London Christian Learning Centre

School progress monitoring inspection report

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London Christian Learning Centre 639–643 Romford Road, Manor Park, London E12 5AD

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  At the full standard inspection, the school did not provide independent careers advice to pupils in the secondary phase.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that leaders had taken some steps to improve careers education, in line with their action plan. However, the plan to commission an external, impartial and appropriately qualified careers adviser had not been carried out.  Leaders have formed a link with the local authority and a service level agreement is in place to enable pupils to receive impartial careers advice. This includes talks for secondary-aged pupils, individual careers advice sessions for pupils, work experience and invitations to careers fairs and other local events. This provision is under way. Leaders are also widening the range of speakers and events and using governors and

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Main inspection findings

trustees to bring in information about a wide range of careers. Pupils enjoy the range of opportunities and feel well prepared about career options.  The requirements of this paragraph are met. Paragraphs 3, 3(f)  At the full standard inspection, the school had limited reading resources in both the primary and secondary phases. The school’s proposed actions to improve this lacked clarity.  The first progress monitoring inspection confirmed that reading resources were still too limited. The selection of available books for pupils – especially relevant age-appropriate fiction to facilitate reading for pleasure – was poor.  The range of reading material for pupils is still too narrow. The range of books is dominated by bible stories, books with a biblical theme and stories about the lives of missionaries and evangelists. Pupils’ reading logs indicate that pupils read almost no classic or contemporary fiction. The range of non-fiction books is similarly limited.

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Main inspection findings

Leaders plan to improve this with the use of handheld electronic readers for pupils. They have purchased a set of these and intend to load them with a range of age-appropriate fiction. However, nearly two years since this failing was identified, leaders have not taken effective action.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.  The school does not meet all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the full standard inspection, safeguarding was judged as ineffective. The school did not have a strong safeguarding culture.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that there had been some minor improvements and that staff had attended relevant training.  Leaders have not developed a culture of safeguarding. Leaders, staff and volunteers are unclear and confused about safeguarding procedures and do not understand their responsibilities. They are not clear about reporting concerns to the school’s designated safeguarding lead. Instead, for example, they attempt to follow the school’s incident resolution procedure for academic and behavioural concerns or to follow up directly with parents or carers. Adults appear to rely on their perception of the goodness of Christian families, instead of simply following the statutory guidance. This puts pupils at risk of

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Main inspection findings

harm. Also, during the inspection, staff did not always identify potential hazards in school.  The safeguarding policy is ambiguous and unclear. For example, the policy states that the authors ‘hope’ staff will follow it. In other sections, staff are encouraged to report directly to local authority social care and not to the school’s designated safeguarding lead. The behaviour policy states that staff should seek advice from a church organisation if there is an allegation of sexual abuse, instead of following statutory procedures. Leaders have not ensured that they and staff are up to date with the statutory guidance published in September 2018.  Pupils say they feel safe. They know how to keep themselves safe on the internet and when travelling to school or on work experience.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c)  At the full standard inspection, the contents of the behaviour policy did not reflect the

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Main inspection findings

sanctions in use. The school did not keep records or logs of pupils’ misbehaviour.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that the behaviour policy had been revised but did not match the behaviour management system in practice. The records of behavioural incidents were inconsistent and lacked detail.  Leaders have not updated the behaviour policy so that it matches the school’s new behaviour system. The policy describes a different system, is incomplete and contains track-change notes. The safeguarding advice included is incorrect. Leaders have not taken action, even though this had been identified in the previous inspection in February 2018 and in the evaluation of the action plan in June 2018.  The system for recording behavioural incidents is now up and running. The circumstances, the incident and the follow-up with pupils and parents are now recorded.  The requirements of paragraph 9(c) are now met.

