A new independent school which will help excluded and struggling pupils has been given the green light by the education watchdog.

The proposed school, which has been named 'Teenage Kicks', will provide full-time education for up to 45 children aged 11 to 16.

Situated in a former industrial unit on Partington Street in Failsworth, the school aims to help youngsters who have struggled, been excluded from or are at risk of exclusion in a mainstream school.

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While Teenage Kicks has already been operating as a school from an unregistered alternative location, which the pupils attend on a part-time basis, the school hopes to open a full-time facility and expand to help children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Visiting the proposed school in August this year, Ofsted inspector Sally Timmons said the school is "likely to meet all the independent school standards".

Examining the curriculum, Ms Timmons said the curriculum is "appropriate", has a sufficient "broad range" of subjects and ensures pupils are "well prepared for their future".

She said it works to contribute to pupils' "spiritual, moral, social and cultural education" and praised leaders for "carefully" designing a curriculum that teaches the children the essential knowledge they should acquire in school.

On the subject list includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, mathematics and a "range of other subjects" such as science, technology, human and social studies, physical education, cooking and nutrition, history and religious education.

The pupils will be able to take on academic and vocational qualifications to their abilities, including studying GCSEs.

Beyond this, the children will also benefit from personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) lessons which will teach them about bullying, fitness, health, wellbeing and careers.

Ms Timmons said leaders have "prioritised developing pupils' skills for future life", particularly through teaching lessons about managing money. 

When children join the school, they will be assessed and placed in teaching groups which have been "carefully" thought out.

Good behaviour will also be celebrated and rewarded at the school as the inspector said there is a "secure focus" on supporting the young people to manage their emotions and behaviour.

Beyond the curriculum, Teenage Kicks will offer wider enrichment opportunities, such as visits to places of worship, museums, the cinema and libraries.

Guest speakers from various faiths are also planned for the school to help teach the children about fundamental British values around respect, tolerance, law and democracy. 

They will also be taught about the risks and dangers of child sexual exploitation, knife crime and substance abuse.

In addition, pupils will be able to gain insight into the working world as employers and local businesses will visit the school and the students can go on work experience placements, attend mock interviews and go on trips to colleges.

This will help the pupils transition to college or a career.

When it came to the staff, the inspector found leaders ensure teachers have the "appropriate subject knowledge and experience" and a "robust" support package is in place to help staff deliver the curriculum. 

Meanwhile, the premises itself operates over two floors and has designated classrooms for specific subjects, like music and cooking, as well as a "very well-resourced" space for physical education.

There are several classrooms, breakout spaces, a kitchen and dining areas, offices, communal recreational rooms and a gymnasium.

The Ofsted inspector described the overall accommodation as of a "good standard" and "well maintained" with lots of natural light.

Ms Timmons further found the safeguarding measures and its anti-bullying policies to be effective.

The school's website states it believes in "helping young people unlock their potential" and was initially launched three years ago by the deputy head and owner, Colin Phillips.

Mr Phillips worked for Manchester City Council and also with Manchester United Football Club, completing outreach work to bring communities and young people together through sport.

The school has been approached for comment.

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