Breightmet School

Breightmet School, 23 June 2026 1 Breightmet School Milnthorpe Road, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6PD

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report:

Overall outcome The school meets all of the independent school standards that were checked during this inspection

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report:

At its most recent inspection, the school was judged to not meet all of the independent school standards and associated requirements.

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report:

The purpose of this inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out progress monitoring inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’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

 At the school’s standard inspection in June 2025, inspectors found that leaders did not have the knowledge or skills required to ensure that the independent school standards (the standards) were consistently met. This was because the systems in place to check compliance were not fit for purpose. The proprietor had not established adequate arrangements to assure themselves that the standards were being met securely over time.  At the progress monitoring inspection in February 2026, inspectors acknowledged that instability in staffing had contributed to delays in addressing the unmet standards. However, the report noted that the newly appointed senior leadership team had acted promptly and effectively to tackle the issues identified at the previous inspection, particularly those relating to pupils’ safety and welfare. Despite this, inspectors found Breightmet School, 23 June 2026 2 that the steps taken to improve the curriculum and assessment arrangements were still

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

at an early stage. At this point, oversight from the proprietor remained insufficient.  At this inspection, leaders demonstrated how their actions have brought about marked improvements in the design of the curriculum. This has enabled them to check on the quality of education with greater clarity. The way in which leaders provide feedback to staff is helping them to develop their professional skills and understanding.  The proprietor has put in place weekly reviews of the school’s performance to check on key improvement priorities and compliance with the standards. These have been successful in enabling them to ensure that the standards are met consistently well.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Curriculum

 During the standard inspection in June 2025, inspectors identified weaknesses in how clearly leaders had defined the essential knowledge pupils should learn in some subjects. Leaders had not considered sufficiently how pupils would build on what they already knew by sequencing the curriculum in a logical progression. In addition, the curriculum did not take adequate account of pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), their starting points or their prior achievement.  At the school’s most recent progress monitoring inspection in February 2026, inspectors found that leaders had taken effective action to strengthen schemes of work across all subjects. These developments were designed to reflect pupils’ specific needs. However, inspectors also highlighted that changes within the senior leadership team had caused delays to the curriculum’s implementation.  At this inspection, the inspector found that leaders had revised the school’s approach to

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Curriculum

the curriculum to better match the needs of pupils. This has ensured a more structured approach to lessons that enables all staff to understand pupils’ next steps in learning. The curriculum is clear about the key learning that leaders want pupils to know and remember. It is set out in a progressive way that is reflected in pupils’ workbooks.  There is a well written and purposeful curriculum policy in place. This has been used to inform staff about the structure of lessons and to set high expectations for pupils’ learning. The policy has brought about greater consistency in the way staff work to support pupils’ learning.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Teaching

 At the previous monitoring inspection, inspectors found that the proprietor had ensured all staff had received training on how to deliver the curriculum. As the improvements introduced by leaders were still at an early stage, the report concluded that it was too soon to determine the full impact of these actions. Breightmet School, 23 June 2026 3  Currently, leaders have ensured that staff have received training to adapt the way in which they deliver the curriculum for different pupils. As a result, the curriculum is implemented well, and pupils generally progress well from their starting points. Leaders also support the implementation of the schemes of work through regular staff meetings and individual coaching sessions for staff.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Assessment

 At the standard inspection in June 2025, inspectors found that the school had not given sufficient consideration to the needs of pupils with SEND when designing lessons. Although leaders had identified pupils’ needs, this information was not being used effectively in classroom practice. Inspectors also reported that, in some subjects, teachers did not check pupils’ knowledge and understanding with enough care.  The progress monitoring inspection in February 2026 found that the school had introduced a comprehensive assessment system. Inspectors reported positive evidence that staff were using pupils’ education, health and care plans to set classroom activities that were appropriately matched to pupils’ needs. However, they noted that it was too early to determine the full impact of how effectively staff were using the new assessment arrangements to shape pupils’ learning. The report also recognised that

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Assessment

further training and ongoing monitoring were required to ensure staff became fully competent in using assessment to inform their lesson planning.  At this inspection, leaders have provided staff with support to use the new assessment system well. Teachers consistently consider each pupil’s needs and abilities when planning lessons. As a result, the curriculum is adapted to the way in which pupils learn best. Staff are fully aware of pupils’ prior knowledge and their next steps in learning. For example, the progressive way in which staff teach phonics is enabling pupils to make positive progress through the intended curriculum.  The standards in this part are now met.

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Safeguarding

 The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable safeguarding policy in place that reflects the most recent statutory guidance. Staff receive regular training and updates on safeguarding. They are well placed to spot any changes in pupils’ behaviour that may indicate that they feel unsafe.  Staff know how to report and record concerns. They understand the procedures to follow should there be an allegation against a member of staff. Leaders follow up any reported concerns assiduously. They have clear routes to involve other professionals where necessary to ensure that pupils are kept safe from harm. Breightmet School, 23 June 2026 4  The standards in paragraph 7 and 32(1)(c) continue to be met.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under sections 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector checked the school’s compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. 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. This inspection was conducted without notice. This was the school’s second progress monitoring inspection. The inspector spoke with the headteacher, deputy headteacher, phonics leader, both members of the proprietor body and a small sample of staff and pupils during the inspection. The inspector also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single

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About this inspection

central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the independent school standards are met. The school’s previous inspection was a progress monitoring inspection that took place on 3 February 2026. At this time, the school did not comply with the unmet standards that were identified during a standard inspection which took place on 10 to 12 June 2025. The Department for Education required the school to prepare a statutory action plan to address the unmet standards. This was assessed on 18 May 2026 and deemed to be acceptable.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school: The school caters for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs as well as pupils who have autism. All pupils have an education, health and care plan. The school operates from premises at Milnthorpe Road, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6PD The school’s capacity is for 80 pupils. At the time of this inspection, there were no pupils in key stage 5. The proprietor is Birchwood Children’s Services Limited. Although the senior leadership team is more stable than at the previous inspection, there continue to be changes in teaching and teaching assistant staff.

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Lead inspector

Steve Bentham His Majesty’s Inspector Breightmet School, 23 June 2026 5

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About this school

Proprietor Birchwood Children’s Services Ltd Headteacher Mrs Carol Nolan Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 80

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 5 to 18 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £86,000 Email address cnolan@bolton.bwchildren.co.uk Breightmet School, 23 June 2026 6 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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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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