Darul Uloom Islamic High School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Darul Uloom Islamic High School 18 October 2016 521–527 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 0LL

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  At the previous progress-monitoring inspection in May 2016, the standards listed above were not met because, although leaders had put a curriculum policy in place, there was no evidence of effective implementation. For instance, leaders were not able to show that the timetabled provision for English and mathematics was weighted according to the written policy. Moreover, inspectors found that schemes of work did not all take into account pupils’ ages, aptitudes and abilities and there were limited opportunities for developing pupils’ speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. It was also found that there were limited opportunities for learning in technological, physical, human and social, aesthetic and creative aspects of the

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Main inspection findings

curriculum.  A broad and balanced curriculum is now in place. The school has a written curriculum policy which details provision for the Islamic education of pupils and for the secular National Curriculum subjects, including personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.  The curriculum is now supported by appropriate schemes of work which detail explicit learning objectives, resources and how teachers must ensure that aptitudes, ages and abilities are taken into account.  Opportunities to actively promote fundamental British values are identified across both the Islamic and secular curriculum. These are included in teachers’ lesson plans and inspectors were able to see examples of teachers promoting understanding in this area. For instance, in a religious education lesson, the teacher asked pupils to consider how somebody with no faith might respond to suffering and why this might be different from those who have faith.

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Main inspection findings

 The planned programme of PSHE education is now in place and delivered through lessons in citizenship, religious studies, assemblies and form times, alongside the school’s programme of educational visits. Pupils are supported to develop their understanding of opportunities and responsibilities within British society. They are now specifically taught to understand and demonstrate respect for those with protected characteristics. This was demonstrated in discussions inspectors held with pupils.  Since September, leaders have introduced a focus on ensuring that pupils have opportunities to practise and apply their mathematical learning, spelling, punctuation and grammar in other subjects. Leaders have realistic expectations and timescales in place to check the impact on the overall progress of pupils.  Careers education is impartial and up to date. The school makes use of a commercial scheme which supports pupils in building up a personal profile. Advice is

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Main inspection findings

current and accurate, ensuring that pupils are aware of the next steps to take in pursuit of their career goals.  These standards are now met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i)  At the previous progress-monitoring inspection, the standards listed above were not met because inspectors found that teachers were not using effective teaching methods and activities or managing class time well. In addition, inspectors found that teachers did not have a good understanding of pupils’ aptitudes, needs and prior attainment and were not demonstrating good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught.  Following a number of new appointments, teachers now demonstrate good subject knowledge. Recently, the new headteacher has provided teachers with additional training to support them in developing effective planning for learning and to broaden their approaches to teaching. They are increasingly using a range of strategies, and

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Main inspection findings

managing class time well because they are confident that leaders will support them as they try new approaches. As a result, pupils are motivated and interested in their learning. Records for those currently in the school suggest that rates of progress are improving as a result of these strategies. Moreover, attainment in 2016 was well above the unvalidated national average for pupils achieving grades A* to C in English and mathematics.  Classroom resources have been improved. For instance, the provision for information technology has been enhanced through the purchase of a suite of new computers and the science classroom is being refurbished. Teachers expressed their pleasure at being able to use much-improved equipment and resources to support their teaching and accelerate the learning of their pupils.  An appropriate assessment system is now in place, which all teachers understand. This clarifies how and when the school will report to parents about pupils’

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Main inspection findings

attainment and progress. The headteacher has increased the number of assessment points across the year. As a result, teachers are now provided with up-to-date information to ensure that learning and challenge are better matched to pupils’ starting points. However, the school is not yet monitoring the progress of different groups of pupils.  These standards are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  At the time of the previous monitoring inspection, these standards were not met because not all schemes of work had links to fundamental British values. Therefore, leaders had not ensured the consistent promotion of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs in all subjects.  Following a very detailed audit carried out by leaders, the school identified where and how spiritual, moral, social and cultural development will be taught across all subjects. Explicit opportunities to promote British values are clearly identified, including a programme of visits to a range of religious, legal and cultural institutions, such as different places of worship, libraries and museums. Those pupils who have

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Main inspection findings

participated in these opportunities so far have been helped to acquire a better understanding and respect of other faiths, cultures and beliefs and the services available to them. Visitors to the school, including the police and representatives of the army, help pupils to develop understanding and respect for the rule of law. The school pays close attention to the impact of this provision on pupils’ aspirations.  Leaders are vigilant in ensuring that pupils are provided with balanced political views. No literature of any concern was found in the school and inspectors found no evidence of extreme views. Leaders check visitors to the school carefully and only allow supervised access to pupils.  Pupils are supported by their teachers to develop an understanding of and respect for democracy through membership of the school council, debating opportunities and discussion of school rules. They are encouraged to represent class views and

