Lubavitch Senior Boys School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Lubavitch Senior Boys’ School 133 Clapton Common, London E5 9AE

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Overall outcome

The school does not meet all of the independent school standards that were checked during this inspection

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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(2), 2(2)(a), 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 4  At the previous inspection, six part-time staff shared responsibility for teaching religious studies and for teaching subjects in the secular curriculum. However, the quality of provision varied widely. The good teaching evident in religious studies lessons was not matched in other subjects. Insufficient time was given to secular subjects overall. Time for participation in physical education (PE), music and art was minimal. Curriculum plans were of poor quality and teachers’ subject knowledge in secular subjects was weak. Teaching was poorly planned. Pupils were taught the same content, regardless of their different ages and abilities. The expectations of what pupils could achieve, particularly for the most able pupils, were too low. Pupils’ work was poorly presented. As a result,

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Main inspection findings

pupils did not learn in enough depth in the secular subjects. This was particularly the case in history and science. In mathematics, pupils did not make enough progress.  The school’s action plan outlined a range of actions to develop the secular curriculum. These included the development of curriculum plans and the purchase of resources such as mathematics text books. The plan did not make clear how much curriculum time would be devoted to the secular subjects and to individual subjects such as history, science, PE, music and art. While actions to improve teaching were outlined, it was not made clear how teachers would make use of the new curriculum plans and develop their subject knowledge. Overwhelmingly, these plans referred to the core subjects of English and mathematics. It was also stated that teachers were already using assessment techniques to measure pupils’ progress over time.  Leaders and teachers have had limited capacity to follow through on these actions.

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Main inspection findings

 Detailed schemes of work are not in place for the secular subjects. Time for teaching the secular curriculum has not increased. Overall, insufficient content has been covered in these subjects. Consequently, pupils’ learning in secular subjects, including in English, mathematics and science, lacks depth and breadth.  There are some textbooks for pupils to use in mathematics and English lessons. Overall, however, the quality and quantity of learning resources and classroom environments remain inadequate.  Teaching remains pitched at the same level for all pupils, regardless of their ages or abilities. There are too few opportunities for pupils to apply their learning. This particularly applies to extended writing in subjects such as English and history and problem-solving in mathematics. Pupils have learned about significant events in history but, as in other subjects, this focuses on content and not the development of subject-

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Main inspection findings

specific skills.  Pupils say they are being encouraged to improve the presentation of their work. The amount of work completed across the secular curriculum is limited. It is mostly structured using worksheets, with few opportunities for pupils to present their work creatively.  There is no evidence of the use of assessment techniques or the information gained from assessment being used to inform lesson planning and building pupils’ knowledge and skills. It is not clear how pupils’ work is being assessed over time.  The requirements of these paragraphs remain unmet.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the previous inspection, the arrangements for safeguarding were not effective. There was no designated lead for safeguarding within the school and the arrangements to safeguard pupils were not suitably prioritised.  The school stated in its action plan that a designated safeguarding leader had been appointed. It also stated that the school’s child protection policy, procedures and staff training are now up to date, in line with the latest statutory guidance. Finally, it stated that the required checks for the suitability of staff were all in place and recorded on the school’s single central record of recruitment checks. However, leaders have not been rigorous in ensuring that these actions meet the requirements.  The safeguarding policy provided during the inspection had been obtained from another school. This policy was dated February 2018 and had not been updated to have full

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Main inspection findings

regard for the Secretary of State’s September 2018 guidance ‘Keeping children safe in education’. The designated safeguarding lead named in this policy is the headteacher of the school from which the policy had been obtained. No mention was made of staff or pupils at this school. Nonetheless, the staff spoken to during this inspection were clear they had seen an updated policy but could not locate it. They showed secure understanding of their duties and responsibilities to safeguard pupils in line with current guidance.  At the current time, the interim headteacher is also the designated safeguarding lead. His training is current and at the appropriate level. His work at the school is on a part- time and temporary basis and there is no deputy in place.  Scrutiny of the school’s single central record showed that not all the checks for the suitability of staff were in place.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 11  At the previous inspection, the requirements for the health and safety of pupils both on and off the school site were met.  At the time of this inspection, a member of staff accompanied some boys on a school trip to New York. The formal risk assessment for this trip was poorly completed. It did not fully detail or accurately reflect arrangements for travel and accommodation. Discussions with leaders and pupils established that suitable arrangements were in place to ensure the health and safety of the boys while they were away. However, the school’s overall systems for ensuring pupils’ health and safety while on educational visits are judged as inadequate.  During the school day, including when at the synagogue, pupils are well supervised by staff. While the premises are jaded, no immediate health and safety concerns were identified during the inspection. The day-to-day management of health and safety and

