Oldham SEND school ordered to improve after damning Ofsted report
Supreme Start faced criticism over safety and management practices
An Ofsted report has mandated urgent improvements at Supreme Start, a SEND school in Oldham, following findings that pupils were "not safe" due to staff overusing restrictive interventions.
Located on Roman Road, Royton, the specialist school voluntarily closed in February to implement necessary changes. Charging between £60,000 and £95,000 per pupil, Supreme Start catered to around 15 children aged five to 11, all with complex needs and EHC plans.
Inspection findings
Ofsted inspector Phillip Walmsley noted significant issues including staff lacking expertise to manage challenging behaviors and reliance on physical interventions. "Pupils are not safe at this school," Walmsley wrote, describing the environment as "stressful and confusing."
The report identified low expectations for pupil attainment and attendance, with historical shortcomings in accountability and governance.
Response and commitment
Headteacher Rachael Martin acknowledged the findings, using them as a catalyst for improvement. "We are committed to ensuring that when we reopen, our school provides a safer, stronger, and more supportive environment for all children," Martin stated.
Pending approval from the Department for Education to reopen, the school continues checks with families and aims to deliver enhanced standards. Martin issued an apology for the closure’s inconvenience, emphasizing ongoing efforts to create a supportive educational environment.