Dar Ul Madinah

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Dar-Ul-Madinah Granville Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 6HD

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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 inspection in May 2018 judged this standard to be unmet. Although trustees had an appropriate curriculum policy and suitable schemes of work, they were not being implemented effectively in the classroom. Teaching did not take sufficient account of pupils’ age, ability or prior learning. Pupils were working below their capabilities.  Since that inspection, the proprietor and trustees have appointed a new headteacher and teaching staff. The headteacher checks teaching and learning carefully to make sure that schemes of work are delivered as intended.  The new, experienced and well-qualified teaching staff have a good understanding of the national curriculum and of how pupils learn. Their weekly and daily planning is detailed and builds on pupils’ prior learning effectively. It is underpinned by comprehensive long-

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Main inspection findings

term plans that are based on the national curriculum.  The curriculum is broad and provides pupils with a range of experiences. Teachers make the most of cross-curricular links. For example, they encourage pupils to apply their mathematical knowledge in science and geography and to write for a range of purposes.  This standard is now met. Paragraph 3, 3(a) 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g)  This standard was not met at the inspection in May 2018. Assessment was not used effectively to plan teaching and build on pupils’ knowledge and skills successfully. Some of the work in pupils’ books was repetitive and was not age-appropriate. Pupils’ progress in mathematics and writing was weak. Pupils’ spelling and reading skills were also below the standards identified in the national curriculum. This was because phonics teaching repeated skills that the pupils had already mastered.  The new teaching and support staff have good subject knowledge and a thorough

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Main inspection findings

understanding of pupils’ abilities and learning needs. Teaching is based on thorough assessment of pupils’ existing knowledge and skills. It builds on pupils’ prior learning effectively. In mathematics, for example, pupils were encouraged to recall prior learning about doubling and halving numbers before applying their skills to solve problems.  Teaching now supports pupils to increase their knowledge and develop their skills progressively over time. Pupils’ written work shows better progress in writing and mathematical skills than was the case at the last inspection. Pupils are productive and take care with their work. They are more engaged in learning as activities are motivating and better suited to their abilities.  Classroom display is used to support and celebrate pupils’ learning. The displays stimulate pupils’ learning by providing examples of good-quality work and reminding them of key facts. Resources are of good quality and are used thoughtfully to support

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Main inspection findings

teaching and learning.  This standard is now 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), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  This standard was met at the last inspection. It was considered at this visit in relation to the school’s request for a material change to extend the age range of pupils into Year 2.  Pupils are taught about British values in personal, social and health education. British values are further reinforced across the curriculum and in themed weeks. Displays around the school reflect the focus on British values and celebrate diversity.  Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was identified as a strength at the last inspection. This strength continues. Across the curriculum and in all aspects of the school’s work, pupils are taught to be respectful and to recognise right from wrong.

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Main inspection findings

 Pupils are taught about protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Equalities Act in an age-appropriate way. The school’s equality policy takes full account of statutory requirements.  The standard continues to be met and is likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 6, 7, 7(a), 7(b), 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  These standards were met at the last inspection.  The arrangements to safeguard pupils and promote their health, safety and welfare meet requirements. The safeguarding policy is detailed and takes account of the latest government guidance. The policy provides clear guidelines on the procedures to follow if a safeguarding concern is identified. The safeguarding policy is supported by a range of detailed policies that promote pupils’ safety and well-being in and outside of school. These include clear and accessible policies on e-safety, extremism and sexual

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Main inspection findings

exploitation.  The anti-bullying and behaviour policies clearly identify the expectations for behaviour. The rewards for good behaviour and the system for sanctions, if behaviour does not meet expectations, are explained fully. The policies are well understood by pupils and implemented effectively by staff. Pupils are involved in setting the rules. For example, they have developed and signed up to a class contract that focuses on respect and fairness.  Pupils say that they feel safe and enjoy being in school. They are not aware of any incidents of bullying and say that everyone is friendly and plays together. This is reflected in the school’s records, which show that there has been no bullying in the last three years. Behaviour incidents are extremely rare. Records are fit for purpose. Pupils’ enthusiasm is reflected in the good attendance of the majority of pupils. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13  There is a detailed health and safety policy. Staff and pupils are aware of their

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Main inspection findings

responsibilities. The school site is checked thoroughly each day to ensure that there are no risks to staff and pupils, or any obstacles to quick evacuation.  The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire-safety audits and risk assessments are carried out at least annually. Fire safety is ensured through weekly alarm tests and drills. Firefighting equipment is well maintained and there are several clearly signed evacuation routes.  Three members of staff are trained in first aid. The first aid policy outlines procedures to be followed in administering first aid and medical support clearly. Paragraph 14  Staff are deployed appropriately and pupils are well supervised. There are relatively high adult to pupil ratios and small class sizes. This ensures that pupils are closely supervised in classes and around the school. Paragraphs 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  An admission and attendance register is maintained daily. It meets the requirements of