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Main inspection findings

 The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet. Paragraph 10  At the full standard inspection, the school did not keep records of bullying.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that the records of bullying incidents were inconsistent and lacked detail.  Incidents of bullying are now recorded as part of the behaviour record system. Secondary-aged pupils are clear that there is almost no bullying, including racist and homophobic bullying. Primary-aged pupils say that there is sometimes bullying but they are confident that the teachers will sort it out.  The requirements of this paragraph are met. Paragraph 15  At the full standard inspection, the admissions register did not meet requirements. Leaders were unaware of their duty to inform the local authority when a pupil is deleted from the admissions register.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that there had been no progress. For

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Main inspection findings

example, leaders could not provide any evidence that pupils who had left the school were accounted for, with destination details and, where necessary, a referral to the local authority.  Leaders have failed to act and so the admissions register does not meet requirements. New pupils who started the school at the beginning of September 2018 had not been added to the register. Contact telephone numbers for some pupils are missing. Previous schools are missing for some pupils. The destinations of leavers are rarely recorded and are not followed up with the local authority. This puts pupils at risk of harm.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.  The school does not meet all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(b), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 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(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  At the full standard inspection, the single central record of vetting checks was not in place. Additionally, there were gaps in the pre-employment checks.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that leaders had not completed the proposed actions identified in their action plan. The single central record of vetting checks did not meet requirements and checks were not completed consistently.  Leaders have ensured that all the appropriate checks are completed for leaders, staff, volunteers, governors and trustees.  Although the checks on individuals are completed, there is still some confusion about the

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Main inspection findings

proprietor body and whether the Department for Education has been informed of any change and a material change requested.  The requirements of these paragraphs are met.  The school meets all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  At the full standard inspection, cleaning materials were not locked away out of pupils’ reach.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that cleaning cupboards remained unlocked.  Leaders have ensured that cleaning materials are in locked cupboards. The headteacher keeps the keys and there is a procedure for unlocking cupboards when required.  The requirements of this paragraph are met. Paragraphs 29(1), 29(1)(b)  At the full standard inspection, outdoor space was found to be too limited for regular outdoor play.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that the outdoor space for play was too limited for pupils of secondary age. Leaders had not found a suitable solution, despite the suggestion in their action plan that the local park would become an ‘extended playground’.  There is no provision in place for secondary-aged pupils to go regularly to the park so

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Main inspection findings

that they can play outside. Leaders say that this is their intention but they have not made it happen. Pupils went to the park for recreation on the day of the inspection. However, there is no evidence that this happens regularly. Pupils and staff gave varying accounts of how often they go to the park, if at all. Leaders do not keep records. The lack of outdoor recreation has a negative impact on pupils’ welfare.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.  The school does not meet all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(2), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c) 32(3), 32(3)(b)  At the full standard inspection, information provided to parents about policies was not all up to date or completed. The school did not have a systematic approach to keeping records and providing the required information to parents.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that some of the required information was available. Policies relating to the curriculum, first aid, health and safety, behaviour and preventing bullying were all available on the school’s website. However, some information, such as contact details for the proprietors and the chair of the governing body, was still not available.  Leaders have made a few improvements. The safeguarding policy is now available for parents on the school’s website, as is the address of the proprietor’s registered office.

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Main inspection findings

However, the contact details of the chair of governors and information about the school’s provision for pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans and pupils for who speak English as an additional language are not on the website for parents.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.  The school does not meet all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraphs 33, 33(j), 33(j)(i)  At the full standard inspection, the school’s written records of complaints did not reflect the details required by the independent school standards.  The first progress monitoring inspection found that the stage of resolution of complaints was not recorded.  The complaints procedure and the details of the recording system now meet requirements.  The requirements of this paragraph are met.  The school meets all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  At the full standard inspection, leaders had not ensured that the independent school standards were met fully.  The first progress monitoring inspection confirmed that the vast majority of independent school standards previously judged as not met continued to be not met.  Leaders have not acted to ensure that all the independent school standards are met. Although there has been some improvement and some standards are now met, nearly two years after the school was judged as inadequate, major areas of concern remain.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.  The school does not meet all the requirements for this part.

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Main inspection findings

Statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage Section 3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7  The unmet standards in relation to safeguarding mean that the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the early years foundation stage continue to be unmet.

