Birtenshaw School Bolton

Overview

Birtenshaw continues to be a good school where pupils flourish in a "friendly and welcoming environment." Leaders and staff nurture every pupil, ensuring they are "valued and supported to be as independent as possible," while fostering "warm and trusting relationships" that make children feel safe.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious and carefully designed" to meet the varying needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Staff use "effective assessment strategies" to identify needs early and adapt teaching, with a "strong culture of reading" underpinned by songs, poems, and phonics.
• Pupils develop independence and confidence through activities such as equine therapy, swimming, and visits to local supermarkets.
• Behaviour is managed well, with pupils learning to "manage their emotions and behaviour" using personalised sensory aids, resulting in "very little low-level disruption."
• Leaders engage well with staff, creating a "strong sense of teamwork" where staff feel valued and have manageable workloads.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in some subjects, including the early years and certain discrete subjects, is "still in the early stages of development."
• Leaders should establish "well-ordered curriculums in all subjects" so pupils can better build their understanding over time.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving thorough induction training and remaining "highly vigilant" to any changes in pupils that may indicate concern.