Youth Challenge in Smithills marked as outstanding again

Youth Challenge, based in Smithills, was marked as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors during a recent visit ­— the fourth time it is achieved the highest Ofsted grade possible.

The pupil referral unit is said to provide a 'fresh start' to young people, many of whom have 'experience considerable barriers and disruption to their learning'.

Inspectors reported: "Pupils receive the very best education at this inspiring school.

"The school helps them to put their difficulties behind them and to embrace the world of opportunity on offer. Pupils grow, thrive and learn in this school’s highly inclusive environment.

"Expectations for pupils’ achievement are extremely high. Pupils, many of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), try their best to rise to these high expectations. Pupils commit to their learning. They take pride in the work that they produce. Pupils typically achieve well in the academic and vocational subjects that they study."

The school is said to support pupils to deal with any issues that may arise.

The report stated: "They (pupils) show respect for staff and to each other. The school is calm and orderly.

"Pupils benefit from excellent provision for their personal development. For example, pupils undertake voluntary work as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They learn about sustainability and the environment through the production of their own food in the school’s amazing vegetable garden. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of sports, such as golf and football. They participate in water safety sessions and learn to travel independently on public transport.

"Almost all pupils return successfully to mainstream education or take up places at college or in employment when the time comes."

Vicki Sutton

The report adds: "The quality of education for pupils is exceptional. Pupils join the school at different points in the year. Their needs are wide-ranging and sometimes complex. All have experienced turbulence and unhappiness in their prior education. Regardless of the challenges that have brought pupils here, the school has the very highest aspirations for their success."

Staff have the strong subject knowledge that they need to deliver the curriculum "effectively and consistently well".

Youth Challenge

Inspectors stated: "Staff combine kindness with firmness to set clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour. The excellent relationships between staff and pupils make a significant contribution to pupils’ willingness to engage in learning, and to their enjoyment of school life."

Pupils were said to benefit from comprehensive careers advice and guidance, and undertake work experience, with older pupils keen to visit difference colleges to further their education.

Staff were said to enjoy working at the school.

Paul Hodgkinson

Paul Hodgkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Bolton Impact Trust, which runs the school, said: "We are delighted that Ofsted have again recognised the hard work and expertise of headteacher Viki Sutton and her team.

"Every day at Youth Challenge, the team deliver a well designed curriculum which ensures that many of our students enjoy new levels of success. We are also really pleased that the inspection team highlighted the improved behaviour and attendance of our students and that they enjoy successes beyond their time at Youth Challenge.

"Youth Challenge leaders and staff have worked closely with colleagues from across the Bolton Impact Trust to ensure that we are able to provide high quality education which is personalised, impactful and improves the life chances of all of our students.

"To receive our fourth outstanding judgement at Youth Challenge and our ninth outstanding judgement across all our schools is very satisfying. I am delighted for everyone in our school community."