New special school for children ‘unable to maintain regular attendance’ to open

A new independent special school for 35 children is to be founded in Bolton. Edstart Schools have been granted planning permission to convert a building on Manchester Road, Bolton.

The proposal will provide an independent school for up to 35 pupils and eight staff members. Edstart Schools operate schools across the region in Manchester, Salford, Bury, Oldham, Wigan and Wirral. They educate youngsters who are ‘unable to maintain regular attendance at a mainstream school’.

Edstart’s website states that they ‘identify issues which underlie non-attendance and disengagement from education’ support young people in resolving those issues. The Manchester Road premises, is a three-storey end of terrace building with a basement currently used by LBT Brick & Façades as offices.

Plans include eight parking spaces and the agreed hours of opening would be 7.30am – 4.30pm on Monday to Friday. A planning statement in support of the plan, said: “The demand for specialist independent school services has been highlighted by partners and colleagues in senior education positions throughout the North West over the past 12 months, and Edstart have answered their request by following the appropriate steps to open another new premises in Bolton.

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“EdStart Specialist Independent Schools offer various academic and vocational qualifications to re-engage young people, creating opportunities that lead to reintegration into school, further education or employment. “Each pupil receives an individual learning plan and is supported throughout the programme by our highly skilled teachers, learning mentors and youth workers.

“The school works closely alongside pupil inclusion managers, social workers and