Oldham school 'at significant risk' ordered to improve by Ofsted

An independent school in Royton has been ordered to improve urgently after Ofsted found pupils were at 'significant risk' and not safe in the building. Supreme Start, which serves children with special educational needs, was rated as needing 'urgent improvement' in all areas following an inspection that uncovered serious safeguarding failures and poor educational standards.

The report revealed staff lacked the expertise to support pupils or manage their behaviour, with an 'overreliance' on 'restrictive physical interventions' that placed children in further duress. Pupils described the school as 'stressful and confusing', with significant gaps in knowledge due to a 'poorly' organised curriculum that left them unprepared for their next steps.

Attendance was also a major concern, with registers found to be incorrect until recently and a 'culture of low expectations' taking root across the school. The report criticised the proprietor for failing to ensure pupils were safe, well taught and successful, allowing systemic failures to persist over time.

Headteacher Rachael Martin confirmed the school has voluntarily closed to implement a 'comprehensive improvement plan' focused on safeguarding, learning environments and staff practice. The school is awaiting Department for Education approval to reopen, with Martin stating they are 'committed to ensuring that when we reopen, our school provides a safer, stronger, and more supportive environment for all children'.