Green Gables Montessori Primary School

Emergency inspection school report Green Gables Montessori Primary School 4 Wapping Lane, Wapping, London E1W 2RG

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Reason for the inspection

 This unannounced inspection was conducted by Ofsted at the request of the registration authority for independent schools to look at the quality of education (part 1), welfare, health and safety arrangements (part 3), and the quality of leadership and management (part 8).  Additionally, inspectors considered the suitability of staff (part 4), premises and accommodation (part 5), provision of information (part 6) and the manner in which complaints are handled (part 7).  It was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. 1

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Main findings

 The proprietor ensures that the curriculum is taught, supported by appropriate schemes of work.  Leaders reviewed the Montessori curriculum to ensure that the National Curriculum requirements are met. Inspectors assessed pupils’ books, work on display and talked to pupils about their learning. This confirmed that pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum.  Adults organise learning so all pupils receive effective support. Each pupil is actively involved in their learning: for example, they choose resources or the amount of time to spend on their chosen activity. Adults skilfully guide this approach to ensure that all pupils achieve and make progress, particularly in their literacy, numeracy, speaking and personal development skills.  Adults foster pupils’ self-motivation and confidence. They assess pupils’ interests and achievement. They use this information to plan activities that take into account pupils’

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Main findings

aptitudes and prior attainment. Consequently, pupils achieve their potential.  The proprietor additionally employs specialist staff to promote pupils’ physical, aesthetic and creative education. For example, during school time, pupils learn how to develop skills in drama, art, canoeing, French, Spanish and climbing.  The headteacher ensures that opportunities to promote British values are prioritised. There is an active school council, visits by the local Member of Parliament and pupils’ work about the River Thames is currently displayed in the House of Commons.

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Main findings

1 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/25/contents . Emergency inspection: Green Gables Montessori Primary School, 11 November 2015 2 of 7

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Main findings

 Pupils’ personal and social education is strong. They have a good understanding of the wider community, and of different faiths and religions. They are taught to be tolerant and respectful of others, and sensitive to those with protected characteristics.  Pupils are interested in their learning because they are actively encouraged to be responsible for this. They show good attitudes to their work and learn effectively with their peers. Pupils’ behaviour is kind and friendly. They showed appropriate respect and attention during the two-minute silence on Remembrance Day.  The proprietor has introduced a tracking system to demonstrate how well pupils achieve. This system supplements and improves the current framework in place for assessing pupils’ performance using national norms and tests.  The proprietor has failed to ensure that the arrangements to safeguard, monitor and promote the welfare of pupils are compliant with independent school standards.

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Main findings

 The written safeguarding policy is not compliant with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, July 2015. For example, no reference is made to female genital mutilation, the school’s ‘Prevent’ duties or child sexual exploitation.  The school’s procedures to ensure the health and safety of pupils are not implemented effectively. Frequent checks carried out by the headteacher failed to identify a health and safety issue. The kitchenette area, in an open-plan room, does not have a secure screen to prevent access by pupils. The hob does not have a safety guard to cover the electric rings.  The school’s admission and attendance registers are not maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  Attendance registers do not use the required absence codes. If a parent fails to contact the school to explain their child’s absence, leaders do not contact the family until two or

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Main findings

three days later. This places pupils at risk.  A record of pupils’ lateness to school is not recorded in the registers. Leaders do not consider well enough that poor punctuality or erratic attendance may be indicative of safeguarding concerns.  Destinations of pupils when they leave the school are not recorded. The proprietor has not fulfilled his statutory duty to inform the local authority about the destinations of pupils when they leave school.  Inspectors assessed that all other areas of the school’s practice in the welfare, health and safety of pupils are compliant with independent school standards.  Inspectors scrutinised the single central record, they sampled staff files and assessed the school systems for making sure all staff are suitable to work with children in schools. The school’s arrangements are compliant with the relevant standards.  The modern premises are maintained in an excellent condition. The school’s security, its

