The Hub

The Hub, 29 July 2026 1 The Hub 2 Read Street, Hyde SK14 2DP

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report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely 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

Since the proprietor submitted its application to register this school with the Department for Education (DfE), there have been several changes to leadership and management arrangements within the proprietor’s group of schools, including to the leadership of this proposed school. These changes reflect well-intentioned steps that the proprietor has taken to increase the expertise available to the proposed school. However, some of these decisions have been taken too recently to have had the intended impact. For instance, leaders’ work to develop the curriculum is not far enough along to ensure a suitable quality of education at present.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Although the proprietor’s oversight has ensured that many parts of the independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met, there are some other aspects where important details have been overlooked. For example, some of the proprietor’s policies are too generic to reflect the intended provision in this The Hub, 29 July 2026 2 proposed school. Furthermore, some important decisions regarding the supervision of pupils and ensuring their access to safe, suitable outdoor space have yet to be taken.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Overall, neither the proprietor nor leaders have fully demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure that the standards can be met consistently over time. Therefore, the standards in this part are not likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the proposed school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has set out a curriculum that covers a suitable breadth of subjects to meet many of the requirements of the standards. For example, the curriculums for personal, social, health and economic education and relationships and sex education are likely to build pupils’ knowledge about these important topics. The content of these curriculums is well matched to statutory guidance.

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Curriculum

Overall, however, leaders’ work to design the curriculum is unfinished. At present, some schemes of work have still to be developed. This means that the curriculum in some subjects is not clear enough about exactly what pupils should learn and in what order.

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Curriculum

Leaders anticipate that all pupils will have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and some are likely to have missed considerable amounts of their prior learning. Despite this, there is a lack of clarity about how leaders will ensure that the curriculum takes account of pupils’ likely starting points, and how adaptations to the curriculum will meet their needs.

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Teaching

The proprietor has already appointed teachers to teach at the proposed school. Some of these teachers do not have the experience or subject-specific knowledge that will be necessary to teach the curriculum effectively or to adapt their approaches to support pupils’ SEND. Added to this, the proposed subject curriculums do not contain the necessary detail to support non-specialist teachers. Although the proprietor has set out a programme for professional development, much of this centres on generic pedagogy. It is not clear how teachers will develop their specific knowledge of the subjects they will be required to teach. This makes it unlikely that the curriculum will be delivered as well as leaders intend. The Hub, 29 July 2026 3

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Assessment

Leaders intend to use information from a variety of assessments, when pupils join the school. This is likely to help staff to plan pupils’ learning in detail. Leaders have also established systems to assess the progress that pupils make in their learning. It is anticipated that this will include the progress pupils make towards the targets in their education, health and care (EHC) plans.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the proposed school.

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pupils

Leaders have set out plans for a programme, which supports pupils’ personal development in ways that take account of their likely social, emotional and mental health needs. There are suitable plans for each subject to contribute to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education alongside their understanding of fundamental British values, such as tolerance and respect. The proposed curriculum also shows how pupils will learn about different faiths, cultures and religions. Leaders also intend to provide enrichment and intervention sessions tailored to pupils’ individual needs, such as developing understanding of right and wrong, as well as participating in cultural activities, such as music and art. The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the proposed school.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor and leaders have paid attention to the relevant statutory guidance for safeguarding. A suitable and up-to-date policy is in place for the proposed school. This makes clear the procedures that staff must follow if they are concerned about a pupil’s welfare. This includes the process for making referrals to the local authority. The proprietor has appointed a suitably qualified designated safeguarding lead. This person has the knowledge required to oversee safeguarding arrangements in the proposed school. Furthermore, new staff will receive appropriate safeguarding training as part of their induction programme. The Hub, 29 July 2026 4

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Behaviour and anti-bullying

The proposed school’s behaviour policy sets out suitably high expectations of pupils’ conduct, alongside leaders’ and staff’s responsibilities. This policy takes the needs of pupils with SEND into consideration. Added to this, the proprietor has ensured that staff will receive training in safely de-escalating situations, when pupils struggle to manage their emotions.

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Behaviour and anti-bullying

There is an appropriate system that the proposed school intends to use to record incidents of serious misbehaviour and leaders’ response to them, including any sanctions.

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Behaviour and anti-bullying

A separate anti-bullying policy makes clear how the school intends to identify, respond to and work to prevent bullying and discrimination.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a clear health and safety policy, written to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. There are reliable routines in place to check on the state of the premises. Thorough records of these checks, and any associated maintenance, are kept.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has arranged for a suitable range of external assessments to be carried out by competent and well-qualified contractors. These include fire safety, gas safety and electrical installation checks. The arrangements for preventing and detecting a fire, along with the means of evacuation in case of fire or other emergency, are appropriate for the building and the proposed number of pupils and staff.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Some staff have already undertaken appropriate first-aid training. There is also guidance for staff about administering medication. The proprietor has ensured that ample first-aid equipment is available throughout the school, however, the school’s written first-aid policy does not accurately reflect these arrangements. This has the potential to lead to inconsistencies in how staff respond to accidents and injuries.