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Main inspection findings

explain these to school leaders.  Pupils’ behaviour is good because they have a clear understanding of the school’s behaviour policy, take responsibility for their own behaviour and know how it might impact on others. For instance, they explained that to disrupt lessons would interfere with the learning of others.  Pupils are well versed in what it means to be British. The pupils spoken to by inspectors were articulate about the values of modern Britain, the importance of demonstrating respect and tolerance for all religions and cultures and the ways in which the law and democracy underpin our society. They could identify those who are protected from discrimination by law and offered well-considered examples of how this could be demonstrated in practice.  Pupils undertake a range of community activities, including participating in events to raise funds for local charities. A group of pupils visited Cumbria following the floods

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Main inspection findings

to help victims. When speaking with inspectors, they made appropriate links between their charitable activities, British values and their own religious beliefs.  These standards are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the previous monitoring inspection, the above standards were not met because inspectors found that the school had not made adequate arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, as there was no convincing evidence that staff had received the latest government safeguarding guidance. In addition, leaflets with inappropriate content were found in an area shared with the mosque.  The school’s arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils are now effective and follow the most recent guidance from the Secretary of State. All staff have now signed to say they have received up-to-date training on the latest guidance and have read part one of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, September 2016. The school also has records of the test they required staff to take to show that they understood the content of the guidance.

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Main inspection findings

 Very quickly following his appointment, the headteacher created a new, secure entrance to the school. As a result, no member of the community can enter the school without a member of staff and there is no longer a shared access way with attendees at the neighbouring mosque.  These standards are now met. Paragraph 15  This standard was not met at the last inspection because admissions and attendance registers were not kept in accordance with the requirements of the independent school standards and rigorous steps were not taken to establish the whereabouts of pupils who were missing from education.  Leaders have addressed administrative weaknesses to ensure that admissions and attendance registers are in place and maintained according to regulations.  Records show that leaders now follow up absences quickly and appropriately and that these are recorded accurately. Leaders inform the local authority of any pupils

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Main inspection findings

they have concerns about within expected timescales.  These standards are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32, 32(1)(g)  At the last monitoring inspection, this standard was not met because inspectors were not provided with all information requested.  During this inspection, information requested by inspectors was provided promptly and inspectors were given access to the school’s admissions and attendance registers.  The school’s safeguarding policy is made available to parents on request as the website is currently under reconstruction.  This standard is now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34, 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The standards listed above were not met at the last monitoring inspection because the proprietor had not ensured that the independent school standards were consistently met.  The new headteacher and his very recently formed leadership team have rapidly improved key aspects of the school’s provision. All those in leadership positions now demonstrate good skills and knowledge, reflected in the improvement in teaching and learning inspectors found during the inspection. They have made good progress in addressing the areas for improvement from the last standard inspection. Therefore, leaders now fulfil their responsibilities effectively.  Pupils’ well-being is high on the school’s agenda. All teachers understand their responsibility for safeguarding because leaders have made sure that training is up to

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Main inspection findings

date. Records of any concerns are kept diligently, including involvement with other agencies, and the impact of actions taken.  These standards are now met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 Paragraph 2, 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(f), 2(2)(g), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i)  Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  Paragraph 15  Paragraph 32, 32(1)(g)  Paragraph 34, 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)

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School details

Unique reference number 103586 DfE registration number 330/6078 Inspection number 10025446 This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Type of school Muslim faith school School status Independent school Age range of pupils 11–16 Gender of pupils Boys Number of pupils on the school roll 107 Proprietor Jami Mosque and Islamic Centre Charity Trustee in charge Nural Haque Headteacher Mr Abdul Jalil Shaikh Annual fees (day pupils) £2,500 Telephone number 0121 772 6408 Website www.darululoom.org.uk Email address duhead@darululoom.org.uk Date of previous standard inspection 15 October 2015

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Information about this school

 Darul Uloom Islamic High School is an independent Muslim faith school that provides full-time education for boys.  The school opened in 1985 and is located on the same site as the Jami Mosque and Islamic Centre. Since August 2016 these have operated as separate sites and under separate governance arrangements.  The current headteacher was appointed in August 2016.  The school provides both Islamic and secular education.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  There are no pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.  All pupils who attend the school are practising Muslims. Pupils come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged not to have met at its previous inspection.  Inspectors observed learning in lessons across the curriculum, including English, mathematics, information technology, creative arts and religious education. They also evaluated pupils’ work during lessons and undertook a scrutiny of pupils’ work over time.  Discussions took place with senior leaders, advisers to the trustees, the external school improvement adviser, teachers, pupils and parents.  There were insufficient responses to Ofsted’s online questionnaire, Parent View, to be taken into account.  Inspectors scrutinised and evaluated a range of school documents, including the school’s information on the achievement of current pupils, safeguarding and child

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Information about this inspection

protection documents, a range of policy documents, the school’s admissions and attendance registers, the single central record and checks made on staff prior to recruitment.

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Inspection team

Mel Ford, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector David Rzeznik Ofsted Inspector 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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Inspection team

Parent View 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. 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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Inspection team

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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, 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 1231, 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 www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-

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Inspection team

government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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

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