Rochdale Islamic Academy

Rochdale Islamic Academy Greenbank Road, Rochdale, Lancashire OL12 0HZ

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy is detailed, thorough and up to date. It reflects the latest statutory guidance. The policy is supported by other safeguarding documentation, including the school’s behaviour policy, anti-bullying policy and a safeguarding audit. The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website and is available at the school for parents and carers on request.  The headteacher and the leaders for safeguarding ensure that staff and governors are aware of current statutory guidance on safeguarding.  Leaders used an action plan to guide their work in effectively strengthening the school’s system for protecting the welfare, health and safety of pupils. For example, action has been taken, through staff training and the development of recording systems, to strengthen reporting procedures and ensure that staff are clear on whistleblowing

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procedures.  Leaders, including governors, understand their responsibilities in terms of keeping pupils safe. The designated safeguarding leaders have a wide range of up-to-date training. They are clear on the school’s procedures to keep pupils safe and understand their role within that.  Leaders understand the importance of recording concerns and reporting them further when necessary. Staff understand the procedures for whistleblowing if they feel that a safeguarding concern is not being addressed effectively by leaders.  Leaders use relevant recruitment training to ensure that the procedures in place are effective to support the suitability of any appointed staff to work with children.  Pupils say that they feel safe in school and their welfare is supported well. They know who the leaders for safeguarding are and understand that any concerns they have will be followed through to ensure that they receive appropriate support. Pupils said that

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they feel valued and respected in school and they are listened to by adults who care for them. They have a clear understanding of how to keep themselves safe, including when using computers. Paragraphs 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The staff-to-pupil ratio during school and extra-curricular activities means that it is possible to ensure the close supervision of all pupils.  Pupils spoken with during the inspection said that they are well supervised by staff. For example, they said that they feel safe because staff monitor the entrance and exit doors to the school building.  The proprietor has a risk assessment policy. Additionally, risk assessments exist for a range of other educational purposes, including curriculum and educational visits. Leaders use their risk assessments well to identify hazards and to plan and take actions to reduce potential risks.  This standard is met.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders promote the welfare, health and safety of pupils. All leaders and staff understand the importance of being vigilant about safeguarding. They have recently strengthened their procedures to ensure that vulnerable pupils are well protected.  The governor responsible for safeguarding meets regularly with the headteacher to ensure that procedures set out in the safeguarding policy are being followed. As a result, he has developed his understanding of the effectiveness of safeguarding in school.  Leaders ensure that the curriculum design provides pupils with many opportunities to develop their welfare, health and safety. Topics such as drug abuse, equality and managing emotions and the study of a range of faiths support their well-being. Pupils told the inspector that they greatly value the opportunities they receive as part of their

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studies to develop their understanding of the wider world. For example, pupils meet with the police to discuss personal safety.  Pupils contribute effectively to the leadership of the school through their elected role as student councillors. This enables them to contribute to discussions with adults around issues such as anti-bullying.  This standard is 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.

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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

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

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School details

Website www.rochdaleislamicacademy.co.uk

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School details

Email address headteacher@rochdaleislamicacademy.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 20–22 June 2017

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Information about this school

 Rochdale Islamic Academy opened in 2017, replacing Rochdale Girls School which opened in 2003. The girls’ site is separate to that of the boys.  The academy is an independent day school for secondary-aged girls and boys. It is a member of the Association of Muslim Schools UK and is an Islamic independent school.  Leaders do not make use of off-site provision by alternative providers.  At the time of the inspection, there were no pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There were no disadvantaged pupils.  The previous full inspection was in June 2017. The school was judged to be good.

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Information about this inspection

 The Department for Education (DfE) requested that Ofsted conduct an emergency inspection to report against paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b), 14, 16, 16(a), 16(b) and 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c) of the independent school standards.  The inspection was unannounced.  The inspector examined the school’s website and looked at a wide range of documents relating to the school’s procedures for safeguarding pupils.  The inspector spoke with a representative of the Rochdale Safeguarding Children’s Board.  The inspector visited both school sites, observed pupils’ movement around the buildings and spoke with some pupils informally about supervision procedures.  The inspector held discussions with the proprietor, a governor, the headteacher and deputy headteacher. She spoke with the designated leaders for safeguarding. She also spoke formally with two groups of pupils and with members of staff about safeguarding procedures in school.

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Inspection team

Gill Pritchard, 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

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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