Islamia Girls' High School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Islamia Girls’ High School 2 Highfields Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 5NG

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i)  The previous inspection in April 2016 identified that these standards were met. Issues raised within a complaint received by the Department for Education (DfE) indicated that these standards may no longer be met. The standards relate to the quality and subject coverage of the school’s written schemes of work.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a written policy on the curriculum with some schemes of work to support it.  The school has a lack of schemes of work which take into account different ages and aptitudes of pupils. This, and a lack of appropriate resources, mean that the curriculum policy cannot be implemented effectively.  These standards are not met. Paragraph 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(h)  The previous inspection in April 2016 identified that these standards were met. Issues raised within a complaint received by the DfE indicated that these standards may no

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Main inspection findings

longer be met.  Although opportunities for experience in some aspects of learning are limited due to a lack of facilities and resources, pupils do have experiences in all required aspects of the curriculum and do make progress.  These standards are met. Paragraph 3(h), 3(i), 3(j)  The previous inspection in April 2016 identified that these standards were met. Issues raised within a complaint received by the DfE indicated that these standards may no longer be met.  Pupils are well behaved and encouraged to act responsibly at all times.  Pupils are aware of the different choices they can make in life and have high aspirations of what they would like to achieve.  Pupils learn about contentious issues, for example aborting potentially disabled foetuses, and discuss and write about them, demonstrating careful thought processes.  These standards are met. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g)

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Main inspection findings

 The previous inspection in April 2016 identified that these standards were met. Issues raised within a complaint received by the DfE indicated that these standards may no longer be met.  This inspection found that pupils’ work in books does not demonstrate that they are making good progress. Pupils of different abilities too frequently complete exactly the same work and therefore different needs and pupils’ prior attainment are not taken into account.  The school’s framework for assessing pupils’ progress does not clearly show good progress, particularly from starting points.  Teachers and pupils cannot access adequate resources so some subjects cannot be taught effectively to ensure that good progress is made.  These standards are not met. 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),

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Main inspection findings

5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  The previous inspection in April 2016 identified that these standards were met. Issues raised within a complaint received by the DfE indicated that these standards may no longer be met.  Pupils have a broad general knowledge of public institutions and services in England. They have a basic knowledge of different religions and cultural differences and accept and respect that other people have different beliefs than their own.  Pupils have high aspirations and understand that regardless of protected characteristics people can make choices that meet their particular needs. Pupils learn about people who are different from themselves and write and speak respectfully when learning about issues such as the impact of autistic spectrum disorder.  Pupils have a clear understanding of right and wrong.  These standards are met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a) and 7(b)

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Main inspection findings

 The inspection in April 2016 identified that not all staff who currently work at the school had the appropriate safeguarding checks. It identified that the designated safeguarding lead did not have up-to-date training so that the lead was able to carry out the role effectively.  The inspection in April 2016 identified that there was no one with suitable recruitment training at the school. Inspectors considered that records such as those regarding any safeguarding referrals to the local authority were inadequate.  The school’s safeguarding policy did not follow government guidelines at the last inspection. The school did not, and still does not, have a website.  The evaluation of the school’s action plan in December 2016 judged that there was a lack of evidence, including dates, that these standards were likely to be met at the next inspection.  This inspection identified that the single central register does not yet meet requirements

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Main inspection findings

and some information held upon it is inaccurate.  All staff have now completed appropriate safeguarding training. However, although a member of staff is trained in safer recruitment, appropriate checks are not being made. School leaders are not ensuring that references taken are appropriate and evidence of references taken is not available. Paragraph 13  The school does not have a clear, comprehensive first aid policy that takes into account the needs of pupils at the school. Nor is there a trained first aider in school. Paragraph 15  The school’s admission register is not up to date. It is not maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 as information on pupils who have left the school is not up to date. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16 (b)  School leaders have not implemented the risk assessment policy effectively. A member of staff has started working in the school as a teacher prior to senior leaders receiving

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Main inspection findings

confirmation of a returned and clear enhanced criminal records check. There is no risk assessment in place or strategy to indicate how this person is supervised prior to the check being received.  These standards are not met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18, 18(2), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c)(ii), 20(6)(c)  The inspection in April 2016 identified that not all staff had received the required enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. Therefore the single central record did not contain the required information.  The evaluation of the school’s action plan presented evidence that seven members of staff had enhanced DBS checks in May 2016.  All staff, except one, now have enhanced DBS checks. Senior leaders are awaiting confirmation of this one DBS check.  The proprietor has not ensured that appropriate references have been requested and that prohibition from teaching and medical fitness checks have been completed.

