Hanthorn House School

Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 1 Hanthorn House School Hanthorn House, Church Street, Droylsden M43 7BR

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report:

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

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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.

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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 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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The chair of the proprietor body is an experienced teacher with recent success in leading another independent school. He demonstrates a secure understanding of the independent school standards (the standards) and has established suitable systems and procedures to support compliance. He has a clear vision for the proposed school and is ambitious for what pupils will achieve.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that appropriate staffing structures will be in place. Staff will have suitable qualifications and experience, including expertise in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and looked-after children. Leaders intend to develop partnerships with local schools and education networks to share effective practice and support professional development. Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 2 The proprietor has established suitable arrangements to monitor the quality of provision and ensure that standards are met consistently. Plans are in place to draw on the expertise of experienced headteachers to provide oversight and strategic guidance. The proprietor demonstrates a secure understanding of its statutory duties and how to promote pupils’ wellbeing.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has put in place a broad and ambitious curriculum that takes account of pupils’ ages, aptitudes and needs. Appropriate policies, plans and schemes of work are in place. The curriculum enables pupils to study a wide range of subjects and supports the development of knowledge and skills over time. Provision has been carefully considered for pupils with SEND.

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Curriculum

Most curriculum subjects provide opportunities for pupils to work towards GCSE qualifications. Leaders have also developed vocational pathways that will allow pupils to gain recognised qualifications. Pupils will receive appropriate personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, including relationships and sex education. Appropriate arrangements are in place to consult parents and carers about this provision.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has established a suitable careers programme. Pupils will have access to independent careers advice and guidance, work experience opportunities and opportunities with employers from a range of professions.

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Teaching

The proprietor has ensured that schemes of work support well-planned lessons and allow pupils to build on previous learning. Leaders intend to employ appropriately qualified specialist teachers who have the knowledge and expertise required to deliver the curriculum effectively.

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Teaching

Pupils will be taught in classes of up to 6 pupils. High staff-to-pupil ratios will enable staff to provide appropriate support and develop positive relationships with pupils. Leaders have considered carefully how routines and expectations will support pupils’ learning and personal development.

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Assessment

Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 3 Leaders have established suitable arrangements for assessing and monitoring pupils’ progress. Appropriate systems are in place to review the needs of pupils with education, health and care plans regularly. This will help ensure that pupils receive suitable support and provision.

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Assessment

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proprietor has planned suitable opportunities to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. These opportunities are evident across the curriculum and particularly within the PSHE programme. The proposed curriculum will prepare pupils for life in modern Britain.

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pupils

The proprietor has ensured that fundamental British values are woven throughout the curriculum. Pupils will have opportunities to discuss topical issues, learn about different faiths and develop an understanding of equality, mutual respect and tolerance.

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pupils

Leaders have planned a range of activities and educational visits to broaden pupils’ experiences. These include participation in charity work and visits to places of worship. These experiences will help pupils develop an appreciation of diversity and the wider community.

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pupils

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor understands how to establish and sustain an effective safeguarding culture. A suitable safeguarding policy is in place and is published on the proposed school’s website. Leaders responsible for safeguarding have received appropriate training and suitable arrangements are in place for staff induction and ongoing safeguarding updates. The proprietor demonstrates clearly how leaders will work with external agencies when necessary to support pupils and keep them safe.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 4 The proprietor has established a suitable behaviour policy that reflects the needs of the pupils the school proposes to admit. Staff will receive training to support them in understanding and responding appropriately to pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs. Leaders have clear procedures in place to manage behaviour and support pupils effectively.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

There are clear arrangements in place to ensure that pupils will be appropriately supervised throughout the school day. Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios will support positive relationships between staff and pupils. Leaders intend to establish clear routines and expectations to help pupils behave responsibly and engage positively in school life.

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Anti-bullying

The proprietor has established a suitable anti-bullying policy. Leaders have clear procedures in place for identifying, recording and responding to incidents of bullying. Pupils will take part in activities, including Anti-Bullying Week, to develop their understanding of the impact of bullying and the importance of respectful relationships.