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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

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school– – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  9 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor promotes good behaviour among pupils by ensuring that- – 9(a) a written behaviour policy is drawn up that, among other matters, sets out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour; – 9(b) the policy is implemented effectively.  15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admissions and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that-  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(c) where there is a governing body, the name and address for correspondence of its chair; and  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(b) particulars of educational and welfare provision for pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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standards

 For pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that is presented in an impartial manner, enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options and helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential (paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii) and 2(2)(e)(iii)).  A record is kept of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious misbehaviour (paragraph 9(c)).  The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that bullying at the school is prevented in so far as reasonably practicable, by the drawing up and implementation of an effective anti-bullying strategy (paragraph 10).  No such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification,

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standards

prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction (paragraphs 18(2) and 18(2)(b)).  An individual not being the chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if MB does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction. Subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB, where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in

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standards

the United Kingdom; and where, by reason of MB’s living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State (paragraphs 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii) and 20(6)(b)(iii)).  The proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub- paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable to the school in question. The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form (paragraphs 21(1) and 21(2)).  The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is – in relation to each member of staff (‘S’) appointed on or after 1 May 2007, whether – S’s identity was checked; a check was

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standards

made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant qualifications; an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S; checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(d); a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; and checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), including the date on which each such check was completed or the certificate obtained; in relation to each member of staff (‘S’), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order,

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standards

including the date on which such check was completed (paragraphs 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) and 21(3)(b)).  The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of staff in post on 1 August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1 May 2007, whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (3) was made and whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained (paragraph 21(4)).  The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation each member (‘MB’) of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1 May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained (paragraph 21(6)).

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standards

 The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member of a body of persons named as the proprietor in post on 1 August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1 May 2007 – whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained (paragraphs 21(7), 21(7)(a) and 21(7)(b)).  The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured (paragraph 25).  The information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of

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standards

State or an independent inspectorate; particulars of the arrangements for meeting the standard contained in paragraph 7 are published on the school’s internet website or, where no such website exists, are provided to parents on request (paragraphs 32(1), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c)); where the proprietor is a body of persons, the address and telephone number of its registered or principal office (paragraphs 32(2)(b) and 32(2)(b)(ii)).  The standard about the manner in which complaints are handled is met if the proprietor ensures that a complaints procedure is drawn up and effectively implemented which deals with the handling of complaints from parents of pupils and which provides for a written record to be kept of all complaints that are made in accordance with sub-paragraph (e) and whether they are resolved following a formal procedure, or proceed to a panel hearing (paragraphs 33, 33(j) and 33(j)(i)).

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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 There are no pupils in the sixth form

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

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School details

Proprietor Reverend Ricardo D Bolus Junior

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 18–20 October 2016

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Information about this school

 The London Christian Learning Centre has a Christian ethos and is part of the Christian Education Europe network of schools. The school occupies a site on Romford Road, Manor Park that has been adapted for educational use. The school’s entrance is on Carlton Road. The school uses the facilities in a local park for physical education.  The school is registered for up to 124 boys and girls between the ages of three and 18. There are currently 32 pupils on roll between the ages of four and 15.  The school uses the curriculum known as the Accelerated Christian Education programme of subjects that are taught in the mornings. This is supplemented by other curriculum subjects in the afternoons.  Since the previous monitoring inspection, it appears that there has been a change in the proprietor. However, the previous proprietor is still the owner.  The school does not use any alternative provision.

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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 to not comply with at its previous inspection.  This inspection was unannounced.  The school’s last full standard inspection was in October 2016, when its overall effectiveness was judged as inadequate and a number of independent school standards were unmet. The first progress monitoring inspection was in February 2018, when a number of standards remained unmet. The Department for Education required the school to prepare an action plan. The action plan was evaluated in June 2018. The action plan did not meet requirements and was rejected.  The inspector talked with staff and volunteers informally around the school and held meetings with the headteacher and with a trustee representing the proprietor.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector undertook a tour of the school with the headteacher.  The inspector scrutinised pupils’ careers folders, the range of reading material for pupils and pupils’ reading records.  The inspector accompanied a group of pupils on a visit to the park, spoke to pupils across the age range in classes and held a discussion with a group of secondary-aged pupils.  A wide range of documents were scrutinised, including the school’s plans for careers education, advice and guidance and documents relating to safeguarding, behaviour and admissions.

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Inspection team

Janet Hallett, 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

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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

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.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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