Ofsted praises EdStart Schools Salford for giving pupils a ‘genuine fresh start’
EdStart Schools Salford is celebrating after its latest Ofsted report saw inspectors praise the school’s compassionate pastoral support and the progress pupils make from often challenging starting points.
Following an inspection conducted at the end of last term, the school was found to meet the expected standard in every area of the inspection, with safeguarding standards also met.
Inspectors praised the commitment of leaders and staff to helping pupils move forward, noting that they “care deeply about pupils and want every pupil to succeed” and are “committed to giving each pupil a chance to start afresh”.
The report highlighted the impact of this approach on pupils, with inspectors saying: “Pupils meet staff who offer steady, reassuring support, helping them recognise that this school gives them a genuine fresh start.”
Many pupils arrive at EdStart Schools Salford having experienced significant disruption to their education and wellbeing. Inspectors found that the school’s pastoral work has a tangible impact on pupils’ personal and social development, helping them to work more effectively alongside their peers and reconnect with learning.
The school’s work to improve attendance was also recognised, with inspectors noting that leaders have employed a range of successful strategies and built effective relationships with parents and carers. Pupils who may previously have struggled with behaviour generally become “calm, self-controlled and respectful young people”, while bullying was described as uncommon.
Inspectors also found that pupils achieve well academically, despite often having significant gaps in their learning when they join the school. The report states: “Following significant periods of disruption to their education, pupils achieve well overall.”
Many pupils leave with a suite of GCSE qualifications and other national accreditations, and progress to further education, training or employment destinations that align well with their interests and aspirations.
Personal development is also a key part of life at EdStart Schools Salford. The school’s ‘Edstart Way’ is focused on helping pupils “move forward from their individual starting points and grow into confident, mature and capable young adults”.
Inspectors praised the range of experiences available to pupils, including cookery, padel, football tournaments, outdoor learning and samba music days, noting that pupils “develop confidence, resilience and social skills” and “relish these different experiences”.
The report also recognised the positive culture within the school, with inspectors noting that staff “feel valued and a part of a team” and that leaders have high expectations for what pupils can achieve.
Executive Headteacher James Bradley said:
“We are incredibly proud of this report and, most importantly, of what it says about our pupils and the journey they make during their time at EdStart Schools Salford.
“Every young person who comes through our doors deserves the opportunity for a genuine fresh start. Many have experienced challenges in their education, so building trust, helping them feel safe and valued, and giving them the confidence to believe in what they can achieve is at the heart of our work.
“It is fantastic to see Ofsted recognise the impact of that approach. Our staff work incredibly hard to see the potential in every pupil and ensure our pupils leave as ‘brilliant 16 year olds’ – our ambition for every young person at EdStart Schools. This report is a real credit to their commitment and to the pupils themselves.”
