North Road Academy

North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 1 North Road Academy North Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 2BP

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material changes relating to the school provision are implemented

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report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending and admit pupils who have special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND).

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report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards (ISS) that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’s likely compliance with part 8 of the ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the ISS 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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has a powerful vision to open an independent special school with an Islamic ethos. The school currently runs as an Islamic independent school. The school currently has permission to have 230 pupils aged 5 to 16 on its roll. The proprietor requested this material change to lower the number of pupils at the school to 90 and to run as an independent special school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has experience of supporting pupils with SEND. The school currently runs a successful resource provision for pupils with a range of SEND. North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 2 Leaders have ensured that all staff in the provision are well trained in identifying and meeting the needs of the pupils. Although the proprietor intends to have up to 90 pupils, they plan to increase the number on roll slowly and recruit suitable staff alongside the increase in numbers.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders also understand curriculum development. While they intend to put in place a range of curriculum pathways for pupils, they also intend to expose pupils to Islamic studies, if this is suitable. Alongside this, the proprietor has ensured that a range of support services are in place, for example speech and language therapists and educational psychologists.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

There are processes in place to quality assure the work of the school. Leaders have carefully considered how their systems enable them to maintain oversight of the quality of the curriculum, teaching and learning.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders have appropriate knowledge and expertise. They have detailed knowledge of the ISS and understand recent changes, for example regarding recording the use of force or physical restraint.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE approves this material change.

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Curriculum

The proprietor’s vision is to provide high-quality provision for pupils with SEND, alongside teaching about the Islamic faith. In the current school, pupils study both a secular and faith-based curriculum. Leaders plan to open this up to all pupils if this is appropriate to pupils’ individual needs and abilities.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has established a broad and balanced curriculum that should effectively meet the needs of pupils. Leaders have put in place 3 pathways for learning: sensory stars, rising stars and shining stars. These pathways are planned to build incrementally on pupils’ prior learning and develop knowledge and skills that are appropriate to each individual pupil.

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Curriculum

In some subjects, leaders will be using published schemes of work that are specifically designed to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans. Leaders plan to build learning around individual pupils’ EHC plans.

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Curriculum

Leaders plan to ensure that all pupils have access to an appropriate careers programme. The school intends for pupils to have access to the world of work North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 3 through supported work experience placements, as well as independent careers advice and guidance. Leaders have put in place a programme to develop pupils’ life skills, personal, social and health education, and relationships and sex education. Leaders plan to adapt this to the age and stage of the pupils.

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Teaching

The school has ensured that staff are well trained. Teachers understand the needs of pupils well. Learning is well adapted to meet the different needs of the pupils. Leaders plan to continue training for all staff to ensure they meet the needs of pupils effectively. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge.

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Teaching

Leaders have appointed staff with knowledge and experience in teaching pupils with SEND. Leaders have designed an induction programme to support new staff to understand the expectations of the school. Leaders plan to continue to support staff to access further training to develop their understanding of SEND.

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Assessment

Leaders have thought carefully about how to assess and support pupils with SEND. When a pupil joins the school, leaders plan to use information from the pupil’s EHC plan, visit their previous setting and meet with parents to gather a full and comprehensive understanding of their needs. In addition, they plan to carry out detailed assessments on entry. This includes working with an educational psychologist to support accurate and effective assessment.

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Assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE approves this material change.

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Safeguarding

The school has developed appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures. Leaders have a full understanding of all statutory guidance. Records of concerns are detailed. Staff know how to record concerns and ensure this is done promptly. New staff have appropriate training in managing risks and keeping pupils safe. Leaders have ensured that training takes into account the additional vulnerabilities of the pupils they intend to admit.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have ensured that staff are trained in safeguarding. A trained team of staff supports the designated safeguarding lead. The school’s safeguarding policy is in place and published on the school’s website. North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 4

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Behaviour and anti-bullying

Pupils’ behaviour in the school is positive. There are respectful and trusting relationships in place. The behaviour policy has been adapted for pupils with SEND. Staff understand that behaviour is a form of communication. Systems are in place to record and analyse behavioural incidents. Bullying is rare in the school. The school has an anti-bullying policy in place should it occur.

