Kershaw Wood Manchester

Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 1 Kershaw Wood Manchester 14 Royle Green Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4NG

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report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely to meet all the independent school standards.

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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

There have been numerous changes to leadership roles, including the appointment of a new headteacher. The proposed curriculum does not set out clearly enough the intended knowledge and skills that leaders want pupils to remember over time. Although leaders have begun to take steps to strengthen curriculum planning and implementation, these proposals are at an early stage of development. Consequently, the proprietor has not demonstrated that it can provide effective oversight of the quality of education over time or that there is sufficient capacity to implement the curriculum effectively.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Although the proprietor has ensured that many parts of the independent school standards (the standards) have been met, it has not demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to ensure that the standards are likely to be met consistently over time. Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 2 The proposed school has designed a programme of activities to support pupils’ wellbeing, linked to their personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This indicates that the proprietor has a clear focus on pupils’ personal development and welfare.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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

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Curriculum and teaching

The proprietor has not ensured that the curriculum is of sufficient quality to meet pupils’ academic needs. The proposed curriculum is not specific enough about the key learning that leaders want pupils to know. Leaders have put in place a programme of improvement work, which includes an enhanced curriculum offer. However, at the time of this inspection, staff had not received the necessary training required to implement the proposed curriculum effectively.

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Curriculum and teaching

There are arrangements in place to establish pupils’ starting points on entry in some subjects, such as English and mathematics. However, the curriculum is aimed at the expectations set out in the national curriculum. It is not clear how leaders intend to ensure that adaptations to the curriculum will meet the needs of pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Curriculum and teaching

The PSHE curriculum sets out clear and progressive learning steps for pupils’ relationships and sex education and health education. It is intended that this curriculum will enable pupils to revisit prior learning and build their understanding of relationships as they move through the school. This aspect of pupils’ learning reflects statutory guidance well.

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Curriculum and teaching

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

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pupils

The school’s proposed personal development offer is structured around promoting the principles of fundamental British values and equalities. It includes activities that are designed to increase pupils’ awareness of different cultures, beliefs and perspectives. Leaders aim to help pupils to develop respect for the beliefs and opinions of others and to recognise and value diversity. Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 3 The programme of learning encourages the development of pupils’ moral understanding and social skills.

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pupils

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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Safeguarding

The proprietor has prepared a safeguarding policy that reflects current statutory guidance. The policy sets out clear procedures for staff to follow if they have concerns about a pupil’s welfare. A designated safeguarding leader has been identified. This leader holds appropriate qualifications and is responsible for overseeing safeguarding arrangements, including ensuring that all staff receive relevant training and updates. Safeguarding practice will be reviewed and appropriate action will be taken to address any arising concerns.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The behaviour policy sets out clear expectations for pupils and provides staff with guidance on how to respond to incidents of misbehaviour. This policy includes strategies to support pupils when they become dysregulated, ensuring that staff understand how to de-escalate situations safely and consistently. Leaders intend to place particular emphasis on helping pupils to understand which behaviours are socially acceptable and how they can manage their own emotions.

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Anti-bullying

A separate anti-bullying policy has been drafted. It outlines the measures in place to prevent bullying and the procedures that staff must follow should an incident occur. The policy provides clear guidance for staff on identifying, reporting and responding to bullying.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a clear health and safety policy that links to a range of associated policies and procedures.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Emergency lighting is in place throughout the premises. Fire-exit signage is correctly displayed and illuminated. Fire-fighting equipment is in date and maintained appropriately.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

There is appropriate guidance for staff regarding the administration of first aid. Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 4

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has ensured that an admissions and attendance register is in place.

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Risk assessment

A risk assessment policy is in place that explains how risks to pupils, staff and visitors will be identified and mitigated. The proprietor has ensured that several relevant risk assessments have already been completed for the premises and other planned activities.

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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 has prepared a single central record (SCR) that sets out the required suitability checks for staff. The SCR includes checks relating to staff members’ health and fitness and their suitability to work with children.

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

The proprietor does not intend to use supply staff to cover staff absence. The proposed school intends to manage any unexpected absences internally within the company. Although the use of supply staff is not anticipated, the proprietor has ensured that appropriate procedures and checks are in place anyway, should supply staff be required on rare occasions.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The SCR is maintained electronically and can be produced in a legible printed format when needed.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

All new staff undergo the full set of pre-employment checks before taking up their roles. These checks are recorded clearly.

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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

Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 5 Toilet facilities are provided for pupils, and these are lockable from the inside. Additional facilities are available for staff and visitors. Drinking water is clearly labelled and hot-water outlets do not pose a scalding risk.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

A dedicated medical room is available. The room contains washing facilities and is located close to a toilet.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

There are established procedures for the maintenance of the premises and for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff. Classrooms and corridors are clean and tidy. Regular checks by qualified contractors confirm that the electrical and gas installations are in good working order.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Lighting and acoustics throughout the building are suitable for teaching and learning. Exterior lighting is fitted at the entrances and exits.

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Outdoor space

There is ample outdoor space for pupils’ physical education and recreational use at the rear of the premises.

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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 ensured that the information required by the standards, including the school’s schemes of work and the safeguarding policy, is available to parents and carers upon request.

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Part 6. Provision of information

A system is in place to record income and expenditure for pupils whose places are funded by a local authority through an education, health and care (EHC) plan. This model is already used in the proprietor’s other schools.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has a report format that it intends to use for an annual report to parents. This includes pupils’ academic performance as well as progress towards any EHC targets. As such, this format would also provide responsible local authorities with information about pupils’ progress and development. Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 6 The proposed school’s contact information includes the school’s address, telephone number and details of how to contact the chair of governors. It also contains a statement outlining the proposed school’s aims.

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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

The proposed school has a complaints policy that meets the requirements of Part 7 of the standards. The policy sets out clear timescales for each stage of the complaints process and explains how concerns may be raised informally in the first instance. It provides a structured route for escalation where informal resolution is not possible.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The policy includes provision for a formal written complaint and outlines the steps leaders will take to investigate and respond within the stated timeframes. It also sets out arrangements for convening a panel hearing when a complaint cannot be resolved through earlier stages.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

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 school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor has ensured that there is a written accessibility plan in place that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. It sets out appropriate actions the proposed school will take to meet the different needs of its pupils, staff and visitors, and complies with the requirements of the standards.

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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.

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About this inspection

The inspector checked the school’s likely compliance with the standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 7 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.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher, the deputy designated leader for safeguarding and the curriculum leader.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is located on premises that are currently registered to and used by Kershaw Wood, Talbot Street, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 7DG. Some pupils from Kershaw Wood are currently educated on the site.

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About this inspection

The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the SCR of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents. These requirements of the standards are met.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

The chair of the proprietor body is Matthew Higham.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, including those with autism.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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About this proposed school

Proprietor First Steps Together Headteacher Tayyaba Ahmed Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 30

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an education, health and care plan,

Provider’s proposal: 30 Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 8

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 5 to 11 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £46,000 to £130,000 Email address manager@firststepstogether.uk

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 9 gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education; – 2(2)(b) that pupils acquire speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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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 Kershaw Wood Manchester, 15 July 2026 10 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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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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