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Anti-bullying

The proprietor will give guidance for staff on responding to incidents should they occur. The proprietor has ensured that suitable arrangements are in place to reduce the likelihood of bullying and promote positive relationships between pupils.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has established suitable health and safety procedures. Appropriate policies and systems are in place to ensure that the premises are maintained to a high standard. Risk assessments have been completed for off-site activities, including visits to local leisure facilities.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The first-aid policy provides suitable guidance for staff. Appropriate first-aid equipment is available, and arrangements are in place to ensure that sufficient staff are trained. The proprietor has ensured that the premises comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has suitable arrangements in place to maintain admission and attendance registers. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the relevant statutory requirements.

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Risk assessment

Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 5 A structured risk assessment policy is in place. Risk assessments demonstrate that appropriate control measures have been identified and implemented. Leaders understand the need to review and revise risk assessments regularly.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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

The proprietor demonstrates a secure understanding of safer recruitment requirements. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that all relevant pre-employment checks are completed before staff begin work at the school. This includes checks relating to staff suitability and medical fitness where required.

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

The proprietor does not intend to employ supply staff. However, it demonstrates a clear understanding of the checks that would be required should supply staff be employed in the future.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has established a single central record and has already begun recording many of the required checks. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the information that must be recorded and monitored. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that recruitment information is maintained accurately.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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and showers

The proposed school provides suitable toilet and washing facilities, including an accessible toilet. Running water is available throughout the building and water temperatures do not present a scalding risk. Drinking-water is readily available to pupils. Appropriate shower facilities are available on site. Changing facilities are available through arrangements with a local leisure centre for physical education activities.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 6 There is a suitable medical room for pupils who become unwell. It contains appropriate facilities and provides convenient access to a toilet.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the premises are maintained to a suitable standard. The accommodation provides sufficient space for the proposed number of pupils and has been furnished appropriately. There is suitable outdoor space available within the grounds.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The proprietor has ensured that lighting throughout the building is suitable for teaching and learning. Acoustic conditions are appropriate and support the intended use of the accommodation. External lighting enables pupils, staff and visitors to leave the site safely.

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Outdoor space

Pupils will have access to a secure outdoor area suitable for recreation. Physical education activities will be provided through local leisure facilities. Appropriate risk assessments are in place to support pupils’ safety when attending these sessions.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has established a website for the proposed school. It contains the policies and information required by the standards, including contact details for both the school and the proprietor. The website is structured so that additional information can be published as required, including inspection reports.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has suitable arrangements in place to report pupils’ attainment, progress and emotional wellbeing to parents and carers. Leaders understand their responsibilities to provide information to local authorities and contribute to annual reviews for pupils with education, health and care plans.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 7 The proposed school has a complaints policy that meets requirements. It sets out clearly the stages through which complaints will be considered, including an opportunity for concerns to be resolved informally before progressing to the formal stages of the procedure.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has identified a suitable independent person to participate in a complaints panel when required. Appropriate arrangements are in place to record complaints and maintain records.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school's accessibility plan

The proprietor has a suitable accessibility plan in place. The plan identifies how pupils’ access to the curriculum, information and premises will be improved where necessary.

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The school's accessibility plan

The proposed school is likely to meet schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 if the proposed school opens.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, 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

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

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About this inspection

The inspector met with the chair of the proprietor body during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The school intends to cater for pupils aged 11-16 years with SEND. The main area of SEND is likely to be social, emotional and mental health needs.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Lead inspector

Rebecca Sharples His Majesty's Inspector Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 8

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Chairs of the proprietor body

Hanthorn House School Limited James Docherty and Colin Phillips Headteacher Amy Gibson Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 60

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 11 to 16 Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 2 Annual fees for day pupils £45,000 Email address james.docherty@hanthornhouse.uk Hanthorn House School, 7 July 2026 9 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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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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