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Health and safety, fire, risk assessment, first aid and supervision

The proprietor is knowledgeable about the ISS. Leaders have clear systems for checking the site. They act on issues when needed. A fire-safety logbook is in place detailing the testing, fire drills and equipment. There is a detailed site map that shows the positions of fire equipment, fire exits and assembly points.

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Health and safety, fire, risk assessment, first aid and supervision

The school has numerous rooms suitable for classrooms. In addition, leaders plan to develop a sensory room and rooms for creative activities, such as art and cookery. The site is maintained to a high standard.

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Health and safety, fire, risk assessment, first aid and supervision

Leaders have ensured there are appropriate risk assessments in place for the site, activities and pupils. Personal emergency evacuation plans and individual risk assessments are in place for those pupils who need them. The proprietor shows a secure understanding of how to manage risks.

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Health and safety, fire, risk assessment, first aid and supervision

The school plans to have an appropriate ratio of staff to pupils. Many staff are already in place. Currently, pupils are well supervised throughout the school day by well-trained staff. Leaders plan to recruit more staff should the material change be approved.

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Health and safety, fire, risk assessment, first aid and supervision

The school has an adequate number of trained first aiders. Should the material change be approved, leaders plan to train more staff as pupil numbers increase.

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Health and safety, fire, risk assessment, first aid and supervision

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE approves this material change.

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

The school’s recruitment processes are detailed and follow the guidance set out by the Secretary of State. Leaders know the checks they must complete to be sure that staff they recruit are suitable to work with pupils. These checks are carried out before a new staff member starts in the school. North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 5

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The electronic single central record is up to date. The proprietor regularly checks the single central record for compliance. Appropriate staff have completed suitable training in safer recruitment procedures.

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and showers

Pupils have suitable access to toilets and washing facilities. Showering facilities are also available. The water temperature is appropriate and does not pose a scalding risk. Suitable facilities for pupils to access drinking water are provided throughout the school. Facilities will be appropriate to the material change, should it be approved.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room is appropriately equipped. It includes a medical bed and access to running water and is in close proximity to a toilet. There are well-stocked first- aid boxes in suitable locations around the school site. The contents of these are checked and logged regularly. In addition, the school has a medical bay for the treatment of minor first-aid incidents.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school has numerous rooms suitable for classrooms. In addition, leaders plan to develop a sensory room and rooms for creative activities, such as art and cookery. The site is well maintained. Leaders complete regular building and site checks to ensure the health and safety of pupils and staff.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Classrooms, the school hall and other spaces around the school have appropriate acoustics and suitable lighting that support effective teaching and learning. External lighting is also appropriate and is situated around the school site.

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Outdoor space

The external school grounds are well maintained and provide adequate space for physical education and social play. Outside, there is a large playground, a trim trail and a linked nursery play area that are accessible to the pupils. North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 6 The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE approves this material change.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has an appropriate accessibility policy and plan in place. The plan contains details about adaptations to the curriculum and the physical environment. Leaders plan to update this to reflect the needs of the pupils in the school.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors 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.

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About this inspection

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.

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About this inspection

Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The DfE commissioned this inspection in response to the school’s material change application to change from an independent school to an independent special school.

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About this inspection

This was the first material change inspection since the standard inspection in November 2024.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the headteacher, who is also the proprietor, and the designated safeguarding lead and the curriculum lead. The inspector also spoke with staff and pupils and observed some teaching during the day.

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About this inspection

Inspectors also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the ISS are met.

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Lead inspector

Eve Morris His Majesty’s Inspector North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 7

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About this school

Proprietor Naeem Bashir Headteacher Naeem Bashir Type of school Other independent school Capacity 230

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Number of part-time pupils of

compulsory school age on roll 0 Age range of pupils 5 to 16 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £34,306 to £59,090 Email address info@northroadacademy.com North Road Academy, 18 June 2026 8 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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Number of part-time pupils of

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Number of part-time pupils of

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Number of part-time pupils of

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