Special educational needs school in Hyde remains in special measures

A special educational needs school in Hyde, currently in special measures, has been told it must prioritise curriculum improvement.

Thomas Ashton School dropped from a ‘good’ Ofsted rating to ‘inadequate’ at the beginning of 2024. During the last inspection, student attendance rates and poor behaviour were the key issues highlighted by the education watchdog.

A recent monitoring inspection highlighted school leaders had addressed the behaviour management system, as well as analysing the reasons for high student absence rates.

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The recently published inspectors report found absence rates were still low compared to the national average. However, the new approach towards dealing with poor behaviour is working well and disruption in lessons is reducing, according to the inspector.

The curriculum is the next priority for the Bennett Street site’s improvement, the inspector outlined. Rebecca Sharples, representing Ofsted during the inspection on October 1, found many pupils don’t enjoy reading because they don’t know how to find books that are appropriate to their age and interests.

The Ofsted report read: “The school, with support from the trust, has started to develop the curriculum. This is in the early stages of development, as the school has focused on the more pressing issues linked to pupils’ behaviour.

“While there are signs of improvement in some subjects, the way in which the curriculum is delivered in other subjects remains variable. Improving the curriculum further is the school’s next priority.

“The school has trained all teachers in phonics delivery to ensure that they can support