A specialist school in Chadderton, Oldham, has been awarded a ‘Strong Standard’ for inclusion in its first Ofsted inspection. The school, Chances Mentoring, supports pupils with complex needs and has been praised for its calm and positive environment.

The school currently has 20 students on its roll for full-time placements, aged 11 to 16, all of whom hold education, health, and care (EHC) plans. In addition, it offers alternative provision for children aged 5 to 16 and works with local authorities including Oldham, Tameside, Manchester, Rochdale, Bury, and Stockport.

Inspectors rated the school at the ‘Expected Standard’ for achievement, behaviour, and leadership, while confirming that safeguarding requirements were met. The report highlighted staff for acting as ‘calm and positive role models’ for children who often arrive having missed significant periods of education. “Inclusion is not a policy here, it is the foundation of everything we do,” said Bethany Peak, headteacher of Chances Mentoring. “Many of the young people who come to us have had difficult experiences in education, and our job is to change that narrative. This result tells them, and their families, that they are in the right place.”

The government is currently overhauling the special educational needs (SEND) system amid a national surge in demand for EHC plans. The Ofsted report noted that the school’s adapted curriculum reflects individual aptitudes, leading to orderly and respectful behaviour among students.

Sarah Heywood, a parent of a young person at the school, shared her experience: “I’ve seen first-hand the care, dedication, and support the staff provide every day. They take the time to understand each child’s needs and create an inclusive environment. The support from the school has been invaluable, and I’ve felt listened to every step of the way. It’s a school that has given my child the chance to succeed when that hasn’t always been the case, and that has made a huge difference.”

Callum Siddall, chair of the proprietor body, said the ‘Strong Standard’ validates the school’s commitment to young people most often underserved by the system. Inspectors identified two areas for improvement: strengthening knowledge of British values and improving assessments in certain subjects.

The full report can be viewed on the school’s website at http://chancesmentoring.com/inspection-reports.