Meadows School

Meadows School is a small independent special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, almost all of whom have EHC plans and many of whom join after significant disruption to their education. Inspectors found the school performing securely overall: safeguarding standards are met, all independent school standards are met, and each evaluated area is at the expected standard. Leaders know the pupils well, use assessment to identify starting points and gaps, and provide a relational, trauma-informed environment in which pupils feel safe, behave well and re-engage with learning. The school's stronger features include accurate identification of need, consistent support from staff, effective work with families, children's homes and external professionals, and a personal development and careers programme that prepares pupils for adulthood. Pupils benefit from therapeutic support and wider experiences, and recent destinations reflect appropriate post-16 pathways. Governance and leadership are coherent, with regular oversight of attendance, achievement and improvement priorities. The main concerns are attendance and curriculum consistency. Although some pupils improve from very low starting points, overall attendance remains low and persistent absence high, and agreed approaches do not consistently help pupils catch up after absence. The planned curriculum is not yet delivered consistently well enough across all areas, including PSHE, so some pupils do not build and retain intended knowledge securely over time.

Strengths

• Strong safeguarding culture where pupils feel safe and know how to raise concerns
• Relational, trauma-informed behaviour approach that de-escalates incidents and helps pupils return to learning
• Accurate identification of pupils' complex needs and tailored support through close multi-agency work
• Effective use of assessment to establish starting points and track progress from individual baselines
• Personal development and careers provision that prepares pupils well for adulthood and post-16 pathways
• Supportive leadership and governance with clear systems, regular oversight and positive staff feedback
• Calm, inclusive environment with positive staff-pupil relationships and consistent routines

Areas for Improvement

• Overall attendance remains low and persistent absence remains high
• Strategies have not yet secured regular attendance for all pupils
• Agreed approaches do not consistently help pupils catch up and keep up after absence
• Planned curriculum is not delivered consistently well enough across all areas, including PSHE
• Some pupils do not build and retain intended knowledge securely over time in some subjects

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Rochdale · Rochdale local authority: places and applications

What is Meadows School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Meadows School is Expected standard, from an inspection in October 2026.

When was Meadows School last inspected by Ofsted?

Meadows School was last inspected in October 2026.

How many pupils does Meadows School have?

Meadows School has 10 pupils on roll.

What age range does Meadows School cover?

Meadows School for pupils aged 11 to 16.

Where is Meadows School?

Meadows School is at Egerton House, Wardle Road, Wardle, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL12 9EN.