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Main inspection findings

Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The risk-assessment policy is implemented effectively and ensures that appropriate action is taken to reduce any risks. Comprehensive risk assessments have been completed for all activities in school and are also in place for trips out. For example, visits to a farm, the zoo and picnics are risk-assessed thoroughly. Additional activities in school are planned carefully.  The standards in Part 3 continue to be met and are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(1), 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(3), 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),

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Main inspection findings

21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(4), 21(6)  The standards relating to the suitability of staff, managers and proprietors are met. All the required employment checks on staff and further checks on managers, trust board members and proprietors have been completed. Minor omissions to the single central record were rectified during the inspection.  Personnel files are well kept and contain further details of staff’s qualifications, references and training. The school does not currently use supply staff. All staff were appointed after 1 May 2007.  The standards in Part 4 continue to be met and are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraphs 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  The premises are well maintained. Leaders conduct daily checks and thorough risk

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Main inspection findings

assessments to ensure that the premises are safe and secure.  There are suitable, age-appropriate toilet and washing facilities for the pupils currently on roll in Year 1. Further toilet and washing facilities are almost completed close to the proposed site for the Year 2 classroom. Hot water is of a suitable temperature for handwashing and does not pose a scalding risk.  Facilities for the short-term care of sick or injured pupils are provided in the headteacher’s room. Facilities are close to washing and toilet facilities. First aid kits are well stocked.  Drinking water is clearly labelled. Pupils bring their own water bottles. Staff ensure that pupils have access to drinking water whenever they want. Paragraphs 25, 26, 27, 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  The school is spacious, bright and welcoming. The current Year 1 classroom provides plenty of room for pupils to work and play. It is well resourced and well organised. The

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Main inspection findings

displays support pupils’ learning effectively and acoustic conditions are good. The classroom in which it is proposed to accommodate pupils in Year 2 is similarly spacious and fit for purpose.  Communal areas are well kept. The large hall provides a suitable space for physical education and for pupils to play during wet weather.  The outdoor areas are small, but well equipped to develop pupils’ physical skills, for example, with bikes and climbing equipment. The outdoor areas are safe and secure.  External lighting around the buildings ensures that people can safely enter and leave the premises.  The standards in Part 5 continue to be met and are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s website has all required policies, including those for safeguarding, behaviour management and to promote pupils’ safety and well-being. The school’s

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Main inspection findings

complaints procedure and equality policy are also on the website.  The standards in Part 6 are likely to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  The standards for leadership and management were not met at the inspection in May 2018. At that inspection, leaders had not evaluated the school’s provision against the independent school standards. They had not checked teaching and learning and were not aware of the weaknesses in provision. Leaders had not supported staff to develop their skills and improve teaching.  Leaders and managers are now demonstrating the skills and knowledge appropriate to their role. Since the last inspection, trustees have addressed each of the unmet standards successfully. They have appointed new staff and secured advice from external expertise. They have an appropriate action plan to ensure that the independent school

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Main inspection findings

standards continue to be met as the school expands.  The new headteacher has established a more rigorous approach to the management of the performance of teachers. She checks teaching regularly to ensure that it meets pupils’ needs. Professional development is planned to support school priorities and develop teachers’ skills.  Current teaching and support staff have good subject knowledge. Teaching is effective and supports pupils to make progress consistent with their abilities.  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

 Part 1, paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 3, 3(a) 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(g)  Part 8, 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)

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The school now meets the following independent school standards

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: to extend the age range to include pupils in Year 2.

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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

Date of previous standard inspection 22–24 May 2018

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Information about this school

 The school opened in September 2017 and is run by a trust. It was inspected in May 2018. At that inspection, a number of independent school standards were unmet.  The school is registered for 30 pupils aged five to six years. There are currently 11 pupils on roll in Year 1. The school does not currently charge fees.  The school shares premises with an early years provision that is registered and inspected separately. The headteacher, board of trustees and managers lead and manage both the early years provision and the school.  Since the last inspection, a new headteacher and new teaching and support staff have been appointed.

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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 inspection was conducted at no notice to the school.  The inspector met with the headteacher and teaching staff and spoke with all pupils. She spoke with the proprietor by telephone.  The inspector observed teaching and learning in English, mathematics, phonics and geography, and sampled pupils’ work in all subjects.  The inspector looked at a range of documentary evidence, including policies, the school’s action plans, assessment information and monitoring of teaching. She also looked at a range of safeguarding documents, including behaviour logs, the single central record and

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Information about this inspection

the safeguarding policy. She checked the school’s website.

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Inspection team

Jean Olsson-Law, 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

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 looked after children, 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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