Birtenshaw School Bolton

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 November 2022

Pupils flourish at Birtenshaw School. They are happy and settled. Leaders and staff have created a friendly and welcoming environment where every pupil is nurtured, valued and supported to be as independent as possible. Pupils gain confidence, make friends and enjoy their education. The warm and trusting relationships that staff foster with pupils ensure that they feel safe. The high expectations that staff have for every pupil ensure that they achieve their goals. Parents and carers told inspectors how their children had achieved far more than they could ever have hoped for. Pupils learn how to manage their emotions and behaviour. Staff manage incidents of challenging behaviour very well to ensure that learning time is not lost. Staff also show pupils how to be kind to each other and how to communicate any worries that they might have to a safe adult. Leaders deal effectively with any rare cases of bullying or harmful name-calling. Pupils enjoy a wide range of activities that promote their personal development and enhance the curriculum. For example, pupils enjoy equine therapy, gym activities, yoga and swimming to support their physical and mental health. Visits to local supermarkets help pupils to shop independently, learn how to manage money and practise their communication skills.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum in some subjects is still in the early stages of development. In these subjects, pupils' progress through the curriculum is not as strong as it is in other curriculum areas. Leaders should ensure that they establish well-ordered curriculums in all subjects so that pupils are better able to build their understanding over time.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)