills that pupils will learn. These are sequenced well so that pupils should have the opportunity to make progress from their starting points. School leaders recognise that the schemes of work will need some refinement once pupils enrol and their starting points are better understood.

p.2

Curriculum

The proposed school has put in place provision to support pupils at the earliest stage of reading. A suitable phonics programme has been selected. The school intends to use a range of assessment methods to establish where any gaps in pupils’ phonics knowledge are when they join. In addition, leaders intend to promote wider reading to pupils through the range of chosen texts in the English curriculum, library visits and staff fostering positive reading habits with pupils.

p.2

Curriculum

Relationships and sex education (RSE) has been well planned. The RSE curriculum covers all content set out in legislation. The RSE policy sets out how the school intends to consult with parents and carers. Alongside this, the careers policy and curriculum set out high expectations for supporting pupils with their next steps in education, employment or training. This includes ensuring that pupils have regular access to independent advice about a broad range of options. This includes visits to local colleges. Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 3

p.2

Teaching

The proprietor intends to employ qualified teachers to deliver the curriculum. If needed, it means to provide training for staff who may teach outside of their specialist subject. The schemes of work have suitable resources which will help teachers to deliver the curriculum well. Where required, the proprietor intends to train staff to adapt the learning activities so that pupils can access the curriculum on offer.

p.3

Assessment

The proprietor has a clear assessment framework in place for pupils. When pupils arrive at the school, teachers will undertake checks on their knowledge in different areas of the curriculum. This will be used to ensure that pupils begin their curriculum at the correct starting point. Teachers will use their ongoing checks on pupils’ knowledge to ensure that any gaps in their understanding continue to be rectified. In addition, they will use this to ensure that pupils make progress towards their education, health and care (EHC) plan targets.

p.3

Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.3

pupils

The proprietor proposes to offer an extensive programme to promote pupils’ personal development. This includes supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural knowledge. The aim is for a wide range of learning activities, assemblies and events. Pupils will learn of different cultures, traditions or various parts of the Equality Act 2010. For example, assembly themes include ‘Stand up for others’, ‘Our relationships with women’ or ‘Everyone is welcome’.

p.3

pupils

The personal, social and health education (PSHE) intends to cover fundamental British values, such as the rule of law and democracy. The proprietor means to use different guest speakers to support this. For example, these will include the police and ambulance workers. The school also aims to bring in speakers from the local community.

p.3

pupils

The proposed school has in place a clear plan to incorporate therapeutic work into the curriculum. Leaders will train staff when they join on the relational approach the school intends to use.

p.3

pupils

Principally using the pupils’ key workers, the school intends to ensure that pupils have a clear understanding of right and wrong. This is to support pupils with their decision-making. Leaders also intend to ensure that they collect pupils’ views Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 4 about a range of aspects of provision. This is through both the key worker and more formal structures such as the student council.

p.3

pupils

The proprietor has plans in place to develop pupils’ understanding of life beyond the school. It aims to have a range of community events which pupils will take part in. These include visits to various places locally or taking part in inter-school sporting competitions.

p.4

pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.4

Safeguarding

The school’s safeguarding policy sets out clearly its arrangements for safeguarding pupils. This fulfils national guidance and requirements. It is available on the school’s website.

p.4

Safeguarding

The proprietor and school leaders have the necessary training to ensure that they can carry out their responsibilities. A programme of training for staff is in place. A structured induction programme for staff will be implemented to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding.

p.4

Safeguarding

There is to be a management information system where incidents will be recorded. This management system allows the proprietor to have sufficient oversight of safeguarding, including its ability to audit processes to ensure that these are being implemented well. The proprietor body and governors will provide further challenge and support. This will routinely check and discuss the effectiveness of safeguarding relationships.

p.4

Safeguarding

The proprietor and school leaders understand the potential additional risks for pupils with SEND. This includes leaders having a thorough understanding of local contextual safeguarding risks. They use this well to think carefully about what needs to be in place to safeguard pupils.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has set out proposals for staffing levels. The proposed number of staff would provide more than adequate supervision for the number of pupils the school intends to admit.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The school’s behaviour policy sets out clearly its expectations. The policy indicates where poor behaviour will be recorded. This includes when any use of restrictive intervention is used. The proprietor is aware of the requirement to inform parents when an incident has occurred. Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 5

p.4

Anti-bullying

The proprietor has ensured that there is an appropriate anti-bullying policy. This provides assurances that leaders intend to take bullying seriously. It identifies the processes that leaders and staff will follow when allegations of bullying and discrimination occur. These will be reported to both governors and the proprietor so that they can maintain oversight of the number and range of incidents.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school’s health and safety policy sets out clearly the proprietor’s commitment to ensuring that health and safety is prioritised. This includes making sure that there are appropriate staff to pupil rations. The proposed school complies with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This includes ensuring that there is an effective fire risk assessment.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has ensured that suitably well-trained staff are in place to ensure continued compliance with health and safety legislation. This includes regular checks on the building, water and fire-fighting equipment. Where faults are identified, there is a clear system for reporting these so that they can rectified swiftly.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has written a suitable first-aid policy. The proprietor intends to ensure that staff are first-aid trained. Throughout the site, there are easily accessible first-aid boxes should pupils require immediate first aid. The proprietor has created an effective recording system.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

The school has in place an admission register, which meets the current requirements under Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. An electronic register will record pupils’ attendance at school. The proprietor and school leaders are aware of which attendance codes to use under current guidance.

