Hamd House School

School material change inspection report

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Hamd House School The Custard House, 29–43 Blake Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands B9 5QT

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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), 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), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  The curriculum policy sets out a broad and balanced curriculum plan that covers both primary and secondary requirements. The policy states clearly that the curriculum is underpinned by British values and social, moral, spiritual and cultural considerations. These values are threaded consistently through the policy.  Schemes of work are generally commercial packages that incorporate resources, tasks and assessments for different abilities within the intended age range.  The curriculum is enhanced by additional subjects, such as Mandarin, and an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities that include community projects,

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Main inspection findings

sporting activities, outdoor pursuits, fundraising, a debating society, public speaking, making jewellery, baking, and crafts.  The school’s primary-stage document, which details progress and attainment, has been extended to incorporate key stage 3 assessments. Progress tracking is thorough and has enabled school leaders to monitor progress and set targets for pupils and their teachers. This tracking also maps individual pupils’ attainment against national expectations for their age range, so that pupils and their parents understand just where pupils are in their learning and progress. This helps to raise expectations.  Behaviour is good and relationships are harmonious and respectful, reflecting the ethos of the school.  Careers education takes place mainly through the personal, social and health education programme and business studies. The school has good connections with the world of work through professional contacts, parents and the local authority. This

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Main inspection findings

aspect will need further development as pupils progress into the next key stage and begin to think more critically about their post-16 opportunities.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard, providing the proposed investments into further developing the site and resources for the planned key stage 4 curriculum are implemented.

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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)  School leaders have invested significantly in training and resources that promote British values, and that they are appropriate and meet current legislation requirements.  Pupils have been taken to a wide and varied range of facilities and events to broaden their view of society. For example, these include trips to temples and churches, Warwick castle, Dudley Zoo, the Cadbury’s factory, Cannock Chase and Aston Hall, as well as Nottingham Courts to see how the judicial system works.  Pupils are encouraged to question and debate topics and staff will often pose as ‘devil’s advocate’ to provoke and challenge thinking in order to arrive at a balanced perspective. In discussion, pupils demonstrated confidence and understanding of

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Main inspection findings

some complex social issues, recognising the relationship between rights and responsibilities. In a business studies lesson, pupils explored marketing strategies and responded to a range of questions from peers and adults with ease.  Through the use of different strategies that include debates, role play and assemblies, pupils are challenged to look at the impact of social issues on individuals, the family and society. Each week, a new protected characteristic is explored.  There is an active school council that is democratically elected by pupils. The head boy and girl are also elected positions.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard, providing the detailed curriculum plans and careers information, advice and guidance are extended to meet the personal and social demands of key stage 4 pupils.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a), 19(2)(a)(i), 19(2)(a)(i)(aa), 19(2)(a)(i)(bb), 19(2)(a)(i)(cc), 19(2)(a)(ii), 19(2)(b), 19(2)(c), 19(2)(d), 19(2)(d)(i), 19(2)(d)(ii), 19(2)(e), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(a)(i), 21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(b), 21(5)(c), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  The single central register is maintained by an administrator and overseen by the headteacher. Periodically, the school employs an external consultant to audit their procedures. All the required checks are recorded in the single central register.

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Main inspection findings

 The school takes additional measures to protect pupils by including in all contracts a commitment to uphold British values and prohibiting staff from bringing any partisan political materials on to the school site.  The school does not use supply staff, thus limiting the exposure of pupils to casual workers.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(1)(c), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b), 30  Classrooms are adequate in size and facilities for the present cohort and displays are used to good effect to create attractive learning spaces. There are surplus rooms that could accommodate more classes if required.  Lighting, sound insulation and heating are all adequate.  There are ample toilet facilities throughout the building; all are supplied with hot and cold water and the hot water is maintained at a safe temperature.  Drinking water is clearly labelled and available to pupils as required.  A medical room is provided and meets requirements.  External lights ensure safe entry to, and departure from, the building during

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Main inspection findings

darkness.  There is a large outside space for play and pupils currently go to a local sports centre where shower and changing facilities are provided for physical education lessons.  The site is kept clean, tidy and well maintained. Potential issues are dealt with swiftly.  There are ambitious plans to redevelop aspects of the site to increase specialist facilities and to meet the needs of the planned key stage 4 curriculum.  The school is likely to meet all the requirements for this standard, providing the proposed developments are implemented as planned.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s website is currently unavailable. However, the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents in a hard copy on request.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has a three-year accessibility plan in place.

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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

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 likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School Details

Annual fees (day pupils) £0–£2,400 per year

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School Details

Website Under construction/redevelopment

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School Details

Date of previous standard inspection 18 May 2010

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 5 to 14 5 to 16 5 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 220 330 330

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 220 330

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 4 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 4 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 4 Not applicable

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 9 13

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff 10 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 1 2

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Information about this school

 Hamd House School is an independent Muslim day school that currently provides full- time education for boys and girls aged five to 14 years. Its designated age range is three to 13 years; therefore, the school is operating illegally in terms of the upper age limits. The material change application to increase the upper age limit to 16 years intends to address this breach.  The school admits pupils from across the Birmingham area, and although the current pupils are from Muslim families, the school is open to children of all faiths.  The school aims to provide a safe and secure learning environment that upholds the ethos of the Muslim community and aims to integrate its pupils successfully into British society.  There are currently 220 pupils on roll. The school is registered for 700 pupils but is seeking to be registered for 330 pupils eventually, across this site and another that is currently an administrative facility.

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Information about this school

 The school has membership of the Association of Muslim Schools.  Four pupils have education, health and care plans.  The school has ambitious plans to redevelop the premises. This redevelopment will provide specialist science, technology and sporting facilities to meet the demands of the planned key stage 4 curriculum, as well as provide a range of spacious teaching rooms.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out by Ofsted at the request of the registration authority, the Department for Education, under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008. The school applied for a material change in respect of proposals to redevelop the premises and to increase the age range from 13 to 16 years.  This inspection was conducted in one day, with two days’ notice.  The inspector met with the founders of the school, the headteacher and a senior leader with responsibility for social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. She also met with a group of parents and a group of pupils. She conducted a learning walk, visiting Years 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and a combined Year 8 and 9 class. The inspector reviewed a range of relevant policy documents, including: curriculum and assessment policies, schemes of work, safeguarding policy, risk assessments, utilities safety certificates, first aid certificates, safeguarding audit report, the single central register

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Information about this inspection

and staff files. In addition, the inspector audited the premises and accommodation against the independent school standards requirements.

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Inspection team

Elizabeth Ellis-Martin, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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