The School of the Islamic Republic of Iran

School progress monitoring inspection report

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The School of the Islamic Republic of Iran 100 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE

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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(i)(b)(ii)  The previous inspection found that leaders were developing the curriculum but that it did not build on pupils’ knowledge and skills well enough.  There has been an improvement in the use of assessment and teachers’ questioning to probe pupils’ knowledge. Leaders have introduced a new computer-based method of curriculum planning. However, pupils’ work over time in a range of subjects remains disorganised. This makes it difficult to identify the progress they are making. As a result, the implementation of the curriculum is not effective enough to meet the requirements of the standards. Paragraphs 2(2), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii)  The September 2018 inspection found that pupils of secondary school age were not receiving accurate, up-to-date and impartial advice on a broad range of career options.

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that pupils in Years 8 and 9, together with their parents, have received guidance on subject options for key stage 4. Pupils told inspectors they remembered this and found it useful. Leaders also now use published guidance to determine how they intend to provide careers advice. However, they have not ensured that a plan or programme is in place indicating how and when all secondary-aged pupils will receive impartial careers guidance on a broad range of career options. Therefore, these standards remain unmet. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g)  At the previous inspection, teachers’ use of assessment and resources did not match curriculum plans. The work they typically set for pupils was undemanding and lacked challenge.  Leaders do now ask teachers to regularly assess pupils’ progress. Teachers’ use of assessment and questioning to probe pupils’ knowledge has improved. However, the

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Main inspection findings

measures of success that teachers use when assessing pupils’ learning do not identify specific enough skills and knowledge. As a result, they cannot effectively gauge how well pupils are learning.  The work and objectives teachers set pupils continue to be too similar despite pupils’ range of abilities. As a result, pupils’ work over time indicates that the teaching does not make effective enough use of resources or time to meet the standards.  Leaders told inspectors that they are checking on the quality and impact of teaching more systematically. Despite this, a number of the pupils’ workbooks leaders gave to inspectors contained poorly presented work and were damaged. These books demonstrate that teachers’ expectations of their pupils’ learning remain inconsistent.  The standards in this part of the regulations continue to be unmet.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, the implementation of the safeguarding policy and the training staff had received about guidance were poor.  Since the previous inspection, further training, such as on the ‘Prevent’ duty, has been completed. However, the current safeguarding policy continues to make no reference to the most recent statutory guidance. Therefore, these standards remain unmet. Paragraph 12  At the time of the previous inspection, it was found that leaders were not complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 because associated tests were not carried out regularly by a qualified assessor.  The proprietor ensured that a fire risk assessment was carried out by a qualified assessor in October 2018. Leaders have taken some actions as a result of the recommendations of this assessment. Records show that fire evacuation drills have

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Main inspection findings

taken place, which pupils remember and understand. Therefore, this standard is now met. Paragraph 15  At the time of the September 2018 inspection, it was reported that leaders were not maintaining admissions and attendance registers in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  Inspectors verified that leaders have now created an admissions register. However, this includes seven more names than the number of pupils currently on roll. Leaders explained that these pupils had since left the school. The register contains provision for recording the date pupils leave the school. However, these dates have not been added to the register for these pupils. Leaders were able to later provide separate details of the date of leaving and destination of all seven leavers. However, they are not using their own register to record this information in one place as required. Therefore, this standard

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Main inspection findings

remains unmet. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(d), 18(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 21(1), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(b), 21(6), 21(7), 21(7)(a), 21(7)(b)  At the time of the previous inspection, it was found that the school’s checks on the suitability of staff were not robust enough to meet the standards. There was a record of these checks, but leaders were not able to assure the inspectors that all staff had a valid enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).  School records show that a number of teachers have applied for an enhanced DBS clearance in April 2019. However, no outcomes of these applications have yet been received. This applies to some staff for whom leaders have only limited disclosure

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Main inspection findings

information.  The school’s single central record indicates that the headteacher verified all disclosure records as acceptable on 1 September 2018. This pre-dates the last inspection and has not been updated as a result of any actions taken following the inspection findings.  The school’s single central record also inaccurately records that additional checks required by the standards on those holding leadership and management positions in the school are not applicable to the headteacher.  There are no records relating to the members of the governing body on the document that leaders showed inspectors, other than those related to the headteacher.  The standards in this part of the regulations continue to be unmet. 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, a number of the independent school standards were found to

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Main inspection findings

be unmet.  The proprietor has not ensured that school leaders have effectively tackled the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection. As a result, all but one of the standards previously found to be unmet remain unmet.  The standards in this part of the regulations therefore remain 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, 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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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 Mixed

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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 25–27 September 2018

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Information about this school

 This is an Islamic school for boys and girls. The school is registered for 81 pupils aged six to 16; there are currently 127 on roll aged five to 14, which exceeds the number for which it is registered. The school plans to provide education for Year 10 pupils from September 2019, and Year 11 pupils in September 2020.  The school was last inspected in September 2018, when it was judged to be inadequate. The inspection judged that the school did not met the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and associated requirements.  The proprietor subsequently submitted an action plan to the regulating authority which was found to be unacceptable by Ofsted in February 2019.  Pupils come from a range of cultural backgrounds and speak English as an additional language.  The school does not have any pupils who have special educational needs or an education, health and care plan.  The school does not use alternative providers.

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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 carried out with no notice on the recommendation of the regulating authority.  Inspectors visited lessons with school leaders to look at pupils’ work, talk with pupils and consider how resources were being used by teachers.  Inspectors conducted a scrutiny of pupils’ work in a range of subjects and looked at the curriculum plans leaders are currently using.  A range of other documents were considered, including reports from fire risk assessments, safeguarding policies and other safeguarding records. These included the records kept of checks on the suitability of staff.

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Information about this inspection

 The school’s admissions register was also inspected.

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Inspection team

Andrew Wright, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection team

Amanda Carter-Fraser Her Majesty’s 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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(1)(b)(ii) do not undermine the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential;

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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-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(f) utilises effectively classroom resources of a good quality, quantity and range;

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 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;

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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-

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

– 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 15 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that an admission and attendance register is maintained in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006[13].

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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 Schedule 4 to that Act;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(2)(d) the proprietor ensures that, where relevant to any such person, an enhanced criminal record check is made in respect of that person and an enhanced criminal record certificate is obtained before or as soon as practicable after that person’s appointment;

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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.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 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-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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 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;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB’s identity and MB’s right to work in the United Kingdom; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 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.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(3)(a)(v) an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained in respect of S;

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 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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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 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 1st 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 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 21(7) 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 1st August 2007 who was appointed at any time before 1st May 2007-

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(7)(a) whether each check referred to in sub-paragraph (6) was made; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 21(7)(b) whether an enhanced criminal record certificate was obtained, together with the date on which any check was completed or certificate obtained.

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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-

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently;

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

– 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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standards

 12 The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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standards

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