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Main inspection findings

fire safety is adequately undertaken by staff from the junior school, who share use of the premises.  The requirements of this paragraph are now unmet. Paragraph 15  Since the previous inspection, the school’s admissions register has not been rigorously maintained. The interim headteacher has ascertained which boys have left the school and their destination school, and has received written confirmation of their enrolment. However, this information has not been entered on to the admissions register.  The attendance register is kept daily. However, there is no indication in the register of which pupils have left.  The admissions and attendance registers are kept electronically. It is not clear how the school is fulfilling the requirements for regular back-up, either electronically or by printed copy.  The requirements of this paragraph are now unmet.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors All paragraphs  At the previous inspection, the single central record and other records showed that staff had been appointed without checks being made of their qualifications, references or their right to work in the United Kingdom.  The school stated in its action plan that the single central record was now compliant following an audit and update. However, while right to work, prohibition from teaching checks for teachers and reference checks are now shown on the single central record, some omissions remain.  There is no record of barred list checks. Furthermore, where Disclosure and Barring Service checks have been transferred from a previous employment, the required barred list check has not been made. The date on which further checks of suitability were carried out is not recorded. The single central record showed no evidence of qualification

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Main inspection findings

checks. All of the required checks for the interim headteacher have been undertaken but they are not recorded on the school’s single central record .  Checks for the trustees are in place and recorded on the single central record . However, there is no record of checks being undertaken or being in progress for the new governors. A prohibition from management check has not been undertaken for one member of staff.  The school does not make use of supply or agency staff.  The following paragraphs remain met: 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(d), 20(6)(c), 21(2), 21(3(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(v) and 21(3)(a)(vi).  The following paragraphs are now met: 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 21(3)(a)(vii) and 21(3)(b).  These paragraphs remain unmet: 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(e), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(a)(iv) and 21(3)(a)(v).  These paragraphs are no longer met: 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii),

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Main inspection findings

20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii) and 21(6).  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(c)  At the previous inspection, suitable changing accommodation and showers were not provided for pupils.  The school has not fulfilled its intended action that suitable changing and shower facilities would be available and in use from January 2019.  The requirements of this paragraph remain unmet.  Leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(c)  At the time of the previous inspection, it was not clear if the school’s safeguarding policy was made available to parents and carers.  The school’s current safeguarding policy was not available for the inspection. Furthermore, there was no evidence of how the policy is made available to parents.  The requirements of this paragraph are now unmet.  Leaders have not ensured that the standard in this part is met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  At the previous inspection in June 2018, leaders had not made sure that the school met the requirements of the independent school standards. There were significant gaps in the quality of education provided for pupils, in the school’s safeguarding procedures and in the checks made on the suitability of staff to work with children. The school’s leaders lacked the

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Main inspection findings

necessary capacity and expertise to fulfil all of their duties effectively.  The school’s action plan outlined a range of actions to improve the leadership and management of the school. These included the appointment of a consultant executive headteacher, director of general studies, leadership consultant and additional clerical support. However, these have not been realised. Leadership support from another school was in place for one term, during which some work on policies was undertaken. However, this support is no longer in place.  The school’s proprietors have worked to build capacity for the school through the appointment of new governors and an interim headteacher. Together, they have a clear vision and ambition for the school. The new governors are rapidly gaining a sound understanding of the school’s current shortcomings and are beginning to drive improvement.  The interim headteacher has worked to establish the school back at its registered premises

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Main inspection findings

and ensure pupils’ welfare and safety. For example, he has put in place actions to support and improve pupils’ behaviour and provide safeguarding training for school staff. He has identified a range of other actions that need to be taken for the school to meet the independent school standards. However, these have yet to be addressed. Consequently, at the current time, the school leadership continues to lack the capacity, the necessary systems and the administrative support to secure the required improvements.  Leaders had already identified that the checks made on the suitability of staff to work with children are not fully recorded on the single central record and that checks on the governors were required. Also, they had identified that the admissions and attendance registers had not been updated. While actions to address these have started, they have not been completed.  Leaders have not ensured that the standard in this part is 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, as set out in the annex of this report. 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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors. – 18(2)(c)(ii) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- the person’s medical fitness; – 18(2)(c)(iii) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- the person’s right to work in the United Kingdom; – 21(3)(a)(vii) the proprietor ensures in relation to each member of staff (‘S’) appointed on or after 1 May 2007, whether- a check of S’s right to work in the United Kingdom was made; – 21(3)(b) 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, including the date on which such check was completed.

