EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale, Oldham

What it's like to be a pupil at EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale

Pupils in this school have struggled to access mainstream education. They have often had negative experiences of school in the past and, when they first join, many do not believe that education has anything to offer them. As soon as pupils arrive in the school, leaders and staff begin to dismantle this perception. Leaders place great emphasis on raising pupils' aspirations and ensuring that they understand the role that education will play in helping them to achieve their goals. Over time, pupils' behaviour and attendance markedly improve as they develop an appreciation of the value in engaging with all that the school offers. The positive, trusting relationships between pupils and staff are one of the school's biggest assets. Nowhere are these more evident than during social times, when staff and pupils play games together, such as chess or pool. The warmth and enjoyment that shine through these interactions reflect the extent to which pupils feel safe, happy and understood. In turn, pupils treat each other with consideration. Bullying is rare and dealt with quickly. Pupils are encouraged to contribute to, and become a positive part of the local community. For instance, they participated in an initiative to provide food to homeless people. Pupils also join nature walks, which help them to become immersed in the local area while promoting physical and mental wellbeing. Pupils benefit from an ambitious curriculum that is typically taught well. Staff have a thorough understanding of the barriers to pupils' learning and wellbeing. They take suitable action to reduce these barriers. This helps pupils to engage in their learning and, over time, begin to enjoy it. Classrooms are calm and pupils are usually attentive to staff. Pupils achieve well from their starting points.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should ensure that pupils in key stage 3 encounter the curriculum in the intended order in all subjects, so that they can connect their learning together securely over time.
• Leaders should ensure that staff use assessment effectively in each subject, so that gaps in knowledge are precisely identified and swiftly addressed, and learning activities are closely matched to pupils' starting points.

This school is a lifeline for pupils who have struggled in mainstream education. Staff build genuinely positive relationships with pupils and families, helping young people see the value in education again. The school excels at improving attendance and behaviour while supporting pupils to gain qualifications and move successfully into further education, employment or training.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have created an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, pupils are made safer and feel safe.

Baking, sports, art activities, chess, pool, nature walks, community volunteering (food initiative for homeless people)

Bus Stops