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Main findings

acoustics and lighting are sufficient. Pupils are provided with drinking water. Each toilet facility complies with the required independent school standard.  Pupils told inspectors about weekly visits to sports centres and local parks for physical education and sport. Risk assessments for these events are appropriate.  The medical and short-term provision for pupils who are sick or injured does not comply with regulations. A bed is located in an additional administrative office. This fails to provide privacy and care for pupils. The space is cramped and would impede the provision of emergency treatment. There is no facility for the hygienic management or disposal of bodily fluids. No first aid kit is located in this room. Emergency inspection: Green Gables Montessori Primary School, 11 November 2015 3 of 7

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Main findings

 The website does not contain the required information. Parents told inspectors that they receive appropriate information in school. They are given a handbook containing a list of the required policies and where to obtain these in school. They told inspectors they know how to request this documentation should the need arise.  Inspectors analysed complaints information. This confirms that complaints are handled with due diligence. The correct processes are implemented. The proprietor has responded appropriately to issues arising from any complaints received.  The proprietor and leaders do not demonstrate good skills or knowledge appropriate to their role so that independent school standards are met consistently.  The proprietor has failed to ensure the welfare, health and safety of pupils at school. The arrangements to safeguard, monitor and promote the welfare of pupils are not robust. Safeguarding policies do not comply with the latest guidance issued by the

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Main findings

Secretary of State.  Pupils are placed at risk because of the poor management of attendance, punctuality and admissions information.  The implementation of the risk assessments are not checked systematically by new leaders or the proprietor.  The proprietor does not monitor the school’s work effectively and this places pupils at risk of harm.

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

In order to meet the requirements in full, the school should:

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

ensure that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school 7(a)

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

ensure that such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State 7(b)

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

ensure that the relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy. ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. ensures that the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy 16(a)

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

ensures that appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified 16(b) ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils 24(1)(a)

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

provide accommodation for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils, which includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility 24(1)(b)

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

ensure that leaders demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that independent school standards are met consistently 34(1)(a) Emergency inspection: Green Gables Montessori Primary School, 11 November 2015 4 of 7

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently 34(1)(b)

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Regulations 2014 and associated requirements

actively promote the well-being of students 34(1)(c) Emergency inspection: Green Gables Montessori Primary School, 11 November 2015 5 of 7

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Inspection team

Ann Debono, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector Helen Morrison Ofsted Inspector

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Information about this school

 The school is located in Wapping in East London. It opened in September 2011. The school’s first inspection as a primary school took place in April 2013 when its overall effectiveness was judged to be good.  In July 2014 an unannounced emergency inspection found the school to be compliant with regulatory requirements.  The proprietor is responsible for Green Gables Pre-School, which is registered separately with Ofsted as a childcare provider and falls outside the remit of this inspection.  The proprietor changed in May 2015. He and his wife are currently responsible for 10 Montessori schools in London. He has appointed an additional assistant headteacher from within this group to work at Green Gables Primary School.  The primary school is registered for pupils aged between two and 11 years. Currently there are 53 pupils on roll. No pupil has a statement of special educational needs and there are no pupils with disabilities. One pupil is in receipt of additional support. A few

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Information about this school

pupils speak English as an additional language.  The school is located in spacious and modern premises. Large classrooms are organised on an open-plan basis. There is a hall which is used for a variety of purposes, including as additional space for the Nursery and Reception, breakfast and after-school clubs.  The school has no outdoor area; it uses three local parks, the local sports centre and the local swimming pool.  The school’s aim is to ‘offer an inclusive and caring environment that values the uniqueness of your child, nurtures their individual needs and helps them achieve their potential academically through the Montessori method’. Emergency inspection: Green Gables Montessori Primary School, 11 November 2015 6 of 7

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School details

Unique reference number 131198 Inspection number 10007855 DfE registration number 211/6386 This inspection was conducted at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. It was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008.

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School details

Type of school Montessori primary School status Independent school Age range of pupils 2−11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 53 Number of part-time pupils 0 Proprietor Mr Shahid Headteacher Jan Arnold Date of previous school inspection 2 July 2014 Annual fees (day pupils) £7,600 to £11,000 Telephone number 0207 488 9237 Email address Office2@greengablesschool.com Emergency inspection: Green Gables Montessori Primary School, 11 November 2015 7 of 7

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School details

guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 , or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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School details

You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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School details

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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School details

inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit

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School details

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/user .

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School details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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