EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale has been praised by Ofsted in its first inspection, with inspectors highlighting improvements in attendance, pupil engagement and progression into further education, employment and training.
The alternative provision school opened a year ago and supports pupils who have struggled in mainstream education.
Inspectors found safeguarding arrangements to be effective and described the school as a place where pupils feel safe and supported.
The report stated that "The school is a safe haven for pupils. Taking their cue from staff, pupils learn the importance of being respectful towards others. Pupils do not worry about bullying or discrimination because they rightly trust that leaders will swiftly resolve any issues that might arise."
Ofsted also highlighted the impact of work to improve attendance among pupils who often joined the school with a history of low attendance.
Inspectors said "The effectiveness of leaders' actions to reduce these barriers is particularly evident in pupils' increased willingness to attend school. Usually from very low starting points, most pupils' rates of attendance increase considerably over time."
The report identified preparation for life after school as one of the school's strengths.
Inspectors wrote "Leaders' work to ensure that pupils successfully move into further education, employment or training is a real strength."
The inspection also recognised the school's focus on helping pupils reconnect with education through support, strong relationships and a curriculum adapted to individual needs.
The report said "School leaders are determined that the school will provide a lifeline to pupils who have struggled to access education elsewhere. As such, pupils' best interests are at the heart of everything that leaders do… pupils receive the support that they need to successfully re-engage with their education and with all that the school offers."
Headteacher Kevin Buchanan said "This report recognises what makes our school so special - the relationships, the care and the belief that every young person can succeed. We work with pupils who have often had a very difficult experience of education, and our priority is to help them feel safe, valued and ready to learn again.
"Whilst we may have only had a year to make a difference in these young people’s lives, the impact the team is having is outstanding and it’s fantastic to see that recognised externally at this early stage. I am incredibly proud of the way our staff support pupils to rebuild confidence, improve attendance and begin to see a positive future for themselves.
"Whether that’s moving into further education, employment or training, or simply rediscovering a love of learning, these are life changing outcomes for our young people."
Ofsted found the school to be working at the expected standard across all assessed areas. The inspectorate no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade and now assesses schools against a five point scale across separate categories.
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