Halcyon Way School celebrates positive Ofsted report

Halcyon Way School in Chadderton, part of the Kingfisher Learning Trust, is celebrating a successful first Ofsted inspection since opening in January 2022.

The inspection, conducted in November 2024, praised the school for its strong values-driven ethos and innovative approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Ofsted report highlighted that “pupils develop strong and trusting relationships with the adults around them” and benefit from an environment where they “feel happy, safe, and well cared for.”

Inspectors also commended the school’s tailored curriculum, which ensures that “every child has a bespoke learning pathway designed around their unique needs.”

Executive Principal Sue Caine said: “We are very pleased with the outcome from the recent Ofsted inspection.

"The school has only been open for three years and the achievements that the staff and pupils have made in such a short space of time is a credit to them.

"The curriculum has been developed over this time to ensure that all the children who attend Halcyon Way are able to access learning and make good progress across all areas.

"It is a warm and nurturing environment for all the children and I would like to thank the staff, families and the Trust for the support that they have given to the leadership team over the last three years.”

Anne Redmond, co-CEO of Kingsher Learning Trust, added: “We are delighted that Halcyon Way Special School has received such a positive report from their recent Ofsted inspection.

"This is an incredible achievement as the school only opened in January 2022 after many years in the planning and building.

"The application to open Halcyon Way was submitted to the DfE in 2016 to support Oldham with additional capacity within the special school sector and the lack of provision for children with severe to moderate learning needs.

"When the school finally opened, it was a long-awaited and much needed provision – but an empty shell that needed filling with children, staff, resources, and the best possible learning opportunities.

"Led by the Executive Principal, Sue Caine, the team has ensured that the school has grown from strength to strength and has developed a well-thought-out provision with creative and impactful approaches and a high level of care, challenge, and support provided for the children.

"The school provides stability, warmth, laughter, and encouragement, raising aspirations and life chances.

"The report is a joy to read and we are very proud that the team’s accomplishments have been recognised in this way.”

Halcyon Way received an Outstanding rating for behaviour and attitudes, with Ofsted describing the school’s approach as “worthy of sharing with others.”

Inspectors noted that staff create a positive and supportive culture, enabling pupils to manage their emotions and succeed academically and personally.

The school’s innovative curriculum and focus on Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development (SMSC) were also praised.

Activities such as celebrating cultural festivals and hands-on science projects help pupils develop academically and personally while fostering a love of learning.

Halcyon Way School remains committed to building on its strengths and continuing to improve outcomes for its pupils.

For more information, visit: www.halcyonway.co.uk

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