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Admissions and attendance

Although there are no pupils currently on roll at the proposed school, the proprietor has ensured that electronic systems are in place for keeping admission and attendance registers accurately. These systems, alongside the school’s attendance policy, are likely to ensure that the school adheres to the most recent statutory guidance.

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Risk assessment and supervision of pupils

The Hub, 29 July 2026 5 Documentation provided by the school includes a comprehensive set of written risk assessments. These demonstrate a secure understanding of the risks that pupils, staff and visitors may face. In the main, these outline suitable steps that will be taken to minimise these risks, there are also instances where actions have been identified but not taken. For example, leaders are aware of some potential hazards associated with the school’s outdoor space but they have not taken steps to reduce them. Furthermore, key decisions about how pupils will be supervised, including setting minimum staffing levels for different activities and situations, have yet to be taken. This has the potential to lead to unsafe variations in staff practice.

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Risk assessment and supervision of pupils

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the proposed school.

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

The proprietor and leaders are suitably knowledgeable about their responsibility to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children. They understand the requirement to complete the required pre-employment checks before staff begin working at the school. All of the required checks have been completed for the staff who have already been appointed. The proprietor has also ensured that those who are proposed to hold leadership or governance roles have not been prohibited from the management of a school under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. The school does not anticipate using agency staff. Nevertheless, leaders are clear about the procedures that they should follow to check the suitability of such people should this change in the future.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that an electronic single central record is kept of the necessary pre-employment checks made on staff. This includes the date on which each check was carried out. The required information is recorded clearly and accurately so that the proprietor can easily make sure that its statutory responsibilities are fulfilled.

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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 proposed school.

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and showers

Adequate toilet, washing, showering and changing facilities are available. Drinking water is clearly labelled and separate from washing facilities. The temperature of hot water does not pose a scalding risk.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proprietor has ensured that a dedicated medical room is available for the short-term treatment of sick or injured pupils. This room is well equipped with a toilet, washing facilities and suitable first-aid equipment.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proposed school’s premises have been recently refurbished to a high standard. The building is suitably equipped to meet the requirements of the intended curriculum and to provide for pupils’ welfare and safety. This includes specialist areas for teaching vocational subjects, such as construction and joinery. Rooms are spacious and free from clutter.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

All areas of the building are well lit and suitable for their intended purpose. External lighting has been installed to aid safe entry to and exit from the building.

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Outdoor space

The proposed school’s outdoor space is a small delivery yard surrounded by a fence topped with sharp points. The yard is the only available space for the building to receive deliveries, which means that vehicles will also access the site this way. At the time of the inspection, the area contained some construction materials, including loose bricks. Leaders could not adequately describe how they would ensure that this space would be used by pupils safely. The inspector concluded that the outdoor space is not currently suitable for its intended use.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are not likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the proposed school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The website for the proposed school is well organised. It provides parents, carers and other interested parties with the policies and information required. This includes details of how to contact key staff and the chair of governors. The website is set up so that the school can also publish further required information The Hub, 29 July 2026 7 once it is open. For example, inspection reports and information about pupils’ academic performance.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has established suitable templates for reporting to parents and carers about their child’s progress, attainment and emotional wellbeing. In addition, the school intends to provide detailed information to local authorities about the provision for each pupil who has an EHC plan. A system to record income and expenditure of public funding for such pupils is also in place. This is based on a model that is already used in the proprietor’s other schools.

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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 proposed school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of the standards. It sets out a clear process for making a complaint, both at an informal and a formal stage. The policy sets out appropriate timescales and what complainants can expect at each stage. It also outlines how leaders will investigate and respond to complaints. If their response does not resolve the complaint, the policy also provides for a panel hearing to be convened.

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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 proposed school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proprietor has ensured that there is a written accessibility plan for the proposed school that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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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 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. The Hub, 29 July 2026 8 The inspector spoke with the chair of the proprietor body and several other executive leaders from the proprietor group. He also spoke with the headteacher and designated leader for safeguarding for the proposed school.

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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 Ivan Higham.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and those with autism. It is likely that pupils will have EHC plans.

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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 Ltd Headteacher Laura Sinclair Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 28

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 14 to 16 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Mixed

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per week

Provider’s proposal: 25 The Hub, 29 July 2026 9

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 0 Annual fees for day pupils £42,000 to £69,000 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.  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(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

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 13 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that first aid is administered in a timely and competent manner by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written first aid policy.  14 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that pupils are properly supervised through the appropriate deployment of school staff. The Hub, 29 July 2026 10  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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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. The Hub, 29 July 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

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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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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