p.5

Risk assessment

The school has written a suitable risk assessment policy. There are a range of risk assessments which effectively identify any potential risks and how these will be reduced as much as possible. This includes risk assessments for different classrooms such as the science classroom, storing of dangerous chemicals and extra-curricular visits.

p.5

Risk assessment

The standards are likely to be meet if the school is registered. Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 6

p.5

The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The proprietor and school leaders are aware of the necessary recruitment processes before staff start. They know which checks they need to make. Checks are already in place for the staff who are working at the school such as the headteacher.

p.6

The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Relevant staff have had the required designated safeguarding lead training. This ensures that they have the necessary knowledge required to support staff in the implementation of the school’s safeguarding procedures.

p.6

The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Although the school does not intend to use supply staff, they are aware of the requirements should they do so.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that an electronic single central record is in place. This allows it to record carefully and clearly the checks that it has undertaken on staff. Relevant school and company senior leaders have access to the single central record so that they can maintain oversight of it.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.6

and showers

The school has enough toilet and washing facilities. These are located throughout the two buildings. The toilets are for single pupil use only. These can be locked from the inside. Shower facilities are available for secondary-age pupils to use after physical education (PE) activities.

p.6

and showers

Pupils will have access to water throughout the school day. Drinking-water is clearly labelled. When the water might be hot, this is clearly indicated. That said, water temperature does not pose a risk to pupils or staff. Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 7

p.6

Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

There is a medical room for pupils with handwashing facilities. This is to be always readily available. It will provide comfort to pupils when they are sick or injured. It contains a bed, blanket and pillow. It is located near a toilet.

p.7

Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

Pupils’ medicine will be kept in a lockable cabinet. When medicine is administered to pupils, there are clear procedures in place for staff to follow.

p.7

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor has invested heavily in ensuring that the school’s premises are maintained to a high standard. Both buildings have been refurbished. The school site is secure. It is clean, spacious and inviting to pupils. When pupils or staff must use stairs, these are clearly indicated with appropriate arrangements in place to ensure their safe use.

p.7

Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proprietor has ensured that there is enough external lighting so that staff and pupils can use the environment unhindered. Classrooms are well lit with appropriate consideration given to pupils’ SEND. Classrooms are set out to promote a calm learning environment. Both lighting and acoustics are suitable for learning.

p.7

Outdoor space

The school site has a large amount of outdoor space. This can be used during recreational activities. The proprietor has thought carefully about how this will be used for different aged pupils. There is space for pupils to take part in PE.

p.7

Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school has a fully functional website which contains a wealth of information. It is easy for parents and other members of the public to navigate. All relevant policies, such as those for health and safety, behaviour and safeguarding, are readily available. The chair of the proprietor body, headteacher and the school’s contact details are easily located on the school’s website. This includes during and out of term time. Furthermore, the proprietor and school leaders have ensured that they have a suitable annual report format so that they can report pupils’ progress and attainment to parents. Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 8 As the school intends to admit pupils from nearby local authorities, school leaders have in place procedures to report their expenditure to the relevant authorities. This includes on areas such as staffing, resources and extra-curricular visits.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has ensured that a suitable complaints policy is in place. This sets out the distinct stages of a complaint, including the option to have the complaint dealt with informally at the first stage. At each stage, the policy sets out the timescale each stage will take.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The policy sets out the requirement for a complaint to be dealt with by an independent panel if the complainant remains dissatisfied with the response received from the school at early stages. It clearly indicates that this needs to have at least one member who is independent of the management of the school.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor and school leaders have appropriate provision to record all complaints that the school receives. In addition, they have plans in place to record the numbers of complaints received in the current and proceeding academic year.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the school is registered.

p.8

The school’s accessibility plan

The accessibility policy clearly sets out the approach the school intends to take to ensure that its duties under the Equality Act 2010 are met consistently. The associated accessibility plan is appropriate and includes clear objectives alongside defined and realistic timescales. Based on the information available, the policy and plan provide a suitable framework to support accessibility for pupils and to promote equality of opportunity.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 9 Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

p.8

About this inspection

The inspector spoke with a variety of leaders as part of this inspection. This included the chair of the proprietor body, national education director, director of education, regional director and headteacher. As part of checking compliance, the inspector conducted a tour of the premises with some of the leaders.

p.9

About this inspection

The school intends to admit pupils with SEND. The primary area of need will be autism and/or social, emotional and mental health needs.

p.9

About this inspection

The chair of the proprietor body is Amanda Cunningham.

p.9

About this inspection

There is one site with 2 separate buildings. The site is located at Newport Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL8 1RE.

p.9

About this proposed school

Proprietor Horizon Care and Education Group Limited Headteacher Jennifer Hallam Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 70 Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Proposed: 70

p.9

About this proposed school

Number of part-time pupils of compulsory school age on roll Provider’s proposal: 0

p.9

About this proposed school

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities on roll Provider’s proposal: 70

p.9

About this proposed school

Number of pupils on roll who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Provider’s proposal: 70

p.9

About this proposed school

Age Range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 5 to 19 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed Total hours operating as a school per week Provider’s proposal: 32.5 hours

p.9

About this proposed school

Total hours of teaching provided per week Provider’s proposal: 27.5 hours Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 10 Number of full time equivalent teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 21

p.9

About this proposed school

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £75,000 Email address Jennifer.Hallam@horizoncare.co.uk Thornycroft School, 17 April 2026 11 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

p.10

About this proposed school

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.11

About this proposed school

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

p.11

About this proposed school

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

p.11