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Main inspection findings

 These standards have not been met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The inspection of April 2016 identified that the proprietor had not ensured that effective systems and procedures were in place to safeguard pupils. Therefore those with leadership and management responsibilities did not fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards were met consistently.  This inspection concluded that all of those standards not met at the last inspection remain unmet. The inspection also judged that other standards which were previously met are now not met and pupils’ well-being was not assured. Therefore, these standards are not met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet 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 does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain unmet at this inspection  Part 3. Welfare, health, and safety of pupils (Paragraphs 7, 7(a) and 7(b)). – The proprietor has not ensured that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school and that arrangements have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

 Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors (Paragraphs 18(1), 18(2), 18(2) (d)). – The proprietor has not ensured that all appropriate checks such as references and prohibition from teaching and medical checks have been made.

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

 Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools (Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)). – The proprietor has not ensured that those with leadership and management responsibilities demonstrate good skills and knowledge so that the independent school standards are met consistently.

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection.  Part 1. Quality of education provided (Paragraphs 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b)(i), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g)). – The proprietor has not ensured that resources are appropriate for teaching in all subjects or that pupils make good progress from their starting points.

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

 Part 3. Welfare, health, and safety of pupils (Paragraphs 13, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)). – The proprietor has not ensured that fire risk assessments have taken place or that fire extinguishers are available in the building. The proprietor has not ensured that there is a trained first aider in school or that the admissions register is kept up to date with required information. Risk assessments have not been written or considered for some situations. For example, risk assessments regarding teaching staff who are awaiting DBS clearance checks.  Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors (Paragraphs 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c)(ii), 20(6), 20(6)(c)). – The proprietor has not ensured that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school and that arrangements have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

 Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools (Paragraph 34(1)(c)). – The proprietor has not ensured that arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school and that arrangements have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

 Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors (Paragraph 18(2)(d)). – The proprietor has ensured that an enhanced criminal record check is made on all staff before, or as soon as practicable after, that person’s appointment.

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School Details

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

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Girls

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School Details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

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School Details

Date of previous standard inspection 27–29 April 2016

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Information about this school

 Islamia Girls’ High School can accept Muslim girls between the ages of 9 and 16 years. It is currently registered for 27 pupils and has 16 pupils on roll.

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Information about this school

 The school has undergone severe disruption with regard to appropriate premises since the last inspection. For a short period, October to December 2016, the school was situated at 66 New North Road, prior to moving into their current premises in January 2017.  The school was previously inspected in April 2016 when, following a full standard inspection, it was judged to be inadequate.  An evaluation of the school’s action plan to deal with independent school standards not met at the last inspection was judged as not acceptable when it was evaluated by Ofsted in December 2016.  The school does not use any alternative provision or operate on any other sites.

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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 that the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The Department for Education commissioned Ofsted as part of this inspection, to consider issues raised around the quality of education and pupils’ welfare as a result of two complaints received.  This inspection took place over one day, with no notice and was unannounced. It was the school’s first progress monitoring inspection since the school was judged inadequate in April 2016.  A material change inspection to consider a change to the registered school address and lowering pupil numbers was also carried out on the same day. A separate report has been issued to consider these aspects.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector spoke to most pupils during the inspection and several members of teaching staff. Meetings were also held with the headteacher and the chair of the governing body during the day.  All pupils were taking part in examinations throughout the day. Work in pupils’ books was taken into account to consider the quality of teaching. Information on pupils’ progress was also studied.  The inspector spoke to a parent during the day. However, there were not enough responses to the Ofsted Parent View online questionnaire to take this source into account.  Documentation regarding safeguarding and other health and safety aspects in order to meet the independent school standards was studied.

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Inspection team

Jo Sharpe, lead inspector Her Majesty’s 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.

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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visitwww.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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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