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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

Headteacher Rabbi Robert Atlas (interim headteacher)

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School details

Website The school does not have a website

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 19–21 June 2018

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Information about this school

 Lubavitch Senior Boys’ School is registered to admit up to 40 boys between the ages of 11 and 13 years. The school was registered in January 2017. All pupils are from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds.  The school shares its premises with Lubavitch Junior Boys School, an academy school which is part of the Lubavitch Multi Academy Trust. However, between September and December 2018, the boys were taught at the premises of Lubavitch Yeshiva Ketanah of London. The school was closed to pupils between the beginning of January and mid- February 2019.  No pupils are deemed to be disadvantaged or looked after by the local authority.  Currently, no pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  The pupils start each day with prayers at the nearby Lubavitch Synagogue in Stamford Hill.  The acting headteacher in post at the June 2018 inspection is now the deputy headteacher. Since mid-February, an interim headteacher has been leading the school on

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Information about this school

a part-time basis. This arrangement is due to end on 12 April 2019.  Three proprietors oversee the school’s strategic leadership. Three new governors, all parents of pupils at the school, have recently been appointed to strengthen the school’s strategic leadership.  The school does not make use of any alternative or off-site provision.  The school’s first and most recent full inspection took place in June 2018, when the overall judgement was inadequate. A number of the independent school standards were judged as unmet. These related to the quality of education, safeguarding, the premises and the school’s leadership and management.

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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.  At the request of the Department for Education (DfE), the inspection was carried out without notice. This was the school’s first monitoring inspection since its previous standard inspection in June 2018, when some of the independent school standards were not met. The overall effectiveness of the school was judged as inadequate.  The school submitted an action plan in December 2018, which detailed how it intended to meet the unmet independent school standards identified in the June 2018 inspection. The plan was evaluated on 7 January 2019 and judged to be unacceptable.  The inspector was asked to report against unmet requirements within parts 1, 3, 4, 5

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Information about this inspection

and 8 of the independent school standards. In addition, the inspector was asked to check the school’s safeguarding policy, its implementation and its availability to parents.  The inspector met with the interim headteacher, who is also the designated safeguarding lead and current leader of the Kodesh (Jewish) curriculum. She met with two of the school’s teachers and spoke briefly to the school administrator for the junior boys’ school.  The inspector also held telephone conversations individually with the chair of the trustees and a parent governor.  The inspector met with a group of pupils to talk about their learning, safety and well- being, and to find out their views of the school.  The inspector checked the school’s single central record. The safeguarding policy, other policies and documentation were also scrutinised. This included the risk assessment of the overseas trip taking place at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspector walked around the school’s premises. She made visits to lessons at various times to check on the quality of education provided. She also scrutinised pupils’ books. Pupils were briefly observed in the playground at both breaks and lunchtimes.  There were 15 responses to Ofsted’s online survey, Parent View, at the time of the inspection. The most recent entry was dated 20 June 2018, the date of the previous inspection.

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Inspection team

Angela Corbett, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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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 un-met at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if:- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; – 2(1)(b) the written policy and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are:- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for all pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.  3 The proprietor ensures that the teaching in the school:- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils’ self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well-planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge of the subject matter being taught; – 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range; – 3(g) demonstrates that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress.  4 The proprietor ensures that a framework for pupils’ performance to be evaluated, by

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

reference to the school’s own aims as provided to parents or national norms, or to both, is in place.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils .  7 The standard 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.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors.  18(2) The standard is met if:- – 18(2)(a) no such person is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that person is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of the Schedule 4 to that Act; – 18(2)(b) 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, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(iv) where appropriate, the person’s qualifications; – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

lived outside of the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person’s suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issues by the Secretary of State.  20(6)(c) subject to sub-paragraph (8), where the Secretary of State makes a request for an enhanced criminal record check relating to MB countersigned by the Secretary of State to be made, such a check is made.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if 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.  21(3) the information referred to in this sub-paragraph is:- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (‘S’) appointed on or after 1 May 2007, whether- – 21(3)(a)(iv) checks were made to ensure, where appropriate, that S had the relevant

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

qualifications; – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e);

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Part 5 Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) The standard is met if the proprietor ensures that:- – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.

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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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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Standards that were met at the previous inspection, but are now judged to not be met at this inspection

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils .  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  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 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors.  18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub-paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person’s appointment.  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual (‘MB’), 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:- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 20(6)(a)(ii) 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

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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; – 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB- – 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) 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.  21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is:- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff (‘S’) appointed on or after 1 May 2007,

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

whether- – 21(3)(a)(ii) a check was made to establish whether S is barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act; – 21(3)(a)(iii) 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.  21(6) 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.

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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(1)(c) 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. 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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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8 Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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