Bnos Beis Yaakov Primary School

School material change inspection report

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Bnos Beis Yaakov Primary School 10 November 2016 Kingsbury Synagogue, Kingsbury Green, London NW9 8XR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(d)(ii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j) and 4.  The school’s curriculum policy and related schemes of work, extended to account for pupils aged up to 11 years, are likely to meet the requirements.  Curriculum planning, generally based on appropriate commercial schemes of work and teachers’ detailed weekly plans, take account of pupils’ different ages and abilities. They make it clear how pupils’ skills will be developed. The plans cover all the required areas of learning. All teaching across the year groups and subject areas will continue to be in English. An appropriate range of resources is available for all subjects.  The curriculum and culture of the school provide suitable opportunities for pupils to

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Main inspection findings

learn about fundamental British values and equality.  The inspector sampled teachers’ planning, current pupils’ workbooks and visited all classes. All classrooms, including the two new rooms, are appropriately resourced and conducive to learning. Pupils observed and spoken to during the inspection were confident, inquisitive and well behaved.  There is a clear system for checking pupils’ progress across the subjects. All pupils complete a range of assessments, including termly tests in English and mathematics, appropriate to their age and ability. Staff are required to follow the school’s marking policy to ensure that pupils receive consistent feedback on their work.  The school is likely to meet the requirements relevant to the material change for this part.

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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) and 5(b)(vii)  The planned curriculum for pupils in Years 5 and 6 builds on the plans for all other pupils in personal, social, health and economic education. These plans, based predominantly on Jewish teachings, actively promote fundamental British values and encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. This includes teaching about different lifestyles, other religions and cultural traditions. Leaders ensure that respecting others, and learning about how people are different, both locally and nationally, is a clear focus of the school’s work. As examples, pupils’ work on their local community entitled ‘all different and all British’ is displayed throughout the school and on the day of the inspection, pupils from a local mainstream primary

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Main inspection findings

school were visiting to learn about Judaism in a ‘question and answer’ assembly.  The school is likely to meet the requirements relevant to the material change for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 11, 12, 14, 16, 16(a) and 16(b)  The safeguarding policy reflects the school’s commitment to keeping its pupils safe from harm. It takes account of the latest statutory guidance, ‘Keeping children safe in education’ (September 2016). Though the school does not have a website, this policy and others are available in hard copy to parents. Staff training at an appropriate level, including training for the two designated safeguarding leaders, has recently taken place. Clear systems are in place to refer concerns.  The school’s most recent survey of pupils’ families confirms that leaders and staff engage well with parents to ensure that pupils are supported and kept safe.  Leaders have ensured that the school’s written health and safety policy is effectively implemented. The buildings are clean, safe and well maintained.  The school is compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in

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Main inspection findings

relation to the two new classrooms. Advice following an external fire safety risk assessment has been followed. Additional fire extinguishers have been installed and fire exits are clearly signposted.  Staff are deployed well to ensure the safety and proper supervision of pupils. The headteacher intends to employ additional staff members from September 2017 when the school will expand further to accommodate pupils in Year 6.  The school’s risk assessment policy and written risk assessments are of good quality and meet the requirements in reducing identified risks.  The school is likely to meet the requirements relevant to the material change for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17 to 21(8) inclusive  The school’s single central register of vetting checks meets requirements; it includes all the required background checks on staff. Leaders ensure that the school’s safer recruitment guidelines are followed. The inspector’s checks on staff files confirmed that the information had been entered accurately on the single central register. The school does not employ supply or agency staff.  The school is likely to meet the requirements relevant to the material change for this part. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 29(1), 29(1)(a) and 29(1)(b)  The school has developed its premises to include two new classrooms. These have been completed to a high specification. The acoustics, sound insulation and lighting are suitable. Arrangements for fire safety in these new rooms are also suitable.

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Main inspection findings

 Toilet and washing facilities are suitable. There are enough to cater for the anticipated number of additional pupils.  The medical room arrangements, though not ideal, meet the requirements. A staff work area is vacated in the event of a pupil becoming unwell. The space includes a privacy curtain, appropriate first aid supplies and a bed, with access to a sink and a nearby toilet.  There is sufficient outside space for play and physical education for pupils. This space is appropriately supervised and has been assessed for any potential risks.  The premises are safe and well maintained. The health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured through effective implementation of the school’s health and safety policy and procedures.  Arrangements for security and the management of visitors are effective. Though the synagogue buildings are sometimes shared during the school day, the situation is appropriately risk assessed and managed. Pupils are always supervised.

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Main inspection findings

 The school is likely to meet the requirements relevant to the material change for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b) and 34(1)(c)  Leaders have effectively overseen the development of the curriculum for pupils up to the age of 11, and the building and resourcing of two new classrooms. They have ensured that all the relevant independent school standards are likely to be met when the material change is fully implemented.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

Unique reference number 136231 DfE registration number 304/6114 Inspection number 10025512 This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make. Type of school Jewish day school School status Independent school Proprietor Mr Richard Harounoff Chair Mr Richard Harounoff Headteacher Rabbi Nathaniel Lieberman Annual fees (day pupils) £3,750 Telephone number 020 8204 4078 Email address admin@bnosbeisyaakov.co.uk Date of previous standard inspection 21–23 October 2014

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 3 to 9 3 to 11 Recommended Number of pupils on the school roll 85 160 Recommended

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Girls Not applicable Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 71 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils 0 Not applicable Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 18 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 0 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan Not applicable Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 11 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 3 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 5 Not applicable

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Information about this school

 Bnos Beis Yaakov is an independent Orthodox Jewish primary school for girls.  The school occupies the premises of Kingsbury Synagogue in the London borough of Brent, which it has recently purchased and continues to share as part of the lease agreement. Two new classrooms have been built to accommodate the increased number of pupils and further works are scheduled to develop additional classroom space.  The school’s registered age range is 3 to 9 and its registered capacity is 85. At the time of this inspection, the material change had been partially implemented, as there were 102 pupils on roll aged 3 to 10. Leaders have ensured that the registration authority for independent schools has been kept updated with these changes.  The school’s last inspection was a full standard inspection in October 2014, which judged all the independent school standards to be met and the school’s overall effectiveness to require improvement.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to consider the school’s application for a material change to increase the age range of pupils from 3 to 9 to 3 to 11 and to increase the registration from 85 to 160 pupils.  The DfE requested that the inspector consider whether, as a result of the material change, the relevant independent school standards contained within Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 are likely to be met.  The inspector met with the headteacher and member of staff responsible for vetting checks on staff. He toured the premises, spoke informally with pupils and observed learning in all classrooms with the headteacher. He also reviewed key documents and policies, including those related to the curriculum, safeguarding and health and safety.  There were no responses to the Ofsted online survey (Parent View).

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Inspection team

James Waite, lead inspector 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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